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.
-
Jul- 2026 -7 July
Universal Orlando Unveils New Epic Universe Event to Rival Disney After Hours
The competition between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando continues to grow, and the latest battle isn't centered on a new roller coaster or themed land. Instead, it's happening after the sun goes down. Universal has announced Universal Nights at Epic Universe, a separately ticketed evening event that shares several similarities with Disney After Hours while introducing a few ideas of its ow
Read More » -
7 July
Universal Just Fired Its Biggest Shot Yet at Disney’s After Hours Events—and Fans Should Pay Attention
For years, the battle between Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World has played out in broad daylight. New attractions, record-breaking roller coasters, dazzling lands, and billion-dollar expansions have fueled a rivalry that has transformed Central Florida into the theme park capital of the world. But once the sun goes down, the story has often been different. Disney has long cultivated a
Read More » -
7 July
Universal Orlando Visitors Should Prepare Now as Extreme Situation and More Move Into Central Florida
For many families, a summer trip to Universal Orlando Resort is months—sometimes years—in the making. It's the countdown on the calendar, the vacation everyone has been talking about, and the chance to finally experience everything from thrilling roller coasters to the long-awaited wonders of Epic Universe. But as every seasoned Florida visitor eventually learns, the weather often becomes an unexp
Read More » -
7 July
Universal Finally Breaks Silence, Makes Giant New Super Nintendo World Expansion Official
Universal's plans for Nintendo continue getting bigger, and the latest announcement makes that impossible to ignore. The company has officially confirmed another expansion of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, reinforcing its commitment to one of the fastest-growing franchises in its theme park portfolio. While the newest land is still under construction, the project says a lot about where Universal sees its f
Read More » -
7 July
Orlando Is Set to Skip the Rest of the Summer
Independence Day is done. The grills are cold. And Orlando's theme parks? They have already moved on. Here's the deal. The moment July 4th wraps in Central Florida, the countdown to Halloween begins, and this year it's coming in hot. We're talking pumpkins in August. Candy in 95-degree heat. Haunted houses before most kids are even back in school. And leading the charge, as always, is Disney. Disn
Read More » -
5 July
Epic Universe’s Biggest After-Dark Addition Finally Arrives This Week
Epic Universe has changed the way many guests experience Universal Orlando Resort, but until now, one part of the day has always felt surprisingly quiet. Once the attractions closed, many visitors simply made their way toward the exit. Starting this week, that's expected to change. Universal is officially debuting Universal Celestial Goodnight on July 7, giving Epic Universe its first permanent ni
Read More » -
4 July
Universal Studios Hollywood Makes Bombshell Announcement on July 4 Weekend
For weeks, there was an unmistakable energy surrounding Universal CityWalk. Visitors weren't just arriving for restaurants, shopping, or a movie—they were gathering to experience one of the world's biggest sporting events together. Cheers echoed through the entertainment district, strangers celebrated side by side, and the atmosphere felt more like a global festival than a typical day at Universal
Read More » -
4 July
Universal Orlando Quietly Guts 4 Retro Classics, Forever Changing the Parks
Visitors walking through Universal Orlando Resort today are seeing a resort that looks increasingly different from the one many grew up visiting. The addition of Epic Universe has drawn most of the attention, but major changes are also underway across Universal's original parks. Several familiar locations are disappearing, while others are being transformed behind construction walls. Taken togethe
Read More » -
4 July
Universal Extends Theme Park Closure Again for 2027—and a New Epic Universe Update Is Raising Bigger Questions
For many Universal Orlando Resort fans, the calendar has become almost as important as the parks themselves. Every new operating schedule, maintenance update, and ticket release is carefully examined, often revealing subtle changes that hint at something much bigger taking shape behind the scenes. That's especially true after the opening of Epic Universe, a park that has dramatically reshaped how
Read More » -
3 July
Before Your Next Universal Orlando Vacation, These 5 New Rules Could Change Everything
Universal Orlando is entering another busy year, and guests may notice several differences across the resort compared to previous vacations. Following the opening of Epic Universe, Universal has continued adjusting everything from ticket options to attraction policies. Some changes improve flexibility, while others require visitors to rethink how they plan their day. Whether you're heading to Isla
Read More »
