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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Oct- 2026 -8 October
Universal Seeks to Gain Control Over Incoming Capacity Surge
Universal Studios Hollywood is preparing for another Christmas season featuring the Grinch, Harry Potter, and a teased Merry Minions offering. But the Universal Studios Hollywood holidays 2026 could bring a familiar challenge for families visiting the Southern California theme park: navigating heavy crowds while trying to experience everything in one day. The holiday lineup combines returning seas
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8 October
Universal Orlando Guests Face Major Reservation Rush as October Deadline Approaches
Universal Orlando Resort's holiday season is approaching fast, and guests hoping to enjoy one of its most popular seasonal experiences could soon find themselves competing for limited reservations. While the resort has already announced its Christmas celebration dates, one highly anticipated offering remains without an official booking window. However, previous years suggest that could change with
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8 October
Universal Orlando Hotels Ranked: Where Your Money Actually Goes Furthest
There's a major difference between Universal Orlando Resort's “best” hotel and the hotel that gives you the most for your money. That's what makes choosing between Universal's 11 hotels surprisingly difficult. You could splurge on Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, or Royal Pacific Resort and receive Universal Express Unlimited for participating attractions at Universal Studios Flor
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7 October
New Epic Universe Permits Reveal Major Ministry of Magic Expansion Clue
New permit filings are sharpening the picture around a major construction project beside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe, but they stop short of confirming what Universal Orlando Resort is building. Permit-tracking account PermitWizard shared records showing a two-story, 95,748-square-foot new-construction project classified under Orange County’s
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7 October
Universal Orlando Confirms 4 Major Closures in October
Universal Orlando Resort has plenty happening this October, but guests should also prepare for several major experiences to remain unavailable. Three closures are already affecting Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, while an even bigger shutdown is coming later this month. Beginning October 26, Universal’s Volcano Bay will close completely and remain unavailable through
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6 October
Universal Orlando Warns Guests Resort-Wide, Delays Threaten End of Park Day
Universal Orlando guests are being told to expect problems before they head home. Central Florida is stuck in a stretch of wet weather this week, with repeated thunderstorms and heavy rain affecting the Orlando area. Rain chances are running as high as 80% to 90% Tuesday, while localized flooding remains possible on roads and in low-lying areas. The unsettled pattern is expected to continue throug
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5 October
Universal Moves Forward With Islands of Adventure Replacement After 27 Years
Universal Orlando Resort continues to make moves inside one of the oldest areas of Islands of Adventure, but guests are still waiting for the announcement that explains exactly what is happening. Lost Continent has been part of the theme park since Islands of Adventure opened in 1999. Now, 27 years later, the original land is gradually disappearing as demolition and construction activity continue.
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3 October
Epic Universe Fireworks Return After Technical Issue, Restoring Celestial Goodnight Finale
Fireworks are back over Universal Epic Universe after a technical problem temporarily stripped Universal Celestial Goodnight of its signature pyrotechnic finale. Guest reports and video from the October 1 performance show the larger fireworks once again rising behind Universal Helios Grand Hotel in Celestial Park. The return restores a major element of the nighttime spectacular after Universal Orl
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2 October
Your Disney World Vacation Starts on This Tram, and MCO Spent $253 Million on It
The Orlando International Airport, better known as MCO, opened its new Gate Link trams to Gates 100-129 on Thursday, October 1. New vehicles. Rebuilt track. 240 passengers per set. Disney fans have called these things the airport monorails for about thirty years, which is technically wrong and emotionally perfect. Some context. This is the first real milestone in a $253 million project, part of MC
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1 October
Universal Orlando Resort Brings ‘Wicked’ to CityWalk During Halloween Horror Nights Season
Universal Orlando Resort is throwing a Wicked event at Universal CityWalk on October 24. Glinda. Elphaba. Actual film costumes and props. A yellow brick dance floor. Free to get in. For exactly one day. Some context. It is called the Wicked Oztacular Spectacular, and here is everything on the list: Stained glass photo opportunities Meet-and-greets with Glinda and Elphaba Costume and prop displays
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