ORLANDO, Fla. — After more than two weeks of closure, Universal’s epic universe has officially resumed its Stardust Racer roller coaster.
On September 17, 2025, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala lost his life after not responding when riding a Stardust Racer. Orange County medical inspectors ruled the cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries and classified the way of death as accidental.
For the days following the incident, Universal Orlando Resort closed its rides, allowing for detailed investigation, inspection and review of both technical systems and operational procedures.
Boarding resumed on October 4th, about 17 days after it was closed. Universal President and COO Karen Irwin said in an internal memo that a comprehensive technical and operational review was completed and that the ride system was tested to function properly during boarding, operational and return to the station. Independent engineers, ride maker McRide, and state officials all participated in the inspection.
Universal has introduced updated signage and rider eligibility requirements as a precaution. Major changes include removing languages that previously allowed guests to assist entries using mobility devices, allowing riders to walk independently to the board instead. The sign uses “required” rather than “required” in a statement regarding the rider’s ability to maintain control of his body while riding. Universal has also strengthened its physical eligibility warnings that will help you assess whether guests should ride or not.
The park also removed Stardust Racer from its list of attractions where team members support wheelchair guests. This is a policy tailored to the updated requirements.
On the day of reopening, the wait was about 2 hours, and guests felt safe and appreciated the clearer guidance. However, Zavala’s family and her attorney Ben Crump criticized Universal for reopening before independent experts fully inspected the ride. Crump accused the park of “smashing evidence” by restarting the operation early.
The family issued a statement denounced the decision, calling it disrespectful and premature. They will hold a press conference this week to raise concerns as the investigation into the state’s death continues. Universal says it is fully cooperating with the authorities.
Stardust Racers are double-fire steel coasters in the epic universe’s Celestial Park area, reaching speeds of up to 62 mph and reaching 133 feet tall. It opened in May 2025 with the launch of the park and soon became one of its signature thrill attractions.
The reopening marks a delicate moment for Universal. This states that the ride is considered safe after inspection. However, as the investigation continues, the park faces surveillance over its handling of the incident and its commitment to transparency and safety.
