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 -7 September
The Magic Expands: 3 New Harry Potter Theme Park Lands Announced Under One Roof
In a historic reveal for theme park enthusiasts, Miral and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences have officially unveiled a massive Wizarding World expansion featuring three distinct Harry Potter–themed lands. Spanning approximately 63,000 square meters (678,000 square feet), the project will bring Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest together under a single indoor roof for the ver
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5 September
Universal Files New ‘Jaws’ Trademark Covering ‘Park Attraction’ 14 Years Later
Fourteen years after Jaws disappeared from Universal Studios Florida, the famous shark is suddenly back in an interesting theme park conversation. Universal City Studios submitted a new trademark application for Jaws (1975) on September 3, 2026. While the filing covers several areas of entertainment, two phrases immediately stand out for Universal Orlando fans: “amusement park attraction” and “the
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5 September
Universal Tightens Scare Actor Roaming at Halloween Horror Nights Following Park Incidents
A Halloween Horror Nights character can go from entertaining a handful of guests to being surrounded by a massive crowd within minutes. Universal learned just how difficult that attention can become when Art the Clown roamed Universal Orlando last year. Some guests reportedly went far beyond taking photos or enjoying the interaction. Touching, grabbing, chasing, and other behaviors created concern
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5 September
The Shire Will Soon Be a Theme Park Land: Universal Bulldozes 1990 Land
Middle-earth Enterprises has filed fresh U.S. trademark applications for “THE SHIRE” and “LA COMARCA” covering “providing theme park services.” The applications were filed August 31, 2026, and are currently pending—not registrations, construction permits, or an announcement from Universal Orlando Resort. Middle-earth Enterprises, the rights company tied to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings an
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4 September
Universal Under Fire Over Widespread Glitches Ruining $100+ Horror Nights Experience
A night at Halloween Horror Nights can involve a lot of waiting for only a few minutes inside each haunted house. That makes it especially noticeable when guests finally walk inside and discover that part of the experience isn't working. That's already becoming a complaint at Universal Studios Hollywood. Halloween Horror Nights opened in Hollywood on September 3, and visitors have reported several
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3 September
Following Lawsuit, Six Flags Cancels Fright Fest Events for 2026 Halloween Season
Halloween just got a little less scary at one Six Flags theme park, as the chain confirms that its signature Fright Fest event won't be returning to a Western New York location this year. Six Flags Darien Lake Skips Fright Fest Every September, Six Flags parks across the country ramp up for Fright Fest, the chain's after-dark Halloween event known for scare actors, haunted houses, spooky decor, an
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3 September
Universal Just Changed This Annual Passholder-Only Perk
There is a store inside Universal Studios Florida that most guests will never set foot in. It just moved. And the deals inside got people lining up. The Universal Annual Passholder store, the members-only shop where passholders and team members buy discounted resort merchandise, has officially relocated. The old Brown Derby location is done. The perk now operates out of the former Custom Gear shop
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3 September
Epic Universe Included in New Universal Orlando Ticket Deal Starting at $85 Per Day
Universal Orlando Resort isn't the same two-theme-park destination it was just a couple of years ago. Epic Universe opened in May 2025, adding an entirely new park to a resort already home to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. That's great news for guests looking for more to do, but it also creates another question when planning a vacation: How do you fit three theme parks into on
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3 September
Dollywood Announces 3 Major Changes Across the Park in Memory of Dolly Parton
Dollywood is preparing for a future without Dolly Parton while finding new ways to keep her story alive inside the Tennessee theme park she helped shape. Parton died on August 25, 2026, at age 80. Her passing left family, friends, and fans mourning around the world and created an especially emotional moment for Dollywood. The park already has a memorial where guests can remember Dolly, but its pla
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3 September
Universal Orlando Confirms Major September Hour Cuts Across All 3 Theme Parks
Universal Orlando Resort has more theme parks than ever, but guests visiting this September won't necessarily have more time to enjoy them. Universal has confirmed shortened operating hours across all three of its major theme parks this month. While Halloween Horror Nights explains some of the changes at Universal Studios Florida, the reduced hours don't stop there. Islands of Adventure and Epic U
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