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 -
    23 January
    A crowd of people walk toward the large arched entrance of Universal Studios Florida

    Assault Charges Distributed to Family of Four After Physical Violence Erupts at Universal Orlando

    A Universal Orlando Resort team member is recovering today after being assaulted by a family of four. The Magic of Universal Hotels Is Built on Trust and Tranquility For many Universal Orlando Resort guests, a hotel stay is more than just a place to sleep—it’s an extension of the magic. From sweeping Italian architecture to harbor-side views, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has long been considered one

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  • 22 January
    Pokemon Characters

    Universal’s Nintendo Strategy Points to Pokémon Land in Orlando

    Universal’s relationship with Nintendo has never been subtle. From the moment SUPER NINTENDO WORLD was announced, it was clear this was not a one-off experiment. This was the foundation of a long-term strategy — one designed to reshape the future of Universal theme parks. Now, with Pokémon officially confirmed for Universal Studios Japan, that strategy is becoming much easier to see. For years, in

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  • 22 January
    Families and children in costume pose in front of a large globe with "Universal" written on it, illuminated at night. A mist surrounds the base of the globe, creating a colorful, vibrant atmosphere. Trees and a flag are visible in the background.

    Universal Announced a Massive Attraction for Japan and U.S. Fans Are Getting Screwed Over Again

    Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company just dropped an announcement that's both exciting and absolutely infuriating for American theme park fans. They're building what they're calling world-class, innovative, immersive Pokémon attractions at the Japan park, with vague promises that U.S. parks will eventually get something. And if you're keeping track, this is the same pattern Universal ha

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  • 22 January
    A crowd of people walk toward the large arched entrance of Universal Studios Florida

    Newest Universal Orlando Death Case Gets Significant Update

    A state-issued theme park incident report has revealed new details surrounding a fatal event that occurred at Universal Studios Florida late last year. The report confirms that a 70-year-old woman died after riding Revenge of the Mummy, one of Universal Orlando Resort’s most recognizable thrill rides. The incident was summarized in the report with the line, “Revenge of the Mummy, 70 yof, unr

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  • 21 January
    Sign reading "Epic Universe" at the entrance of Universal's Epic Universe theme park. Epic Universe annual passes

    Epic Universe Roller Coaster Now Closed as Investigation Is Underway

    When guests step into a brand-new theme park, they expect wonder. They expect innovation. And above all, they expect magic that works exactly as promised. Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated Epic Universe is designed to be a generational leap forward — a bold new chapter meant to rival even Walt Disney World’s most iconic expansions. At the center of that promise sits one of the park’s m

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  • 21 January
    Sign reading "Epic Universe" at the entrance of Universal's Epic Universe theme park. Epic Universe annual passes

    Epic Universe Just Gave Guests an Unexpected Crowd Warning

    For years, January has carried a quiet promise for theme park fans. With the holidays over and schools back in session, this time of year has traditionally offered lighter crowds, shorter waits, and a more relaxed pace inside Central Florida’s major parks. It is the season many planners recommend for guests who want to avoid stress. That promise took an unexpected hit on January 21 at Epic Univers

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  • 20 January
    Decorative golden and green archway with a clock and the inscription "For in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own," set against a partly cloudy sky at Epic Universe.

    Fans Are Heartbroken After Universal Quietly Changes Epic Universe’s Early Entry Perk

    The magic of a theme park morning is something guests rarely forget. There’s a special kind of hush that settles over a park just after sunrise—the soft hum of attractions warming up, the faint echo of music drifting through empty lands, and the quiet excitement of knowing you’re about to experience something before the crowds arrive. For many travelers visiting Universal Orlando Resort, that earl

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  • 20 January
    The iconic Universal Studios globe in CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort

    Universal Could Revive Classic Movies After Closing ‘Fast & Furious’ Ride

    The permanent closure of Fast & Furious: SuperCharged is quietly becoming one of the most consequential changes Universal Studios Florida has made in years. Although the attraction will continue operating through the rest of the year, Universal’s confirmation that it is officially on the way out has already ignited widespread speculation about what could replace it. Unlike smaller ride closures, t

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  • 20 January
    Guests on the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster

    Universal Makes Sudden Schedule Change After Announcing New Fast & Furious Coaster

    Universal Orlando just made a quiet but telling change to its park calendar, and it’s the kind of move that usually means something bigger is happening behind the scenes. Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida is now scheduled to close from January 27 through February 2, 2026, with a reopening set for February 3. That’s a noticeable shift from the ride’s previously published closure win

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  • 20 January
    One the left: Mickey Mouse inside of Disney World. On the right: The Universal Orlando Resort globe as Epic Universe dominates amid the government shutdown.

    Walt Disney World & Universal Announce Closures That Could Disrupt Vacations

    Florida winters are weird. One day you’re wearing shorts and sunglasses. The next, you’re reaching for a hoodie and wondering how it suddenly feels like November again. This weekend, that unpredictable winter weather is shutting down two of Central Florida’s biggest water park experiences: Universal’s Volcano Bay and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. And for guests who planned their trips around splash day

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