Stardust Racers Reopens With New Safety Guide In Place - What You NEED to Know
Stardust Racers reopened at Epic Universe on October 4, 2025. However, a new safety guide is now in place. Find out what you need to know.
Stardust Racers Tragedy
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, an Epic Universe Visitor passed away after a ride on Stardust Racers, the park's biggest thrill ride. According to Universal, the guest rode Stardust Racers and was found unresponsive after the ride ended. He was taken to the hospital and sadly passed away.
When the initial incident was reported, it was unclear what had contributed to the event, and the attraction was closed pending an investigation.
According to the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office, the Guest, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, died of "multiple blunt impact injuries." Zavala was 32 years old, and his death was ruled accidental.
In a newsletter to Team Members from the President and COO, Karen Irwin, the attraction operated as anticipated, and Team Members followed protocols. You can see the full letter HERE.
Stardust Racers Reopens
Stardust Racers reopened to guests during the afternoon on October 4, 2025. Irwin shared, "Our extensive review was conducted working closely with local officials, and the state of Florida observed the testing and reviewed the results."
A third-party rollercoaster expert was brought in to conduct their own on-site testing. Their findings confirmed Universal's investigation.
Irwin reassured guests that safety is a priority at Universal, and Universal would be "updating operating procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Starduster Racers and other rides."
Updates to Universal Safety and Accessibility Guide
On October 4th, an updated Guide for Safety and Accessibility for Epic Universe was released. In this new version, there are more rider requirements.
The guide shares, "For most rides and attractions, you must be able to independently maintain an upright position, and brace and support your torso, neck, and head while absorbing sudden and dramatic movements throughout the experience. For additional requirements, please consult the ride and attraction listing in this guide. If you have any questions, please see an Attractions Attendant or contact Guest Services."
A new symbol has appeared in the guide, a red circle with a diagonal line through it. According to the symbol legend, the new symbol means, "Do not ride if you have weakened bones or muscles. Do not ride if you have the inability to independently maintain an upright position. Do not ride if you have other conditions which may be aggravated by this ride."
The updated Safety and Accessibility Guide went into effect October 4, 2025.
In the new Safety and Accessibility Guide, attractions are separated into three categories for wheelchair requirements. In the first category, guests can remain in their wheelchairs throughout the attraction, Some attractions in this category includes Viking Training Camp and The Untrainable Dragon.
The second category attractions "have been designed to accommodate those transferring from their wheelchair to the ride vehicle," such as Hiccup's Wing Gliders and Curse of the Werewolf.
A new category is now in place, which states that "Guests using a mobility device must be able to walk independently." Attractions in this category include Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Stardust Racers, and Dragon Racer's Rally.
What About Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure?
Universal has updated the Safety and Accessibility Guide for Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, too. Guests now have to be able to "walk independently" to enjoy several attractions in these parks.
These attractions include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (Motorbike ONLY).
You can see the updated Safety and Accessibility Guide for Universal Orlando Resort (includes Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios) HERE.
What do you think of these new updated Safety and Accessibility Guides? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share this post with your friends!
