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- 2026 -12 May
‘Harry Potter’ Reboot Poses Major Universal Studios Problem
HBO is set to wrap production on the first season of its decade-long reboot of Harry Potter soon. The new show promises to be more faithful to J.K. Rowling’s books, exploring the full text with a new cast and fresh creative direction. For fans, it’s either a long-overdue update or a deeply unnecessary retread. And for Universal, it’s a potential branding nightmare. A Risk of Breaking the Spell The
Read More » -
12 May
Six Flags Magic Mountain Guests Face Delayed Opening After Serious Safety Scare
For generations of SoCal thrill-seekers, Six Flags Magic Mountain has been more than a place to ride coasters. It is a rite of passage, a weekend escape, and for many families, one of the loudest, fastest destinations in the region. That is why any disruption at the Valencia park feels bigger than a routine delay. Guests do not just see closed gates; they see vacation plans paused, employees waiti
Read More » -
12 May
Universal Gave Fans the Closest Look Yet at Its Newest Roller Coaster and It Looks Incredible
For anyone who has been watching the Universal Studios Florida construction site since Rip Ride Rockit came down last fall, late April 2026 is the moment everything changed. For months, the site looked like what it was. Concrete footers. Steel beams are being installed vertically on a service building. Foundation work is spreading across a massive footprint. The kind of construction progress that
Read More » -
12 May
Official Closure: Original 1990 Universal Studios Florida Attraction Shuts Down For Reimagining
Universal Orlando Resort has never stayed the same for very long. Ever since Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, the company has constantly updated attractions, replaced aging experiences, and introduced newer franchises to keep the parks feeling fresh. That strategy helped Universal grow into one of the biggest names in the theme park industry. But it has also meant watching some of the par
Read More » -
11 May
$24 Theft at Epic Universe Allegedly Ends With Takedown by Universal Deputies
Epic Universe continues attracting massive crowds every single day, but alongside the excitement surrounding Universal Orlando’s newest park, another trend has quietly started getting attention online: aggressive shoplifting enforcement. According to WDW Active Crime, another theft-related arrest recently took place inside Epic Universe after merchandise reportedly valued at just $24 allegedly led
Read More » -
11 May
Universal Orlando Extends Closure Timeline for Classic Hollywood Attraction
At first, many Universal Orlando fans thought the Horror Make-Up Show would disappear for a relatively short refurbishment before returning with a few updates. That no longer appears to be the case. Universal has now pushed the attraction’s reopening timeline into Winter 2027, extending the closure well beyond what many guests originally expected. The long-running show closes on May 12 and will un
Read More » -
10 May
Hersheypark Risks Immediate Closure After Vote This Week
Pennsylvania's largest theme park is staring down a potential work stoppage at the worst possible moment. The decision that determines the fate of the 2026 Hersheypark summer season is being made this week. The Vote That Could Shut It All Down Over a three-day window this week, more than 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey, and Giant Center are casting ballots on whet
Read More » -
10 May
Universal Orlando Audience Becomes Part of the Show After Animal Actors Mishap
There’s always a chance for something unexpected to happen during a live animal show, and guests at Universal Orlando recently got a firsthand reminder of that when one of the stars of the Animal Actors performance suddenly decided to leave the stage behind. In a TikTok video that’s now making the rounds online, a trained dog involved in the show can be seen running directly into the audience area
Read More » -
10 May
Universal Quietly Cuts Luxury Epic Universe Hotel Prices by $100s
For most of last year, Universal Orlando guests had one consistent complaint when planning an Epic Universe vacation: the hotel prices were absolutely brutal. Rooms near the new park were disappearing quickly, luxury resorts carried jaw-dropping nightly rates, and some fans found themselves delaying trips entirely because the costs simply became too difficult to justify. At the center of that pric
Read More » -
9 May
Islands of Adventure’s Original Era Nears Final Chapter at Universal Orlando
Another opening-day Islands of Adventure experience may soon be disappearing from Universal Orlando Resort. Rumors circulating online claim The Mystic Fountain inside Sindbad’s Bazaar could close as soon as next week, with Friday, May 15 reportedly being discussed as a possible final operating day. Universal has not confirmed the rumored closure. The interactive fountain has operated since Islands
Read More »
