2
Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicIf you’re keeping an eye on Universal’s Epic Universe, you may have noticed something that makes your stomach drop—or at least gives your inner roller coaster aficionado a slight jolt. Earlier today, a section of the brand-new Stardust Racers track was caught swaying, prompting questions and a flurry of social media discussion. Before anyone hits the panic button, though: this is totally normal.
Fan Video Shows Track Sway
A fan-posted video on Reddit shows the section of track gently moving right to left after the coaster trains pass over the so-called “golden arch.” The post, shared by user u/xfilesvault on the fan-run Universal’s Epic Universe subreddit, was titled “wobbly track section” and immediately attracted dozens of comments from both casual visitors and coaster enthusiasts.
Wobbly track section
byu/xfilesvault inUniversalEpicUniverse
“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,” u/xfilesvault wrote, alongside their shaky footage.
Watching the video, it’s clear that the track flexes noticeably as the train passes. For first-time viewers, that movement might look alarming. But roller coaster engineers design tracks to flex slightly under the immense forces generated by speeding trains.
Coaster 101, a trusted industry resource, even has a detailed article explaining why coaster tracks sway—and it’s well worth a read for anyone wondering if what they’re seeing is safe.
Reddit Reactions: Worry vs. Expertise
Comments on the Reddit thread reflect a mixture of curiosity and concern. One user wrote,
“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)”
Another commenter noted the duration of the track’s movement:
“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.”
Other replies helped put things in perspective. One pointed out,
“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.”
Another Redditor reassured viewers,
“This ride has recently been examined by several agencies due to the incident. They have all stated it is operating as designed.”
And for context, a coaster fan reminded everyone of similar rides elsewhere:
“Go watch Test Track at Epcot. This is nothing.”
Context: Earlier Incident on Stardust Racers
The conversation comes amid heightened attention to Stardust Racers, following a tragic incident earlier this year. On September 17, 32-year-old Kissimmee resident Kevin Zavala was found unresponsive after riding the coaster and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Authorities ruled the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries,” noting that Zavala had a pre-existing spinal condition, though he was described by his family as an independent thrill-seeker with a love for roller coasters.
Following the incident, the ride was closed for two weeks. Universal’s internal review concluded the coaster “functioned as intended” and that “equipment was intact” throughout Zavala’s ride.
Florida authorities and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office also investigated, ultimately aligning with Universal’s findings. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services noted that Universal had been “extremely cooperative and has complied with all required notifications.”
Attorney Ben Crump, who has represented Zavala’s family, called for more government oversight regarding ride safety, citing multiple complaints about the ride’s restraints prior to the incident. “These firsthand accounts confirm that Kevin’s tragedy was not an isolated incident,” Crump said.
Universal Reassures Guests About Safety
Despite the scrutiny, Universal has maintained that Stardust Racers is safe to ride. In a letter to employees released shortly after the investigations, Universal officials emphasized that safety remains a top priority and announced operational updates.
“We are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides,” the letter said.
For park-goers watching the track sway, this explanation is meant to reassure. Roller coaster engineering accounts for extreme forces, and some movement is built into the design to prevent damage and ensure longevity. Coasters, like buildings, bridges, and other large structures, flex to absorb energy rather than resist it completely. Without this slight movement, tracks could be at risk of cracking or other structural issues over time.
What Guests Need to Know
So while it may look worrisome to the untrained eye, the wobbly golden arch of Stardust Racers is entirely by design—and is in fact a sign that the ride is functioning exactly as engineers intended. The swaying track is just part of the ride’s normal operation, and thrill-seekers can still enjoy the experience safely.
With the ride operating as designed and extra safety measures in place, Universal’s Epic Universe guests can continue to experience Stardust Racers without fear, while appreciating the incredible engineering that keeps the adventure smooth, exciting, and safe.