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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Aug- 2026 -26 August
After 36 Years, Universal Studios Florida Covers Iconic Entrance in Orlando
Before guests encounter a roller coaster, grab a Butterbeer, or walk into their first attraction at Universal Studios Florida, they pass one of the park's most familiar sights. For the moment, that sight has been dramatically altered. Scaffolding and towering white scrims are covering portions of the Universal Studios Florida gateway, changing the appearance of an entrance that has welcomed genera
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26 August
After Opening in 2025, Epic Universe Is Expanding 2 of Its Biggest Worlds
Universal Orlando Resort isn't waiting long to build upon the experience at Epic Universe. The theme park opened in May 2025 with five distinct worlds, each offering its own attractions, characters, restaurants, and atmosphere. Now, a little more than a year later, Universal has confirmed seasonal expansions for two of the park's most recognizable destinations. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Trai
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26 August
Universal Orlando Revives Controversial Halloween Horror Nights Offering for 2026
Universal Orlando Resort is preparing to unleash another season of Halloween Horror Nights, but one returning option could make the event slightly less frightening for some guests. The “Deathly Afraid” necklace has returned to Universal Studios Florida for Halloween Horror Nights 2026. First introduced last year, the accessory created an unusual option at an event built around scaring
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25 August
American Soldier Sues Six Flags After Park Misplaced His Shoes
An Army specialist is taking Six Flags Darien Lake to court, alleging that a mishandled pair of sandals left him walking barefoot across scorching asphalt and resulted in second-degree burns. The Case Against Six Flags Darien Lake The Batavian reports that Harrison G. Huffman filed suit with the Genesee County Clerk's Office on July 24, acting as his own attorney in the case. Named in the filing a
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25 August
Dollywood Announces Closure Through Weekend as Ride Adjustments Continue
Dollywood has extended the temporary NightFlight Expedition closure, keeping its newest attraction unavailable through Sunday, August 30, as additional adjustments are made to the ride system. The update means guests visiting the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park through the weekend should not expect access to the highly promoted 2026 addition. According to an operational notice reported Tuesday
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25 August
Universal Unleashes Massive ‘Creature from the Black Lagoon’ Comeback for Dark Universe
Universal Orlando fans have another mystery to follow at Epic Universe, and this one reaches back years into the resort's past. Attention has already begun to turn toward an area beyond the current boundaries of the Dark Universe. With activity happening around the site, questions continue to grow about what Universal could eventually add to its monster-filled world. Now, an unexpected discovery h
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25 August
Universal Announces Hogwarts Castle Takeover, Effective in 11 Days
Hogwarts Castle is about to fall into the hands of some of the darkest characters in the Wizarding World. Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced the return of Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle, bringing Lord Voldemort, Dementors, Death Eaters, and dark magic back to Universal Islands of Adventure. The nighttime experience begins September 5, meaning guests are now just 11 days away from seei
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24 August
Confirmed: Universal Orlando Slashes Theme Park Hours, Will Close as Early as 6:00 P.M.
Imagine spending the afternoon at Universal Studios Florida, watching the clock approach 5:00 p.m., and realizing your theme park day is about to get significantly more complicated. That's the reality during Halloween Horror Nights season. Universal Studios Florida routinely closes at 5:00 p.m. on Halloween Horror Nights dates so the park can prepare for its separately ticketed nighttime event. Re
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24 August
Universal Studios Florida’s Archways Disappear Behind Scrim
Something is happening at the front of Universal Studios Florida, and guests can't exactly miss it. Large sections of the park's famous entrance archways have disappeared behind scrim, temporarily changing one of Universal Orlando's most recognizable views. Universal hasn't revealed exactly what crews are preparing behind the coverings. But there's one major reason the timing makes sense: Hallowee
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23 August
Universal Orlando Restricts New Halloween Horror Nights Experience to Select Guests
There's going to be a lot competing for guests' attention when Halloween Horror Nights 35 takes over Universal Studios Florida, and Universal Orlando just added another experience to the list. This one comes with a restriction. Universal Orlando Annual and Seasonal Passholders will have access to The Keyholder Bar, an exclusive location operating during Halloween Horror Nights event nights. Unlike
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