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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Feb- 2026 -25 February
Major Area Disappears as Universal Orlando Land Undergoes Permanent Change
Universal Orlando Resort didn’t need a press release to spark conversation. Guests did that on their own. Inside one of the resort’s newest themed lands, a very important attraction just vanished. No refurbishment notice. No construction walls. Just a paved-over section where water once flowed, and kids once played. When something this fresh disappears, it doesn’t feel routine. It feels deliberate
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25 February
Universal’s Epic Universe Under Fire: Lawsuit Claims Harry Potter Ride “Plagued” by Malfunctions
For many theme park fans, stepping inside a new park represents more than just another vacation stop — it’s the promise of immersion, innovation, and unforgettable storytelling. That expectation has been especially strong surrounding Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe, a highly anticipated addition that has captured global attention for its cutting-edge attractions and immersive lands inspir
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25 February
Universal Orlando’s First Halloween Horror Nights 2026 Houses Come Into View
Halloween Horror Nights 35 may still be months away, but that hasn’t stopped fans from dissecting every hint and whisper. Universal Orlando Resort hasn’t confirmed any haunted houses for 2026 yet, but speculation has already taken over social media feeds and message boards. Anniversary years bring expectations. Fans don’t anticipate a routine lineup. They expect surprises, callbacks, and maybe eve
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24 February
Dolly Parton Confirms End of an Era for Dollywood Theme Park
Dollywood is converting its coal-burning steam train to oil after 64 years, ending the iconic locomotive's use of coal that predates Dolly Parton's ownership of the Tennessee theme park. The park announced on February 24 that the Dollywood Express is switching to a different fuel type to reduce maintenance needs, lower pollution, and improve operations during unfavorable weather. WGN News reporter
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24 February
The Self-Driving Car Invasion of Orlando Theme Parks Just Started
Waymo launched its autonomous ride-hailing service in Orlando on February 24, 2026, meaning fully driverless cars with literally nobody behind the wheel are now operating on Central Florida roads, covering Universal Orlando Resort, parts of Walt Disney World Resort, and Orlando International Airport. This isn't some distant future concept anymore. These cars are driving around theme park areas rig
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24 February
Universal Is Installing Technology to Silence Guest on This New Coaster
Universal Studios Hollywood has installed sound-shielding panels on the upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster to reduce noise from both the ride and guests. These transparent panels, designed with a slight green tint, are meant to address noise concerns from nearby residents. Sound levels were so significant that Universal had to conduct sound tests and implement sound-reduction technol
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22 February
Universal Orlando Erases Pteranodon Flyers With No Explanation
If you walked into Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando this week expecting to see Pteranodon Flyers soaring above Camp Jurassic, you were in for a surprise. It’s gone. Not demolished. Not officially retired. But effectively erased from guest view. Construction walls now surround the entrance to Pteranodon Flyers at Islands of Adventure. There’s no reopening timeline. No posted signage explaining wh
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22 February
After 40 Years, Dolly Parton Brings Dollywood Into Disney’s Backyard
For years, the idea lingered in theme park circles: What if Dolly Parton ever decided to make a serious move toward Orlando? While Disney and Universal expanded aggressively across Central Florida, Dollywood remained firmly rooted in Tennessee. It thrived on its own terms—leaning into mountain charm, seasonal festivals, and family-friendly attractions rather than chasing the scale of Orlando’s meg
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22 February
Two People Climb, Swing on Roller Coaster Tracks at Busch Gardens
A video posted on social media appears to show two people climbing, swinging, and lying on the Cheetah Hunt roller coaster tracks at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay without harnesses or proper safety equipment. X (formerly known as Twitter) user @saxontracks shared the footage on February 9, tagging Busch Gardens and jokingly asking: What in the name of OSHA is happening here @BuschGardens? What in the na
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21 February
Epic Universe Has Bad News for Fans of This Massive Coaster
For theme park fans, few experiences compare to stepping into a brand-new park for the first time. The excitement, the music swelling through immersive lands, and the promise of groundbreaking attractions all contribute to the kind of magic guests expect when visiting a destination like Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort. Since its debut, Epic Universe has been positioned as a bold step for
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