Universal's Epic Universe - News and Discussion

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Our TM friend just messaged us to say the ride was reopening tomorrow.

 

[GhostHost24]

Came close in thinking by the end of September

 

[hardcorestitch]

Our TM friend just messaged us to say the ride was reopening tomorrow.

No way I would have let that happened if I was the CEO of Universal. If the CASE isn't closed and there is NO closure for the families affected, that ride should STAY closed. Until the case is closed, I am BOYCOTTING Universal parks.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

No way I would have let that happened if I was the CEO of Universal. If the CASE isn't closed and there is NO closure for the families affected, that ride should STAY closed. Until the case is closed, I am BOYCOTTING Universal parks.

mmmkk

 

[HopperFan]

No way I would have let that happened if I was the CEO of Universal. If the CASE isn't closed and there is NO closure for the families affected, that ride should STAY closed. Until the case is closed, I am BOYCOTTING Universal parks.

State Department did an investigation, independent engineers did investigation, coaster company was involved as well as Universal. I imagine they would not open unless all parties have concluded the ride is safe and operating properly.

Universal says they are updating procedures, adding more signage and Orlando Sentinel says "rules" have changed that a guest must be able to walk on ride.

I don't think it will change anything regarding a lawsuit, that will go on. That "lawsuit" case will be ongoing but it sounds like engineering wise all parties have given a green light to reopen. Guests need to make a decision if they can handle it. We sent DS#2 on to test drive it, and he said it was not a ride that DS#1 or I needed to risk riding.

 

[fatmanatee]

Updated guidelines for Stardust AND many other rides across all Universal Orlando parks. Not sure about the full list but Velocicoaster is apparently included on it, which makes sense.

 

[HopperFan]

Updated guidelines for Stardust AND many other rides across all Universal Orlando parks. Not sure about the full list but Velocicoaster is apparently included on it, which makes sense.

View attachment 1012330

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/hours-information/rider-safety#ride-warning-signs

"Guests using mobility devices must be able to walk independently."

Hagrids (motorbike seat)
Forbidden Journey
Velocicoaster
Dragon Racer Ralley
Monster Unchained
Stardust Racers

 

[PrincessV]

I don’t know what to think about the Stardust situation. I find not having an explanation of why a man went on the ride alive and ended it dead from blunt force trauma unsettling. I don’t mean to suggest that anything nefarious is going on: I genuinely believe that both Universal and Mack and everyone involved in the decision would err on the side of safety before reopening the ride. But will I feel comfortable riding it again without understanding exactly what happened? IDK. Maybe I’m just too old for that level of thrill now.

 

[PrincessV]

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/hours-information/rider-safety#ride-warning-signs

"Guests using mobility devices must be able to walk independently."

Hagrids (motorbike seat)
Forbidden Journey
Velocicoaster
Dragon Racer Ralley
Monster Unchained
Stardust Racers

It just hit me: the common element anmong all of those is not having feet touch the floor, right? I’m short: I’m not sure if taller folks’ feet actually touch on Velocicoaster and Stardust, but mine definitely dangle.

 

[HopperFan]

It just hit me: the common element anmong all of those is not having feet touch the floor, right? I’m short: I’m not sure if taller folks’ feet actually touch on Velocicoaster and Stardust, but mine definitely dangle.

If you open that link I posted and go to the list you will see lots of requirements for where legs etc land on the chair for you to ride as well. It seems to be about clearing the seat and the bend down.

 

[fatmanatee]

I don’t know what to think about the Stardust situation. I find not having an explanation of why a man went on the ride alive and ended it dead from blunt force trauma unsettling. I don’t mean to suggest that anything nefarious is going on: I genuinely believe that both Universal and Mack and everyone involved in the decision would err on the side of safety before reopening the ride. But will I feel comfortable riding it again without understanding exactly what happened? IDK. Maybe I’m just too old for that level of thrill now.

I’ll admit i’m sort of baffled that we still don’t have more clarity about what happened.

 

[Minnie1222]

I believe the death was not directly caused by the design of the coaster, otherwise it would be shut down permanently. Having ridden all the Universal coasters, I think Stardust is mild when compared to Velocicoaster, Rip Ride, and Hulk. Even Tron was more physically uncomfortable to ride than Stardust.

 

[HopperFan]

I don’t know what to think about the Stardust situation. I find not having an explanation of why a man went on the ride alive and ended it dead from blunt force trauma unsettling. I don’t mean to suggest that anything nefarious is going on: I genuinely believe that both Universal and Mack and everyone involved in the decision would err on the side of safety before reopening the ride. But will I feel comfortable riding it again without understanding exactly what happened? IDK. Maybe I’m just too old for that level of thrill now.

I’ll admit i’m sort of baffled that we still don’t have more clarity about what happened.

Because there is likely a lawsuit in the making Universal is not going to be able to share anything as it would compromise the case. The fact that all professional parties signed off on it opening is a nod that this was an accident, tied back to the guest, not the ride. I think all we'll see is what is happening for now ~ more guidelines and rules put in to place for guests.

I believe the death was not directly caused by the design of the coaster, otherwise it would be shut down permanently. Having ridden all the Universal coasters, I think Stardust is mild when compared to Velocicoaster, Rip Ride, and Hulk. Even Tron was more physically uncomfortable to ride than Stardust.

Agreed.