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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Apr- 2025 -24 April
Buckle Up, Epic Universe Guests: We’ve Got Some Bad News
Epic Universe: A theme park built for the stars—shimmering lights, glowing gardens, and celestial splendor—could be closing its gates before the sun even sets. Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated Epic Universe is just weeks away from its grand debut. The energy is electric. Theme park lovers, industry experts, and Orlando locals are all counting down to what many believe could be Univers
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24 April
SeaWorld Announces Free Admission for Theme Parks Until July (But Only for Some Guests)
In the years since Blackfish upended public perception of SeaWorld, the marine park chain has worked to reshape its identity—from controversial animal shows to adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. Yet despite ongoing criticism, SeaWorld remains a popular destination, especially among families and theme park fans. Now, just ahead of its busy summer season, SeaWorld is quietly expanding a long-running i
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24 April
Universal Studios Quietly Adds Yet Another New Ride Ahead of Summer Rush
Even as it prepares to open its most ambitious park to date in Florida, Universal is continuing to expand overseas—this time without much fanfare. While Epic Universe is nearing completion in Orlando and new developments are underway in the U.K. and Texas, Universal has also been working behind the scenes on a smaller-scale project in Japan. This week, the company officially confirmed that a new i
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24 April
Less People Are Visiting Universal Studios, but Comcast’s President Isn’t Worried
Guests didn't show up at Universal Studios the same way they did last year. Will this change with Epic Universe on the rise? Related: This Classic Disney World Restaurant Is Shutting Its Doors Forever in Just a Few Weeks During the first quarter of 2025, Universal Studios theme parks reported a noteworthy decline in both attendance and revenue, as highlighted in Comcast's latest quarterly report.
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24 April
Disney and Universal Collaborate: The Impact of a $2 Transportation Link
For decades, visiting both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort in one trip often meant making some tough choices—or shelling out serious cash. Rental cars, rideshare fees, and complicated transfers made it difficult for many travelers to afford the full Orlando experience. Until now. Disney and Universal: What Is LYNX and Why Should You Care? In a quiet but monumental shift, LYNX, Centr
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23 April
Preview Day Surprise: Donkey Kong Ride Comes to an Unexpected Halt
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be part of a theme park preview, a viral moment from Universal’s Epic Universe just gave us all a pretty good idea. One guest ended up stuck mid-ride on Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness—and instead of freaking out, she turned it into an internet-worthy moment. The video, shared by user @jujiroloff, was recorded during Passholder Previews for Epic Universe, Un
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23 April
Universal’s New ‘Harry Potter’ Ride Completely Evacuated Before Opening Day
Guests had to evacuate one of Universal Orlando's newest attractions. Related: Disneyland Paris Hits It Big With Announcement of All-New Annual Passes The recent addition of Epic Universe to Orlando's theme park landscape marks a significant milestone in the realm of entertainment. This theme park aims to create an immersive experience that transports visitors into various beloved universes, inclu
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22 April
“Too Much, Too Soon”: Epic Universe Guests Break the System
It didn’t take long for Epic Universe to feel the full force of guest excitement. With Universal Orlando’s newest theme park currently in Passholder Previews and its official opening still a month away, some elements are already straining under the pressure — especially when it comes to dining. The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant was quietly added to Universal’s reservation system with available
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22 April
Update: Seat Belt Breaks Mid-Ride, 13-Year-Old Thrown From Theme Park Attraction
Theme parks are built on trust—trust that each click of a seat belt, every lap bar lowered, is part of a system designed to keep guests safe. While incidents are rare, they still occur, prompting renewed scrutiny of how rides are maintained and operated. In recent years, some accidents have led to tragedy. In 2022, 14-year-old Tyre Sampson died after falling from the Orlando Free Fall ride at Flor
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22 April
What Does This New Epic Universe Pricing Mean for You and Your Family?
For months, anticipation for Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe has been bubbling like a volcano on the brink of eruption. From leaked concept art to jaw-dropping drone footage and exclusive Team Member sneak peeks, one thing is certain: this isn’t just another theme park—it’s a bold leap forward in Universal’s evolution. Epic Universe Pricing Might Just Make You Rethink Your Travel Plans Now, with
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