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 -15 May
Universal Orlando Files ‘Terrifying’ Patent: New Animatronics to Leave Stage and ‘Crawl’ Over Guests
Universal Orlando Resort has built much of its recent success around one major idea: making attractions feel more real than ever before. Between cutting-edge coaster systems, advanced animatronics, and interactive experiences, the company continues finding ways to pull guests deeper into its worlds. Now, Universal may be preparing to make those experiences even more intense. A recently discovered
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14 May
Universal Orlando Confirms Permanent Goodbye for 27-Year-Old Attraction, Effective May 16
Universal Orlando Resort has spent the last several years transforming itself faster than ever before. Epic Universe expanded the company’s footprint in Florida, new construction projects continue appearing across the resort, and fans constantly speculate about which franchises could arrive next. Now, another longtime Universal experience is preparing to shut down for good. Reports indicate the My
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14 May
Hersheypark Confirms Fate of 2026 Summer Season One Week Before Scheduled Opening
With its summer season one week away and a strike vote hanging in the air, Hersheypark has finally spoken. The Statement From Hersheypark After days of public speculation about whether a union strike could derail the 2026 summer season at Pennsylvania's largest theme park, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts responded to questions from ABC27 with an official statement: “Hersheypark is preparing
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14 May
Read These Halloween Horror Nights Rules Before You Go or Risk Ruining Your Entire Night
Every year without fail, guests show up to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida without reading the rules and spend part of their night dealing with a problem that was entirely preventable. A costume that has to go back to the car. A parking charge that was not budgeted for. A ticket that cannot be refunded after plans fell apart. These are not obscure policy violations buried in f
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13 May
Guests Are Already Reacting as Beloved Jurassic Park Ride Begins Testing Again at Universal Orlando
For years, it has quietly hung above the jungle pathways of Jurassic Park at Universal Islands of Adventure like a relic from another era of theme park storytelling. Guests walking through the land would look up and see the suspended track twisting through the trees, often wondering when — or if — they would ever get the chance to experience it again. Now, something is changing. Fans visiting Univ
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13 May
Universal Orlando Quietly Starts Hiring for One of Its Biggest 2026 Seasonal Events
Christmas season may still be months away, but Universal Orlando Resort is already preparing for one of its busiest times of the year. The resort recently launched a casting call for performers for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, continuing a trend that feels very familiar to longtime Disney fans. Over at Walt Disney World, holiday entertainment has become a massive business. Mickey’s
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13 May
Universal Quietly Reverses Major Wizarding World Reduction at Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando guests are finally starting to get a major piece of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter back. After weeks of heavy construction scrim dominating the skyline above Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle is beginning to reappear at Islands of Adventure. Universal has quietly removed large portions of the coverings that had almost completely hidden the iconic structure during a lengthy refurbis
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13 May
Universal Just Made the Most Unexpected Investment in Theme Park History
When Universal makes a big announcement, people expect one of a few things. A new ride. Or a new land. Maybe even a new park somewhere in the world. A franchise deal that sends the internet into speculation mode for three weeks. Universal does not typically generate headlines by investing in academic institutions. Until now. Universal Destinations and Experiences and the University of Central Flor
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12 May
‘Harry Potter’ Reboot Poses Major Universal Studios Problem
HBO is set to wrap production on the first season of its decade-long reboot of Harry Potter soon. The new show promises to be more faithful to J.K. Rowling’s books, exploring the full text with a new cast and fresh creative direction. For fans, it’s either a long-overdue update or a deeply unnecessary retread. And for Universal, it’s a potential branding nightmare. A Risk of Breaking the Spell The
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12 May
Six Flags Magic Mountain Guests Face Delayed Opening After Serious Safety Scare
For generations of SoCal thrill-seekers, Six Flags Magic Mountain has been more than a place to ride coasters. It is a rite of passage, a weekend escape, and for many families, one of the loudest, fastest destinations in the region. That is why any disruption at the Valencia park feels bigger than a routine delay. Guests do not just see closed gates; they see vacation plans paused, employees waiti
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