“Immature and Insensitive”: Stop the Stardust Racers Morbid ‘Joke’ Before it Spreads – Opinion. Epic Universe’s recent tragic events revolving around a rider’s death on the Stardust Racers roller coaster are now the cause for a disturbing new trend when the coaster returns to the station.
The accident in question involved a disabled person in their 30s who died of blunt force trauma in September. Investigations ruled the death an accident, and Universal Orlando maintains the ride was thoroughly reviewed and found to be functioning correctly.
Following the accident, a new “joke” has begun to spread: riders returning to the unloading platform, acting as if they have passed out, only to suddenly pop up, laugh. We witnessed this firsthand on a recent visit to Epic Universe.
While waiting on the green track, we saw two people acting like they were passed out, giggling as they were caught. We initially dismissed it as an isolated incident. However, social media platforms X and r/UniversalOrlando Reddit are also reporting others witnessing individuals and groups doing the same. Posters are calling this behavior “Immature and Insensitive” and classless.
While a person could legitimately “grey out” or pass out on a roller coaster like Stardust Racers, the context of the giggling and timing makes it clear this is often done on purpose as a joke that just doesn’t land.
We are sure this has happened on other coasters around the world, but not to this extent, where it is noticeable to other guests. (Just imagine all the social media posts of riders with a stuffed goose riding Apollo’s Chariot after the Fabio accident, if that happened recently)
One aspect of this trend falls on the Universal Team Members who work the attraction. They are in charge of safety protocols but not park policy; they are just doing their job, yet they are forced to deal with this disrespect daily. Theme park staff are on the front lines, dealing with the emotional weight of the tragedy and now the fallout of this ill-timed joke. Universal has a responsibility to protect its employees.
What Can Be Done Now? Banning isn’t the realistic answer, but visible, proactive steps are needed. This trend is an opportunity for all theme park visitors to hold themselves and others accountable. Respect is not a ride requirement, but it should be mandatory.
“Immature and Insensitive”: Stop the Stardust Racers Morbid ‘Joke’ Before it Spreads – Opinion
Ride a Shooting Star Across the Cosmos: Share a race across the cosmos on Stardust Racers, a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph. Board a comet and rocket to the furthest reaches of the stars, at heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. Race along an inverted crisscross, known as the “Celestial Spin,” in a dazzling display of blazing colors and ethereal music.
