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.

  • Aug- 2025 -
    15 August
    Universal Helios Grand Hotel at the back of Epic Universe

    Universal Drops Unexpected Operational Bombshell for Epic Universe

    Since its grand opening on May 22, 2025, Epic Universe has been nothing short of a blockbuster success for Universal Orlando Resort. The park’s cutting-edge attractions, immersive themed lands, and record-breaking attendance have not only drawn massive crowds but also boosted overall resort traffic, hotel bookings, and merchandise sales. Social media buzz and glowing guest reviews have kept moment

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  • 15 August
    Crowds bustle around the entry archway to Universal Studios Japan at nighttime

    Universal Is Increasing Annual Pass Prices (Yes, Again)

    Universal’s theme parks have been in constant motion in recent years — adding new attractions, expanding existing lands, and drawing record-breaking crowds. From the rolling hills of Southern California to the bustling streets of Osaka, the brand’s global footprint continues to grow. Yet for visitors, those expansions often come with a familiar trade-off. The company’s rapid development has been m

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  • 15 August
    A roller coaster with people riding it passes above a large blue sign that reads "Welcome to Cedar Point." Various parts of the amusement park, including other rides, are visible in the background under a clear blue sky. Millennium Force seat belt issue

    The Frustration Ends: New Law Requires Theme Parks to Report Ride Down Times to Guests Within Five Minutes

    Overview of the Proposed Legislation The Real-Time Ride Status Notification Act, introduced in Ohio, aims to revolutionize the theme park industry by requiring operators to provide real-time updates on ride downtimes. State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan proposed this legislation to enhance transparency within theme parks. It mandates explicitly that downtime information be communicated to gu

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  • 14 August
    The exterior of Hogwarts castle at Universal Orlando Resort.

    Universal Orlando Cuts Off Access to Major Area With No Explanation

    You don’t forget a surprise like this — you walk into Universal Orlando Resort expecting the usual sights, and suddenly one is gone. This week, guests spotted an entire section sealed off by high construction walls. The space had been open only recently, which made the abrupt closure stand out even more. The rumor mill started spinning almost instantly, with nothing official from the park. Is it a

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  • 13 August
    diagon alley dragon breathing fire, universal studios orlando

    Universal Orlando’s Confusing New Policies Have Guests Asking “Which Is It?”

    Universal Orlando has a knack for keeping things fresh—new attractions, revamped events, and occasional updates to how the parks operate. Most of the time, these changes make sense. But every so often, the resort sends out a mixed message so puzzling that guests can’t help but ask, “Which is it?” That’s exactly what’s going on now, thanks to a clash between Universal’s marketing and what’s actuall

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  • 13 August
    Aerial view of Six Flags Great America from an observation tower.

    Six Flags Great America Announces Closure in Five Days

    Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, has announced a closure set to begin in just five days. The Midwestern theme park has given guests just five days to experience the Raging Bull roller coaster before it closes indefinitely. On August 11, Six Flags Great America confirmed that the “last chance to ride” Raging Bull will be August 18, 2025. The roller coaster debuted in 1999 and is known a

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

    Police Bodycam Shows Universal Orlando Trip End in Father’s Arrest

    Universal Orlando is a place where families from all over the world visit and enjoy rides at the movies. However, for one family, things did not go as they thought they would. Police bodycam footage captured when a father was caught attempting to show his children how to shoplift while inside the Universal Store in CityWalk properly. Universal Orlando Father Arrested in Front of Dozens of Families

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  • 12 August
    Left: The Universal Orlando Resort globe. Right: A woman in bodycam footage after being tackled by police

    Woman Accused of Sneaking Into Universal Orlando Calls Police “Racist” After They Tackled Her

    Bodycam footage has emerged showing a woman, accused of trying to sneak into Universal Studios Florida without a ticket, being tackled by police. The woman called the officers “racist” following the confrontation and resisted arrest, but never produced a valid Universal Orlando Resort ticket. Credit: Universal Orlando Resort In March 2024, Universal Orlando Resort security noticed a woman attempti

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  • 12 August
    People riding Pipeline: The Surf Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando

    Freak Accident Reported on SeaWorld Roller Coaster, Injuries Confirmed

    A roller coaster ride at SeaWorld Orlando last month ended in a freak accident that left at least one guest injured and resulted in the death of an animal. The incident took place on Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, a unique standing coaster that debuted at the Central Florida theme park in 2023. Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is billed as the “first-of-its-kind surf coaster,” launching guests at 60 mph th

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  • 12 August
    Guests ride a water raft attraction in front of Krakatau at Volcano Bay

    Fans Stunned as Universal Reveals Plans for 6-Month Volcano Bay Closure

    Universal's Volcano Bay is set to close for nearly six months soon, but before things are locked down, it seems the theme park waterpark is gearing up to bring back a special event that will bleed into the Halloween Horror Nights event. But this event might be even better for families with small children. Volcano Bay Waterpark Set To Close in 2026, But 2025 Bringing Back a Family-Friendly Event Pi

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