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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Jul- 2026 -3 July
Guests Are Celebrating One Universal Comeback Today, Though One Major Closure Just Got Even Longer
For many theme park fans, it's often the smallest moments that end up meaning the most. A familiar soundtrack returning, children laughing through an interactive play area, or seeing a favorite character once again become part of a park's daily rhythm can instantly make a visit feel complete. Over the past several weeks, however, one corner of Universal Studios Florida has felt noticeably quieter.
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3 July
After Three-Hour Waits, Universal Quietly Pulls Major Harry Potter Ride From Express Pass
There are few moments at Universal Orlando that capture pure anticipation quite like walking into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and seeing Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure towering through the Forbidden Forest. The attraction has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond its impressive ride system. For many guests, it's the one experience capable of defining an entire vacat
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3 July
The World’s Largest Build-A-Bear Is Almost Here, and It Has a Rooftop
Build-A-Bear is not playing small anymore. The brand that turned stuffing a teddy bear into a core childhood memory is currently putting the finishing touches on the largest location it has ever built, and it is going up right in the middle of Orlando's busiest tourist corridor. The world's biggest Build-A-Bear Workshop is set to open at ICON Park on International Drive later this year, and the de
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2 July
Epic Universe Expands: Universal Orlando Reveals NEW Classic Monsters Experience
Universal Orlando Resort isn't wasting any time building on the success of its newest theme park. Ever since Epic Universe opened, guests have packed its immersive lands, praised its attractions, and embraced the detailed worlds found behind each portal. The momentum hasn't slowed. While many fans are already wondering what future expansions could bring, Universal continues introducing smaller add
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2 July
A Theme Park Near Disney Just Gave Pokémon Fans a Reason to Make the Drive
LEGOLAND Florida Resort just made a move that will get the attention of every Pokémon fan within driving distance of Walt Disney World, and the timing of the announcement makes it genuinely interesting. Starting July 20, LEGOLAND Florida is hosting its annual LEGO Festival, and this year's headliner is a brand new LEGO Pokémon Play Zone that gives guests something no toy store can offer until Augu
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1 July
After Yesterday’s Lightning Storm, Universal Orlando Has One Major Ride Still Closed
Summer weather in Central Florida is unpredictable, and yesterday proved exactly why. Strong thunderstorms swept across the Orlando area, bringing lightning that forced Universal Orlando to temporarily close many of its outdoor attractions. It's something guests experience every year, but this storm has drawn extra attention because one of the resort's biggest rides still hasn't reopened. Whenever
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1 July
Planning an Epic Universe Trip? Florida Weather Could Shut Down Most of the Park
Epic Universe has become one of Orlando's biggest vacation draws, attracting visitors eager to experience Universal's newest rides, explore immersive themed worlds, and see what all the excitement is about. For many families, months of planning go into a single day at the park, from choosing which attractions to ride first to deciding where to eat. But there's one part of your itinerary you won't
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1 July
Florida Theme Park Guests Left in Shock During Rare Event at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort has announced that Universal Celestial Goodnight, the park's first large-scale nighttime spectacular, will officially premiere on July 7 in Celestial Park. The production brings together fireworks, fountains, lighting, and an original soundtrack in what Universal describes as a celebration of every themed world inside its newest park. The announcement answers one of the bi
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1 July
Universal Confirms Massive ‘Harry Potter’ Change as Fan-Favorite Experience Goes Extinct
Universal Orlando built something special when it brought The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to life. Fans didn't just get a few rides based on the books and films—they got entire environments where they could wander through familiar streets, shop inside iconic stores, and feel as though they had stepped into The Wizarding World. That sense of authenticity is what keeps the lands packed year afte
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1 July
Orlando’s 4th of July Fireworks Schedule Is Here, and It’s a Big One
Orlando does fireworks better than almost anywhere else on the planet on a regular Tuesday night. On the Fourth of July, it operates on a completely different level. And in 2026, with America turning 250, every major theme park in the area has decided to treat this particular holiday like the milestone it actually is. Here is the full breakdown of where to be, what to expect, and when to show up.
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