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 -
    2 September
    Sign reading "Epic Universe" at the entrance of Universal's Epic Universe theme park. Epic Universe annual passes

    Universal Orlando Quietly Starts MASSIVE New Epic Universe Project

    Fresh permits, staged materials, and quick-moving demolition—Universal isn’t being subtle. The resort is gearing up for more change, happening far faster than most fans expected. Epic Universe has just opened, but the groundwork for its future is already in motion. Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the Magic Epic Universe’s Grand Entrance When the gates opened in May 2025, Epic Universe redefined U

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  • 2 September
    Lorraine Baines and Marty McFly in 'Back to the Future'

    Why ‘Back to the Future’ at Universal Studios GB Is a Great Idea

    When Universal confirmed earlier this year that Universal Studios Great Britain would open in Bedfordshire sometime in 2031, fans immediately started guessing which attractions might anchor the park. Names like Jurassic World, James Bond, and Paddington have all surfaced. But for many, one franchise feels like a natural fit: Back to the Future. The Robert Zemeckis-directed 1985 classic is celebrat

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  • 1 September
    Miriam Margolyes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

    Harry Potter Reboot Casting Sparks Huge Backlash Online

    The story of Harry Potter continues to evolve long after the original films left theaters. Generations of fans have fallen in love with the adventures of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, and the franchise has managed to maintain its cultural significance with theme parks, plays, video games, and endless merchandise. It’s hard to imagine modern fantasy storytelling without the shadow of Hogwarts looming l

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  • 1 September
    Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) watching Buckbeak die in 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakban'

    JK Rowling Claps Back After Director Declares Harry Potter Reunion Dead

    When audiences first stepped into theaters to see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in 2001, they were introduced to more than just a story—they witnessed the beginning of a cultural phenomenon. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who were virtually unknown before being cast, quickly became household names. Their lives would never be the same, and over the course of a decade, they

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  • 1 September
    Roller coaster at Six Flags theme park.

    Analyst Suggests Six Flags’ Only Path Forward is a Major Selloff

    Six Flags' Declining Revenue and Attendance Six Flags is grappling with a severe downturn, evidenced by a 17% drop in attendance. This drastic decline has translated into a staggering revenue loss of $100 million during the year's second quarter. Credit: Six Flags The financial distress has only been compounded by the recent resignation of CEO Richard Zimmerman, which adds a layer of uncertainty a

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  • Aug- 2025 -
    31 August
    Entrance to Hersheypark with people walking in and out; a large Hersheypark sign is above the gate, and a roller coaster is visible in the background at this theme park news.

    Where Was Security? Lost Boy Walks Along Theme Park Monorail Tracks Trying to Locate his Family

    Incident Overview at Hershey Park A concerning incident unfolded at Hershey Park when a lost boy, separated from his family, was spotted walking along a monorail track. This track, elevated approximately 25 to 30 feet in the air, became the setting for a tense situation. The young boy had reportedly been waiting for his family near the monorail station when he wandered off and spent around 20 minu

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  • 31 August
    Steve Burton as Jason Morgan in General Hospital

    Scammers Trick Loyal ‘General Hospital’ Fan Out of More Than $350K Using Star’s Identity

    For more than six decades, fans of the long-running ABC soap opera General Hospital have invited the residents of Port Charles into their homes. Characters like Luke and Laura Spencer, Sonny Corinthos, the Quartermaines, and Alexis Davis have become more than just fictional names on a screen—they feel like family. The show has become part of viewers’ daily lives, offering a mix of drama, romance,

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  • 30 August
    the arched entrance to Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park

    Universal Orlando May Open Fifth Gate in Game-Changing Expansion

    Universal Orlando is getting bigger sooner than we realize. Either Epic Universe is expanding, or we're getting a fifth Universal gate in Orlando. Picture this: a company quietly files paperwork that could reshape the future of theme parks in Orlando, and almost no one notices. No press release, no flashy announcement—just a few pages buried deep in government files. Yet when fans uncovered Univer

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  • 29 August
    Fred, George, Ginny, and Ron Weasley in Dumbledore's Army

    HBO Shocks Fans with Reappearance of Erased ‘Harry Potter’ Character in New Series!

    The Wizarding World continues to captivate audiences across the globe, nearly three decades after J.K. Rowling first introduced us to the magical realm of Harry Potter. From the triumphs of Harry and his loyal friends to the iconic adventures that shaped their world, the franchise has left an indelible mark on pop culture. However, while certain characters have earned their place in the spotlight,

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

    The Hogwarts Express Is Shutting Down Soon: Find Out Why and for How Long

    The Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort is closing down in September. But for how long exactly and when? Let's find out together. The Hogwarts Express Is Closing Down in September The train whistle pierces the morning air. Guests clutch wands and maps, ready for a journey they’ve been dreaming about for months. For many, the Hogwarts Express isn’t just a ride—it’s the heartbeat of the Wiz

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