Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicFor many theme park fans, the opening of a new park represents the purest form of excitement — the promise of groundbreaking attractions, immersive lands, and the next generation of storytelling. When Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort began welcoming guests, expectations were sky-high. From dazzling environments to headline-grabbing thrill rides, the park quickly became one of the most talked-about additions to Central Florida’s tourism landscape.
Among its standout experiences, one attraction immediately captured the imagination of thrill-seekers: the dueling roller coaster Stardust Racers. Designed to deliver high-speed competition and synchronized near-miss moments, the ride became a symbol of Epic Universe’s ambition — a visual spectacle that guests could see racing across the skyline long before stepping into the queue.
But as months passed, what began as pure excitement slowly evolved into something more complicated. Conversations among visitors began shifting from ride statistics and adrenaline rushes to reliability, operational pauses, and an increasing sense of uncertainty. Fans who once celebrated the coaster’s arrival found themselves watching closely, wondering whether the experience could consistently deliver on its promise.
A Highly Anticipated Coaster Quickly Became a Defining Symbol of Epic Universe’s Thrills
Stardust Racers wasn’t just another roller coaster — it represented the technological ambition of Epic Universe. The dueling layout created a racing narrative that encouraged repeat rides, social competition, and dramatic visual moments for spectators. For many guests, watching the synchronized trains soar and twist through the air became an attraction in itself.
The ride’s popularity translated into long wait times, viral videos, and strong word-of-mouth praise from the theme park community. Enthusiasts frequently highlighted the coaster as a must-do experience, comparing it to other elite thrill rides across Orlando and beyond.
That excitement, however, would soon be tested by unexpected operational challenges.
Operational Interruptions and Safety Conversations Began Reshaping Guest Perception
Earlier this year, the coaster made headlines when severe Central Florida winds caused both trains to “double valley,” meaning they became stuck between elements after failing to crest a lift hill. The unusual situation required a large crane to be brought into the park to safely reposition the trains, resulting in a nearly 4-day closure.
While ride evacuations and weather-related stoppages are not unheard of in the theme park industry, the incident’s visibility sparked widespread discussion among fans. For many, seeing heavy equipment inside a brand-new park created a stark contrast with the polished, immersive atmosphere Epic Universe aims to maintain.
The incident also followed a deeply emotional chapter in the attraction’s history, further intensifying public scrutiny and conversation.
A Tragic Incident and Policy Changes Added Emotional Weight to the Ride’s Story
In September 2025, roughly four months after the park’s opening, a 32-year-old guest, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, died after losing consciousness during the ride. The medical examiner ruled the cause as multiple blunt impact injuries and classified the death as accidental.
Zavala’s family later filed a lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort, maintaining that his disability did not contribute to the tragedy. The case was ultimately dismissed following a private agreement between the parties, with court documents not indicating a monetary settlement.
Following the incident, Universal updated accessibility and transfer requirements across several high-intensity roller coasters, including Stardust Racers. Guests must now be able to transfer into ride vehicles with limited assistance — a change that sparked discussion within both accessibility and theme park communities.
Another Malfunction Reignited Concerns as Guests Noticed the Ride Experience Changing
On February 8, the coaster experienced another malfunction that forced partial operations. With only one side of the dueling attraction running, wait times surged and the racing element — the ride’s defining feature — was temporarily lost.
Social media reactions quickly followed. On X (formerly Twitter), user @kdodgers24 shared video of the attraction operating on a single side, expressing disappointment while praising ride operators for managing the situation professionally. Similar conversations appeared across Reddit and fan forums, where guests described the experience as visually impressive but emotionally bittersweet without the full racing component.
For many visitors, the moment reinforced an uneasy question: was this becoming a pattern?
The Temporary Closure Confirms the Coaster Will Once Again Pause Operations
That question gained clarity as Universal confirmed Stardust Racers would close again from February 19 through February 21, with a scheduled reopening on February 22. The brief downtime follows the recent operational challenges and appears intended for maintenance or operational adjustments.
Stardust Racers at Epic Universe will be closed February 19–21, 2026, for a brief impromptu maintenance closure. It’s planned to reopen on Feb 22, 2026.
Stardust Racers at Epic Universe will be closed February 19–21, 2026, for a brief impromptu maintenance closure. It's planned to reopen on Feb 22, 2026. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/EviZpIa6ga
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) February 20, 2026
While short refurbishments are common — particularly for new, technically complex attractions — the timing of this closure has amplified fan concern given the ride’s recent history. Some guests expressed frustration over missing the full dueling experience, while others emphasized patience, noting that reliability improvements ultimately benefit long-term safety and performance.
Looking ahead, the temporary closure highlights the delicate balance between innovation and operational consistency, especially for headline attractions in a brand-new park.
For travelers planning upcoming visits to Epic Universe, the coaster’s reopening timeline offers reassurance, but also a reminder to monitor ride availability and expectations. As the park continues to evolve, many fans remain hopeful that Stardust Racers will settle into a stable rhythm and reclaim its role as one of Epic Universe’s signature thrills.
What do you think — are temporary closures part of the growing pains of new attractions, or is this situation more concerning?