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 -
    18 February
    A group of people ride the green and orange Goliath Six Flags roller coaster as it climbs upward on the track against a clear blue sky. The riders appear excited and are securely seated in the coaster cars at Six Flags.

    Six Flags Theme Parks Are in Danger and Lower Prices Might Not Fix Things

    For years, Six Flags built its identity around accessibility. While industry giants like The Walt Disney Company and Universal Destinations & Experiences leaned into premium experiences and rising ticket prices, Six Flags offered something different: affordability. But now, in a surprising twist, that affordability has reached a new level—one that’s generating both excitement and concern across th

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  • 18 February
    Universal Orlando Resort guests in front of spinning globe

    Universal Moves to Remove Major Attraction Following Endless Closures

    Universal Orlando Resort has always felt like the place where things actually run the way they’re supposed to. Even when crowds are heavy and the wait times climb, the parks usually maintain a steady flow. Attractions stay open, guests keep moving, and the day still feels manageable. That’s why it stands out when something starts breaking that rhythm. Recently, guests have been paying attention to

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  • 17 February
    A scenic view of an amusement park featuring various roller coasters with loops and curves, a tall drop tower, and a steam train on tracks surrounded by greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

    Knott’s Berry Farm Just Beat Disney at Its Own Game With This Massive Food Festival

    Knott's Berry Farm is gearing up for its Boysenberry Festival, running March 13 through April 12, 2026. This year features over 100 food items, offering exceptional variety and value that rivals Disney's EPCOT festivals. Knott's has adopted the EPCOT festival format with specialty food booths, tasting cards, artisan vendors, and live entertainment, but with the distinctive advantage of a culinary

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  • 17 February
    FRISCO 14 train journeys through Silver Dollar City’s sunlit green woods, bringing classic coaster thrills to theme park fans.

    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
    Five Guys restaurant open on the upper level of Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort.

    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
    Five Guys restaurant open on the upper level of Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort.

    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
    Guests approach the Skull Island: Reign of Kong entrance at Universal Islands of Adventure.

    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
    Decorative golden and green archway with a clock and the inscription "For in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own," set against a partly cloudy sky at Epic Universe.

    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
    Shrek and Donkey in first 'Shrek' film

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

    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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