Nearly a year after the debut of Universal Epic Universe, one of the park’s signature attractions remains closed longer than expected.
Stardust Racers, the high-speed launch coaster located in Celestial Park, has once again had its reopening date pushed back. The ride was previously expected to return to operation on March 14, 2026, but according to the official Universal Orlando Resort website, it is now scheduled to remain closed until at least April 5.
The attraction originally closed on February 19 for what Universal described as a short maintenance period. At the time, the downtime was expected to last just three days, with a reopening planned for February 22.
However, that timeline quickly changed. The reopening date was first moved to February 28, then again to March 14. With the newest update, the closure now stretches into April—turning what began as a brief refurbishment into several weeks of downtime.
Stardust Racers quickly became one of the most recognizable rides at Epic Universe when the park opened in May. The dueling coaster reaches speeds over 60 miles per hour and climbs 133 feet into the air.
The attraction is part of Epic Universe’s broader lineup of immersive lands, including new areas tied to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring the Ministry of Magic, the Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and Dark Universe.
While Epic Universe remains a major draw for guests, Stardust Racers has also faced attention due to events surrounding the attraction in 2025.
On September 17, 2025, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala lost consciousness while riding Stardust Racers during a visit to Epic Universe with his girlfriend. He was transported to a nearby hospital after the ride returned to the station, but was later pronounced dead.
Following the incident, Universal Orlando Resort President and COO Karen Irwin told employees the attraction had been operating “as intended.” Investigations were conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities later ruled the death accidental and found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
A medical examiner determined Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries. His girlfriend told investigators he previously suffered a spinal injury and was taking medication, though officials did not determine whether those details contributed.
CNN reported that Zavala suffered a deep cut on his forehead, fractures near his eye and nose, bleeding above the skull, bruising to his arms and abdomen, and a fractured femur. The family later hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
“A man died after boarding a ride that should have been safe. We will hold all responsible parties to account … We will demand full transparency,” Crump said. Universal later confirmed the matter had been resolved after the investigation concluded. A spokesperson told Click Orlando, “This matter has been amicably resolved. The family has asked for privacy at this time.”
Even with that investigation closed, legal action connected to the attraction has continued.
“A North Carolina woman filed a lawsuit Thursday claiming she sustained ‘severe and permanent injuries’ after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe,” Click Orlando wrote last year. “Debbie Reinelt alleges that she required medical care after experiencing dizziness, headache, and nausea following her ride on May 5 during previews of the new theme park, which officially opened about two weeks later.”
Reinelt’s complaint states that her head was “violently shaken” during the ride. The lawsuit does not mention Kevin Rodriguez Zavala or the fatal incident that occurred later.
With Stardust Racers still closed for refurbishment, conversations around coaster design, restraints, and guest safety continue among theme park fans.
How do you feel about the operation of Stardust Racers at Universal Orlando Resort? Let us know in the comments down below!
