Credit: LunchboxLarry, FlickrUniversal Orlando Resort is rebranding the color scheme at the entrance to its original theme park, Universal Studios Florida. The quiet update comes as the Central Florida vacation destination is still reeling from the latest malfunction on Stardust Racers, a roller coaster at its newest gate, Universal Epic Universe.
Stardust Racers Malfunctions Again
On January 19, the dualing Stardust Racers roller coaster abruptly closed at Universal Epic Universe. Amid high wind conditions in Central Florida, the attraction experienced a double-valley; both ride vehicles became trapped after plummeting down a steep drop and failed to ascend the next hill.
Double valley at Stardust Racers Epic Universe. 💔
Double valley at Stardust Racers Epic Universe. 💔 pic.twitter.com/r7Vd6mLDuW
— Amusement Insider (@AmusementInside) January 19, 2026
Unfortunately, fixing this malfunction isn’t as simple as pressing a reset button. On January 20, Universal Orlando Resort hauled a towering crane to Universal Epic Universe to manually pull the roller coaster vehicles out of the valley and back to the loading platform. It wasn’t until January 22 that Stardust Racers reopened.
The malfunction came just weeks after Universal Orlando Resort reportedly settled a lawsuit with the family of a man who died on Stardust Racers in September. 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who used a wheelchair due to spinal atrophy, died of “multiple blunt impact injuries” during a ride on the attraction. However, his family said Zavala was a “theme park enthusiast” who rode several roller coasters without issue, despite his disability.
An investigation found that the tragic death was an accident, and Universal Orlando Resort eventually reopened Stardust Racers. Zavala’s family filed a lawsuit against the Central Florida vacation destination, but it was dismissed following a private agreement. Court documents do not indicate a financial settlement.
New Color Scheme at Universal Orlando Resort’s Original Theme Park
Amid the controversy over Stardust Racers, Universal Orlando Resort is quietly making changes at its original theme park: Universal Studios Florida. On January 23, X (formerly Twitter) user @InsideUniversal reported that crews are repainting buildings at the park entrance, suggesting a rebranding of the area’s color scheme. The Universal Park guest shared two photos of the ongoing project:
Looks like the entrance to Universal Studios Florida is getting a new color scheme! @UniversalORL
Looks like the entrance to Universal Studios Florida is getting a new color scheme! @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/wEb1zjDvL8
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) January 23, 2026
Universal Orlando Resort hasn’t commented publicly on this maintenance project or said whether they plan to make further branding changes at Universal Studios Florida.
Have you noticed any other changes at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, or Universal Epic Universe? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments!