What's next for Stardust Racers?
The investigation into a fatal accident on the new Universal Orlando roller coaster continues.
It’s been a tough week for roller coaster fans following the tragic death of a rider on Stardust Racers at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park. The Mack Rides coaster remains closed while an investigation continues, though preliminary findings from the park, backed by state investigators, suggest that the ride was operating as designed, and without structural damage.
‘Blunt impact’ killed rider on Stardust Racers roller coaster: Here is our updated story on the incident, which claimed the life of a 32-year-old from nearby Kissimmee, Florida.
Discussion: Stardust Racers incident has me thinking
Jury awards $205 million verdict in theme park ride death: The stakes for improperly operating a theme park attraction can be devastating for all involved. A Colorado just has ruled in the 2021 death of a young girl at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
Reveals for 2026
Dollywood announces NightFlight Expedition for 2026: Dollywood has announced its new attraction for 2026 - America’s first installation of a Mack Rides rocking boat ride.
Galacticoaster to blast off at Legoland next year: Legoland has revealed the name of its new space-themed roller coasters. Galacticoaster will open in early 2026 at Legoland California and Legoland Florida.
SeaWorld invites Orlando visitors into the ‘Deep’ for 2026: SeaWorld Orlando will be adding a dark ride to the park next year. The park has announced SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, which it described as ‘the world’s first-of-its-kind suspended dark ride.’
Six Flags starts construction on record-setting coaster: Six Flags Over Texas will announce the name and all the details for its new coaster Thursday morning.
Liseberg swings into 2026 with new family ride: Liseberg has announced its new ride for the 2026 season, Stormvåg, an Art Engineering Wild Swing XL.
Shanghai Disneyland plans Soarin’ expansion: Shanghai Disneyland will add a third theater to its Soaring Over the Horizon attraction.
And finally,
What could have been at Hong Kong Disneyland? This week brought the fifth anniversary of one of the more frustrating decisions in theme park history - Hong Kong’s call not to sell Disney the land next to Hong Kong Disneyland and to use it for a Covid quarantine facility instead.
Knott’s set the stage for fresh Scary Farm nightmares: Our review of this year’s Knott’s Scary Farm, including the two new mazes: The Zoo and Mary: The Haunting of Worth Home.
Thank you for reading, and… stay safe.
Robert