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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Dec- 2025 -22 December
Stardust Racers Encounters an Unexpected Delay
There’s an unspoken agreement when you step into a theme park queue, and Epic Universe has quickly reminded guests how much that agreement matters. You follow the rules, the park runs the ride, and everyone gets through with minimal friction. When that balance breaks, it doesn’t take much to derail the entire experience. That’s what made the recent delay at Stardust Racers so memorable. A short Ti
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22 December
Disney vs Universal in 2026: 7 Ways the Divide is Growing
For years, the Disney versus Universal debate felt lighthearted. Fans argued favorites, shared tips, and defended their go-to park. But heading into 2026, that conversation feels heavier and more deliberate. Families aren’t choosing based on nostalgia alone anymore. They’re considering their energy levels, schedules, and the level of complexity they’re willing to manage over the course of a week.
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22 December
Bodycam Footage Shows Guest Defecating During Police Response at Volcano Bay
A video shared online documents an unusual incident that occurred at Universal’s Volcano Bay in March. The footage, captured on police body cameras, shows officers responding to a reported assault inside the water park. The video has since circulated across social media platforms, adding to a growing list of guest incidents at major Florida theme parks that have drawn law enforcement attention. Pr
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22 December
Trapped at 90 Degrees, Two Riders Left Dangling on Texas Coaster Until 911 Call
An unsettling incident at a Texas amusement attraction has reignited debate around ride safety after two riders were left suspended high above the ground when a thrill ride malfunctioned, turning what was designed as a brief moment of suspense into an extended emergency. The central development came when a so-called “tilt” roller coaster abruptly stalled at its highest point, leaving two men stran
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22 December
Orca Tragically Passes Away at SeaWorld Orlando, Resort Confirms
More than five decades after opening its gates in Central Florida, SeaWorld Orlando is marking a moment of reflection following the death of Katina, one of the park’s longest-residing killer whales. SeaWorld confirmed that Katina passed away at age 50 after a period of declining health, during which animal care and veterinary teams provided ongoing support. “Over the last several weeks, our animal
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21 December
Dollywood Confirms Immediate End of Attraction Operations
Visitors to Dolly Parton's Tennessee theme park received unexpected news on Saturday when Dollywood announced the immediate closure of one of its signature experiences. The shutdown impacts a cornerstone element of the Great Smoky Mountain destination, which has welcomed guests for more than six decades. Official Statement Released Saturday Dollywood issued an official communication through its In
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20 December
$213 Million Loss Reported at Universal Theme Park Amid Ongoing Expansion
One of Universal’s newest theme parks posted a major financial loss last year, highlighting the risks behind the company’s aggressive global expansion strategy even as it continues to invest heavily in new destinations. Universal Beijing Resort recorded a net loss of more than 1.5 billion yuan in 2024, roughly $213 million, despite welcoming 9.88 million visitors. The results stand in sharp contra
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20 December
Report: Universal Plans on Following Disney, Building a New Theme Park in the Middle East
Universal's Strategic Move in the Middle East Universal Studios has taken significant steps to expand its global footprint with plans for a new theme park in Saudi Arabia. The upcoming park will be strategically located within the Qiddiya Entertainment Complex, an ambitious project designed to transform the region's entertainment landscape. This development signifies Universal's intention to capit
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20 December
More Injuries Reported Inside Universal Epic Universe, Lawsuits Filed
Universal is facing even more legal trouble. Related: Disney+ Aggressively Pushes Subscriber With a Big Giveaway Ending Very Soon Epic Universe‘s Stardust Racers has recently found itself at the center of a growing storm, as multiple plaintiffs have stepped forward to file legal claims against the amusement park and its roller coaster manufacturer, Mack Rides. These lawsuits, a total of five
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20 December
Guest “Violently Shaken” at Universal Florida, Launches Lawsuit
When Universal Orlando Resort unveiled Epic Universe in late May, the new theme park was positioned as a major addition to the destination’s lineup. Among its debut attractions was Stardust Racers, a dual-launch roller coaster designed to reach speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour while rising 133 feet above the park. Within months of opening, the attraction became the focus of multiple investigatio
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