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.

  • Jan- 2026 -
    27 January
    Jurassic Park dinosaur fossil inside Discovery Center in Universal's Islands of Adventure park

    Universal Orlando Suddenly Blocks Off Jurassic Park Area With No Reopening Date

    Jurassic Park has always been one of those lands that feels untouchable. You step inside, hear the music echo through the gates, and everything feels exactly as you remember it. That’s why what’s happening now inside Islands of Adventure feels so strange. Guests are turning corners and running straight into barricades. “Do Not Enter” signs replace open walkways. Construction walls slice through pa

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  • 26 January
    Universal Orlando Resort guests driving into the parking garage for a day in the theme parks, where the Hogwarts Express is located.

    Universal Orlando Updates Park Entry, Effective Immediately

    Universal Studios Florida is receiving an immediate entrance makeover as construction crews repaint buildings with a new color scheme. The abrupt aesthetic transformation at Universal Orlando Resort's original theme park began on January 23 without advance warning or explanation from the company. Entrance Color Scheme Changed Workers recently began repainting the entrance structures at Universal S

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  • 24 January
    Artist’s rendering of a vibrant amusement park with a colorful spinning ride on the left, a looping roller coaster above, lush greenery, and people exploring and looking up in excitement in the foreground at this new Jurassic World themed land coming soon to this Universal park.

    Universal Releases New Height Requirements for Families, Children as New Park Takes Shape

    For decades, theme parks have promised magic for guests of all ages — but in reality, that magic has often come with fine print. Height restrictions. Rider swaps. Tearful kids standing outside attractions they were “almost tall enough” to ride. That’s why Universal’s upcoming Universal Kids Resort has sparked such emotional excitement. From DreamWorks to Nickelodeon to Illumination, the park has b

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  • 24 January
    Split image: On the left, two women in costume, one with green skin, in a warmly lit setting. On the right, a family of four walks happily near the large Universal globe at a theme park.

    ‘Wicked’ Is Making Its Way to Universal Destinations and Experiences: New Lands, Experiences Confirmed

    For millions of theme park fans, the magic of Universal isn’t just found in rides and roller coasters—it lives in the promise of what might come next. Every year, travelers plan pilgrimages to Orlando, Hollywood, and beyond, chasing the next immersive land, the next groundbreaking attraction, the next franchise brought to life. Universal Destinations & Experiences has built a reputation on reinven

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

    Universal Just Released Hello Kitty Merch But How About An Actual Experience?

    Universal Orlando Resort just dropped a brand new Hello Kitty & Friends merchandise collection at the Universal Studios Store in CityWalk. While it's nice to have new products featuring the iconic Sanrio character, fans are asking a bigger question: when is Universal going to give Hello Kitty the park presence she actually deserves? The Full Merchandise Lineup The new collection is pretty extensiv

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  • 23 January
    A crowd of people walk toward the large arched entrance of Universal Studios Florida

    Assault Charges Distributed to Family of Four After Physical Violence Erupts at Universal Orlando

    A Universal Orlando Resort team member is recovering today after being assaulted by a family of four. The Magic of Universal Hotels Is Built on Trust and Tranquility For many Universal Orlando Resort guests, a hotel stay is more than just a place to sleep—it’s an extension of the magic. From sweeping Italian architecture to harbor-side views, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has long been considered one

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  • 22 January
    Pokemon Characters

    Universal’s Nintendo Strategy Points to Pokémon Land in Orlando

    Universal’s relationship with Nintendo has never been subtle. From the moment SUPER NINTENDO WORLD was announced, it was clear this was not a one-off experiment. This was the foundation of a long-term strategy — one designed to reshape the future of Universal theme parks. Now, with Pokémon officially confirmed for Universal Studios Japan, that strategy is becoming much easier to see. For years, in

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  • 22 January
    Families and children in costume pose in front of a large globe with "Universal" written on it, illuminated at night. A mist surrounds the base of the globe, creating a colorful, vibrant atmosphere. Trees and a flag are visible in the background.

    Universal Announced a Massive Attraction for Japan and U.S. Fans Are Getting Screwed Over Again

    Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company just dropped an announcement that's both exciting and absolutely infuriating for American theme park fans. They're building what they're calling world-class, innovative, immersive Pokémon attractions at the Japan park, with vague promises that U.S. parks will eventually get something. And if you're keeping track, this is the same pattern Universal ha

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  • 22 January
    A crowd of people walk toward the large arched entrance of Universal Studios Florida

    Newest Universal Orlando Death Case Gets Significant Update

    A state-issued theme park incident report has revealed new details surrounding a fatal event that occurred at Universal Studios Florida late last year. The report confirms that a 70-year-old woman died after riding Revenge of the Mummy, one of Universal Orlando Resort’s most recognizable thrill rides. The incident was summarized in the report with the line, “Revenge of the Mummy, 70 yof, unr

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

    Epic Universe Roller Coaster Now Closed as Investigation Is Underway

    When guests step into a brand-new theme park, they expect wonder. They expect innovation. And above all, they expect magic that works exactly as promised. Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated Epic Universe is designed to be a generational leap forward — a bold new chapter meant to rival even Walt Disney World’s most iconic expansions. At the center of that promise sits one of the park’s m

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