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.

  • Mar- 2025 -
    13 March
    Southwest Airlines flight

    Why Your Flight to Disney World Could Be Getting Significantly More Expensive

    Big changes are on the way for a popular airline. Related: After Announcing Theme Park Closure, Disney World Drops New Update Beginning May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines will introduce fees for checked baggage, marking a significant shift from its long-standing policy of allowing two checked bags for free. This new fee structure will apply to passengers who do not hold a Rapid Rewards A-List Prefer

    Read More »
  • 13 March
    The Universal Orlando Resort Globe during a hot, summer day in Central Florida.

    Universal Orlando Prepares To Reopen Iconic Ride After Extended Closure

    Spring break season is fast approaching, and Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for the crowds. One of the biggest changes this month is an adjustment to park hours—for at least the next week, one of the resort’s two theme parks will remain open until 9 p.m. each night. The extended hours allow guests to spend even more time experiencing their favorite attractions, and just in time for the shi

    Read More »
  • 13 March
    Universal Epic Universe concept art

    After Guest Backlash, Universal Changes Epic Universe Entry System

    Epic Universe is about to change the Orlando theme park game — and Universal Orlando Resort just dropped a ticketing update that could reshape how guests experience the highly anticipated park. Opening May 22, Epic Universe will be Universal’s third gate, promising a bold new level of immersive entertainment. From the spellbinding Ministry of Magic in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the cos

    Read More »
  • 13 March
    Dragon roller coaster at Playland

    Historic California Theme Park Calls It Quits Months Before 70-Year Celebration

    California’s theme park scene has always been larger than life, with giants like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Six Flags Magic Mountain. But tucked away in Fresno’s Roeding Park, Playland carved out its own slice of magic. For nearly 70 years, it stood as a quiet, beloved destination for families seeking simple, old-fashioned fun. Now, that era is coming to an end. Playland has announced it

    Read More »
  • 13 March
    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic Epic Universe

    New Ticket Option Now Available for Epic Universe

    Epic Universe's opening day is right around the corner. Related: Disney Park Guests Are Tossing Cash Into This Attraction—But Why? Single-day tickets for Epic Universe are now finally available for purchase, marking a thrilling new phase for future visitors. This development gives guests the opportunity to experience all that the new Universal theme park has to offer without committing to multi-da

    Read More »
  • 12 March
    Aerial view of an illuminated theme park at night, showcasing various attractions such as a Ferris wheel, water rides, and whimsical buildings. The park is surrounded by a dense forest, enhancing its vibrant and colorful appearance at Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort.

    Epic Universe’s Dark Universe to Feature Exclusive Monster Interactions

    Universal Orlando is preparing for one of its biggest expansions ever with the opening of Epic Universe in May 2025, and the excitement just keeps building. This massive new theme park will introduce guests to five uniquely themed lands, each packed with cutting-edge attractions, immersive experiences, and fan-favorite characters. While Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

    Read More »
  • 11 March
    Guests ride Viper at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Six Flags Magic Mountain X2 fire

    Iconic 54-Year-Old California Theme Park Ceases Operations Today

    A major theme park in Southern California has been forced to close its gates today. Six Flags Magic Mountain, a staple in Valencia, California, has long been known for its thrill rides and expansive roster of roller coasters. From Batman: The Ride to Tatsu, the park is a prime destination for adrenaline junkies. This year has been rough so far for the park, with the wildfires that blazed through S

    Read More »
  • 11 March
    A family of four walks past the Universal Studios Hollywood globe at the entrance to the Southern California theme park. Hogwarts Always Universal Studios Hollywood.

    A New Era for Universal Studios: Horrible Ride Gone for Good

    The closure of Fast & Furious—Supercharged marks the end of an era for Universal Studios Hollywood. The End of This Hated Ride at Universal Studios Originally launched in 2015, this high-octane ride was designed to serve as the grand finale of the studio tour, providing an immersive 3D experience that promised to thrust visitors into the heart of the beloved Fast & Furious franchise. However, as t

    Read More »
  • 10 March
    Simon Fisher Becker as the Fat Friar in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

    ‘Harry Potter’ Star Tragically Passes Away at 63

    It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Simon Fisher-Becker, a beloved actor known for his iconic roles in Harry Potter and Doctor Who. Simon, who passed away on March 9, 2025, at the age of 63, leaves behind a rich legacy of memorable performances on both the big and small screens. He was a cherished figure in the fandoms of both Doctor Who and Harry Potter, and his death has been m

    Read More »
  • 9 March
    Universal Epic Universe concept art

    A Crucial Fix Is Underway for an Epic Universe Attraction

    Universal Orlando’s highly anticipated Epic Universe is in the midst of attraction testing ahead of its grand opening in 2025, but one of its most thrilling coasters, Stardust Racers, recently hit an unexpected snag. A coaster train stalled in a valley between two track elements and needed the assistance of a large crane to be repositioned. While some initially speculated that the situation was pa

    Read More »