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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Sep- 2026 -10 September
Universal Orlando Erases Opening-Day Park Area as Massive ‘Legend of Zelda’ News Breaks
Fans have wondered what Universal Orlando Resort might eventually do with The Lost Continent. Now, those questions are getting louder as demolition continues across the longtime Islands of Adventure land. The Lost Continent opened with Islands of Adventure in 1999, making it one of the park’s original areas. Universal has since begun closing portions in phases while tearing down parts of the land
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10 September
Disney World and Universal Orlando Are Heading in 2 Very Different Directions
Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort compete for many of the same vacationers, but their latest attendance updates make it sound like they're operating in two very different Orlando markets. Executives from Disney and Comcast recently addressed attendance during the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference. Disney came away with encouraging numbers. Universal, meanwhile, contin
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9 September
Official: Universal Orlando Expands Annual Passholder Perks to Epic Universe
Epic Universe has been part of Universal Orlando Resort for more than a year, but Annual Passholders still have to plan a visit differently than they would at the resort's other major theme parks. An existing Annual or Seasonal Pass doesn't automatically open the gates to Epic Universe. That has left passholders with an extra step if they want to experience Universal Orlando's newest park. There i
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9 September
New Jersey’s Clementon Park Announces Permanent Closure, Effective September 9
One of the world's oldest amusement parks has closed its gates for good, as Clementon Park and Splash World confirms it will not reopen following the conclusion of its 2026 season. A Historic Park Reaches Its End Clementon Park and Splash World has a legacy stretching back to 1907, when it first opened as Clementon Lake Park in Clementon, New Jersey. The park holds a rare distinction as one of jus
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9 September
Universal Orlando Has a Major Halloween Horror Nights Problem on Its Hands
Universal Orlando Resort has a problem most theme parks would love to have: too many people want to experience Halloween Horror Nights. Unfortunately, that success is beginning to create a very different problem inside Universal Studios Florida. Halloween Horror Nights 35 has brought 10 haunted houses to the park for 2026, but enormous crowds are putting serious pressure on the event. Social media
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9 September
Warner Bros. Confirms Harry Potter Expansion Beyond Universal With Three New Lands
For nearly two decades, Harry Potter’s permanent theme-park presence has been synonymous with Universal. That exclusivity is now ending. Miral and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences have officially revealed three Harry Potter-themed lands for Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island: Diagon Alley, Hogwarts, and the Forbidden Forest. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will become the first perma
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8 September
Universal Orlando Adds New Passholder Giveaway for Halloween Horror Nights Season
October is about to bring something extra for Universal Orlando Annual Passholders. Universal has revealed a new complimentary Passholder magnet arriving October 1, 2026, and the resort is going all-in on Halloween Horror Nights for the design. Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow will share the spotlight on the new collectible, making it noticeably different from a standard UOAP giveaway. Passholders
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8 September
Universal Orlando Locks In Rock the Universe 2027 Dates, Confirms Massive Star Lineup
January is already shaping up to be a busy month at Universal Orlando Resort, especially for guests who want more than a regular theme park day. Universal has confirmed the 2027 return of Rock the Universe, bringing its annual Christian music festival back to Universal Studios Florida. The weekend will feature two nights of concerts, opportunities to enjoy theme park attractions, and a worship ser
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8 September
Six Flags Acquires ArieForce One, Confirms Acclaimed RMC Coaster Will Return by 2029
Six Flags has acquired ArieForce One, the acclaimed Rocky Mountain Construction coaster formerly operated at Fun Spot America Atlanta in Fayetteville, Georgia. The company says the ride will be relocated to an as-yet-unannounced Six Flags park and reintroduced during the 2028 or 2029 season. Fun Spot America remains active in Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida, while Six Flags now controls the former
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7 September
Hersheypark Confirms End of Operations on September 7, 2026
Hersheypark's 120th summer season comes to a close on September 7, 2026, and guests visiting on this final day are also bidding farewell to a ride that's been part of the park for more than 30 years. Saying Goodbye to Tidal Force Tidal Force, the 32-year-old water ride on Hersheypark's Boardwalk, is permanently closing alongside the end of the summer season. The Hershey, Pennsylvania, theme park f
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