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 -23 August
Authorities Find “No Criminal Wrongdoing” in 55 Animal Deaths at Planned Orlando Attraction
Orlando is the undisputed theme park capital of the world, drawing millions to the magical experiences of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. Beyond the major parks, the International Drive corridor is constantly expanding with unique interactive entertainment. One highly anticipated project was Sloth World, an interactive facility where guests could meet and hold sloths. Credit: Trey
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22 August
Popeye’s Final Splash? ‘SpongeBob’ and ‘Scooby-Doo’ Could Reshape Universal Orlando
Walk through Islands of Adventure today, and one section still looks back to a much earlier generation of cartoons. That's part of Toon Lagoon's charm. It's also what makes the land such an interesting candidate for a future overhaul. Universal Orlando Resort hasn't announced plans to close Toon Lagoon, and there is no confirmed project to replace Popeye, Dudley Do-Right, or the other characters f
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22 August
‘Harry Potter’ Star Publicly Calls Out JK Rowling: “Embarrassing”
The divide surrounding the Harry Potter franchise is showing no signs of disappearing. JK Rowling has spent years at the center of an increasingly public dispute over her views on sex and gender identity. The author has repeatedly denied accusations that she is transphobic, while continuing to make outspoken statements on social media. Her position has also created distance between Rowling and sev
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22 August
Universal Reveals New HHN 35 Process Just One Week Before Event Start
Universal Orlando Resort has put its 2026 Halloween Horror Nights Stay & Scream process into sharper focus with a new explainer video ahead of HHN 35 at Universal Studios Florida. The biggest change is already reshaping how guests plan the event: eligible visitors can begin entering three haunted houses at 2 p.m., four and a half hours before Halloween Horror Nights officially starts at 6:30 p.m.
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21 August
Dollywood Makes Historic Change After 35 Years
One of Dollywood’s longest-running traditions has quietly reached its final chapter. The Tennessee theme park has changed significantly since Dolly Parton became involved in 1986. Modern roller coasters and multimillion-dollar expansions now sit alongside attractions, entertainment, and experiences designed to reflect the culture and natural environment of the Great Smoky Mountains. That evolution
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20 August
Another Heat Advisory Hits Orlando Theme Parks as August Grinds On
Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are staring down a heat index up to 112 today, followed by storms packing 55 mph gusts and lightning that could shut rides down. Some context. Look, another day in Orlando, another heat advisory. That has been the story for most of this month, and the repetition is exactly the danger. Something happens often enough and people quit reading it as a warning.
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20 August
Universal Studios Florida Archway Construction Raises HHN 35 Entry Concerns
Construction at the Universal Studios Florida archway is still changing less than two weeks before Halloween Horror Nights 35 begins its regular run. Photos shared Wednesday by HHNSpeculationMatt on X show scaffolding and work equipment around portions of the landmark entrance, keeping attention on a refurbishment that has been underway as Universal Orlando Resort prepares for its biggest fall eve
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19 August
After Nearly 4 Years, Universal Is Changing up the Hogwarts Castle, Effective in 17 Days
Universal Orlando Resort is bringing Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle back to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, restoring a seasonal nighttime experience that has been absent from Orlando since its 2022 run. Universal’s 2026 event calendar confirms that Dark Arts returns on select nights this fall, while the resort’s attraction page currently lists the
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19 August
‘Ominous’ Expansion Markers Appear at Epic Universe
Survey markers have appeared inside the future Dark Universe expansion area at Universal Epic Universe, giving fans something considerably more tangible than another permit to examine. The markers were documented by theme park reporter Alicia Stella at the undeveloped site behind the Universal Monsters land, where previous plans and government filings have already pointed toward a future attractio
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19 August
Universal Replacing Major Parts of Jurassic Park Ride Ahead of November Return
Universal Orlando Resort is giving one of its original Islands of Adventure attractions considerably more attention than guests typically see during a routine refurbishment. Jurassic Park River Adventure has remained closed throughout most of 2026, and the work isn't finished yet. With Universal currently targeting November 20 for the attraction's return, crews are continuing to replace and rebuil
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