A Georgia mother is suing Universal Orlando and the ride’s maker, saying her 9-year-old son lost consciousness on Stardust Racers at Epic Universe and was permanently injured.
A new lawsuit claims a child was seriously hurt on Stardust Racers, the dueling roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe.
A Georgia mother says her 9-year-old son lost consciousness from the forces of the ride on Oct. 13, 2025, Orlando Weekly reported. The lawsuit says his head and face then hit hard surfaces while his head wasn’t supported.
The suit names Universal Orlando and Mack Rides, the German company that built the coaster. These are allegations, and no court has ruled on them.
What does the Stardust Racers lawsuit claim?
The lawsuit says the boy suffered head and face injuries, plus orthopedic and spinal injuries, and needed medical help as soon as he got off the ride. It calls his injuries “severe and permanent.”
His mother argues that Universal and Mack Rides knew, or should have known, the ride was “unsafe and unreasonably dangerous,” according to Orlando Weekly. She also says the coaster’s lap bar can’t properly support a rider’s head and neck if they pass out.
She is seeking more than $50,000 in damages, including the cost of his medical care, WDW News Today reported.
Where is the Stardust Racers lawsuit now?
The mother filed it on Aug. 17, 2026, in Orange County. It moved to federal court on Sept. 18.
Universal argues the mother was negligent in looking after her son’s safety, Orlando Weekly reported. Universal and Mack Rides haven’t commented publicly on the case, Inside the Magic reported.
Is this the first Stardust Racers lawsuit?
No. Universal has faced several lawsuits from people who say they were hurt on the ride. Those suits accuse the company of negligence in how the coaster was designed, operated and maintained.
The ride is also linked to a death. A 32-year-old man was found unconscious after riding Stardust Racers on Sept. 17, 2025, and later died. The medical examiner said he died of multiple blunt impact injuries.
The ride closed for about two and a half weeks after his death. The boy in the new lawsuit rode it nine days after it reopened, Inside the Magic reported.
Did Universal change anything on Stardust Racers?
Yes. After the September 2025 death, Universal updated its safety rules for Stardust Racers and some other thrill rides, Orlando Weekly and Inside the Magic reported.
Guests who use mobility devices now need to be able to walk on their own to board, instead of getting help transferring into the seat.
Stardust Racers is still open at Epic Universe.
What is Stardust Racers?
It’s a dueling launch coaster in Celestial Park, the hub area of Epic Universe. Two trains race side by side and swoop past each other, with about 5,000 feet of track.
It reaches a top speed of 62 mph and a height of 133 feet, according to Orlando Weekly. Riders have to be at least 48 inches tall.
Epic Universe opened on May 22, 2025, and Stardust Racers was one of its headline rides from day one.
What should riders know before getting on a big coaster?
Theme parks post health warnings at the entrance of big thrill rides, usually covering heart, back and neck problems, and they’re worth reading before you get in line.
If you or your child feel faint, dizzy or unwell after a ride, tell a team member right away. Universal has first aid stations in every park.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
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Orlando Weekly, Oct. 8, 2026: the lawsuit’s claims, the boy’s age and Universal’s argument
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WDW News Today, Oct. 1, 2026: filing dates, damages sought and the 2025 death
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Inside the Magic, Oct. 1, 2026: other lawsuits, the reopening timeline and safety rule changes
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