On May 22, Universal Orlando opened its new theme park, Epic Universe, comprising five themed lands: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.
While these new themed lands are full of exciting new attractions, dining and immersive experiences, issues have begun to arise in one area of the park for fans.
Celestial Park is an area of the park “where thrilling rides, entertainment, dining, shopping, plus Universal Helios Grand Hotel, all come together to create an amazing world of discovery and excitement,” according to the Universal Orlando website.
The land comprises multiple dining and shopping options, with two attractions: a thrill ride, Stardust Racers, and a children’s ride, Constellation Carousel.
However, Stardust Racers has been the hot topic of theme park news recently, after a 32-year-old man died after riding the attraction.
According to ABC News, Kevin Zavala became unresponsive while riding the attraction and was transported to a local hospital, where he was then pronounced dead. Zavala was born with a spinal cord atrophy and used a wheelchair; however, he was not under any restrictions that would have prevented him from riding the attraction.
After his passing, a local medical examiner ruled his death to be accidental, as a result of a blunt force object, ABC News reported.
However, Zavala’s lawyer, Ben Crump, believes there is a secret about his death that Universal is hiding. And he is determined to uncover the truth.
And the problems don’t end there for this attraction, as Crump argues the ride had a history of complaints before the incident occurred. The Zavala family argues that other riders have experienced restraint issues and impacts during the high-speed launches throughout the ride.
A woman, who was invited to Universal Orlando before the official opening, rode the attraction and ultimately filed a lawsuit against Universal City Development Partners Ltd. She claims that the company failed to maintain rider safety while also failing to be transparent about what riders may experience while on the attraction. According to News6, the woman claimed that her “head shook violently and slammed into the seat’s headrest throughout the ride.”
However, as of the time of publication, the lawsuit has been settled.
On the Universal Orlando Resort website, the attraction is categorized as a thrill ride, with a minimum height requirement of 48”. Universal further adds the description of, “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.”
Despite complaints from parkgoers, Universal Orlando’s safety guide indicates that Stardust Racers is not suitable for guests with back, neck or similar physical conditions, according to News6. However, Zavala’s lawyer argues that no one had told Zavala he was unable to ride the attraction, despite being wheelchair bound due to his spinal atrophy.
The attraction has remained closed since Sept. 17, as many have observed on the Universal app. As of the time of publication, it is unknown when the attraction will reopen.
WESH2 News obtained a statement that the Universal Orlando Resort President and Chief Operating Officer Karen Irwin, sent to Universal Orlando team members regarding the incident.
“Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures,” Irwin wrote. “The attraction remains closed as we continue to work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record. Safety is, and always will be, at the forefront of everything we do.”
However, the Zavala family has yet to receive any direct contact from Universal since the incident occurred.
