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 -19 September
REPORT: Universal Plotting Secret New ‘Harry Potter’ Land Ahead of Reboot
Universal seems to be working on yet another version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal opened its first Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure in 2010, bringing Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle to Florida. Diagon Alley followed at Universal Studios Florida in 2014, while versions of Hogsmeade later opened in Japan, Hollywood, and Beijing. Epic Universe switched things
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19 September
Universal Removes Single Rider: Adds Free Express Pass Instead
Skull Island: Reign of Kong has changed the way solo guests can bypass its standby line at Universal Islands of Adventure. The attraction’s dedicated single rider queue is reportedly no longer available, with Team Members instead issuing some solo guests a complimentary printed Single Attraction Pass that routes them through the Skull Island Express queue. Universal Express is normally a paid add-
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19 September
Universal Orlando Confirms 3 Major Reopenings Across Multiple Parks This Winter
Universal fans finally have some great news for this coming winter. Three familiar experiences that have been gone for extended periods are preparing to return between late fall and winter. One finally has a firm reopening date after disappearing for most of the year, while two others remain scheduled to return sometime this winter. Those aren't the only projects worth watching, either. Universal
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19 September
Sewage Spill Near SeaWorld Orlando Draws Transparency Questions
A broken pipe next to Aquatica dumped 342,000 gallons of sewage into the open. Twice. In four days. Some context. Look, if you were at SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica in early September and caught a smell you could not place, you were not losing your mind. Orange County has now confirmed what happened, and the details are worse than the smell suggested. Credit: Aquatica Orlando What Went Down The spi
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19 September
Universal Reopens Skull Island: Reign of Kong Without Its King Kong Animatronic
Skull Island: Reign of Kong has reopened at Universal Islands of Adventure, but guests returning to the attraction are finding a noticeably different ending. The enormous King Kong animatronic that traditionally provides the ride’s final encounter is missing from view, with black curtains now blocking the area where the figure stood. The September 18 development follows a weeks-long closure and Un
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18 September
Universal Permanently Closing 36-Year-Old Attraction, Final Performances Now Approaching
One of the longest-running attractions at Universal Orlando Resort is quickly approaching its final performance. Universal Studios Florida will permanently close Animal Actors On Location! after performances on November 2, 2026. Starting November 3, the live show will officially become part of Universal Orlando history. For longtime Universal fans, this isn't the departure of a relatively new addi
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18 September
California Theme Park Brutally Slaughters Mickey Mouse in 2026 Haunted House
Mickey Mouse isn't getting a happy ending in one of California's newest Halloween experiences. Guests who enter a new haunted house in 2026 eventually come face-to-face with an unmistakable piece of Disney history. But instead of finding Mickey smiling, they'll discover the famous mouse dead inside a giant trap. It's a startling image for anyone familiar with Mickey's earliest days. And it's all p
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18 September
Universal Orlando Quietly Cuts 5 Major Experiences as Ticket Prices Skyrocket
A day at Universal Orlando Resort can already take a sizable bite out of a family's vacation budget. In 2026, visitors also have to consider how much of each theme park will actually be available when they arrive. Five recognizable attractions are currently missing from the resort's lineup. Two have permanently closed, two are undergoing lengthy planned work, and another remains unavailable follow
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17 September
Universal Keeps Epic Universe Outside Annual Passes as 2027 Tickets Expand
Universal Orlando Resort’s current ticketing setup is pointing toward another full year in which Universal Epic Universe remains outside the standard Universal Orlando Annual Pass. The resort is selling date-specific, discounted Epic Universe admission for Passholders across the 2027 calendar, while its existing 3-Park Annual Pass configuration still centers on Universal Studios Florida, Islands o
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17 September
Parents Warned: Universal Security Guard Caught Snapping Photos of Minors in Epic Universe
Most parents probably aren't paying much attention to security guards as they walk out of a roller coaster. They're finding their family, checking wait times, or figuring out where everyone wants to go next. One family at Epic Universe says they had a reason to start paying attention. After exiting one of the park's major attractions, a guest noticed a security guard's behavior that made them unco
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