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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Mar- 2026 -24 March
Universal Just Made a Move That Could Change Epic Universe Sooner Than Expected
If you’ve been wondering what’s next for Epic Universe, a new permit might be giving us the first real clue. Universal Orlando recently filed paperwork for a “future attraction” tied to the park, and while there hasn’t been any official announcement, the details behind that filing are already turning heads. This isn’t the kind of permit you file for routine updates. It points to something much big
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24 March
Guests May Finally Get What They’ve Been Asking For at Epic Universe—But With a Catch
For months, one question has followed every update surrounding Universal Orlando’s newest park: when will Epic Universe Annual Passes finally arrive? Ever since the park’s early previews and eventual opening, fans have been eager for a way to return again and again—without the limitations of single-day access. For many longtime Universal guests, Annual Passes aren’t just about savings; they’re abo
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24 March
After Disappearing for Months, ‘Harry Potter’ Experiences Return to Universal Parks
Universal has brought back two Harry Potter experiences, marking a small but notable update within its expanding theme park portfolio. For more than a decade, the Wizarding World has been central to Universal’s strategy. The first land — Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure — opened in 2010 and quickly drew global attention for its scale and detail. At the center of that land was Hogwarts Castle, hou
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22 March
Florida Tourist Destination Shut Down After Violent Threats, Law Enforcement Respond
A popular Florida attraction spent four consecutive days responding to bomb threats last week, closing early three times before law enforcement identified the likely motive behind the calls. Four Threats in Four Days The first call came in on Friday, March 13. Zoo Miami immediately evacuated guests and shut down operations, with the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office conducting a full security sweep of t
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21 March
Almost 10 Months Into Epic Universe, Guests Say Half the Park Still Has Problems
Epic Universe opened with enormous buzz, and it is easy to understand why. Universal Orlando Resort spent years building anticipation for this park, promising bigger worlds, newer ride systems, and a completely different kind of theme park experience. From the moment it arrived, Epic Universe felt like it was supposed to change the conversation in Orlando. In many ways, it has. Guests still talk a
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21 March
Universal Orlando Brings Back Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow for HHN 2026 With a Shocking Twist
For decades, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort has built something rare in the theme park world—its own mythology. Beyond haunted houses and jump scares, it’s a place where original characters evolve, return, and sometimes even rewrite their own stories. Fans don’t just attend HHN—they follow it. They remember the icons. They debate the lore. And every year, there’s a growing sen
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21 March
The $5 Billion Freefall: Why Activist Investors Want to Put a “For Sale” Sign on Six Flags
In the world of theme parks, the “big drop” is usually the highlight of the ride. But for shareholders of Six Flags Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: FUN), the recent financial plunge has been anything but a thrill. On March 17, 2026, the activist investment firm JANA Partners released a blistering open letter that essentially told the company’s board: The ride is broken—it’s time to sell. Cr
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20 March
Universal’s Volcano Bay Expansion Faces Setback After Florida Measure Quietly Dies
Universal's Volcano Bay is no longer getting the expansion millions had been hoping for, thanks to Florida legislation. The Future of Volcano Bay Has Always Been About More Than Just Slides For many guests, Universal’s Volcano Bay isn’t just another water park—it’s a reimagining of what a theme park experience can be. From its immersive theming to its innovative ride systems, the park has consiste
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20 March
Epic Universe Surges in Popularity, But Guests Are Already Noticing Key Issues
For decades, theme park fans have dreamed about what could come next—what could push the boundaries beyond what they already loved at Universal Orlando Resort. When Epic Universe was first announced, it wasn’t just another park. It was positioned as a generational leap. Now, nearly ten months after its grand opening, that dream is being put to the test in real time. Spring break crowds are arrivin
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20 March
These 6 Universal Orlando Rides May Be Living on Borrowed Time
Universal Orlando Resort keeps giving guests reasons to look ahead. The resort has spent years expanding, updating, and rethinking what its parks can be, and that pace has become even more evident lately. New worlds have opened, construction continues, and the overall feeling around the property is that Universal is still building toward something even larger. That excitement also creates a differ
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