The crown jewel of Universal Orlando’s upcoming Epic Universe expansion hasn’t even officially opened, but one ride is already grabbing headlines—and hairpieces.
Stardust Racers, a futuristic dual-track coaster in Celestial Park, is turning into a full-blown phenomenon among thrill-seekers, especially women who know a thing or two about protective styles and pricey extensions. A new TikTok from creator @Erikathefrenchie is making the rounds after she coolly pulled off her ponytail while waiting to board.
@erikathefrenchie #epicuniverse #universalstudiosorlando #universalstudiosepicuniverse #epicuniverseorlando
And while it might sound like a joke, anyone who’s experienced the wild forces of this coaster knows: it’s no laughing matter. This ride will take your breath away—and your hair if you’re not careful.
This Coaster Moves Fast—And So Should Your Wig Prep
Stardust Racers isn’t just another coaster slapped into a theme park. It’s a cosmic racing spectacle, with two intertwined comet-themed vehicles launching simultaneously and soaring across 5,000 feet of track. The layout includes inversions, steep dives, and a headline-making high-speed crisscross where one train flips upside down directly over the other. The entire thing hits speeds of up to 62 mph and climbs as high as 133 feet.
What makes Stardust Racers even more impressive is the lack of exterior track lighting after dark. At night, the ride cars zoom through the sky like streaks of light—true to the name, they genuinely resemble comets burning across the starscape.
But for guests with wigs, clip-ins, tape-ins, or high ponies? That nighttime launch might be the last place they see their hair.
Despite Universal’s locker policy requiring all bags, hats, and phones to be stored prior to riding, hairpieces are not regulated by the attraction. That leaves it up to guests—and many are now choosing to take things off voluntarily.
“I took one look at that track and said nope,” one guest told us. “I’d rather ride bald than cry into the bushes afterward trying to find my lace front.”
History Repeats Itself: VelociCoaster Walked So Stardust Could Snatch
This isn’t the first time a Universal thrill ride has had a reputation for dislodging wigs. Over at Islands of Adventure, VelociCoaster became notorious shortly after opening when footage started surfacing of guests losing hairpieces mid-ride. One unforgettable video even captured a guest’s wig sailing into a lagoon—never to be seen again.
That ride, themed to Jurassic World, features intense inversions and airtime hills, but Stardust Racers is quickly proving itself to be the new queen of chaos. The internet has already coined terms like “Wig Watch 2025” and “The Great Hair Exodus” in reaction to the viral content.
And it’s not just wigs flying. Anecdotal reports from preview guests say they’ve seen earrings, headbands, and even lash extensions loosen under the pressure of the ride’s intense speed and airtime.
“It’s like the coaster’s doing a full glam wipe,” one user joked.
A Thrill Ride That Delivers More Than G-Forces
All joking aside, the early buzz surrounding Stardust Racers is overwhelmingly positive. Guests are praising the coaster for delivering pure thrills without the post-ride nausea or tension headache that other high-speed rides often leave behind. It’s got the power of Mako, the twisty fun of Cosmic Rewind, and the face-off adrenaline of Dueling Dragons—except this time, the dueling is intentional and precise.
Unlike Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which leans heavily into immersive theming, Stardust Racers focuses on high-octane, kinetic energy. There’s no animatronic pre-show, no plotline about flying creatures—just you, the stars, and a racing comet going full throttle.
The coaster also features a test seat outside for those unsure about fit, and offers Child Swap and Express Pass access for added convenience. Still, the most talked-about amenity might just be the new photo-verification locker system, which ensures your belongings are secure even if your scalp isn’t.
What Should Riders Do?
If you’re planning on riding and wear any kind of removable hairpiece, the internet consensus is clear: remove it before boarding. Tuck it safely into the locker, wear a more secure style like a low bun, or opt for a scarf or head wrap that can be tied down tightly.
Some parkgoers are even bringing “ride wigs”—affordable synthetic units that can be lost without heartbreak. Others are investing in more secure installation techniques like wig glue or comb clips if they’re committed to keeping their style intact on-ride.
But if you ask Erika the Frenchie? She’s keeping it simple.
“My hair’s cute, but not worth losing over a coaster. Take it off, enjoy the ride, and put it back on for photos later.”
Wise words. Because when it comes to Stardust Racers, one thing’s for sure—your hair isn’t safe, but your memories will be unforgettable.
