Epic Universe has only been open for a matter of months, yet one of its signature attractions has already faced both tragedy and legal trouble. The dual-launch roller coaster Stardust Racers, billed as the fastest ride at the park, has now been linked to a confidential legal settlement following allegations of injury.
The case ended as quickly as it started. Filed on September 24 in Orange County, the lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed just days later after both sides reached an agreement. Court records confirm a Notice of Settlement and Voluntary Dismissal was entered earlier this week.
The Plaintiff’s Claims
The plaintiff, 49-year-old Sandi Streets, alleged she was injured when her head violently shook and struck the headrest during a ride on Stardust Racers. She argued that Universal failed to properly restrain her, despite her “reasonable expectation of safety.”
Streets had requested a jury trial to decide damages. The lawsuit’s sudden dismissal suggests an agreement was reached almost immediately, sidestepping what could have been a lengthy and high-profile legal process.
The swift resolution stood out for its speed. Cases of this nature often take months or even years to settle, yet this complaint was effectively closed within a week of being filed.
Spotlight on Stardust Racers and Epic Universe
Stardust Racers was marketed as a centerpiece of Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025. The coaster features two intertwining tracks that launch riders at more than 60 miles per hour, simulating a “cosmic race” through the skies. At night, its illuminated trains arc across Celestial Park, serving as a visual anchor for the park’s futuristic gardens and architecture.
Epic Universe itself represents Universal Orlando’s largest expansion ever. Beyond Celestial Park, the property includes four immersive lands — the Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon, and an area themed to Universal’s classic monsters. The project underscores Universal’s determination to challenge Walt Disney World’s dominance in Central Florida.
Growing Concerns
The lawsuit arrived during a difficult period for Stardust Racers. Earlier in September, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive while riding and later pronounced dead. Authorities attributed his death to multiple blunt-force injuries, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Universal has since closed Stardust Racers indefinitely, pending safety reviews. The timing of Streets’ lawsuit, combined with the ongoing probe into Zavala’s death, has heightened scrutiny on the park’s safety protocols and the engineering of its newest flagship attraction.
For Universal, resolving Streets’ claims quickly may be part of a broader effort to limit further controversy. Epic Universe remains the company’s most ambitious investment, and maintaining guest confidence in its attractions is critical.
As questions linger, the fate of Stardust Racers continues to loom large over the park. Whether Universal reopens the coaster or makes adjustments to its design, the ride’s legacy may be shaped less by its technological ambition and more by the challenges it has faced so soon after its debut.
What are your thoughts on the recent legal action against Stardust Racers?
