Outside the Disney Bubble
Disney Fanatic shares news and experiences that unfold outside of the Disney bubble, including news of Disney’s competitors and beyond.
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Jul- 2026 -14 July
After 33 Years, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Announces Permanent Closure
A roller coaster that once held a world record is taking its final bow at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The Central Florida theme park is already teasing what comes next. Kumba's Last Day Is August 2 On July 14, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay officially confirmed that Kumba, the beloved steel coaster that has been a cornerstone of the Central Florida theme park since 1993, will permanently close on August 2,
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14 July
Universal Orlando Is Erasing Its Last Original Land One Closure at a Time
Universal Orlando Resort continues reshaping Islands of Adventure, and the latest update may be one of the clearest signs yet that The Lost Continent is entering its final chapter. Guests visiting the park are now finding the land's restrooms closed behind construction walls, adding another location to the growing list of areas that have disappeared during Universal's ongoing redevelopment efforts
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14 July
A Giant Clown Face Just Went Up at Universal Studios and More Is Coming
Universal Studios Florida has started building something, and it is not being shy about it. Guests walking through the park this week came face to face with a rusty metal tower crowned by a massive circular clown face, painted on both sides so there is no angle of escape. Saw blades sit above the grin. A wavy arm ends in a hand pointing down the street, directing guests toward whatever is coming n
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13 July
Universal Orlando Quietly Rewrites How Epic Universe Handles Florida Storms
For many guests, planning a day at Epic Universe has come with one unavoidable concern: Florida weather. The park has quickly become one of Universal Orlando's most popular destinations, but it's also one of the most vulnerable to afternoon rainstorms. Unlike Universal Studios Florida, which offers plenty of indoor attractions, Epic Universe features numerous rides and experiences that are exposed
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12 July
Universal Prepares To Permanently Retire ‘Simpsons’ Ride and Land
A visit to Universal Studios Florida hasn't felt complete without a stop in Springfield for years. Whether guests wanted to grab a giant pink donut, relax with a Duff Beer, or board one of the park's funniest attractions, the colorful neighborhood has remained one of the resort's biggest draws. That could soon change. Industry speculation continues to suggest Universal may be approaching the end o
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11 July
Knott’s Berry Farm on High Alert: Police Brace for Massive “Teen Takeover” Following Chaotic 402-Arrest Beach Riot
A dangerous and highly coordinated social media trend is gripping Southern California, and law enforcement agencies are sounding the alarm. Fresh off the heels of a catastrophic “teen takeover” that completely overwhelmed Newport Beach over the July 4th weekend, authorities are warning that the organized chaos is now moving inland. Credit: Knott's Berry Farm The Buena Park Police Depar
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11 July
Universal Under Fire: New Ride Restrictions Block Families From Major Attractions
Families have been eager to experience the newest addition to Universal's theme park lineup, and many have left impressed by its colorful atmosphere and attractions designed for younger children. At the same time, another conversation has begun to gain momentum as more guests share their experiences after opening week. Public criticism isn't unfamiliar territory for Universal. The company has face
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11 July
Extreme Heat Is Already Changing the Theme Park Experience at Universal and Disney World
For many theme park fans, nighttime is when the parks truly come alive. It's the moment when daytime crowds begin to thin, the lights take over, music swells across the streets, and fireworks transform familiar skylines into unforgettable memories. Whether it's a first family vacation or an annual pilgrimage, those final moments before heading back to the hotel often become the memories guests tre
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11 July
Universal Guests Say One Growing Problem Is Ruining Even the Resort’s Best Attractions
For many Universal Orlando Resort fans, the anticipation starts long before they board a ride. It's the excitement of stepping into Hogsmeade, racing toward a favorite roller coaster, or counting down the minutes until they finally experience an attraction they've waited months—or even years—to visit. But for a growing number of guests, that excitement is beginning to unravel long before they ever
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10 July
Disney Overhauls ‘Star Wars’ Access, Starting Immediately
Disney has axed one of its virtual queues. Virtual queues have become a defining part of modern Disney vacations. Introduced to spread crowds and reduce physical waiting, they have been used for everything from blockbuster attractions to character meet-and-greets across Disney's parks. When Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance debuted, guests needed to secure a boarding group before they could ride.
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