Epic Universe has reopened Stardust Racers after 3 weeks since a devoted fan lost their life while riding the roller coaster. Now, Universal has new policies in place to hopefully deter guests who may want to think twice before riding.Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicEpic Universe Reopens Massive Coaster (But With New Rules and Policies)It was supposed to be another thrilling day at Universal Orlando’s newest park, Epic Universe—a world built to push theme park innovation into the future. But on September 17, 2025, excitement turned to heartbreak when 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala lost consciousness after riding Stardust Racers, one of the park’s headline attractions. Moments later, tragedy struck.What happened next would set off a storm of grief, anger, and unanswered questions—not just about safety, but about how Universal is handling the aftermath. Since the accident, the ride has remained closed, but now, as it reopens, many are asking: has enough really changed to protect guests from another tragedy?Before we get into the heart of the controversy, here’s what every parkgoer should know about the Stardust Racers investigation, Universal’s latest response, and the sweeping new rules affecting guests with disabilities.Credit: UniversalWhat Happened at Epic UniverseOn September 17, 2025, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was pronounced dead after riding Stardust Racers. According to the Orange County medical examiner, the cause of death was “multiple blunt impact injuries.” Universal immediately closed the ride and launched a comprehensive technical and operational review in collaboration with local and state officials.A letter sent to Universal team members confirmed that multiple reviews—including those by the manufacturer and an independent roller coaster engineering expert—found that the ride systems were functioning correctly. However, that conclusion hasn’t satisfied everyone.Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Zavala’s family, called the reopening “a grave risk to public safety” and accused Universal of “putting profit over people’s lives.” Crump also revealed that other riders have come forward with reports of injuries similar to Zavala’s, suggesting potential design flaws rather than isolated rider error.Credit: UniversalUniversal’s Response and New Ride RulesUniversal has stated it’s updating operational procedures and reinforcing safety warnings. According to an internal letter and new park signage, Stardust Racers and two other attractions—Dragon Racer’s Rally and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment—now have updated accessibility restrictions.Guests using mobility devices, including wheelchairs, must now walk independently to experience these rides. Previously, Universal allowed guests to transfer with minor assistance from companions or team members.The change has drawn swift criticism from the disability community. Advocates argue that the new policy unfairly excludes guests with limited mobility, effectively barring some from experiencing these marquee attractions at all.“In these cases, notice or advice to the rider is important,” said personal injury attorney Luis Toribio, unaffiliated with the case. “The question is whether a reasonable person would have chosen to ride given the warnings and requirements in place at the time of the accident.”Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicHidden Concerns and Accessibility FalloutWhile Universal’s decision may stem from an abundance of caution, critics say it also highlights a deeper issue—how accessibility is treated when tragedy occurs. By tightening requirements rather than re-engineering safety restraints, Universal risks alienating a large portion of its guest base.For parkgoers who rely on mobility devices, Stardust Racers’ new policy could mark a turning point. Accessibility experts note that theme parks typically aim to accommodate riders safely without total exclusion, using specialized seats, transfer devices, or adaptive designs. This sudden shift could set a concerning precedent across the industry.Zavala’s parents, Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz and Ana Zavala, expressed outrage at the decision to reopen.“By rushing to reopen this ride as if nothing happened, Universal is showing great disregard for Kevin’s life, our family’s pain, and the safety of every rider,” they said in a public statement.Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicWhy This Matters to FansTheme park fans are deeply loyal, and when tragedy strikes, it cuts beyond headlines—it impacts trust. Epic Universe was built to be Universal’s boldest step forward, but incidents like this test the balance between thrill and safety.As social media debates intensify, one question looms large: will Universal’s new rules make guests safer—or simply shift responsibility onto them?Only time—and transparency—will tell whether the Stardust Racers tragedy becomes a hard-learned lesson or a haunting reminder that innovation should never come at the cost of inclusion and safety.The post Epic Universe Reopens Stardust Racers to Major Backlash and Strict New Rules appeared first on Inside the Magic.