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 -17 February
End of an Era: Silver Dollar City Confirms Iconic Coaster Is Closing
Silver Dollar City has confirmed a major change that’s going to hit longtime visitors right in the nostalgia. The Branson theme park announced that its classic runaway mine train coaster, Thunderation, will officially close after the 2026 season. The attraction has been a fixture at Silver Dollar City for more than 30 years, and its retirement marks the end of one of the park’s most memorable eras
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17 February
Universal Just Announced a New Massive CityWalk Venue, and Fans Are Worried
Universal Orlando Resort just dropped an announcement that has CityWalk regulars genuinely nervous, and the concern is completely understandable. Country superstar Luke Combs is bringing his Category 10 entertainment brand to CityWalk in late 2027, and the scale of what's being built is significant enough that fans are rightfully asking hard questions about what has to disappear to make room for i
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16 February
Universal Guests Frustrated as Volcano Bay Ride Closure Drags On
Volcano Bay has always been one of Universal Orlando’s most impressive parks, mostly because it doesn’t feel like a typical water park. It feels like an experience. Between the tropical theming, the towering volcano, and the carefully designed layout, Universal has always treated Volcano Bay like a major destination rather than a side activity. But lately, guests have been noticing something that
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16 February
Toon Lagoon Spot at Universal’s Islands of Adventure Expected to Shutdown This April
Universal Orlando guests planning a spring trip to Universal’s Islands of Adventure may want to take note: a popular Toon Lagoon attraction is expected to temporarily shut down later this April. Me Ship, The Olive, the walk-through Popeye-themed play structure, is currently scheduled for refurbishment from April 19 through April 25, 2026. While the closure window is short, it still marks a noticea
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14 February
Universal’s EPIC Universe Changed Early Entry Rules AGAIN
Universal's EPIC Universe has been open for almost a year, and the park still cannot figure out a consistent Early Park Admission program, which is absolutely ridiculous for guests paying premium prices for resort hotels specifically to get that one-hour head start. This is now the THIRD major change to the attractions available during early entry, and the constant adjustments are making it basica
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14 February
3 Months After This Attraction Experience Opened, It Was Swiftly Removed by Universal Orlando Resort
For many parents visiting Universal Orlando Resort, the magic isn’t just in roller coasters and cinematic thrills. It’s in the small details — the shaded benches, interactive elements, and especially water play areas that provide a much-needed escape from Florida’s relentless heat. In a park where temperatures routinely climb into the 90s, splash pads aren’t just a perk; they’re survival tools. Th
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14 February
Epic Universe Is Going To Get Much Bigger: $20 Million Bigger
When Universal Orlando Resort officially opened Epic Universe in May 2025, it wasn’t just another theme park debut—it was the culmination of years of anticipation. Fans flooded through the gates of the brand-new destination, eager to explore its five immersive worlds, each packed with attractions, dining, and meticulously crafted storytelling. For many guests, stepping into Epic Universe felt like
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12 February
Six Flags Demolishes Classic Park and Leaves Only Dirt Behind
Six Flags Great America is officially heading into a milestone season, with the park preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. For many fans, this anniversary year should feel like a celebration of everything the park has been over the decades—classic rides, longtime themed lands, and attractions that have been part of family traditions for generations. But instead of a quiet buildup to
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12 February
Epic Universe Changes Early Park Admission After Nearly 10 Months of Operation
Epic Universe hasn’t even hit its one-year anniversary yet, but Universal Orlando is already making it clear that the park’s operation is still evolving. In fact, one of the most noticeable changes isn’t happening on the rides themselves—it’s happening in the way guests are allowed to enter the park. After nearly 10 months of operation, Universal appears to have quietly adjusted Epic Universe’s Ea
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11 February
Universal Orlando Quietly Reopens Major ‘Jurassic Park’ Area
Universal Orlando Resort has quietly brought back one of the most beloved experiences inside Islands of Adventure, and it’s a change many guests will be relieved to see. After weeks of restricted access, Camp Jurassic has officially reopened fully, meaning visitors can once again enjoy the attraction’s most popular features—including the climbing nets and water play area. Camp Jurassic has long be
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