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 -29 July
Universal’s Fast & Furious Coaster Rolls Back With Riders During Technical Rehearsal
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift delivered an unscheduled version of its namesake maneuver Tuesday when a train rolled backward during technical rehearsals at Universal Studios Hollywood. Video shared by Theme Park Connect on Instagram shows the train failing to clear an elevated portion of the track and briefly becoming stationary. A follow-up clip shows it moving backward and forward several time
Read More » -
29 July
Universal Keeps Flattening The Lost Continent, But One Major Area Just Made a Comeback
The Lost Continent may be heading toward extinction at Islands of Adventure, but Universal just gave guests one small reason to celebrate. Demolition continues across the longtime land, with Poseidon’s Fury coming down and construction walls reshaping an area that has existed since the park’s earliest days. For months, the story here has largely centered on closures, removals, and questions about
Read More » -
29 July
Silver Dollar City Confirms Permanent Closure on January 3, 2027
The clock is ticking on one of Branson, Missouri's most beloved roller coasters. With just over five months remaining, Silver Dollar City guests are making their pilgrimages to ride Thunderation one last time. A 33-Year Run Comes to an End Silver Dollar City first announced the closure of Thunderation back in February, confirming that the steel mine train roller coaster would permanently close whe
Read More » -
29 July
SeaWorld Property Discovery Cove Ordered to Admit Violation
There is a federal order in effect on one of Orlando's most beloved attractions, and almost nobody visiting it knows about it. Let us set the scene first, because the contrast is the story here. Look, by day four of an Orlando vacation, people are cooked. The parks are phenomenal, and they are also a grind. Up before dawn, twelve hours vertical, wall-to-wall crowds, and Florida heat that does not
Read More » -
28 July
Universal Orlando Extends Cheaper Epic Universe Access Into 2027—but Something Major Is Missing
Universal Orlando Passholders can now look farther into 2027 when planning a visit to Epic Universe—and pay less than the general public to get through the gate. The latest Passholder ticket calendar displays dated Epic Universe admission through July 2027. That is welcome news for guests hoping to return next year without paying the standard one-day price. However, it also extends Universal Orlan
Read More » -
28 July
Universal Crowds to Swell in Coming Weeks Thanks to the Latest Passholder Announcement
Universal Orlando Annual Passholders are getting six weeks of new discounts, exclusive food, merchandise offers, and extended lounge access beginning August 15. What they are not getting—at least not yet—is repeat admission to Epic Universe. Universal has now detailed its 2026 Passholder Appreciation Days, running through September 30 across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano
Read More » -
28 July
Farewell to Jurassic Park: Universal Permanently Erases Another Classic Experience
Universal Orlando has spent years adding new attractions and experiences, but some of its oldest areas are heading in the opposite direction. At Islands of Adventure, Jurassic Park has gradually lost several areas of land that guests explored when the park opened in 1999. Interactive activities have disappeared, entertainment has ended, and other longtime locations are now being reworked. The late
Read More » -
27 July
Confirmed: Universal Epic Universe Will Close Early Beginning September
The days of long summer nights at Universal Epic Universe are about to come to an end. Universal Orlando Resort has posted operating hours for September, and guests planning fall trips should prepare for earlier evenings. Epic Universe will close at 8:00 p.m. throughout the month, reducing the amount of time visitors can spend inside Universal's newest theme park after sunset. It's a noteworthy ch
Read More » -
26 July
Universal Closes Original Epic Universe Attraction for Good, New Experience Takes Over
A nighttime tradition that began with Epic Universe itself has already come to an end. The Cosmos Fountain, located in the heart of Celestial Park, officially held its final performance on July 6, 2026. The attraction had entertained guests with choreographed fountains, lighting, and music, typically providing one final experience around the time the park closed. Its retirement comes barely a year
Read More » -
25 July
Universal Orlando Prices Could Lead to Less Families Vacationing
Universal Orlando Resort has encountered a warning sign that even its newest theme park cannot completely erase. Attendance across the broader Orlando resort softened beginning in June, according to Comcast executives discussing the company’s second-quarter results. Epic Universe remains a strong performer, but higher fuel costs and weaker consumer sentiment reportedly weighed on the destination o
Read More »
