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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Aug- 2026 -18 August
You Have Days Left to Do Volcano Bay After Dark … Then It’s Gone Until March
Volcano Bay Nights ends Friday. And two months after that, the entire water park shuts down until spring. Quick context. Look, summer in Central Florida does not end when the calendar says it does. Kids go back to school, Halloween merch hits the shelves, every park starts pushing pumpkin everything. Meanwhile it is 95 degrees outside with humidity you could physically lean on. That gap between wh
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17 August
Universal Studios Permanently Closes 2 Orlando Rides, One Replacement Already Rising
Universal Studios Florida has officially said goodbye to two major attractions in just one year. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit permanently closed in August 2025. Now, exactly one year later, Fast & Furious: Supercharged has joined it. But Universal isn't simply removing attractions and leaving empty spaces behind. At least one replacement is already becoming impossible to miss. Fast & Furious: Hollywo
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16 August
Universal Orlando Gives Passholders Just 2 Nights to Claim New Exclusive
Universal Orlando Annual Passholders are getting a new exclusive freebie just as Passholder Appreciation Days begin, but this one won't be available during a normal trip to the parks. Universal has introduced a new Revenge of the Mummy-themed Annual Passholder magnet. It's the kind of collectible that might immediately catch the attention of longtime passholders, particularly anyone who considers
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15 August
Universal Puts $400 HHN 35 Premium Scream Night Back on Sale
Halloween Horror Nights 35 is weeks away at Universal Orlando Resort, but one of its most expensive ticket options is drawing fresh scrutiny. Premium Scream Night tickets are currently available through Universal’s official site for the limited-capacity event at Universal Studios Florida, after social-media screenshots circulated indicating ticket inventory had returned. That matters because HHN 3
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14 August
Disney Pulls Back the Curtain on Surprise ‘Simpsons’ Attraction at D23
Disney has owned The Simpsons for more than seven years, but you wouldn't necessarily know it from walking through its U.S. theme parks. When Disney completed its roughly $71 billion acquisition of major 21st Century Fox assets in March 2019, it gained control of a huge collection of familiar characters and franchises. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie suddenly became part of that enormous Disn
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13 August
Universal Orlando Opens Lower-Capacity Epic Universe Access, but It’ll Cost Nearly $180
Epic Universe has been drawing crowds since opening in May 2025, but Universal Orlando Resort is about to give some guests a chance to experience the park with fewer people around. There's just one catch: that opportunity comes with a price tag approaching $180. Universal has started selling tickets for Universal Nights at Epic Universe, a limited-capacity after-hours event scheduled for two night
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13 August
Poseidon’s Fury Demolition Ends Universal’s 27-Year Opening-Day Era
The last recognizable pieces of Poseidon’s Fury have disappeared from Islands of Adventure. By 9 a.m. EST on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the show building was fully demolished, exposing the soundstages at Universal Studios Florida behind the former Lost Continent site. Photos posted by Midway Mayhem on X show the cleared area from the park’s guest pathways. The completed Poseidon's Fury Demolition
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13 August
Epic Universe Guests Face a New Divide as Universal Gives Annual Passholders Priority Access
Universal Orlando Annual Passholders are getting a little extra treatment at Epic Universe as the resort prepares for its annual Passholder celebration. Universal has confirmed that Passholders can receive priority seating for The Untrainable Dragon during Passholder Appreciation Days. It's a straightforward benefit, but guests will need to know when to arrive, what admission is required, and one
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13 August
Disney vs. Universal: Ranking Every Single Coaster, From Best To Worst
The battle between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort isn't just about food, shows, or immersive lands. For plenty of visitors, it comes down to one thing: roller coasters. Disney has built its reputation on storytelling and family-friendly adventures, while Universal has become the destination for bigger thrills. After riding the coasters across both resorts, here's how they stack up
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12 August
Confirmed: Universal Passholder Previews Begin August 19 for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift still doesn't have an official opening date, but Universal Studios Hollywood is moving forward with a major milestone. Annual Passholders will soon get dedicated preview opportunities for the new roller coaster. Universal has scheduled Pass Member previews for August 19, 20, 21, and 23. Passholders must make a reservation, and spots will be distributed on a first-co
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