Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicA lawsuit filed against Universal over alleged injuries on Stardust Racers, one of the headline attractions at the new Epic Universe theme park, has been voluntarily dismissed after both parties reached a confidential settlement. The resolution came just days after the complaint was filed, an unusually fast conclusion for such a case.
Court records in Orange County confirm that a Notice of Settlement and Voluntary Dismissal was submitted earlier this week. The suit had only been lodged on September 24, underscoring the speed at which both sides sought to avoid a drawn-out legal process.
The plaintiff, 49-year-old Sandi Streets, claimed she sustained injuries when her head violently shook and struck the headrest during a ride on Stardust Racers. She argued that she had a reasonable expectation of safety and that Universal failed to properly restrain her. Streets had requested a jury trial to determine damages before the settlement was reached.
The case drew attention not only for the nature of the allegations but also for the timing. The swift dismissal suggests an agreement was made almost immediately after the filing, allowing Universal to quietly resolve the matter without extended litigation.
Stardust Racers and Epic Universe
Stardust Racers has been one of the most anticipated additions to Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s long-awaited fourth theme park, which opened in May 2025. The dual-track coaster is the fastest ride in the park, launching guests on two separate tracks designed to mimic racing comets through the sky. Riders reach speeds of more than 60 miles per hour as the tracks intertwine and cross in a choreographed “cosmic race.”
The coaster sits at the heart of Celestial Park, Epic Universe’s central hub, where lush gardens and futuristic architecture set the stage for the four themed worlds that branch off from it. The park includes lands dedicated to Universal’s classic monsters, DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon, Nintendo, and the Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic. Epic Universe is the largest expansion in Universal’s history and represents a significant investment in Orlando’s competitive theme park market.
Stardust Racers has been heavily marketed as a signature attraction, blending technical innovation with storytelling. Its dueling layout and synchronized launches were designed to make it a visual centerpiece of the park both day and night, with illuminated trains racing above Celestial Park’s fountains and pathways.
Growing Scrutiny
The lawsuit follows another serious incident involving the same ride earlier this month, when 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive aboard Stardust Racers and later pronounced dead. His death, attributed to multiple blunt-force injuries, remains under investigation.
Universal has faced heightened scrutiny in the wake of these events, with Stardust Racers closed indefinitely while safety reviews continue. The swift resolution of Streets’ lawsuit may reflect the company’s efforts to limit further exposure and maintain confidence in Epic Universe’s flagship attraction.
What are your thoughts on the recent legal action against Stardust Racers?