UPDATE: Universal Orlando’s highly anticipated Stardust Racers roller coaster reopened to the public at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023, just weeks after the tragic death of rider Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. The reopening has drawn significant crowds, with guests excitedly lining up to experience the ride once again.
Exclusive footage from Hearst’s sister station, WESH, captures the surge of thrill-seekers rushing towards the Epic Universe attraction as it reopens. Many visitors, including Luke Jenkins, expressed their eagerness to ride, despite long wait times reaching up to 150 minutes. “We were sitting there eating when they announced it opened,” Jenkins shared. “A lot of people got up and started running towards it, but we decided that wasn’t enough time to do it.”
A park guest who braved the long wait described the ride as “probably one of the fastest ones I’ve been on so far,” highlighting the excitement surrounding its return. However, the reopening comes with heightened safety measures. Universal Orlando’s president, Karen Irwin, confirmed that the ride underwent a thorough review by both internal and external inspectors during its closure.
“We are committed to the safety of our guests,” Irwin stated, expressing condolences to Rodriguez Zavala’s family. “Operational procedures have been updated, and signage has been reinforced to emphasize rider physical eligibility requirements.”
During the closure, guests reported that an issue with one of the ride’s chairs prompted a temporary shutdown. “There was a little bit of a hiccup, but they seemed to fix it,” noted a visitor. “One of the chairs wasn’t locking correctly, so they ended up shutting down the back.”
As the night progressed, rides continued without incident, signaling a return to normalcy for the popular attraction. The park is now preparing for more visitors, eager to experience the Stardust Racers.
This reopening marks a significant moment for Universal Orlando, blending excitement with a renewed focus on safety. Guests are urged to remain aware of the updated ride requirements as they enjoy their experience at Epic Universe.
Stay tuned for more developments as Universal Orlando continues to prioritize guest safety while delivering thrilling experiences.