VelociCoaster, you have finally met your match
Hey, are you a fan of VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure or Mako at SeaWorld? I have good news for you, friend. Stardust Racers is basically those roller coasters, but improved. Yeah, many guests consider it even better than some of the best coasters in the world, so expect Stardust Racers to have a pretty good placement when the Golden Ticket Awards reveal their best rides and coasters of 2025.
As of now, this is probably my favorite ride at Epic Universe, which is absolutely top honors considering that this is a park with Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Monsters Unchained.
Stardust Racers is a dual roller coaster, similar to what Islands of Adventure had in the past with Dueling Dragons. That’s right, there are two vehicles riding different tracks at the same time! I love that this ride is all about launches, speed, and good airtime, and it feels incredibly comfortable while at it. If you’re a fan of roller coasters, just ride it. You won’t be disappointed.
What we like about Stardust Racers
One thing to love - and you can basically see it as you approach the ride - is that it’s a spiritual successor to Dueling Dragons! Ah, how I missed that ride at Islands of Adventure. The two vehicles dancing together look amazing, and during the ride, you can also see fellow guests launching right by your side, spinning, turning, and dropping in unison with you. Seriously, there’s nothing like seeing other riders' reactions to a coaster WHILE riding it. It looks awesome, especially at night, with the vehicles lighting up and looking absolutely mesmerizing.
This coaster is also extremely comfortable, even more so than the VelociCoaster. That’s because your seat restraint only latches horizontally across your stomach, so there’s nothing over your shoulders, and your legs have more space to move around. This is actually clutch, since it reduces the chance of your knees bumping against the seatbelt or other restraints.
The ride itself is also amazing. Stardust Racers is huge, and you can see it from almost anywhere in the park. You reach speeds of 62 mph, and the tracks are nearly a mile long. There aren’t any loops in Stardust Racers, but you do get a few corkscrews as the coasters race and twist alongside each other. Universal has even patented a feature called the “Celestial Spin,” where both trains perform a crisscross maneuver. It looks amazing, especially at night.
I love that this coaster is all about speed and airtime. I’ve hit my forties, so loop after loop is a no-no for me, and even riding VelociCoaster three times in a row gives me a light headache now. I really appreciate that Stardust trades shaking you around for pure speed and airtime. In fact, this coaster has some of the best airtime sections of any ride I’ve ever tried. It’s seriously good.
Stardust Racers is a really fun spectacle that you’ve got to see for yourself. And the cool thing is, unlike Dueling Dragons where you'd only see the other coaster for a few seconds, here you get to ride alongside the other vehicle for a good chunk of the experience.
What we don’t like about Stardust Racers
Uhh… so… what is it…
I can’t think of many reasons to dislike this one. I do imagine that wait times will be long, especially early on in Epic Universe’s life. This is, after all, a massive coaster in the middle of the park that attracts a lot of attention.
You could say the queue is rather meh and doesn’t offer much to look at, and that’s true. But you could also argue that roller coasters traditionally don’t have very interesting queues. That’s the case for VelociCoaster (even if it has a cute dino), Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, and The Incredible Hulk Coaster. I think parks tend to favor open space for coasters over creating an immersive pre-show, and honestly, that’s fair.
Conclusion
Stardust Racers is quickly climbing the ranks as one of the best coasters in the world, and it's definitely one of the top rides at Epic Universe. If you're a fan of thrilling attractions, you need to ride it. The dueling aspect is done incredibly well, the airtime is perfect, and the coaster is super comfortable. Ride it.
Stardust Racers FAQ
Where is Stardust Racers located?
Stardust Racers is located in Celestial Park at Epic Universe. To ride one of the best coasters in Florida and start planning your trip to Epic Universe, click that Request a Quote button and let’s talk!
What’s the ride height requirement for Stardust Racers?
You need to be at least 48 inches tall to ride Stardust Racers.
Is Stardust Racers better than VelociCoaster?
It depends. Both rides offer similar thrills, but Stardust Racers has more airtime and drops, while VelociCoaster includes more inversions.
Does Stardust Racers offer different experiences depending on the track you choose?
Yes! The tracks are very similar but not identical. The green (right) side is generally considered the more intense ride.
