News Summary
Universal Orlando Resort has announced new safety and accessibility guidelines that will be implemented following the tragic death of a guest on the ‘Stardust Racers’ ride. The revised guidelines emphasize the need for riders to walk independently and include specific restrictions for those with certain medical conditions. These changes aim to enhance the safety of future visitors as the park prepares to reopen the ride in October. The modifications were made after scrutiny surrounding the incident and ongoing legal proceedings involving the deceased’s family.
Universal Orlando Resort has announced significant updates to its Guide for Safety and Accessibility, which will take effect on October 4, 2025. The changes come in response to a tragic incident that resulted in the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man who used a wheelchair and died after riding ‘Stardust Racers’ on September 17, 2025.
Zavala was found unresponsive in the ride’s restraint system shortly after the ride concluded. An autopsy revealed he died from multiple blunt impact injuries, and the incident was deemed accidental. Reports indicated that Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury, though it is unclear whether this contributed to the circumstances leading to his death.
Prior to the recent changes, the safety guide indicated that riders needed to be able to take a small step into the ride vehicle either independently or with assistance. This specific requirement has now been removed. Riders must now be able to walk independently to participate in ‘Stardust Racers’ as well as other attractions such as ‘Dragon Racer’s Rally’ and ‘Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment’.
The ride was closed for over two weeks after Zavala’s death, and its reopening is now planned for the afternoon of October 4, 2025. Following the incident and amid ongoing litigation, Zavala’s family has expressed criticism of Universal Orlando for what they perceive as a hasty reopening, arguing that it demonstrates a disregard for safety.
The updated accessibility guide includes a prominent illustration denoting that individuals with weakened bones, muscles, or conditions that prevent them from maintaining an upright position should not ride. The revised guidelines emphasize that riders must be able to independently maintain an upright position and effectively support their torso, neck, and head during sudden movements.
As part of the revised guidelines, Universal Orlando has committed to reinforcing eligibility requirements across a broader range of attractions, thereby inviting guests who use mobility devices to review a new list of rides where independent walking is necessary.
Universal Orlando Resort President Karen Irwin stated that ‘Stardust Racers’ was functioning as intended during the incident involving Zavala. The attraction also faced scrutiny in the past; Universal had settled a previous lawsuit related to injuries sustained by another guest prior to the ride’s official opening.
The resort’s adjustment to its Guide for Safety and Accessibility comes amidst heightened scrutiny and potential legal ramifications stemming from Zavala’s tragic death. The theme park is actively updating attraction signage and operational procedures to enhance clarity regarding ride eligibility and safety requirements.
Following the reopening, the real-time wait time for ‘Stardust Racers’ is expected to be around 150 minutes, indicating continued interest in the attraction despite the serious incident. Universal Orlando has taken steps to ensure that guests are better informed of the necessary safety protocols in place at its attractions moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- Click Orlando: Stardust Racers Reopening
- Wikipedia: Universal Orlando Resort
- WESH: Universal Orlando Updates Safety Guide
- Google Search: Universal Orlando Safety and Accessibility
- WFTV: Epic Universe Safety Guide Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theme Park
- Disney Tourist Blog: Stardust Racers Reopening
- Theme Park Insider: Stardust Racers Updates
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
