Universal Orlando’s upcoming theme park, Epic Universe, is nearing its 2025 opening, but not without a few bumps in the road. One of the most anticipated attractions, Stardust Racers, recently experienced a setback during testing when a coaster train stalled in a valley between two track sections. As a result, a large crane had to be brought in to move the stuck train, sparking discussions among theme park fans about whether adjustments to the ride are necessary before guests can experience it.
The incident was first spotted by aerial photographers and park enthusiasts who noticed a train motionless on the track during testing. Initial speculation suggested it might be part of an evacuation drill, but further reports confirmed that the train had actually failed to gain enough momentum to clear the next hill. While it’s not uncommon for new coasters to go through unexpected issues during testing, this situation required outside intervention in the form of a massive crane to carefully reposition the train.
Stardust Racers is a dueling roller coaster set in Celestial Park, an area of Epic Universe designed with a cosmic, futuristic theme. The ride, which has been in testing for several weeks, is meant to simulate a high-speed space race between two competing coaster trains. Test runs have been conducted both during the day and at night, with lighting effects enhancing the experience. However, recent adjustments, such as the addition of trim brakes near the ride’s “top hat” element, may have played a role in slowing the train down too much, causing it to get stuck.
The response from Universal was swift, with a crane arriving early in the morning and being fully operational by night. Photos showed the train being carefully lifted over the next hill and repositioned to allow testing to resume. While the process appeared to go smoothly, the fact that external equipment was required raises questions about whether further refinements to the ride’s mechanics are needed. Some fans have speculated that the track design or recent modifications to control speed may need to be tweaked before the ride is ready for the public.
Here are a few different angles of a Stardust Racers train being lifted up by a crane tonight.
This train is being pulled back over the top hat element pic.twitter.com/lemRTQf4Uq
— Ethan Hershaft (@EthanHershaft) March 8, 2025
As the Epic Universe opening date approaches, Universal is in a critical phase of ensuring all attractions meet operational standards. Testing and adjustments are normal for new rides, and while this incident might seem concerning, it’s part of the process to guarantee a smooth guest experience. Theme park engineers will likely analyze the situation and determine whether additional modifications are necessary to prevent future stalls. With several months remaining before guests arrive, Universal still has time to make any necessary changes to Stardust Racers, ensuring it lives up to expectations as one of Epic Universe’s most exciting attractions.
