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- 2025 -
    26 September
    Crowds bustle around the entry archway to Universal Studios Japan at nighttime

    Universal Will Let Guests Who Pay $113 Stay in the Park for 26 Hours Straight

    New Year’s Eve celebrations at theme parks often rely on fireworks and extended hours, but Universal Studios Japan is preparing something on a different scale. The Osaka park has confirmed bold plans to remain open for more than a full day to welcome 2026. The announcement cements Universal’s reputation for pushing boundaries when it comes to live entertainment. Orlando relies on its multi-park se

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  • 26 September
    Marineland beluga

    Troubled Theme Park Faces Backlash After 20 Deaths, Shocking Whale Plan Emerges

    Rows of empty rides and shuttered attractions still stand at Marineland, the Niagara Falls theme park that once drew crowds with orca shows and roller coasters. What remains are not the amusements, but the animals — most notably, 30 beluga whales whose future is now tied up in federal approval. The company confirmed it has filed paperwork seeking to export all of its belugas. Chimelong Ocean Kingd

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  • 26 September
    A colorful building facade features a large 3D Spider-Man figure above the entrance to "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man" ride at a theme park. The background shows stylized cityscape elements against a blue sky.

    Spider-Man Still Stands as the Ride Universal Will Never Beat

    Walk through Universal Orlando Resort today, and you’ll see a company at the top of its game. The resort has stacked its lineup with thrill machines and immersive lands that wow visitors of all ages. Epic Universe has already made headlines as the most significant expansion in Universal history. Rides like Stardust Racers, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and VelociCoaster prove the brand thrives.

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  • 26 September
    Universal Orlando Resort guests in front of the globe near Universal Islands of Adventure, where Jurassic Park lives on.

    Shocking Scene at Universal as Child Steals Cane While Parents Stand By

    Universal Orlando Resort has always been known for its immersive experiences and thrilling rides, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience the magic of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. In recent months, the excitement around the opening of Epic Universe has only intensified the park’s popularity. Families and friends flock to the park to make lasting memories and enjoy the

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  • 25 September
    Guests walk through Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida during the nighttime event.

    Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights is Packed! Is It Getting Too Crowded?

    Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) has once again captivated guests with its thrilling haunted houses, spooky scare zones, and jaw-dropping production values. However, a rising concern among attendees is the increasingly long lines and heavy crowds that have made it difficult for some to fully enjoy the experience. One guest, who was reflecting on their fifth visit to the event this

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  • 25 September
    Stardust Racers in Celestial Park at Epic Universe

    After Man’s Tragic Death, Woman Sues Universal Over Ride Injuries

    It’s been just over a week since 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala tragically lost his life after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s new Epic Universe theme park. Zavala, who was reportedly found unresponsive after the ride, was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead. The cause of death has been determined to be “multiple blunt impact injuries,”

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

    Terrifying Encounter With ‘Creep’ Leaves Universal Guest Shaken

    A Universal Studios Florida guest was left traumatized following a terrifying incident that took place on the night of September 24, 2025. Universal Guest Left Stunned After Terrifying Incident A day at Universal Orlando Resort is supposed to deliver thrills, laughs, and memories worth sharing. Yet for one visitor, the excitement of a day in the parks was overshadowed by an unsettling experience i

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  • 25 September
    Colorful entrance to "Seuss Landing" at Islands of Adventure in Universal Orlando resort

    Universal’s Islands of Adventure Is on the Chopping Block—Here’s Why

    When Islands of Adventure opened in 1999, it was hailed as Universal’s masterpiece. With cutting-edge rides, elaborate theming, and bold lands like Marvel Super Hero Island and Lost Continent, it stood as a rival to anything Disney had. But in 2025, the story is very different. Epic Universe has stolen the spotlight, and Islands of Adventure suddenly looks tired. The once-fresh theming now feels r

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  • 24 September
    Universal's iconic lighthouse with a sign that reads “Islands of Adventure”

    Islands of Adventure Demolition Permit Terminated as Universal Charts New Path

    Universal Orlando Resort canceled its Project 555 demolition permit for The Lost Continent, but the opening-day land isn't out of the woods yet (or ever, probably). Universal Orlando Kills Project 555: New Permit Filed for Demolition of Opening Day Land It started with a permit. Then, almost overnight, construction walls popped up in The Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. For casu

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  • 24 September
    Close-up of the front of the Hogwarts Express train in Universal Orlando Resort

    Universal’s Hogwarts Express Will Closure in February: Here is Why

    Universal Orlando Resort has revealed that its iconic Hogwarts Express attraction will be temporarily closed for a scheduled refurbishment early next year. According to the official website: “Hogwarts Express will be temporarily closed starting February 9th, 2026 through February 23rd, 2026. The Attraction plans to reopen on February 24th, 2026.” Another Closure on the Horizon The two-

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