Stardust Racers

Last updated
Stardust Racers
Universal Epic Universe
Park section Celestial Park
Status Under construction
Opening date May 22, 2025
General Statistics
Type Steel  – Racing  – Launched
Manufacturer Mack Rides
Lift/launch system Linear motor launch
 GreenYellow
Height 133 ft (40.5 m) 133 ft (40.5 m)
Length 5,000 ft (1,524.0 m) 5,000 ft (1,524.0 m)
Speed 62 mph (99.8 km/h) 62 mph (99.8 km/h)
Inversions 1 1
Height restriction 48 in (122 cm)
Trains 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders per train.
Official website Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers at RCDB
Pictures of Stardust Racers at RCDB

Stardust Racers is an upcoming steel dual launched roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. Universal Orlando first announced the new park in August 2019 before officially unveiling Stardust Racers and its associated Celestial Park central district in January 2024. [1] [2]

Contents

Stardust Racers was manufactured by Mack Rides and includes two 5,000-foot (1,500 m) pairs of track, collectively making it one of the largest steel coasters in the United States. [3] [4] It is set to open on May 22, 2025.

History

Development

Universal Epic Universe was first announced on August 1, 2019, as a new third-gate theme park that would double Universal Orlando's footprint. [5] [6] No attractions or details were divulged at the time, although a large dueling coaster was predominantly visible in concept artwork. German roller coaster manufacturer Mack Rides subsequently patented a new ride inversion design in the fall, where twin tracks twisted over each other while rising and falling from a peak. [7] This would later become widely referred to as the Celestial Spin. [8]

Epic Universe was originally scheduled to open in 2023, but parent company Comcast announced in April 2020 that construction would be delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. [9] Europa Park owner Roland Mack announced in September that Universal had cancelled his company's order for "the largest roller coaster in the world", which was valued at well over 20 million euros and wouldn't be delivered in the foreseeable future. [4] Construction on Epic Universe resumed in March 2021 and the following January Roland confirmed that Universal had renewed the contract as a result, which had been amended to include a second coaster project. [10] [11]

Construction

Track and supports for the attraction began arriving in August 2022. [12] Construction oversaw groundwork and coaster installation taking place concurrently, with each section being completed in phases. The first pieces were fitted in November 2022 with the initial launch tracks and maintenance bays, with the layout being physically completed in June 2023. [13] [14] The highlight Celestial Spin element was topped off near the end of May. [15]

Announcement

Universal City Studios LLC submitted a trademark application for "Starfall Racers" to the United States Patent and Trademark Office on March 7, 2023. [16] On January 30, 2024, Universal Orlando formally shared information on Epic Universe and its central Celestial Park precinct. [17] Starfall Racers was also officially announced at this time, with a wide variety of concept artwork and animation released to the public. [3] [18] The coaster is currently expected to open with the park in 2025. In 2024, the name was challenged by the Starfall Education Foundation for "brand misappropriation toward children" and in late May 2024, the rollercoaster was renamed to "Stardust Racers", which was a backup trademark name in the event. [19]

Characteristics

Each side of Stardust Racers will stand 133 feet (41 m) tall, cover around 5,000 feet (1,500 m) of track, and reach a top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h). The aforementioned peak height will be reached during the attraction's signature Celestial Spin element, where the tracks invert around each other while rising and falling. The top speed meanwhile will be reached using a pair of linear motor launches on each side.

Stardust Racers will run with up to four trains on each track, given that the maintenance bays can hold eight sets. [12] Each train will be made up of five cars where riders sit in two rows of two, for a total of twenty passengers. While the ride structure won't display any lighting at night, the trains will include onboard audio and lights, making the illuminated ride vehicles appear as comets in the night sky. [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Launched roller coaster</span> Modern form of roller coaster

The launched roller coaster is a type of roller coaster that initiates a ride with high amounts of acceleration via one or a series of linear induction motors (LIM), linear synchronous motors (LSM), catapults, tires, chains, or other mechanisms employing hydraulic or pneumatic power, along a launch track. This mode of acceleration powers many of the fastest roller coasters in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Universal Destinations & Experiences</span> Theme park division of NBCUniversal

Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX), formerly Universal Parks & Resorts, is the theme park unit of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iron Gwazi</span> Ride at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Iron Gwazi is a steel-track hybrid roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a theme park in Tampa, Florida, United States. Development of the original Gwazi began in July 1998, when Busch Gardens announced that it would build a wooden roller coaster on land formerly occupied by the Anheuser-Busch brewery. Great Coasters International (GCI) built Gwazi, a wooden dueling roller coaster with two separate tracks. The ride was named after a fabled creature with a tiger's head and a lion's body. Trains riding on both tracks, respectively named Lion and Tiger, reached a height of 105.4 feet (32.1 m) and a maximum speed of 51 mph (82 km/h).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Universal Creative</span> Engineering, architecture and design division of Universal Parks & Resorts

Universal Creative is the division of Universal Destinations & Experiences responsible for designing, developing, engineering, and producing themed attractions, rides, and, resorts. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, the company operates at Universal Parks & Resorts locations around the world in the United States, Singapore, Japan, and China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit</span> Steel roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a steel roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando, Florida, United States. With a height of 167 feet (51 m), a length of 3,800 feet (1,200 m), and a top speed of 65 miles per hour (105 km/h), it is the largest X-Coaster ever built by German manufacturer Maurer Söhne. Announced on March 19, 2008, the coaster officially debuted on August 19, 2009, despite original plans to open several months earlier in the spring. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit features on-ride music, LED lighting, and on-ride photos and videos captured from cameras mounted in each passenger row.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Orlando Resort)</span> Area in Universal Orlando theme parks

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a themed area spanning three theme parks—Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and the upcoming Universal Epic Universe—at the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. The area is themed to the Harry Potter media franchise, adapting elements from the film series and novels by J. K. Rowling, in partnership with Warner Bros. Entertainment under an exclusive license agreement. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was well received and significantly boosted attendance at the resort.

Space Fantasy – The Ride is a spinning roller coaster at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Japan. The ride opened on March 18, 2010, as a replacement for the E.T. Adventure dark ride. The ride is themed to a journey through space and features an array of special effects and immersive theming including interactive projection screens, on-board audio, lasers and fibre optics.

<i>The Wizarding World of Harry Potter</i> Harry Potter-themed land at Universal theme parks

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a chain of themed areas at Universal Destinations & Experiences based on the Harry Potter media franchise, adapting elements from the Warner Bros.' film series and original novels by J. K. Rowling. The areas were designed by Universal Creative from an exclusive license with Warner Bros. Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White Lightning (roller coaster)</span> Wooden roller coaster in Orlando, Florida

White Lightning is a wooden roller coaster located at Fun Spot America amusement park in Orlando, Florida. Manufactured by Great Coasters International (GCI), White Lightning opened to the public on June 8, 2013, as the first wooden coaster to be built in Orlando. Unlike traditional wood designs, the support structure is made of steel to reduce maintenance costs, and it was the first time GCI incorporated the design into one of their coasters. White Lightning has also been well-received, consistently ranking in the top 50 among wooden roller coasters in the annual Golden Ticket Awards from Amusement Today.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skyscraper (roller coaster)</span> Cancelled roller coaster concept

Skyscraper was a roller coaster concept originally planned for a future Skyplex entertainment complex located in Orlando, Florida. Development began in 2012 by American manufacturer US Thrill Rides and Swiss manufacturer Intamin, with both companies designing the attraction as the first Polercoaster model utilizing an observation tower for its main support structure. Skyscraper would have been the tallest roller coaster in the world at over 500 feet (150 m), and it would have featured both the steepest drop and highest inversion in the world.

Skyplex was a planned entertainment complex, It was to be located on a 14-acre (5.7 ha) lot at the northeast corner of Sand Lake Road and International Drive in Orlando, Florida. Plans for the complex were to include a 570-foot (170 m) tower which would’ve featured the world's tallest roller coaster, Skyscraper, and the world's largest Perkins Restaurant and Bakery. In January 2019 the project was expected to cost US$250,000,000 and include space for a future hotel. The complex was originally planned to open first in 2016. But pushed back to 2017, then 2018. The project was once again delayed to 2019, then was delayed yet again to 2020. In 2021, Joshua Wallack revealed that Lionsgate originally signed a deal with Wallack Holdings LLC to turn Skyplex into a theme park named Lionsgate World Resort Orlando, which was rumored to start construction in early 2021 and was set to open in late 2024. However, no updates nor announcements on the project happened. On December 21, 2022, US Thrill Rides LLC and Polercoaster LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and would be liquidated. On January 30, 2023, WPC confirmed on a message that the project would not be moving forward, resulting in the complex being delayed. On October 17, it was confirmed that Skyplex is cancelled as the area is being put up for sale.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cobra's Curse</span> Ride at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Cobra's Curse is a steel spinning roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida, United States. The roller coaster, opened in 2016, was manufactured by Mack Rides, features an elevator-style lift, and was the first new ride to open at the park since Falcon's Fury opened in 2014. Cobra's Curse presents a fictional story about the ancient Egyptian ruler the Snake King Venymyss and his curse upon his lost kingdom. The roller coaster has a track length of 2,100 feet (640 m), reaches a height of 70 feet (21 m), and has a maximum speed of 40 mph (64 km/h).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Nintendo World</span> Area in Universal theme parks

Super Nintendo World is a themed area at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood. Further areas are under construction at the upcoming Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort and at Universal Studios Singapore that are scheduled to open in 2025. A result of a partnership between Nintendo and Universal Destinations & Experiences, the area is based on Nintendo video game franchises, primarily the Mario and Donkey Kong franchises.

<i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i>: Cosmic Rewind Enclosed roller coaster at Epcot

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an enclosed roller coaster at Epcot at Walt Disney World, manufactured by Dutch company Vekoma. Based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe Guardians of the Galaxy films, it is the first attraction at Walt Disney World to feature characters from the Marvel Universe. Opened on May 27, 2022, it is Epcot's first roller coaster and Disney's first backwards-launched roller coaster. It replaced the Universe of Energy pavilion, which closed on August 13, 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure</span> Roller coaster at Islands of Adventure

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is a multiple-launch steel roller coaster located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade section of Universal Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando. Manufactured by Intamin, the attraction opened to the public on June 13, 2019. The partially-enclosed motorbike coaster operates both indoor and outdoor, and it is the sixth Harry Potter-themed attraction created for the resort. Universal marketed the ride as "a highly-themed roller coaster" that focuses on "a different corner of the wizarding world".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Universal Epic Universe</span> Upcoming theme park in the United States

Universal Epic Universe is an upcoming theme park under construction in Orlando, Florida. Scheduled to open on May 22, 2025, Epic Universe will be the fourth theme park to open at Universal Orlando Resort. The park is part of a larger 750-acre (300 ha) development and will feature five themed areas named Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dragon Challenge</span> Defunct inverted roller coaster at Universals Islands of Adventure

Dragon Challenge, formerly named Dueling Dragons (1999–2010), was a pair of intertwined inverted roller coasters in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter area of Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida, United States. Designed by Bolliger & Mabillard of Switzerland, the ride was a dueling roller coaster featuring two tracks – one side was called Chinese Fireball and the other Hungarian Horntail – that were themed as two chasing dragons. Its layout involved two trains sharing adjacent lift hills, with each traversing unique courses. Trains on the Chinese Fireball track reached a maximum speed of 60 mph (97 km/h), while trains on the Hungarian Horntail reached 55 mph (89 km/h). Both tracks featured five inversions and an identical ride duration of 2 minutes and 25 seconds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VelociCoaster</span> Launched roller coaster at Universal Islands of Adventure

Jurassic World VelociCoaster is a launched roller coaster at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. Manufactured by Intamin, the ride opened to the public on June 10, 2021. It is themed to the Velociraptor dinosaurs depicted in the Jurassic World film franchise and is located in the Islands of Adventure's Jurassic Park area, occupying the site of the former Triceratops Encounter attraction. VelociCoaster features two high-speed launches powered by linear synchronous motors, a signature 155-foot-tall (47 m) top hat, four inversions, and a maximum speed of 70 mph (110 km/h).

References

  1. ↑ "Universal Orlando Resort Announces Ambitious New Theme Park" (Press release). Universal Orlando. August 1, 2019. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  2. ↑ Beldon, Matthew (January 30, 2024). "Universal Orlando announces Epic lands at new theme park". WFTS-TV . Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 "Starfall Racers at Universal Epic Universe". Orlando Informer. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  4. 1 2 Knieps, Stephan; Schlesiger, Christian (August 1, 2019). "Europapark-Betreiber droht Auftrag für weltgrößte Achterbahn zu verlieren". WirtschaftsWoche (in German). Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  5. ↑ O'Kane, Caitlin (August 1, 2019). "Universal Studios Orlando announces new theme park, Epic Universe". CBS News . Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  6. ↑ Tuttle, Brittani (August 1, 2019). "Universal Orlando announces new theme park, Universal's Epic Universe". CBS News . Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  7. ↑ "EP3685894A1 – Guide device, ride and method for operating a ride". Google Patents . Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  8. ↑ Stella, Alicia (February 22, 2023). "Epic Universe Update: Coaster Top Hat Installed, Attraction Rumors, and Nintendo World Portal". CBS News . Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  9. ↑ Russon, Gabrielle; Hudak, Stephen (April 30, 2020). "Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park will be delayed because of coronavirus pandemic". Orlando Sentinel . Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  10. ↑ Whitten, Sarah (March 3, 2021). "Universal set to resume construction of Epic Universe park in Florida". CNBC . Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  11. ↑ "Die Zukunft der Freizeitparks – mit Roland Mack". Spotify . Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  12. 1 2 @bioreconstruct (August 19, 2022). "Aerial overview of staging area for track and supports of the high speed..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  13. ↑ Cygnus (November 8, 2022). "Universal's Epic Universe Construction Thread". Inside Universal. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  14. ↑ @bioreconstruct (June 23, 2023). "Aerial overview of the recently completed tracks of the dual-racing roller..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  15. ↑ @bioreconstruct (May 25, 2023). "At #1 in this aerial of the dual-racing coaster in Epic Universe is an..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  16. ↑ "Trademark/Service Mark Application, Principal Register". tsdr.uspto.gov . March 7, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  17. ↑ "Introducing Universal Epic Universe". YouTube. Universal Orlando. January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  18. ↑ Chen, Eve (January 30, 2024). "Universal Orlando Resort reveals first details on highly anticipated Epic Universe". Courier Journal . Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  19. ↑ Tuttle, Brit (31 May 2024). "Starfall Racers Renamed to 'Stardust Racers' at Epic Universe Due to Trademark Infringement". WDWNT. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.