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.

  • Dec- 2025 -
    1 December
    Mickey Mouse stands on a balcony decorated with red, white, and blue banners, giving two thumbs up in front of a building with a clock and ornate details.
    Rick Lye
    0

    Central Florida’s Theme Park Reign Challenged as a New Rival Rises

    Rise of Theme Parks in Arizona Arizona is emerging as a formidable competitor in the theme park landscape, posing a significant challenge to Central Florida's longstanding dominance in the sector. Historically, Central Florida has served as the epicenter of theme park activity, featuring the renowned Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Credit: Disney / Universal However, the arrival of new at

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  • 1 December
    The exterior of Hogwarts castle at Universal Orlando Resort.
    Thomas Hitchen
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    Universal Closure Confirmed, Guest Disruption Doubled

    Universal Orlando Resort has announced that the Hogwarts Express, one of the resort’s most relied-upon attractions, will undergo two upcoming closures. The train is central to the layout and guest flow of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, linking three major lands that have grown steadily over the past 15 years. The journey began in June 2010 when Islands of Adventure unveiled Hogsmeade, inviti

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  • 1 December
    Hogwarts at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
    Jess Colopy
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    Three New Harry Potter Theme Park Destinations Are on the Way

    We have big news for Harry Potter fans around the world. Three new theme park destinations inspired by the Wizarding World franchise are moving forward, and for the first time, none of them belong to Universal Destinations & Experiences. While Universal continues operating its six existing Wizarding World lands across Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, and Beijing, other companies are stepping into the sp

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  • 1 December
    Universal Orlando Resort guests in front of spinning globe
    Brittni Ward
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    Major Tree Removal at Universal Orlando Fuels Speculation Over New Land

    It’s been a long time coming, but real change finally appears to be underway at Lost Continent inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure. While nothing has been officially announced yet, guests and fans are noticing a major shift—quite literally—in the landscape. Aerial photography revealed that a significant number of trees have been cleared from a backstage portion of the land, specifically betwee

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  • Nov- 2025 -
    29 November
    Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen in 'How the Grinch Stole Chrismtas' (2000)
    Sarah Larson
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    Universal Fuels Speculation About a Year-Round ‘Grinch’ Experience

    Every holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort comes with its own traditions, but none shine quite like the Grinch. As soon as festive décor hits the parks, guests rush toward his meet-and-greets, and social media fills with clips of the Grinch dishing out sarcasm and humor. This rising wave of attention has sparked a new conversation: should Universal let guests enjoy the Grinch all year long i

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  • 28 November
    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.
    Rick Lye
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    Six Flags Parks Face Uncertainty as New CEO Must Decide Which Parks to Close

    New Leadership Challenges at Six Flags Six Flags has appointed John Reilly as its new CEO, effective December 8. Reilly previously served as CEO of Palace Entertainment and held the position of COO at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. Credit: Six Flags His appointment comes at a critical time for Six Flags, as the company is facing significant operational challenges. Reilly's experience in the amu

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  • 28 November
    Guests enter Universal Studios Florida during Halloween Horror Nights season at Universal Orlando Resort.
    Sarah Larson
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    Universal Orlando Teases HUGE Park Transformation for 2026

    Universal Orlando Resort is hinting at something much larger than a typical update, and the excitement is already building. The resort has begun dropping hints about a major shift arriving in 2026, and while nothing substantial has been formally unveiled, the early indications are significant. Universal seems to be preparing for a year that could look and feel different from what guests are used t

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  • 27 November
    SeaWorld Orlando entrance with visitors walking towards the amusement park. A vibrant sign featuring a jumping dolphin and the text "SeaWorld Orlando" is visible on the right. In the background, a blue roller coaster is surrounded by lush green trees and clear skies, at this Florida theme park.
    Chloe James
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    SeaWorld Under Federal Review, Controversial Theme Park Shares Update

    SeaWorld is now under federal review following a recent accessibility policy change that has drawn complaints from guests who rely on mobility devices. The investigation centers on whether the theme park operator’s updated rules comply with federal disability law. The inquiry is being led by the U.S. Department of Justice after multiple guests reported being denied entry with certain mobility aids

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  • 26 November
    Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios
    Brittni Ward
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    Turkey, Stuffing, and Thrill Rides: Universal Orlando’s Thanksgiving Menu Arrives

    Spending Thanksgiving at Universal Orlando can be one of the most relaxing—and unexpectedly festive—ways to enjoy the holiday. Instead of worrying about cooking, cleaning, or timing a turkey, guests can simply walk into one of the parks or resorts and choose from several Thanksgiving-inspired dining options. Inside the parks, Islands of Adventure offers two of the most convenient choices for holid

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  • 26 November
    split image with Universal guests in front of spinning globe on the left and Disney adults in front of Cinderella Castle on the right
    Sarah Larson
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    Universal Is Winning the Theme Park Game and Disney Fans Know It

    There’s a quiet shift happening in Orlando. Universal Orlando Resort, once the scrappy challenger, is suddenly the park everyone’s talking about—and Disney fans aren’t exactly celebrating. You can sense the frustration in online posts and park debates. It’s not anger so much as disbelief. For the first time in a long time, Disney fans are the ones feeling left out. From Underdog to Innovator For d

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