Stardust Racers opened on May 22, 2025, as one of the flagship attractions of Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. Built by Mack Rides, the dual-track launched coaster sends riders blazing along two parallel 5,000-foot circuits — the yellow Photon train and the green Pulsar train — themed as rival comets streaking through the cosmos in Celestial Park, the park’s central hub land.
Reaching a top speed of 62 mph and cresting at 133 feet, each track delivers one inversion: Photon features a Barrel Roll Downdrop while Pulsar offers a Zero-G Roll. The signature ‘Celestial Spin’ element sees the two tracks twist around each other in a dramatic near-miss crisscross maneuver, and onboard audio and lighting keep both trains fully immersed in the cosmic theme from launch to brake run. Stardust Racers earned the Golden Ticket Award for Best New Roller Coaster in 2025.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Universal Epic Universe
- Manufacturer: Mack Rides
- Opened: May 22, 2025
- Height: 133 ft (40.5 m)
- Top Speed: 62 mph (99.8 km/h)
- Length: 5,000 ft (1,524 m) per track
- Inversions: 1 per track
- Launch Type: Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM)
The Ride Experience
Guests choose their allegiance at the loading station — yellow Photon on the left or green Pulsar on the right — before both trains launch simultaneously via LSM propulsion, guaranteeing a true side-by-side race from the first burst of acceleration. The tracks shadow and mirror each other through sweeping turns and airtime hills before diverging for each track’s unique inversion.
The climactic Celestial Spin brings the two tracks within feet of each other as they invert and crisscross, the kind of near-miss moment that draws gasps from both sides of the train. With onboard audio tied to the comet theme and lighting effects that pulse through the circuit, the ride blends speed and spectacle in equal measure.
Scale and Setting
Stardust Racers anchors Celestial Park, designed around an astronomical aesthetic that makes the coaster’s twin arcing tracks a visual centerpiece visible from across Universal Epic Universe. With a combined track length of around 10,000 feet across both sides, the ride ranks among the largest steel roller coasters in the United States.
Its debut alongside the rest of Epic Universe in May 2025 represented one of the most anticipated theme park openings in years, and Stardust Racers quickly became the marquee reason enthusiasts made the trip. Each 20-passenger train accommodates riders two across in two rows per car, keeping throughput high even as demand for the coaster remained exceptionally strong in the park’s opening season.
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Stardust Racers FAQs
What is the height requirement for Stardust Racers?
Riders must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall to ride Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe.
What is the difference between the Photon and Pulsar tracks?
Both tracks reach 133 feet and 62 mph, but they feature different inversions: Photon (yellow) has a Barrel Roll Downdrop, while Pulsar (green) has a Zero-G Roll. The perspective during the race also differs slightly depending on which side you ride.
Where exactly is Stardust Racers in Universal Epic Universe?
Stardust Racers is located in Celestial Park, the central hub land of Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida, where it serves as the area’s primary thrill anchor.
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Photo: Gfgbeach / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.