Universal Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers has closed indefinitely after a dramatic double malfunction stranded both racing coasters simultaneously. The January 18 incident marks another setback for the roller coaster after a guest died on board just four months ago, raising fresh questions about the attraction’s design and safety.
Both Tracks Fail Simultaneously
On Sunday afternoon, Universal Orlando Resort guests documented an unprecedented failure at Stardust Racers when both racing trains valleyed—becoming stuck at a low point on the track, unable to complete the circuit. High winds in Central Florida contributed to the simultaneous failures as both vehicles stalled after a drop, lacking momentum to climb the next hill.
X (formerly known as Twitter) user @Eltororyan captured video of the stranded trains rocking back and forth:
Both sides of Stardust Racers just valleyed.
Both sides of Stardust Racers just valleyed. pic.twitter.com/oxs7r7Gxc4
— ElToroRyan (@ElToroRyan) January 18, 2026
Aerial footage from @AmusementInside showed both coasters motionless in the valley later that day:
Double valley at Stardust Racers Epic Universe. 💔
Double valley at Stardust Racers Epic Universe. 💔 pic.twitter.com/r7Vd6mLDuW
— Amusement Insider (@AmusementInside) January 19, 2026
Fortunately, no guests were riding when the malfunction occurred, eliminating the need for emergency evacuation. However, the trains’ positions make resetting them extremely difficult, forcing the attraction to remain closed through at least Monday. From Redditor u/Bearmay33:
Stardust double valleyed. Closed for the day.
stardust double valleyed. Closed for the day
byu/Bearmay33 inUniversalOrlando
Crane Required for Repairs
Universal faces a complex recovery operation. X user @coastersnbrews explained the repair process could require completely disassembling the trains where they’re stuck, then rebuilding them in the station:
A different view of the double valley on Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. We see a lot of peeps asking how they plan on getting the train back to the station? So they actually have to obv get everyone off safely, then they take the train apart and rebuild it. Quite the task for the maintenance staff.
A different view of the double valley on Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. We see a lot of peeps asking how they plan on getting the train back to the station? So they actually have to obv get everyone off safely, then they take the train apart and rebuild it. Quite the task for…
— Coasters and Brews 🍻 (@coastersnbrews) January 19, 2026
Universal Orlando Resort previously faced this exact scenario during Stardust Racers testing before Epic Universe opened. @Bioreconstruct shared an archived aerial photo from March 8, 2025, showing a crane lifting a valleyed train from the track.
An aerial look back to March 8, 2025 when a crane was used to lift a Stardust Racers train out of a valley.
Arrows at a yellow device that attached to the train for lifting up the track.
This was before Epic Universe opened to guests.
An aerial look back to March 8, 2025 when a crane was used to lift a Stardust Racers train out of a valley.
Arrows at a yellow device that attached to the train for lifting up the track.
This was before Epic Universe opened to guests. pic.twitter.com/gEDee0lQMa— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 19, 2026
@ThemeParkJJ spotted a crane positioned near Epic Universe on January 19, indicating Universal is preparing to repeat the labor-intensive extraction process.
She’s back!
She’s back! pic.twitter.com/PXN8boLW34
— JJ (@ThemeParkJJ) January 19, 2026
Universal Orlando Resort hasn’t provided a timeline for the return of Stardust Racers.
Fatal September Incident on Stardust Racers
The malfunction follows Stardust Racers’ most infamous incident. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died aboard the roller coaster on September 17, 2025. Medical examination determined he suffered “multiple blunt impact injuries” during the ride, with his death ruled accidental.
Witnesses reported Zavala lost consciousness during the attraction. His family emphasized that while he had spinal atrophy and used a wheelchair, his disabilities didn’t cause his death. Zavala was an experienced theme park enthusiast who had safely ridden numerous roller coasters.
Universal Orlando Resort reopened Stardust Racers on October 4, 2025, following an investigation. Attorney Ben Crump, representing Zavala’s family, strongly objected.
“Stardust Racers is evidence in an active death investigation,” Crump said on October 3. “Reopening the ride before our experts can examine every component is unadulterated spoliation of evidence, a grave risk to public safety, and puts profit over people’s lives. Universal reportedly told employees the ride functioned as intended. If that is accurate, then the design itself is deadly.”
Have you been on Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments!
