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 -
    24 October
    Dolly Parton in front of the Dollywood sign

    Dollywood Cuts Prices to $5 for Limited Time After Major Attendance Update

    Two major announcements have placed Dollywood at the center of theme park conversation this week. The Smoky Mountains destination, long a favorite among families and coaster enthusiasts, is seeing record-breaking attention at a moment when it is also offering its most surprising deal yet. The park, famously rooted in Appalachian culture and Dolly Parton’s musical legacy, has steadily expanded over

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  • 24 October
    Universal Studios Globe

    The Universal Ride That Has an Unofficial Reputation for Crashing Daily

    Every theme park fan learns the routine. One minute you’re in line, the next you’re listening to an announcement about “technical difficulties.” That’s just the way it goes sometimes. But at Universal Orlando Resort, there’s one attraction that doesn’t just break now and then—it seems to make downtime part of its daily schedule. Regular guests have almost learned to build it into their touring pla

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  • 23 October
    the arched entrance to Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park

    Fans Brace for Restrictions as Universal Holds Epic Universe Back in 2026

    The countdown to 2026 just got a little less exciting for some Universal Orlando fans. Instead of the big Annual Pass expansion many had been expecting, the company has decided to keep its most popular park locked behind separate ticket purchases for another year. Ticket Sales Open, But With a Catch Universal just made 2026 tickets for Epic Universe available, giving fans a chance to plan their tr

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  • 23 October
    guests walking to entrance of Universal Studios Florida for Horror Nights 2025. Halloween Horror Nights 35 Original Houses

    NEW: Universal Officially Opens Tickets For 2026

    Have you heard the news? Related: ‘Stranger Things’ Sparks Backlash With Controversial Season 5 Decision Universal has officially made 2026 tickets available for Epic Universe, much to the delight of theme park enthusiasts. This significant announcement allows guests to start planning their vacations to what is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in the Orlando area. Guests

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  • 22 October
    Lost Continent in Universal's Islands of Adventure park

    Fans Say Goodbye as Universal Begins Dismantling Lost Continent

    The inevitable has finally arrived at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The Lost Continent—once a land brimming with myth, legend, and immersive detail—is officially being dismantled. It started with something small, but fans knew immediately what it meant: change is here. A Small Detail, a Big Shift Visitors strolling near the Treasures of Poseidon recently noticed something missing. The iconic d

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  • 22 October
    The entrances to the different lands at Epic Universe at Universal Orlando

    Universal Quietly Plots a Shocking NEW Project Just Steps Away From Epic Universe

    Universal Orlando Resort has been unstoppable lately. In just a few years, it’s pulled off a string of bold moves: overhauling its original parks, launching fresh attractions, and building an entire new theme park. That alone would be enough for most companies to rest. But not Universal. The construction activity next to Epic Universe hints at another significant development. And with Universal st

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  • 19 October
    children interact with talking mystic fountain in universal's lost continent in islands of adventure

    Universal Just Put the Final Nail in Lost Continent’s Coffin

    The rumors are no longer whispers — they’re reality. Lost Continent, one of the last untouched corners of Universal's Islands of Adventure, is finally being torn down. Universal has made it official: demolition is coming. And if you’ve walked through that eerily quiet stretch between Seuss Landing and Hogsmeade, you probably saw this coming. A Land Frozen in Time For years, Lost Continent has felt

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  • 18 October
    Two people ride Manta at SeaWorld San Diego

    Scandal Erupts: Guest Says SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Tricking Families

    Families planning a day at Busch Gardens or SeaWorld often arrive expecting a mix of animal encounters, thrill rides, and family-friendly entertainment. Increasingly, many say the reality is far different. Rising prices, unexpected fees, and what guests describe as declining standards have become routine talking points among fans and critics alike. The frustrations aren’t new. Both parks have long

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  • 18 October
    Guests on the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster

    Universal Orlando Confirms 7 Guests Hospitalized After Ride Emergencies

    Every quarter, Florida regulators release a list of medical incidents reported by the state’s theme parks. The data rarely goes unnoticed, offering a window into the realities of operating attractions that see millions of riders every year. Universal Orlando Resort, one of Florida’s busiest destinations, appeared prominently in the latest filing. The report, covering July through September 2025, i

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  • 18 October
    Hagrid's Magical Creature's Motorbike Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort.

    Universal Orlando Set to Roll Out Pricey Upcharge System at Hagrid’s Coaster

    Change is coming to Universal Orlando Resort—and it’s going to cost. The resort is inching toward a major pricing overhaul that could make skipping the line at Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure far more expensive than it’s ever been. This coaster has been one of Universal’s biggest success stories. Now, it may serve as a testing ground for a system designed to squeeze more out of ever

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