Development Universal Epic Universe was first announced on August 1, 2019, as a new third gate theme park that would double
Universal Orlando's footprint. No attractions or details were divulged at the time, although a large dueling coaster was predominantly visible in concept artwork. German roller coaster manufacturer
Mack Rides subsequently patented a new
ride inversion design in the fall, where twin tracks twisted over each other while rising and falling from a peak. This would later become widely referred to as the Celestial Spin. Epic Universe was originally scheduled to open in 2023, but parent company
Comcast announced in April 2020 that construction would be delayed as a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Europa Park owner
Roland Mack announced in September that Universal had cancelled his company's order for "the largest roller coaster in the world", which was valued at well over 20 million
euros and wouldn't be delivered in the foreseeable future.
Construction Track and supports for the attraction began arriving in August 2022. On January 30, 2024, Universal Orlando formally shared information on Epic Universe and its central Celestial Park precinct. Starfall Racers was also officially announced at this time, with a wide variety of concept artwork and animation released to the public. The coaster was finished in time and opened with the park on May 22, 2025. In 2024, the name was challenged by the
Starfall Education Foundation for "brand misappropriation toward children" and in late May 2024, the roller coaster was renamed to "Stardust Racers", which was a backup trademark name in the event.
Incidents On September 17, 2025, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding Stardust Racers. He was found "unresponsive after riding" according to a statement from Universal. The park confirmed as well that Zavala did not fall from the ride. An autopsy report listed the death as an accident and found the official cause of death to be "multiple blunt impact injuries." The roller coaster was temporarily closed after the incident. According to
Benjamin Crump, the lawyer representing Zavala's family, multiple witnesses and others reportedly injured by the roller coaster have come forward. Crump alleges that the injured individuals suffered similar injuries to Zavala which showed it was not an isolated incident. On September 26, it was announced that a settlement and a notice of voluntary dismissal with prejudice had been reached with a woman alleging she was injured due to the coaster. The woman's complaint was filed after Zavala was found unresponsive on the coaster. After Stardust Racers was inspected by Universal, Mack Rides, and the state of Florida, the roller coaster was found to be safe and functioned properly. The ride was reopened on October 4, 2025. ==Characteristics==