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 -25 September
Universal Kids Resort Removes Blockout Dates With New Gold Pass, but Park Closures Remain
Universal Kids Resort has introduced a new Gold Annual Pass for its Frisco, Texas, theme park, giving families a $199.99 option with no pass blockout dates. The important qualifier is that “no blockout dates” applies to the pass—not to the park’s operating calendar. Universal Kids Resort is seasonal, and scheduled closures stretch across the colder months. For North Texas families buying Gold spec
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24 September
Attractions Team Leader at Major Florida Theme Park Arrested While at Work
A Universal Epic Universe employee was taken into custody inside the park this week after Orange County deputies say he tried to meet a child he had been messaging online. According to investigators, that child was actually an undercover deputy. “Orange County deputies arrested a Universal theme park employee they say tried to meet a 14-year-old for sex after contacting the “teen” online — b
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24 September
Universal Orlando Confirms Major 2027 Event Will Take Over Park for Nearly 2 Months
Universal Studios Florida is getting ready for another major celebration in 2027, and guests will have plenty of opportunities to experience it. Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced the dates for Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, confirming the popular seasonal event will return early next year. The celebration will run from February 6 through March 27, 2027. Th
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24 September
Five Guys Spotted Training Staff at Universal CityWalk Ahead of Opening
There is a sign hanging inside the unopened Five Guys at Universal CityWalk that reads “Five Guys Halloween Horror Nights, Open Until 1 AM.” Universal has announced no opening date. But that sign has an expiration date on it, and that changes things. Some context. Universal Orlando Resort said recently that Five Guys was coming to the upper level of CityWalk, across from Bread Box Hand
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24 September
Universal Blocks Major Islands of Adventure Path With No Explanation
Construction walls have appeared at the border of Marvel Super Hero Island and Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, cutting off the normal route through part of Toon Lagoon and forcing guests onto a temporary detour. The walls surround the carnival-games area, while Toon Lagoon itself remains open. As of September 23, Universal Orlando Resort has not publicly identified the project beh
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23 September
Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Announces Closure Ahead of Major Improvements
Dollywood is making more changes to one of its newest attractions. The Tennessee theme park has continued expanding its ride lineup in recent years, adding major attractions while building out its wider resort offering around Dolly Parton’s legacy. One of its biggest additions is NightFlight Expedition, which opened in Wildwood Grove on August 19, 2026, after missing its original spring launch win
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22 September
Universal Studios Introduces $20 Ticket Days After Fast & Furious Coaster Opens
Universal Studios Hollywood's newest roller coaster has only been officially open for a matter of days, and Halloween Horror Nights guests already have a new way to experience it. It just won't be included with their regular event ticket. Universal has introduced a $19.95 add-on for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift during Halloween Horror Nights. The upgrade gives eligible guests access to the attr
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20 September
Universal Orlando Confirms All 3 Theme Parks Changing Beginning November 14
A major change is coming to Universal Orlando Resort, and this time, no theme park is being left behind. Beginning November 14, 2026, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe will all participate in Universal Orlando Holidays. That leaves just 55 days until the resort begins its Christmas celebration. The transformation comes shortly after another massive seasonal event c
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19 September
‘Harry Potter’ Fans Lose Original Hogwarts Castle in Major Universal Orlando Change
Harry Potter fans have noticed something very different about Hogwarts. For more than 16 years, Hogwarts Castle has dominated the skyline of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure. The land officially opened on June 18, 2010, helping transform Universal Orlando Resort into a major destination for Harry Potter fans. The castle is more than scenery. It hous
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19 September
Universal Orlando Hotel Check-In Outage Leaves Guests Waiting in Packed Lobbies
Guests arriving at Universal Orlando Resort hotels on September 18 encountered something they probably hadn't planned into their vacations: a hotel check-in system that wasn't working. A reported technology outage affecting Loews hotel operations disrupted check-in at Universal Orlando, with guests describing long waits and crowded lobbies while employees dealt with the problem. One social media r
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