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.

  • Sep- 2026 -
    9 September
    Official concept artwork for the Harry Potter-themed expansion coming to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island.
    Emmanuel Detres
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    Warner Bros. Confirms Harry Potter Expansion Beyond Universal With Three New Lands

    For nearly two decades, Harry Potter’s permanent theme-park presence has been synonymous with Universal. That exclusivity is now ending. Miral and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences have officially revealed three Harry Potter-themed lands for Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island: Diagon Alley, Hogwarts, and the Forbidden Forest. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will become the first perma

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  • 8 September
    Universal Studios Florida archway surrounded by scaffolding and construction equipment ahead of Halloween Horror Nights 35.
    Brittni Ward
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    Universal Orlando Adds New Passholder Giveaway for Halloween Horror Nights Season

    October is about to bring something extra for Universal Orlando Annual Passholders. Universal has revealed a new complimentary Passholder magnet arriving October 1, 2026, and the resort is going all-in on Halloween Horror Nights for the design. Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow will share the spotlight on the new collectible, making it noticeably different from a standard UOAP giveaway. Passholders

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  • 8 September
    The Universal globe outside Universal Studios Florida
    Sarah Larson
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    Universal Orlando Locks In Rock the Universe 2027 Dates, Confirms Massive Star Lineup

    January is already shaping up to be a busy month at Universal Orlando Resort, especially for guests who want more than a regular theme park day. Universal has confirmed the 2027 return of Rock the Universe, bringing its annual Christian music festival back to Universal Studios Florida. The weekend will feature two nights of concerts, opportunities to enjoy theme park attractions, and a worship ser

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  • 8 September
    ix Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas, with the park’s Six Flags branding and roller coasters visible in the background.
    Emmanuel Detres
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    Six Flags Acquires ArieForce One, Confirms Acclaimed RMC Coaster Will Return by 2029

    Six Flags has acquired ArieForce One, the acclaimed Rocky Mountain Construction coaster formerly operated at Fun Spot America Atlanta in Fayetteville, Georgia. The company says the ride will be relocated to an as-yet-unannounced Six Flags park and reintroduced during the 2028 or 2029 season. Fun Spot America remains active in Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida, while Six Flags now controls the former

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  • 7 September
    Twizzler dancers posing in front of a Hersheypark sign.
    Jess Colopy
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    Hersheypark Confirms End of Operations on September 7, 2026

    Hersheypark's 120th summer season comes to a close on September 7, 2026, and guests visiting on this final day are also bidding farewell to a ride that's been part of the park for more than 30 years. Saying Goodbye to Tidal Force Tidal Force, the 32-year-old water ride on Hersheypark's Boardwalk, is permanently closing alongside the end of the summer season. The Hershey, Pennsylvania, theme park f

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  • 7 September
    Bird’s-eye view of a sunken pirate ship at SeaWorld’s underwater adventure zone, dramatically lit with vibrant blue, green, and orange spotlights.
    Rick Lye
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    The Magic Expands: 3 New Harry Potter Theme Park Lands Announced Under One Roof

    In a historic reveal for theme park enthusiasts, Miral and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences have officially unveiled a massive Wizarding World expansion featuring three distinct Harry Potter–themed lands. Spanning approximately 63,000 square meters (678,000 square feet), the project will bring Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest together under a single indoor roof for the ver

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  • 5 September
    Universal Studios’ Jaws parade float in Orlando
    Sarah Larson
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    Universal Files New ‘Jaws’ Trademark Covering ‘Park Attraction’ 14 Years Later

    Fourteen years after Jaws disappeared from Universal Studios Florida, the famous shark is suddenly back in an interesting theme park conversation. Universal City Studios submitted a new trademark application for Jaws (1975) on September 3, 2026. While the filing covers several areas of entertainment, two phrases immediately stand out for Universal Orlando fans: “amusement park attraction” and “the

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  • 5 September
    Guests scared by a monster at Halloween Horror Nights
    Sarah Larson
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    Universal Tightens Scare Actor Roaming at Halloween Horror Nights Following Park Incidents

    A Halloween Horror Nights character can go from entertaining a handful of guests to being surrounded by a massive crowd within minutes. Universal learned just how difficult that attention can become when Art the Clown roamed Universal Orlando last year. Some guests reportedly went far beyond taking photos or enjoying the interaction. Touching, grabbing, chasing, and other behaviors created concern

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  • 5 September
    Former Lost Continent area at Universal Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort.
    Emmanuel Detres
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    The Shire Will Soon Be a Theme Park Land: Universal Bulldozes 1990 Land

    Middle-earth Enterprises has filed fresh U.S. trademark applications for “THE SHIRE” and “LA COMARCA” covering “providing theme park services.” The applications were filed August 31, 2026, and are currently pending—not registrations, construction permits, or an announcement from Universal Orlando Resort. Middle-earth Enterprises, the rights company tied to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings an

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  • 4 September
    halloween horror nights lagoon show at universal orlando resort
    Sarah Larson
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    Universal Under Fire Over Widespread Glitches Ruining $100+ Horror Nights Experience

    A night at Halloween Horror Nights can involve a lot of waiting for only a few minutes inside each haunted house. That makes it especially noticeable when guests finally walk inside and discover that part of the experience isn't working. That's already becoming a complaint at Universal Studios Hollywood. Halloween Horror Nights opened in Hollywood on September 3, and visitors have reported several

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