Universal Orlando Resort is overhauling the entrance aesthetics at Universal Studios Florida with a new color scheme. The quiet rebranding project comes as Universal continues managing fallout from repeated malfunctions at Stardust Racers, the troubled roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe that killed a guest last September.
Universal Orlando Entrance Buildings Get Fresh Paint
Construction crews began repainting entrance buildings at Universal Studios Florida on January 23, signaling a potential rebranding of the original theme park’s color palette. X (formerly Twitter) account @InsideUniversal documented the ongoing work with photographs showing the aesthetic changes.
“Looks like the entrance to Universal Studios Florida is getting a new color scheme! @UniversalORL,” the account wrote.
Looks like the entrance to Universal Studios Florida is getting a new color scheme! @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/wEb1zjDvL8
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) January 23, 2026
Universal Orlando Resort hasn’t commented on the maintenance project or indicated whether additional branding modifications are planned for Universal Studios Florida beyond the entrance area. The paint job appears to be changing existing colors rather than simply refreshing faded surfaces.
Latest Stardust Racers Breakdown
The Universal Studios Florida rebranding continues as Universal Epic Universe addresses ongoing operational issues with Stardust Racers. The dueling roller coaster shut down abruptly on January 19 after experiencing a double-valley malfunction during high winds. Both racing vehicles became trapped after descending a steep drop, lacking momentum to climb the next hill.
Mover over double rainbows, it’s all about double valley on Stardust Racers.
Mover over double rainbows, it’s all about double valley on Stardust Racers. pic.twitter.com/btu1UBjMjI
— Theme Park Obsession (@ParkObsession) January 19, 2026
Repairs required heavy machinery. Universal Orlando Resort transported a massive crane to Universal Epic Universe on January 20 to physically extract the stranded vehicles from the valley and return them to the loading platform. Stardust Racers didn’t reopen until January 22—three days after the malfunction.
Death and Lawsuit Settlement
The January malfunction occurred weeks after Universal Orlando Resort reportedly settled a lawsuit filed by the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who died on Stardust Racers in September. Zavala, 32, suffered “multiple blunt impact injuries” during the ride. He used a wheelchair due to spinal atrophy but was described by family as a “theme park enthusiast” who had safely ridden multiple roller coasters despite his disability.
The investigation ruled Zavala’s death accidental. Universal Orlando Resort eventually reopened Stardust Racers, and the family filed a lawsuit. The case was dismissed following a private agreement, though court documents don’t confirm a financial settlement.
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