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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May- 2026 -11 May
Universal Orlando Extends Closure Timeline for Classic Hollywood Attraction
At first, many Universal Orlando fans thought the Horror Make-Up Show would disappear for a relatively short refurbishment before returning with a few updates. That no longer appears to be the case. Universal has now pushed the attraction’s reopening timeline into Winter 2027, extending the closure well beyond what many guests originally expected. The long-running show closes on May 12 and will un
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10 May
Hersheypark Risks Immediate Closure After Vote This Week
Pennsylvania's largest theme park is staring down a potential work stoppage at the worst possible moment. The decision that determines the fate of the 2026 Hersheypark summer season is being made this week. The Vote That Could Shut It All Down Over a three-day window this week, more than 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey, and Giant Center are casting ballots on whet
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10 May
Universal Orlando Audience Becomes Part of the Show After Animal Actors Mishap
There’s always a chance for something unexpected to happen during a live animal show, and guests at Universal Orlando recently got a firsthand reminder of that when one of the stars of the Animal Actors performance suddenly decided to leave the stage behind. In a TikTok video that’s now making the rounds online, a trained dog involved in the show can be seen running directly into the audience area
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10 May
Universal Quietly Cuts Luxury Epic Universe Hotel Prices by $100s
For most of last year, Universal Orlando guests had one consistent complaint when planning an Epic Universe vacation: the hotel prices were absolutely brutal. Rooms near the new park were disappearing quickly, luxury resorts carried jaw-dropping nightly rates, and some fans found themselves delaying trips entirely because the costs simply became too difficult to justify. At the center of that pric
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9 May
Islands of Adventure’s Original Era Nears Final Chapter at Universal Orlando
Another opening-day Islands of Adventure experience may soon be disappearing from Universal Orlando Resort. Rumors circulating online claim The Mystic Fountain inside Sindbad’s Bazaar could close as soon as next week, with Friday, May 15 reportedly being discussed as a possible final operating day. Universal has not confirmed the rumored closure. The interactive fountain has operated since Islands
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9 May
Simpsons Out, Retro In: Universal Orlando Prepares for Massive ‘Classic Movie’ Transformation
Universal Orlando finds itself at an interesting crossroads as one of its most well-known lands faces an uncertain future. A long-running agreement tied to the area is believed to be nearing its end, and that timing has sparked new interest in what might happen next. Moments like this don’t come around often. When they do, they tend to lead to major updates rather than small adjustments. That’s wh
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9 May
Forget Disney and Universal, SeaWorld Orlando Is the Theme Park to Watch This Summer
Every summer in Orlando follows a familiar pattern. Disney makes an announcement, and Universal responds with its own. Writers then produce their “best of Orlando summer” guides, often placing SeaWorld near the bottom with only a brief mention and a stock photo of a dolphin. This tendency has become more of a reflex than a thoughtful judgment, often resulting from a park being in a com
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9 May
Nobody Is Warning Theme Park Visitors About Summer 2028 and They Really Should Be
Summer 2028 is two years away, and most people planning Orlando theme park vacations are not thinking about it yet. That is completely understandable. Two years is a long time. A lot has changed. Plans shift. Nobody is booking a June 2028 Walt Disney World trip in May 2026 unless they are extremely organized or extremely anxious about availability. But there is something happening in Orlando in Ju
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8 May
Major Problems Emerge for ‘Harry Potter’ Attraction, Asbestos Investigation Launched
The Wizarding World is expanding faster than ever. Warner Bros. Discovery is currently preparing a new Harry Potter television reboot for HBO, with production expected to begin soon. Universal is also expanding its investment in the franchise through new theme park experiences, including the Ministry of Magic-inspired land at Epic Universe, which is already rumored to be earmarked for future expan
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7 May
Jurassic Park Replacing a Universal Classic as Major Islands of Adventure Closure Confirmed
Universal Orlando just confirmed another major change for Islands of Adventure, and this one feels much bigger than a normal restaurant refurbishment. Thunder Falls Terrace inside Jurassic Park will permanently close later this summer before returning in 2027 as a completely reimagined dining experience. Universal says the replacement will become the new signature full-service restaurant for Islan
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