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.

  • Dec- 2025 -
    29 December
    guests ride Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure park

    Universal Orlando Ramps Up Plans for a NEW Roller Coaster

    Universal Orlando Resort rarely telegraphs its next move too early. Instead, progress often begins quietly, long before guests realize something big is happening. Right now, that pattern seems to be repeating itself. Without announcements or visuals, subtle changes behind the scenes suggest Universal is already pushing forward on its next roller coaster project. That kind of momentum fits Universa

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  • 28 December
    split image with Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom on the left and Hogwarts castle in Universal's Islands of Adventure park on the rigth

    Universal Wins the Wait-Time War: And Disney Fans Are Feeling It

    Central Florida is deep in its busiest tourism stretch of the year, and the competition between its two theme park giants is tighter than ever. Christmas week crowds have both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort operating at full capacity, yet today’s crowd trend surprised many longtime fans and park analysts. Universal Orlando Resort officially overtook Walt Disney World in post

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  • 27 December
    People on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge at Epic Universe

    Epic Universe Transformed Universal, But the Ripple Effects Are Complicated

    Epic Universe didn’t just meet expectations—it reset them. Guests consistently walk away impressed by the park’s size, polish, and sense of purpose. Everything feels intentional, from the layout to the pacing. For the first time, Universal has a third gate that feels like a true centerpiece rather than an extension. But that success didn’t arrive without complications. As the excitement settles, i

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  • 27 December
    Colorful entrance to "Seuss Landing" at Islands of Adventure in Universal Orlando resort

    Universal’s Next Expansion Stuns Fans: Construction Begins on 20 Acres of Land ‘Beyond Resort Walls’

    Universal Orlando Resort has announced yet another expansion project coming in 2026, and it's not a theme park. Universal Orlando Announces New Expansion Coming in 2026 The rumble of bulldozers echoing through the International Drive corridor might sound like business as usual in Orlando — that familiar promise of another hotel, another theme park ride, another expansion to outdo the competition.

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  • 26 December
    A charming white chapel nestled in lush gardens at Dollywood, surrounded by vibrant blooms and tall trees under sunny skies.

    This Holiday Season, Dollywood Offers Guests More Than a Theme Park; It Offers Them a Place to Find Peace

    Unique Features of Dollywood Dollywood, famed for its vibrant attractions and entertainment, offers a remarkable feature that sets it apart from other theme parks: the Robert F. Thomas Chapel. This serene chapel offers guests a rare opportunity to find solace amidst the lively atmosphere. While theme parks generally focus on thrill rides and entertainment, Dollywood extends an invitation to guests

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

    Universal’s Epic Universe Rolls Out RARE One-Night-Only Attraction

    Universal Orlando Resort decided that the best way to close out the year was with a surprise—and not a subtle one. Guests preparing for New Year’s Eve learned that Epic Universe would feature an exclusive, one-time-only experience. It’s a moment that won’t return, giving the night a rare sense of urgency and excitement. Universal recently shared new details, and it didn’t take long for fans to sta

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  • 24 December
    Four people take a selfie in front of the Hogwarts Express at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Tokyo

    The Most Massive ‘Harry Potter’ Experience Yet Is Opening in 2027

    The Harry Potter franchise is no stranger to immersive attractions, but its latest venture is set to be the largest of its kind. A new Harry Potter experience is in development, and when it opens, it will be the biggest indoor attraction the Wizarding World has ever seen. For years, fans have been able to step inside the world of Harry Potter through Universal’s theme parks, which feature fully re

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  • 23 December
    A family of four walks past the Universal Studios Hollywood globe at the entrance to the Southern California theme park. Hogwarts Always Universal Studios Hollywood

    Universal Raises the Cost of Entry With up to $80 Parking Fee

    Universal Studios Hollywood has spent much of the holiday season operating at or near capacity. Guests have reported long waits, limited availability, and packed walkways as demand surged during one of the park’s busiest periods of the year. The crowding reflects a broader trend across major U.S. theme parks. Disney has already pushed peak one-day ticket prices past $200 at both Disneyland and Mag

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  • 23 December
    VelociCoaster in Islands of Adventure in Universal Orlando Resort theme park. Universal Orlando attraction ban.

    Universal’s Beloved ‘Jurassic Park’ Ride Preparing for Nearly a Year Offline

    Universal Orlando Resort hasn’t slowed down in years. New attractions continue to open, long-term plans keep expanding, and the resort rarely stays out of the spotlight for long. That’s why one upcoming closure stands out so sharply. One of Islands of Adventure’s most recognizable rides is preparing for a refurbishment that will last nearly a full year. This isn’t a typical downtime window, and fa

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  • 23 December
    The Universal Orlando Resort Globe during a hot, summer day in Central Florida.

    Universal Orlando Just Confirmed the End of a Beloved Attraction in 2026

    Some attractions at Universal Studios Florida are easy to overlook. They’re not towering coasters or brand-new lands. They don’t dominate park maps or marketing campaigns. But over time, they become essential — the kind of experience that quietly anchors a visit. The Horror Make-Up Show has always been one of those attractions. For years, it’s been a reliable pause button in the middle of a busy p

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