All the Stellar Details About Stardust Racers at Epic Universe

Celestial Park is a world filled with an endless array of machinations and innovations. The dreamers who call this place home have never stopped pondering the wonders of the universe. In their efforts to harness the energy of the cosmos, they've found out that they can capture comets, jump on them and ride them across the night sky. Well, Universal Orlando has brought this thrilling Celestian pastime to the visitors of Universal Epic Universe in the form of Stardust Racers, a hair-raising, breath-taking dueling coaster that launches you into the stratosphere and takes you on a whirlwind adventure amongst the stars. Choose your side and prepare to blast off on one of the largest coasters Universal has ever built.

Overview of Stardust Racers

Legend has it, the Celestials who inhabit Celestial Park once used comets to travel across the cosmos from one world to next. What we now call Stardust Racers was used a launch point for said comets. However, once the Chronos opened — offering a simpler method of inter-dimensional travel — the use of comet-based travel began to dwindle Not wanting the structure to go to waste, Chronocosmic Engineers (Celestials who maintain the portals and take care of the Chronos) reimagined their comet-riding technology to allow them race comets recreationally — a now-cherished Celestial Park pastime.

In their efforts to stabilize the comets for racing, however, the Chronocosmic Engineers ran into a bit of a pickle. Luckily, a certain doctor who mastered bending the laws of space and time just so hoppened to travel through a portal to Celestial Park and offer his technology to be of service. If you sneak a peek at the back of the ride vehicle, you might just spot the core component of the "Doc's" time traveling vehicles.

Designed to feel like an old wooden coaster (yet unbelievably smooth), Stardust Racers is a 1.8-mile, side-by-side race between two comets — Photon (the yellow side) and Pulsar (the green side) — to see who gets to the end first. Prepare to rise up in your seat as you reach speeds up to 62 miles per hour and heights up to 133 feet on this dual-launch coaster.

Described as "Epic Universe's most thrilling coaster experience," Stardust Racers features unique maneuvers, such as the "Celestial Spin," in which the two coaster vehicles perform an inverted crisscross while speeding through the air. Oh ... and there are no break zones. Adorned with hundreds of points of light, this coaster looks like shooting comets racing across the sky come nightfall — because they are!

Frequently Asked Questions About Stardust Racers

When did Stardust Racers open at Universal Epic Universe?

As of May 22, 2025, Stardust Racers is open!

Is there a difference between Photon (yellow) and Pulsar (green)?

The tracks are the same height, length and speed with the same amount of inversions (1) and launches (2). Word around the cosmos is that Pulsar has a tiny bit more of a kick, though. It also enters the Celestial Spin first, creating more of a traditional inversion. We here at the pond have a soft spot for Photon, however, because it provides an absolutely unmatched view of the Isle of Berk. When the queue splits, veer left for Photon and right for Pulsar.

What is the height requirement for Stardust Racers?

Riders must be 48 inches to ride. Check out our full guide to height requirements at Epic Universe for more information.

What is the best time to ride Stardust Racers?

Stardust Racers has fairly good capacity and only sees a spike in wait times when it's hit with a delay. (Note that because it's an outdoor attraction, it will shut down if there's lighting in the area.) The time of day with the lowest wait is going to be right at park open — even with it being included in Early Park Admission. It also generally tends to see lower waits around 6 to 8 p.m.

It's of my highest opinion, however, that Stardust Racers is the attraction to ride at Epic Universe at night. Absolutely nothing beats going up those lift hills and seeing the portal lights converging in the sky. (Plus, all coasters feel faster in the dark.) If there's one ride you should wait get in line for in the final minutes before park close, let it be this one. We also recommend, if you can, timing your ride to The Cosmos Fountain show for maximum views and vibes. (You can see what time the show is hoppening on the digital information boards around the park.)

Be aware that this summer, the Orlando area has seen its fair share of late-night lightning storms. If you want to guarantee your ride on a comet, hit up this rip-roaring coaster earlier in the day.

Are there test seats?

Test seats are available at the ride entrance. This ride employs safety restraints, which may restrict certain guests from riding due to body shape and size. The restraint for this coaster is the same overhead lap bar you'll find on Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Large-framed guests may not be accommodated on the ride.

Can I ride if I use an ECV or wheelchair?

Guests using ECVs must transfer to a standard wheelchair to navigate the queue. If you cannot transfer to a standard wheelchair, please see an attraction attendant. Guests must then be able to transfer to the attraction's seating either independently or with the assistance of a member of the party. Team members may not assist.

Hop to our full list of disability access for Universal Orlando attractions for more info!

Is Child Swap available?

Child Swap is available for Stardust Racers.

Is there a Single Rider line?

Stardust Racers will have a Single Rider line, which means parties will have to split up. However, the Single Rider option is subject to availability and may open or close at any time.

Is Universal Express Pass accepted?

Universal Express Pass is accepted at Stardust Racers. The Universal Epic Universe Express Pass entitles one guest to one-time express access at participating rides and attractions within Epic Universe. For Stardust Racers, in particular, this means one time on one track. If you want to go on the other track, you'll then need to wait in standby or the Single Rider line. Check out our helpful infographic with the full list of attractions offered on the Universal Express Pass.

Will I need to stow my belongings in a locker?

Yes, you will. Standard-sized lockers (11.8 inches by 11 inches by 13 inches) for small, loose articles are free while you ride. The lockers are available in the queue of the attraction. The queue also includes walking through a metal detector, so don't expect to keep anything in your pockets. You also need to stow away any Power-Up Bands in the locker. Lockers at Epic Universe are activated with facial recognition, so there's no need to keep your ticket on you either! If you're wearing any sort of lanyard around your neck, you may need to tuck it into your shirt prior to riding.

Be aware that once you pass the lockers, you'll then head upstairs and walk through the metal detector before choosing your side and waiting in line for that particular track. Prepare to wait another 10 to 20 minutes without your belongings.

Is there an attraction photo?

Yes, Stardust Racers does have an attraction photo. You can purchase a My Universal Photos package to collect mementos of your frogciting day at Universal Epic Universe or just purchase your ride photo individually at the attraction.

Does Stardust Racers have a Virtual Line?

Stardust Racers at Epic Universe currently does not employ a Virtual Line. This could change at any moment depending on capacity, so be sure to check the Universal Orlando app for updates during your visit.

Are you frogcited to rocket to the furthest reaches of the galaxy on Stardust Racers? Let us know in the comments below! 

Related: Our Top 10 Epic Universe Rides and Shows

Keep hopping!