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.

  • Jun- 2025 -
    26 June
    A man proposes to his girlfriend at Isle of Berk in Epic Universe

    Proposals and Weddings Take Spotlight at Popular Epic Universe Land

    Since its grand opening on May 22, Epic Universe has rapidly become one of the most talked-about attractions at Universal Orlando Resort. Featuring lands that transport guests to beloved fantasy worlds, it’s quickly become a must-see destination for theme park enthusiasts. The park is home to five immersive lands, each with its own unique atmosphere and charm. These worlds are not just about thril

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  • 26 June
    The Universal Destinations & Experiences logo, featuring a globe with gold text, is centered over a dark, dramatic scene with two shadowy figures and a staircase in the background as Universal Chicago coming in 2027.

    Universal Destinations and Experiences Announces Next Major Expansion Coming in 2027

    Universal Destinations & Experiences has announced a massive new expansion project coming in 2027 to Chicago, Illinois. Universal Destinations and Experiences Announces Massive New Project Set for 2027 A dormant part of downtown Chicago is about to come alive—but not with life. With eerie shadows and spine-tingling sounds soon to echo through its halls, one of the most iconic names in entertainmen

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  • 26 June
    guests scream and run from scare actor in Universal's HHN haunted house

    Universal HHN 34 To Have Millions Resting in Peace With Latest Announcement

    Imagine showing up to Universal HHN 34… only to realize the haunted house you’re walking into is your own funeral. That’s the horrifying premise behind Universal Orlando’s latest announcement for Halloween Horror Nights 34. This fall, guests won’t just be dodging monsters—they’ll be stepping into the afterlife as the target of something much worse than death. So what’s really going on inside this

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  • 25 June
    the arched entrance to Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park

    You’ll Regret Trusting These Lockers at Epic Universe—Unless You Do This First

    Epic Universe is blowing people away with its incredible rides, immersive lands, and smart use of technology. One of the coolest upgrades? The facial recognition lockers that promise to simplify your day. But don’t get too comfortable. Because if you’re not careful, these next-gen lockers could bring your day to a frustrating standstill. Here’s What Makes the Lockers Seem Awesome Say goodbye to lo

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  • 24 June
    Dollywood Dolly Parton

    After Nearly 40 Years, Dolly Parton Leaves Dollywood Behind

    This winter, Dolly Parton will be stepping away from the theme park she’s helped shape for nearly four decades. The country music legend is leaving behind Dollywood and her beloved Smoky Mountains, at least for a while. Parton purchased Dollywood in 1986, taking over the former Rebel Railroad theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She had always promised herself that if she ever made it big, she w

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  • 21 June
    Grand Helios at Universal Orlando Epic Universe, as Universal's new expansion is announced.

    Why Is Walt Disney World Seeing Slower Summer Crowds? Epic Universe May Be to Blame

    As the summer season kicks off, Walt Disney World Resort is seeing fewer visitors than usual, leading to speculation about the causes behind the unexpected drop in attendance. Traditionally, one of the busiest seasons for the resort, the crowds are noticeably lighter this year. While some point to the opening of Universal Orlando Resort's new park, Epic Universe, as a possible factor, others are c

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  • 21 June
    Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Epic Universe

    Epic Universe Enhances Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry with New Effect

    Epic Universe continues to impress with its commitment to innovation, as the theme park introduces a thrilling new addition to its popular Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction. A significant new effect has been added to the ride, increasing both the drama and excitement of one of the most intense scenes in the attraction. In the Ministry Archives during the battle scene, a large

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  • 21 June
    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 Quietly Confirms Another Big Opening This Summer Amid Epic Universe Hype

    Universal’s global footprint is getting bigger—and not just in the ways fans expected. Fresh off the launch of Epic Universe in Orlando, a multi-billion-dollar venture years in the making, the company is once again making headlines. This time, however, it’s not a new theme park drawing attention, but a smaller, more calculated move in Osaka. Universal Studios Japan has confirmed it will open a maj

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  • 21 June
    The entrance to Kings Dominion Six Flags Entertainment Corporation theme park with cars attempting to get in.

    Guests Turned Away After Sudden Closure of Kings Dominion, Update Given

    From California wildfires to Arctic freezes in Tennessee, America’s theme parks have increasingly contended with sudden closures in recent years. Once largely associated with hurricanes or technical breakdowns, these disruptions now include another unexpected culprit: infrastructure failure. The latest example comes from Virginia, where Kings Dominion—one of the state’s most visited attractions—ab

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  • 21 June
    The entrances to the different lands at Epic Universe at Universal Orlando

    Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe Faces Guest Backlash After Wait Time Deception Exposed

    A Universal Orlando guest thought they had found a clever way to beat the crowds at Epic Universe: hop into the single rider line after a weather delay. But instead of zipping through the queue, they found themselves waiting longer than before—alone, frustrated, and regretting every second. “This was my biggest mistake,” they shared in a viral Reddit post. Why are so many guests falling for the sa

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