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.

  • Oct- 2025 -
    1 October
    Hogwarts Castle against a blue sky in Universal Studios inside the Wizarding World.

    Universal Studios Fans Outraged Over New Price Hikes Affecting Families

    Universal Studios has confirmed that select guests will be paying more for their upcoming vacations thanks to recent price hikes on certain items. Universal Studios Sends Fans Into a Frenzy Over Price Hikes You walk into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the smell of freshly baked treats in the air, and reach for a cold Butterbeer. That first sip—creamy, frothy, and perfectly sweet—has always f

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  • 1 October
    One the left: Mickey Mouse inside of Disney World. On the right: The Universal Orlando Resort globe as Epic Universe dominates amid the government shutdown.

    Orlando’s Main Airport Issues Travel Alert Following Government Shutdown

    The government shutdown has reached Orlando International Airport (MCO). Are your Universal and Disney trips safe? Disney and Universal Vacations Now Impacted by Government Shutdown You’ve circled the dates on your calendar, counted down the days with your family, maybe even ordered the matching shirts—and then, suddenly, the headlines hit: the U.S. government officially shut down on October 1, 20

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  • 1 October
    Guests riding Jurassic Park River Adventure in Universal

    Jurassic Park River Adventure Faces Radical Transformation in 2026

    Universal Orlando Resort has never been shy about shaking things up. The resort thrives on reinvention, often reimagining entire areas to keep crowds coming back. That bold strategy has brought in stunning new rides, but it has also left fans bracing for the loss of longtime favorites. Next in line is the Jurassic Park section, with its flagship attraction facing an uncertain future in 2026. Credi

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  • 1 October
    Stardust Racers in Epic Universe

    Universal Epic Universe Tragedy Could Have Been Prevented, Guests Claim

    A tragic incident at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is now under both state and local investigation, with the park also facing mounting legal challenges. On September 17, 32-year-old guest Kevin Rodriguez Zavala rode Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster that reaches a 133-foot summit and speeds over 60 miles per hour. He lost consciousness during the ride, and when the train returned to the s

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  • Sep- 2025 -
    30 September
    the arched entrance to Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park

    Epic Universe Quietly Resumes Coaster Work After Tragic Guest Death

    Universal's Epic Universe theme park closed down its most prominent roller coaster after a tragic death. Now, it appears that some construction work is taking place. Universal’s Epic Universe Coaster Appears To Be Under Construction It’s only been 131 days since Epic Universe opened its gates in May 2025, but one of its star attractions, Stardust Racers, has already become the center of controvers

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  • 28 September
    How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, Epic Universe

    Universal Vet Says This Common Problem Starts Most Theme Park Brawls

    The excitement of visiting a theme park can quickly turn into frustration when guests find themselves waiting in line for hours, only to see others breeze past them. It’s an issue that many visitors have faced, especially in parks with a larger crowd, where the battle for time becomes just as fierce as the rides themselves. One of the culprits behind this growing frustration is Universal's Express

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  • 28 September
    Dollywood Dolly Parton

    The Owners of Dollywood Just Shut Down One of Its Theme Parks

    Herschend’s Recent Acquisitions and Strategy Earlier this year, Herschend announced its acquisition of Palace Entertainment, which brought 20 U.S. theme parks under its operational umbrella. This strategic move enabled Herschend to enhance its portfolio, including celebrated attractions such as Dollywood and Silver Dollar City. The merger aligns Herschend with an intent to solidify its position in

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  • 28 September
    Sign reading "Epic Universe" at the entrance of Universal's Epic Universe theme park. Epic Universe annual passes

    Universal Sued for $50 Million After Guest Suffers Brain Bleed at Orlando Park

    A man has filed a $50 million lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort, claiming he suffered a brain bleed after slipping in a wet bathroom at the Universal Volcano Bay water park. Joshua De La Cruz, the plaintiff, alleges that his fall occurred after riding the Ko’okiri Body Plunge waterslide on July 11, 2025. He says that after asking a nearby lifeguard where the restroom was, he entered the bat

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  • 27 September
    the arched entrance to Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park

    Epic Universe Coaster Faces Scrutiny After Lawsuit Suddenly Disappears

    When Universal unveiled Epic Universe earlier this year, the park was pitched as a turning point in Orlando’s theme park rivalry. From a sprawling Celestial Park to entire lands built around Nintendo and DreamWorks, the project promised to reset expectations for what a modern resort could deliver. The debut brought enormous crowds — and enormous scrutiny. Epic Universe instantly became the talk of

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  • 27 September
    Hagrid's Magical Creature's Motorbike Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort.

    Universal Orlando Closes Down Coaster as Guests Get Attacked Onboard

    Universal Orlando guests were attacked while riding Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure on September 27, 2025. As of 2:19 p.m. EST, the ride has shut down. Universal Orlando Guests Attacked While on Coaster, Leading to Evacuation, Closure Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure experienced an unusual moment of chaos on September 27, as guests reported being stung by bees on one of the

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