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.

  • Feb- 2026 -
    11 February
    Three young people at Six Flags Great America
    Emmanuel Detres
    0

    Six Flags Drops Bombshell Announcement, Leaving Fans Stunned

    For generations, theme park fans have built entire summers around their favorite parks. Whether it’s racing toward a record-breaking coaster at Six Flags or indulging in nostalgia at Knott’s Berry Farm, the magic of a season pass isn’t just about admission — it’s about freedom. There’s a certain thrill that comes with knowing the gates are always open. Passholders form communities, memorize ride c

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  • 11 February
    Trolls roller coaster at Universal Orlando with warning sign in foreground.
    Andrew Boardwine
    0

    Universal Orlando Makes Permanent Cut to Family-Friendly DreamWorks Land Area

    Universal Orlando Resort continues to update and reshape its theme parks, and while much of the attention is focused on major ride announcements and expansion projects, smaller changes inside existing lands can sometimes have the biggest impact on day-to-day guests. A new update inside DreamWorks Land has now confirmed that one of its most family-friendly offerings has been permanently removed. Th

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  • 11 February
    guests pass Jurassic Park gate entrance in Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure park. Universal Islands of Adventure closures 2026.
    Emmanuel Detres
    0

    Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando Just Got More Bad News, and Guests Are Not Happy About It

    There’s something almost sacred about walking through the gates of Universal Orlando Resort. Guests don’t just arrive for thrill rides—they arrive for immersion. For decades, Universal’s parks have mastered the art of transporting visitors from bustling Central Florida into fully realized worlds, whether that’s stepping into Hogsmeade or standing beneath the towering gates of Jurassic Park. At Uni

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  • 11 February
    a split image. on the left, a female guest wears purple sparkling mickey ears in front of disney world's cinderella castle. on the right, two universal guests stand in front of hogwarts castle
    Sarah Larson
    1

    5 Ways Universal Orlando Has Become the Better Vacation Than Disney World

    Universal Orlando Resort has been making smart moves lately, and Disney fans are starting to notice. Disney World still holds its place as the iconic “dream vacation,” but Universal has been improving the guest experience in ways that feel more practical and more modern. These aren’t just flashy additions. Universal has been making changes that affect how your day flows, how immersive the parks fe

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  • 11 February
    A night view of an amusement park featuring a brightly lit Ferris wheel with red and blue lights. A tall, illuminated tower stands nearby. The park is bustling with people and surrounded by palm trees and various buildings. The sky is cloudy. Orlando theme park incident
    Erica Lauren
    0

    Animal Crossing Takes Over Popular Orlando Location Starting Friday

    While everyone is focused on SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal EPIC Universe, Nintendo has quietly launched another Orlando experience: the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, opening February 13 and running through April 30. If you’re visiting Orlando this spring and have Animal Crossing fans in your family, this is a must-see. Located on International Drive

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  • 10 February
    Universal's iconic lighthouse with a sign that reads “Islands of Adventure”
    Andrew Boardwine
    0

    Universal Orlando Guests Keep Getting Turned Away From King Kong

    Universal Orlando vacations usually come with one big goal: hit the rides you’ve been dreaming about. For some guests, that means racing to Hagrid’s. For others, it’s VelociCoaster. But there’s also a group of visitors who head straight toward Skull Island, ready to face off with one of Hollywood’s most famous monsters. The problem is… a lot of them aren’t getting that chance. Universal Orlando gu

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  • 9 February
    Pride Cast Members Disney
    Jess Colopy
    5

    LGBTQIA+ Pride Will Not Be Celebrated at Disney World This June

    Gay Days Orlando has canceled its 2026 event at Walt Disney World Resort, citing sponsor losses, changes to hotel agreements, and broader challenges facing LGBTQIA+ events nationwide. The announcement on February 9 confirms the June celebration—which would have marked the event's 35th anniversary—will not proceed. The organization describes the decision as a “pause” rather than permane

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  • 9 February
    A crowd of people walk toward the large arched entrance of Universal Studios Florida
    Brittni Ward
    0

    Universal Increases Security Presence as Mardi Gras Crowd Behavior Escalates

    Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras season is supposed to be fun chaos. It’s one of the few times of year where Universal Studios Florida feels like it transforms into a full-blown street party. There are parade floats, food booths, concerts, themed merch, and of course, beads everywhere you look. But in the middle of all that celebration, guests noticed something that felt unusually serious. A post on

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  • 8 February
    Mist in front of Stardust Racers at Epic Universe.
    Jess Colopy
    0

    Universal Epic Universe Enforces Abrupt Ride Closure Effective February 8

    Stardust Racers went dark again at Universal Epic Universe on Sunday, with half the dueling roller coaster unexpectedly shutting down and forcing guests into extended waits for a compromised experience. The February 8 malfunction marked the latest setback for an attraction that's become synonymous with operational headaches since Universal Orlando Resort's third theme park opened less than a year

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  • 8 February
    A crowd of people walk toward the large arched entrance of Universal Studios Florida
    Brittni Ward
    0

    Universal Orlando Just Added a Character Fans Never Expected to Meet

    Universal Orlando Resort has never been subtle about Mardi Gras. When the season hits Universal Studios Florida, the park doesn’t just “celebrate” the event—it basically transforms into one giant party. Between the parade, the live performances, the food booths, and the constant energy in the streets, Mardi Gras has become one of the biggest reasons guests plan spring trips to Universal. And now,

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