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 -
    19 December
    Guests on a roller coaster at Universal Islands of Adventure.

    New Land at Islands of Adventure Gets Timeline as Universal Phases Out a Beloved Opening-Day Area

    The torches still burn, the fountains still bubble, and yet something feels different in this quiet corner of Universal Orlando Resort. Past the laughter of Hogsmeade and the thrill of Jurassic World, a silence clings to a land that once roared with fire, stunts, and mythic gods. Stone facades fade under Florida sun, doors remain locked, and the air hums with the faint energy of something waiting

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  • 19 December

    Fans Fear Universal Orlando’s New Permit Will Finally Push This Opening-Day Land Over the Edge

    Something mysterious is going on inside Universal Islands of Adventure theme park. A new permit just filed could hint at something big coming soon to this '90s-era opening day land. Mysterious Permit Filed at Universal Orlando Sparks Massive Lost Continent Speculation In the shadow of Mythos Restaurant — that lonely survivor of The Lost Continent — the sound of progress is beginning to stir. Crane

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  • 18 December
    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Epic Universe

    Universal Faces OSHA Penalty After Electrical Shock Incident at Epic Universe

    Universal Orlando Resort has been fined by federal regulators following an investigation into a workplace injury at Epic Universe that left an employee hospitalized earlier this year. According to recent reports, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a penalty after determining that a Universal employee suffered a serious electrical shock while performing maintenance at H

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  • 17 December
    Guests on the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster

    Universal Axes Major Ride With Future Attraction Plans Still “Years Away”

    Universal Orlando Resort has built its reputation on bold decisions. When it changes direction, it does so without hesitation. Recently, those changes have felt more dramatic than ever. One of the resort’s most recognizable attractions has been completely erased, leaving behind open space and a fan base stuck in limbo. The frustration doesn’t come only from the loss. It comes from what followed. U

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  • 16 December
    guests ride Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure park

    Universal Officially Cleared To Build Brand-New Theme Park

    Universal has officially received permission to build a new theme park, marking one of the most significant expansions in the company’s history. The approval follows years of planning and speculation, as Universal steadily expanded its global theme park portfolio and looked toward Europe as its next major market. Universal’s Global Position Has Quietly Strengthened Universal already operates sever

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  • 15 December
    SeaWorld Orlando entrance with visitors walking towards the amusement park. A vibrant sign featuring a jumping dolphin and the text "SeaWorld Orlando" is visible on the right. In the background, a blue roller coaster is surrounded by lush green trees and clear skies, at this Florida theme park.

    SeaWorld Features ‘Star Wars’ Character Despite Being Disney Competitor

    In an unexpected twist during this year's holiday season, SeaWorld Orlando has incorporated a recognizable Star Wars character into its Christmas celebrations—a surprising choice given that Star Wars is owned by The Walt Disney Company, one of SeaWorld's primary competitors in the Central Florida theme park market. Holiday Programming at SeaWorld Orlando SeaWorld Orlando has transformed into a win

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  • 15 December
    Universal Studios globe

    The Ride Breakdown Everyone at Universal Studios Is Talking About

    Walk through Universal Studios Florida right now and you'll notice something missing. Not just an attraction, but the distinctive alien-blasting chaos that's been part of the park's DNA for nearly 25 years. And if you listen to conversations in the queue lines and at the Diagon Alley ice cream cart, you'll hear the same question over and over: “What's going on with Men in Black?” Men I

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  • 15 December
    Stardust Racers in Epic Universe

    Universal, Family Lawyer Makes Statement After Resolution Reached in Epic Universe Death

    When Epic Universe welcomed guests in late May, Universal Orlando Resort marked a major milestone with the debut of its newest theme park. By early fall, however, attention shifted from new attractions to a tragedy that led to state investigations, a law enforcement review, and months of legal scrutiny centered on one of the park’s signature roller coasters. On September 17, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala

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  • 15 December
    guests walking to entrance of Universal Studios Florida for Horror Nights 2025

    Universal Theme Park Shuts Down to All Guests Effective Immediately

    Cold weather has once again reshaped theme park plans across Central Florida, prompting temporary closures at both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort just as the holiday travel season ramps up. Universal has confirmed that Volcano Bay Water Theme Park is currently closed, joining Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon in weather-related downtime. Disney’s update came first, as the resort confi

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  • 14 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 Studios Hollywood Guests Shocked as Park Reaches Limit

    Crowds are nothing new at Universal Studios Hollywood, but selling out entirely is another story. When the park reaches capacity, it reflects more than just holiday travel — it signals that Universal’s current lineup is hitting the right balance of timing, nostalgia, and must-see experiences. This week’s sellout comes during one of the most competitive periods on the calendar. Families are traveli

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