“Stardust Racers” is a dueling roller coaster located in Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s new theme park. Originally announced under the name Starfall Racers, the ride was renamed “Stardust Racers” in mid-2024 following a trademark challenge. WDW News Today+1
The ride features two parallel tracks with inversions and a crisscross “Celestial Spin” section where the two tracks twist over and under each other. The visual theming includes “comet-like” lighting effects, especially dramatic at night. Wikipedia+2Reddit+2
📅 Key Facts & Timeline
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Original Name | Starfall Racers (changed due to trademark issues) WDW News Today+1 |
| Renamed | “Stardust Racers” in May 2024 WDW News Today+1 |
| Location | Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort, Florida, USA Wikipedia |
| Ride Type | Dual-track dueling roller coaster with inversion / inversion-twist (“Celestial Spin”) section Wikipedia+1 |
| Height / Speed / Length | Up to ~62 mph, maximum height ~133 feet, track length ~5,000 feet. WDW News Today+1 |
| Opening | Opened with Epic Universe on May 22, 2025. Wikipedia |
⚠ Recent Incident
An unfortunate incident occurred on September 17, 2025, when a male guest in his 30s became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers. Park officials reported he was found “unresponsive after riding.” The cause is under investigation as of this update. Wikipedia
🎢 What Makes It Unique
- Dueling Tracks: Two coaster trains run alongside each other, racing and providing visual dueling effects.
- Celestial Spin: An inversion/crisscross section where the tracks twist over and under each other, adding thrill and visual spectacle.
- Theming & Lighting: The trains are covered in lights; at night, the effect is intended to evoke comets or shooting stars in motion. Reddit+2Reddit+2
- Immersive Ride Experience: Both speed and height combine with thematic elements and engineering by Mack Rides (patented track inversion design) to provide a top-tier coaster experience. Wikipedia
🌍 Geo Relevance & Visitor Info
- USA: Orlando is a major destination for theme park lovers. Stardust Racers adds to Universal’s competitive edge vs other Orlando parks.
- International Visitors: Tourists from Latin America, Canada, Europe, and Asia who visit Florida will likely include Epic Universe in their itineraries.
- Regional Appeal: For Florida residents and Southeastern USA, it becomes a new local attraction.
- Best Time to Visit: Night rides recommended for full lighting display; spring & autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds.
🔍 Design & Technical Highlights
- Designed by Mack Rides, using a patented new inversion style that twists tracks while ascending/descending. Wikipedia
- Two parallel launches (dual launch tracks) offer simultaneous starts for riders on both tracks.
- Ride vehicles with onboard lighting, likely sound effects, possibly onboard audio (some speculation among ride-fans) for immersive experience. Reddit+1
✅ Things to Know Before Riding
- Height and safety restrictions will apply (typical Universal Orlando coaster limitations).
- Because of the recent incident, expect increased safety checks and possibly ride downtime for investigations.
- Ride intensity: For thrill seekers, but maybe too intense for younger children or those sensitive to inversions.
- Capacity and wait times: Likely long waits, especially during opening season and weekends/peak travel times.
💰 Pricing & Access
- Access included with admission to Epic Universe. No separate charge specifically for Stardust Racers.
- VIP / express passes may reduce wait time.
- Merchandise and ride-themed souvenirs likely available at nearby retail within the park.
🌐 Why “Stardust Racers” Matters in 2025
- It’s one of the flagship rides at Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s newest park (opened May 2025). Wikipedia
- It shows innovation in ride design with dynamic track layout (dueling tracks, crossovers), striking visual elements, and night-ride potential.
- The renaming story reflects how legal/trademark issues can affect big-budget theme attractions.
- Following the safety incident, it also underscores the importance of ride safety and park management.