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.

  • May- 2025 -
    4 May
    The entrance to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on a sunny day.

    Busch Gardens Spent $40 Million on Upgrades; Guests Still See Rides Falling Apart

    Major Investment Announced for Park Enhancements Busch Gardens Tampa recently announced a significant investment of $40 million to upgrade the theme park and enhance the overall guest experience. This endeavor encompasses a range of new attractions, animal encounters, and culinary offerings. Among the standout additions is the Wild Oasis at Jungala, a rainforest-themed area designed to immerse vis

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  • 3 May
    Universal Orlando Resort guests in front of the globe near Universal Islands of Adventure, where Jurassic Park lives on.

    Visitor Caught Swimming in Prohibited Water at Universal Orlando Resort

    In a shocking incident at Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk, a visitor was seen swimming in the water, an action that is strictly prohibited in the area. The unusual scene, which unfolded in full view of other guests, quickly drew attention when a video was posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The video, captioned “this kid just jumped into the water at city walk 👀,” shows the i

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  • 2 May
    Roller coaster at Six Flags theme park.

    Despite 2024 Expansion, Six Flags Will Close Forever This November

    When Six Flags merged with Cedar Fair in 2024, industry insiders expected consolidation. What they didn’t expect—at least not this soon—was the closure of one of the company’s long-standing parks just outside the nation’s capital. Six Flags America, located in Maryland near Washington, D.C., will permanently shut its gates on November 2, 2025. The closure will also include the adjacent Hurricane H

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  • 2 May
    SeaWorld Orlando entrance with visitors walking towards the amusement park. A vibrant sign featuring a jumping dolphin and the text "SeaWorld Orlando" is visible on the right. In the background, a blue roller coaster is surrounded by lush green trees and clear skies, at this Florida theme park.

    SeaWorld Sparks Backlash After Guest Struck, Parkgoers Declare It a “Disaster”

    A new attraction meant to usher in a fresh era for SeaWorld Orlando has instead reignited old complaints. Expedition Odyssey, the park’s highly anticipated motion simulator featuring live Arctic animals, is set to open to the public on May 9 after a delay. But early previews have already gone awry. Guests have reported power outages and—most concerningly—a woman allegedly injured when a piece of t

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  • 1 May
    Universal Epic Universe concept art

    Surprise! Epic Universe Opening Early Despite Recent Issues

    Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated third theme park, Epic Universe, has surprised fans with its early opening, offering everyone a sneak peek of the new park ahead of its official grand opening on May 22, 2025. Universal’s decision to release single-day preview tickets for the general public made this surprise preview possible, allowing visitors to explore the park weeks ahead of schedu

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  • 1 May
    Orca whales performing tricks in front of an audience during a show at SeaWorld San Antonio.

    Shutting Down: SeaWorld to Lock Its Doors on May 3, 2025

    SeaWorld San Antonio is closing its gates to the public this weekend. Guests planning to visit the Texas-based marine theme park or its adjacent water park, Aquatica, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, may need to reschedule their trip, as both locations will be closed for a private event. SeaWorld Entertainment, the company behind SeaWorld San Antonio, has operated marine-themed parks worldwide for more t

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  • Apr- 2025 -
    30 April
    The entrances to the different lands at Epic Universe at Universal Orlando

    Universal’s Big Bet on Epic Universe Could Quickly Go South

    Universal Orlando Resort has officially opened Epic Universe preview tickets to the general public—weeks before the park’s grand opening on May 22. While this might seem like an exciting opportunity for theme park fans, the move is generating significant controversy and sparking debate about whether the decision is premature. Originally framed as an exclusive opportunity for Universal hotel guests

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  • 29 April
    The T-Rex roaring at the end of 'Jurassic Park' film

    Did Universal Just Confirm Something Huge About Jurassic Park Within Islands of Adventure?

    For years, fans of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure have watched with unease as one question loomed: Is Jurassic Park about to go extinct? Rumors have swirled like a tropical storm ever since Universal Studios Hollywood rebranded its Jurassic Park land into the slicker, modern Jurassic World. When Universal Orlando debuted the Jurassic World VelociCoaster in 2021, it felt like the first cl

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  • 29 April
    The Universal Orlando Resort Globe during a hot, summer day in Central Florida.

    Universal Confirms Closure of Park, Removal of Guest Features

    Big things are happening this year at Universal Orlando. Related: Disneyland Paris To Get ‘Star Wars’ Experience “for First Time Ever” Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando's iconic water park, is set to undergo a seasonal closure starting on October 26, 2026. This closure is scheduled to last approximately five months, with the park expected to reopen by March 24, 2027. Such extended seasonal downtime c

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  • 29 April
    The entrances to the different lands at Epic Universe at Universal Orlando

    Epic Universe Pulls Carpet From Under Guests: Announces Ride Bans

    Universal's Epic Universe: You finally land a golden ticket into one of the most anticipated theme parks in history. You step onto a state-of-the-art attraction—years in the making—and reach for your phone to capture it for TikTok or YouTube. But then, a sudden warning flashes. Not just a suggestion… a strict ban. Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, which has already drawn viral attention during pa

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