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Universal Shuts Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers Indefinitely After Double-Valley Malfunction

A crane has arrived for a labor-intensive recovery following a 2025 on-ride death ruled accidental.

Overview

  • Both racing trains stalled in a low point of the track on January 18, with guest video showing the vehicles rocking but unable to complete the circuit.
  • No riders were on board during the malfunction, and Universal has not provided any timeline for reopening the attraction.
  • High winds in Central Florida were cited in reports as a contributing factor as the trains lacked momentum to crest the next hill.
  • Observers say recovery may require disassembling the trains in place and lifting them with a crane, and a crane was spotted near the site on January 19.
  • The ride previously valleyed during March 2025 testing that required a crane, and a 32-year-old guest died on the coaster in September 2025 in a case ruled accidental, which drew objections from the family’s attorney to its reopening.