Theme park fans, brace yourselves—but not in panic mode. Footage surfacing today from Universal’s Epic Universe shows a section of the Stardust Racers roller coaster track swaying visibly as the ride train zooms over what fans are calling the “golden arch.” Before you start imagining sparks flying or the ride coming apart mid-loop, let’s take a deep breath. This is exactly how roller coasters are supposed to behave.
The Video Everyone’s Talking About
Wobbly track section
byu/xfilesvault inUniversalEpicUniverse
Reddit user u/xfilesvault posted a clip on the fan-run Universal’s Epic Universe subreddit that immediately caught the attention of thrill-seekers and roller coaster enthusiasts online. In the video, a segment of the track shifts side to side after the cars pass over the arch. The Reddit post, titled “wobbly track section,” featured the following observation from u/xfilesvault:
“This section of [the] track is extremely wobbly. It looks way worse in person. If you’re in the outdoor section of the queue, look back behind you. This golden arch is constantly wobbling. Not just after the ride cart goes by. Constantly. It’s like it matches the resonant frequency of the entire structure.”
While it might look alarming, engineers and coaster experts explain that the sway is intentional. Tracks flex slightly to absorb forces generated during high-speed rides, preventing damage to the steel and extending the life of the coaster. Coaster 101 has an excellent deep dive into “Why Roller Coasters Sway” if you want a technical explanation.
Fans React (Some Freak Out, Some Chill)
Unsurprisingly, the Reddit thread blew up with reactions ranging from concern to reassurance. One user broke it down like a pro:
“If it doesn’t shake, it’s going to break. I saw this on another coaster and learned coaster tracks have to wobble and sway to absorb the force from the ride. If it were completely rigid it would eventually crack. Probably what’s happening here! (Hopefully)”
Other fans, however, couldn’t help but note the unnerving persistence of the sway:
“My main question is… how long should it be shaking like this? This section of track will continue to shake like this a full minute after the ride car passes. The rest of the track only flexes a bit as the ride car passes. It’s very unnerving to watch it continue to move so much for so long after the ride car passes. I probably should have posted a video without the ride car passing.”
Some enthusiasts drew comparisons to other rides:
“Go watch Test Track at Epcot. This is nothing.”
Engineering-minded fans reminded the online crowd that motion is often part of structural design:
“In a lot of cases, movement like this is actually part of the design of a structure. Skyscrapers often are built to allow a certain amount of ‘sway’ to prevent high winds from causing more serious damage to the structure.”
And for those worried about safety checks:
“This ride has recently been examined by several agencies due to the incident. They have all stated it is operating as designed.”
Context: The Tragic Event Earlier This Year
While track sway is technically normal, it comes at a time when Stardust Racers remains under heightened scrutiny. On September 17, 32-year-old Kevin Zavala from Kissimmee tragically passed away after riding the coaster. Zavala was found unresponsive following the ride and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Investigators attributed the cause of death to “multiple blunt impact injuries,” and noted Zavala had a pre-existing spinal condition. His family described him as independent and an avid roller coaster fan.
The ride closed for two weeks after the incident. Universal conducted an internal review and determined that Stardust Racers “functioned as intended” and that “equipment was intact” throughout Zavala’s ride. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office performed independent investigations, which confirmed Universal’s conclusions.
Attorney Ben Crump, representing the Zavala family, has called for further oversight, citing multiple complaints about ride restraints on Stardust Racers. “These firsthand accounts confirm that Kevin’s tragedy was not an isolated incident,” Crump said.
Universal Responds
Despite social media chatter and fan concerns, Universal reassures visitors that the coaster is safe. A letter sent to employees emphasized that safety is the top priority and outlined updates to procedures and signage:
“We are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides.”
For coaster fans, this is key: visible track sway is part of the engineering, not a flaw. The ride is operating within design tolerances, and every movement is accounted for in the ride’s safety calculations.
What This Means for Guests
Seeing a coaster track sway can feel unsettling, especially in light of the previous accident. However, experts emphasize that the flex is intentional and essential for safety. For visitors at Epic Universe, the takeaway is simple: the ride is structurally sound, and the dramatic wobble is just part of the thrill.
For those keeping tabs on Stardust Racers online, this incident is a reminder that theme park rides are engineered to handle immense forces—and what might look like instability on video is actually precision design in action.
