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.

 

[Rory607]

We will be there tomorrow and my teen really wants to ride. It makes me nervous not knowing what happened. She is tiny for her age. Logically, I know she’s ridden every other coaster in the park, but as a mom it makes me pause.

 

[GhostHost24]

We will be there tomorrow and my teen really wants to ride. It makes me nervous not knowing what happened. She is tiny for her age. Logically, I know she’s ridden every other coaster in the park, but as a mom it makes me pause.

Don't know if it makes you feel better but you're more likely to be hit by lightning or severely hurt in a car accident than on a roller coaster

 

[georgina]

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 will be there in December. I plan to ride it, probably more than once. I am 63, 5'5" tall, and have not had an issue with my feet on Velocicoaster, which until now has been my favorite coaster.

 

[mamapenguin]

200 minute wait for Stardust. The people have spoken!

 

[Skywalker3]

Hey anyone had luck getting express tickets at epic guest. Services even if sold out elsewhere? Or day of? Ticket desk here at CB didn’t have any, but suggested I try at epic guest services.But would mean bus ride there and back. This is for couple days from now, not today Thanks!

 

[Raya]

Any ideas on how long the bus ride from Portofino bay to Epic will be? Is there even a bus from the resort or will we need to go to some other area to catch it? I'm seeing online reports of a 20 minute bus ride, but that seems to be the actual time from when the bus starts moving. I'm looking for more of the "how much time should we budget if we want to be in the park for early entry" timing.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

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 I 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 feel the same. I understand why Universal is not saying much and logically I know they wouldn't open it if they weren't confident, but I can't feel comfortable riding it or encouraging my daughters to ride it without knowing exactly how he died. Blunt force trauma can mean many things, but this is very different than a heart attack on a ride.

But I'm the kind of person who has a moment of "why am I risking my life for a ride" right before the Velocicoaster top hat and I have to ride separately from my daughters and distract myself when they ride.

Yes, I know cars are more dangerous, but it's a risk-reward balance, and I want all the information to make the evaluation.