UPDATE: Universal Orlando’s highly anticipated Stardust Racers roller coaster reopened to the public just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, marking a significant moment just over two weeks after the tragic death of rider Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. Exclusive footage from WESH shows eager guests rushing to experience the attraction as night fell, highlighting the immediate public interest following the closure.
The reopening comes as a relief to many thrill-seekers, with visitors quickly forming lines outside the popular coaster. “We are planning on going on it. We’re going to come here on Monday again and that’s probably going to be our first stop,” said Luke Jenkins, an eyewitness who opted not to ride due to the lengthy wait time, which surged to 150 minutes shortly after the ride’s opening.
Another park guest who took the plunge described the ride as “probably one of the fastest ones I’ve been on so far.” Reports indicate that the park has implemented new safety measures and reinforced rider eligibility signage to prevent future incidents.
The decision to reopen follows a thorough review of the ride by Universal Orlando’s own inspectors, state authorities, the manufacturer, and an independent engineer. Universal Orlando’s president, Karen Irwin, emphasized the commitment to safety during a press briefing, expressing condolences to Rodriguez Zavala’s family.
“There was a little bit of a hiccup, but they seemed to fix it,” one visitor recounted, referring to a previous issue with a chair that wasn’t locking correctly. With safety procedures updated, the park is eager to restore confidence among its guests.
The reopening announcement was made earlier on Saturday, with Irwin assuring staff and patrons that all necessary precautions had been taken. As the night progressed, rides continued, signaling a return to normalcy for the Epic Universe attraction, which has drawn significant attention since its debut.
As the situation develops, all eyes will remain on Universal Orlando to see how it manages guest safety and operational integrity moving forward. The park is poised to welcome both returning guests and newcomers eager for high-speed thrills, all while navigating the aftermath of this tragic incident.
Stay tuned for more updates as Universal Orlando continues to implement its safety measures and enhance guest experiences.
