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.
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May- 2025 -17 May
Universal Removes Virtual Queue at Epic Universe Park’s Biggest Ride — And the Internet Has Thoughts
“We waited longer than the movie itself!” – That was the dramatic reaction from several guests this week as wait times at Universal Orlando’s newest flagship attraction—Battle at the Ministry—climbed past two hours. With the grand opening of Epic Universe just days away, fans were expecting magic, not marathon waits. Until now, guests previewing the ride in the brand-new Wizarding World of H
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17 May
Epic Universe Embraces Changes, Drops Virtual Line Requirement
Have you heard the latest update regarding Epic Universe? Related: Think You’ve Done It All? Think Again! 11 Disney World Experiences We Bet You’ve Missed! Epic Universe theme park recently made a significant shift in its operations by introducing traditional standby lines for attractions, marking a notable change in how visitors experience the park. Specifically, the introduction of a regular que
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16 May
Epic Universe’s New Coaster Stopped—Because of Flip-Flops?
Excitement is building as Universal Orlando Resort gets ready to debut its most ambitious expansion yet: Epic Universe. With a grand opening set for May 22, the new theme park is already making waves during its preview period for Annual Passholders and invited guests. Fans are flocking to experience all five lands—each bursting with storytelling, rides, and themed experiences—and the enthusiasm ha
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16 May
Neighbors Rally Against Proposed Disneyland-Style Theme Park in Texas
Vision of TexasLand Theme Park Lizzy McGee has proposed a new theme park, TexasLand, which draws inspiration from the magical experiences found at Disneyland and Disney World. McGee, a sixth-generation Texan with experience as a market analyst at The Walt Disney Company, aims to create a unique destination that celebrates Texas history and culture. The concept for TexasLand is designed to be more
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16 May
Frustrated Guests Offered Gift Cards When New Epic Universe Hotel Floods
Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe is poised to be one of the most exciting theme park openings in years. With the official grand opening set for May 22, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as fans and visitors prepare to experience this all-new park. But Epic Universe isn’t just about the rides and attractions; the resort’s new hotels promise an immersive and luxurious place to rest afte
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15 May
SeaWorld is Eyeing Park Expansion and Hotels To Keep Pace with Disney and Universal
United Parks Strategic Expansion Plans United Parks, the company behind SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa, has announced ambitious plans to develop 400 acres of undeveloped land in Central Florida. This strategic initiative aims to enhance competitiveness with major rivals such as Disney World and Universal Orlando. Enhanced park attractions and the introduction of hotels mark a significant
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15 May
Epic Universe Suffers More Operational Challenges Before Opening Day
There's a few kinks that need to be worked out before Epic Universe's official opening day. Related: Lights, Camera… Magic! Disneyland Paris Unveils Dazzling New Park Entrance Epic Universe is on the brink of its much-anticipated grand opening, but it faces some notable setbacks that need addressing. Among these are issues within the Dark Universe tunnel, a key entry point that transports guests i
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15 May
Viral Reports Reveal Universal Visitor’s Exposing Their Naked Bodies to Park Crowds
Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel at Epic Universe has drawn unexpected—and unwelcome—attention over a privacy issue linked to its large park-facing windows. A series of reports from both guests and team members, fueled by a viral TikTok video, reveal that some guests have either accidentally or intentionally flashed park visitors below through these expansive glass panes. Flashing Problem Strikes Un
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15 May
Universal Just Quietly Eliminated Smoking From All of Its Parks—and It’s Sparking Debate
The Universal Orlando Theme park culture is changing—and if you blink, you might miss how fast. Years ago, Universal Orlando made headlines for shifting away from plastic straws and embracing sustainable practices. Now, the company is going one step further by removing a common guest amenity that has existed since the parks first opened. As of May 15, Universal will no longer allow smoking of any
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14 May
Universal’s Epic Universe Looms—But Disney’s Top Exec Just Flipped the Narrative
Epic Universe vs. Disney: $1,000 park tickets? A new mega-theme park? And Disney just made summer the cheapest it’s been in years. What’s going on in Orlando—and why is the man behind the Magic Kingdom suddenly so vocal? Orlando’s theme park war just escalated—and not with a bang, but with a strategic smile. Universal’s Epic Universe, one of the most anticipated theme parks in decades, is set to o
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