When Universal announced Stardust Racers as the signature coaster for Epic Universe’s Celestial Park, expectations were sky-high. After riding it multiple times on media day, we can confirm: it exceeds every expectation.
The Basics
- Manufacturer: Intamin
- Type: Dual-launch racing/dueling coaster
- Height: 165 feet
- Top Speed: 62 MPH
- Track Length: 5,500+ feet (combined)
- Duration: Approximately 2 minutes 45 seconds
- Inversions: 4 per side (8 total)
The Ride Experience
Both tracks — Helios (gold) and Selene (silver) — launch simultaneously from a shared station. The LSM launch is punchy, hitting 55 MPH in about 3 seconds before sending you up a twisting ascent.
What makes Stardust Racers special is the interaction between the two tracks. The layout is designed so the trains constantly weave around, over, and under each other. There are at least six distinct near-miss moments where the other train passes within feet of yours. The dueling element transforms what would already be a great coaster into an absolute spectacle.
The airtime is excellent — we counted 8 distinct moments of floater and ejector airtime on the Helios side. The inversions are snappy without being jarring. And the mid-course re-launch (yes, there’s a second launch!) gives the second half of the ride an energy boost that most coasters lack.
Our Verdict: 9.5/10
Stardust Racers is the total package. It has the theming of a Universal attraction, the hardware quality of a world-class Intamin coaster, and a racing element that adds infinite re-rideability. You genuinely get a different experience depending on which side you ride and whether your train is ahead or behind.
This is not just the best ride at Epic Universe — it’s one of the best coasters built in the last decade.
Rating: 9.5 / 10 — Must-Ride Masterpiece
Leave a Reply