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.

  • Jan- 2026 -
    29 January
    The iconic Universal Studios globe in CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort

    Why Guests May Want to Skip This Orlando Theme Park Next Month

    Universal Orlando Resort is about to have a brutal February with seven different rides closed across all four theme parks, and if you're thinking about visiting next month, you seriously need to consider whether paying full price for significantly reduced experiences actually makes sense or if you should just postpone your trip. EPIC Universe's First Theme Park Closure EPIC Universe is seeing its

    Read More »
  • 29 January
    split image: on the left, universal orlando resort spinning globe. on the right, ghosbusters from original film sneaking up on ghost

    NEW: Ghostbusters Ride Buzz Explodes as Universal Orlando Eyes Replacement Options

    A recent announcement from Universal Orlando Resort has sparked renewed excitement among fans who have long hoped to see Ghostbusters return to the parks. While the announcement never mentioned the franchise directly, the timing has caused many guests to start connecting the dots. For years, visitors have wondered whether the iconic ghost-hunting team would ever make a meaningful comeback. Now, th

    Read More »
  • 28 January
    Universal Studios globe

    Universal Orlando’s New Ride Announcement Sparks Fan Controversy

    Universal Orlando Resort dropped news of a brand-new ride, and the reaction didn’t follow the usual script. Excitement surfaced, sure—but so did hesitation and frustration. A sizable group of fans immediately questioned the timing and the choice itself. The details matter, but the response tells a deeper story about how expectations at Universal have shifted. Constant Change Is the New Normal Univ

    Read More »
  • 27 January
    The entrance to Magic Kingdom Park with the Walt Disney World Railroad in the background.

    Magic Kingdom as We Know It Will Not Remain the Same in 2026: Here’s Why

    For generations, Frontierland has been one of the emotional anchors of Magic Kingdom. Long before guests race to Tron Lightcycle / Run or secure a Lightning Lane for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, they wander through weathered boardwalks, wooden facades, and the nostalgic charm that defines Disney’s Old West. This land isn’t just themed—it’s remembered. It’s where families pause between parades, where s

    Read More »
  • 27 January
    The iconic Universal Studios globe in CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort

    Universal Orlando Drops Massive Shift in Express Pass Policy Weeks Before Spring Break

    For many guests, the magic of a Universal Orlando Resort vacation isn’t just in the thrills — it’s in the planning. Weeks, sometimes months, are spent carefully mapping out attraction priorities, dining reservations, and the delicate balance between budget and experience. With Spring Break season fast approaching, that planning becomes even more critical, as crowds swell and wait times climb acros

    Read More »
  • 27 January
    Jurassic Park dinosaur fossil inside Discovery Center in Universal's Islands of Adventure park

    Universal Orlando Suddenly Blocks Off Jurassic Park Area With No Reopening Date

    Jurassic Park has always been one of those lands that feels untouchable. You step inside, hear the music echo through the gates, and everything feels exactly as you remember it. That’s why what’s happening now inside Islands of Adventure feels so strange. Guests are turning corners and running straight into barricades. “Do Not Enter” signs replace open walkways. Construction walls slice through pa

    Read More »
  • 26 January
    Universal Orlando Resort guests driving into the parking garage for a day in the theme parks, where the Hogwarts Express is located.

    Universal Orlando Updates Park Entry, Effective Immediately

    Universal Studios Florida is receiving an immediate entrance makeover as construction crews repaint buildings with a new color scheme. The abrupt aesthetic transformation at Universal Orlando Resort's original theme park began on January 23 without advance warning or explanation from the company. Entrance Color Scheme Changed Workers recently began repainting the entrance structures at Universal S

    Read More »
  • 24 January
    Artist’s rendering of a vibrant amusement park with a colorful spinning ride on the left, a looping roller coaster above, lush greenery, and people exploring and looking up in excitement in the foreground at this new Jurassic World themed land coming soon to this Universal park.

    Universal Releases New Height Requirements for Families, Children as New Park Takes Shape

    For decades, theme parks have promised magic for guests of all ages — but in reality, that magic has often come with fine print. Height restrictions. Rider swaps. Tearful kids standing outside attractions they were “almost tall enough” to ride. That’s why Universal’s upcoming Universal Kids Resort has sparked such emotional excitement. From DreamWorks to Nickelodeon to Illumination, the park has b

    Read More »
  • 24 January
    Split image: On the left, two women in costume, one with green skin, in a warmly lit setting. On the right, a family of four walks happily near the large Universal globe at a theme park.

    ‘Wicked’ Is Making Its Way to Universal Destinations and Experiences: New Lands, Experiences Confirmed

    For millions of theme park fans, the magic of Universal isn’t just found in rides and roller coasters—it lives in the promise of what might come next. Every year, travelers plan pilgrimages to Orlando, Hollywood, and beyond, chasing the next immersive land, the next groundbreaking attraction, the next franchise brought to life. Universal Destinations & Experiences has built a reputation on reinven

    Read More »
  • 24 January
    The iconic Universal Studios globe in CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort

    Universal Just Released Hello Kitty Merch But How About An Actual Experience?

    Universal Orlando Resort just dropped a brand new Hello Kitty & Friends merchandise collection at the Universal Studios Store in CityWalk. While it's nice to have new products featuring the iconic Sanrio character, fans are asking a bigger question: when is Universal going to give Hello Kitty the park presence she actually deserves? The Full Merchandise Lineup The new collection is pretty extensiv

    Read More »