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 -
    21 June
    guests scream and run from scare actor in Universal's HHN haunted house

    Universal Orlando’s Scariest Haunted House Yet Confirmed for HHN 2025

    As horror fans packed into Spooky Empire this week, expecting updates on well-known franchises, Universal blindsided the crowd with something much darker—and far more original. The cheers quickly turned into chills as the next Halloween Horror Nights 2025 haunted house was revealed: El Artista: A Spanish Haunting. But this isn’t just another scare maze. It’s a descent into madness, and it might be

    Read More »
  • 20 June
    Guests scared by a monster at Halloween Horror Nights

    Universal Unveils First Original Haunted House for HHN34

    Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled El Artista – A Spanish Haunting, the first original haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights 34. This chilling new experience will transport guests to 19th-century Spain, where a tortured artist moves into an isolated manor and discovers that his artwork begins to possess him. As the artist's creations take on a life of their own, reality and horror blur, lea

    Read More »
  • 20 June
    People are riding a wooden roller coaster with a steep drop, set against a backdrop of a cloudy sky. The coaster cars are green and purple, and the riders are raising their hands, enjoying the thrill at this Florida theme park.

    Busch Gardens Shutdown May Be on the Horizon as Takeover Threatened

    In recent summers, a growing number of unsanctioned social media–driven gatherings have drawn increased attention at major theme parks across the country. Often planned by teenagers and shared widely online, these events can lead to overcrowding, strained security, and in some cases, early closures. Now, with peak season underway, concerns are surfacing around one Florida park in particular. This

    Read More »
  • 20 June
    Universal Orlando Resort guests in front of the globe near Universal Islands of Adventure, where Jurassic Park lives on.

    Universal Resurrects Defunct Day-One Experience After 26 Years in the Vault

    There’s a buzz in the air at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure—but it’s not coming from a ride launch or character parade. Instead, it's coming from something far subtler… something hidden just behind a set of themed construction walls. Right now, tucked away between The Lost Continent and the whimsical heart of Seuss Landing, a long-dormant storefront has been sealed off from

    Read More »
  • 19 June
    An orca leaps out of a large pool, splashing water, during a performance at SeaWorld. A large audience watches from stadium-style seating, eagerly observing the show.

    Report: Death of Young Orca at SeaWorld Reopens Long-Running Debate

    SeaWorld is once again under the spotlight. The marine park brand—once synonymous with awe-inspiring orca performances—now finds itself walking a fragile line between tradition and controversy. While roller coasters have begun to eclipse tanks in marketing materials, the orcas remain, quiet and ever-watched. With parks in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio, SeaWorld has leaned on its orcas for de

    Read More »
  • 19 June
    A vibrant building with colorful square panels and round windows, featuring the word "UNIVERSAL" on top. People gather at the entrance, and birds fly in the blue sky above. Trees surround the lively scene.

    Universal Picks Texas for Major New Theme Park

    The grins of animated legends like Shrek and SpongeBob will soon tower over the Frisco skyline from Universal Kids Resort—but not everyone is smiling. This week, Frisco’s City Council signed off on an eye-catching set of murals that will transform the upcoming Universal Kids Resort hotel into a towering canvas of color and characters. But behind the playful images of beloved animated stars lies a

    Read More »
  • 19 June
    Universal Orlando Resort guests in front of the globe near Universal Islands of Adventure, where Jurassic Park lives on.

    Only Universal Passholders Can Access This Secret ‘Jaws’ Experience

    For fans of Spielberg’s classic thriller Jaws (1975), June 20 isn’t just another summer day—it’s the birthday of a movie that changed cinema forever. And now, 50 years later, Universal Orlando is honoring that milestone with a mysterious Annual Passholder experience that has fans on edge—in a good way. On Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Universal Annual Passholders can head over to the UOAP Lounge

    Read More »
  • 18 June
    Grand Helios at Universal Orlando Epic Universe, as Universal's new expansion is announced.

    Universal Fans Stumble Into Hidden Park Perk—But the Company Isn’t Talking

    Imagine leaving a brand-new Universal theme park at closing time, only to find out others got to stay behind in its most beautiful area—without paying extra or signing up for a VIP event. That’s exactly what’s happening at Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s long-anticipated fourth gate. And it’s creating a mix of delight and frustration among theme park fans, with Universal offering no official ex

    Read More »
  • 18 June
    The Universal Orlando Resort globe spinning around. closure Universal Studios Florida

    Could This Be the End of Chaos at Halloween Horror Nights?

    Early morning guests at Universal Studios Florida may have noticed something curious forming along the water’s edge. Under the hush of construction tarps and steel, a skeleton of metal trusses is taking shape—right at the newly-refreshed lagoon. While casual parkgoers might chalk it up to another maintenance project, Halloween Horror Nights superfans are buzzing with speculation. This isn’t just a

    Read More »
  • 17 June
    A large amusement park roller coaster with multiple loops and twists set against a clear blue sky. Lush green trees surround the coaster, and a colorful entrance is visible at the bottom of the image.

    76 Mph Impact on Roller Coaster Raises Urgent Questions About Ride Safety Culture

    One moment, the roller coaster thundered forward with heart-pounding intensity. The next—gasps, chaos, and an alarming strike to the face. A new video has surfaced from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, captured on June 16, showing what may be one of the most disturbing rider-recorded moments in recent memory. As Iron Gwazi launches through its course, a guest in the back row, equipped with a GoPro-style c

    Read More »