Universal Orlando Resort has extended the temporary closure of the Stardust Racers roller coaster for the third time, at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. The attraction will now remain closed through April 5, 2026. If the current schedule holds, the ride...
Dollywood has once again ranked above Disney parks taking the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Award for Best Guest Experience. This marks the sixth time the Tennessee theme park has achieved that honor. The park secured three major awards in total at the same ceremony: Best Guest Experience, Best Kids’ Area, and Best Family Coaster.
A leading industry analyst forecasts that theme park operators may still need up to three years to return to 2019 attendance and revenue levels amid ongoing challenges.
Universal Orlando Resort has expanded its Express Pass offering at Epic Universe to include two major attractions that had previously been excluded. As of August 22, 2025, Mine‑Cart Madness in Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are now eligible for Express Pass use.
Universal Orlando Resort’s latest theme park, Epic Universe, is projected to generate approximately $2 billion for the Central Florida economy during its first year of operation. This comes from a study led by economist Dr. Sean Snaith from the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting.
Epic Universe may have only opened a few months ago, but it’s already expanding, and some believe it could be adding a Wicked themed area. New permits reveal clear expansion plans for the park and aerial images have shown a 20+ acre plot of land cleared with construction materials behind the Stardust Racers roller coaster.
With back-to-school season upon us, Universal fans are already speculating about what the newly opened Epic Universe may do for Halloween. Universal’s Dark Universe land within Epic has emerged as a natural fit for Halloween-themed festivities.
Universal Orlando’s Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment has officially surpassed 1 million riders, becoming the first attraction at Universal’s new Epic Universe to reach this milestone. The announcement was made in early August 2025, less than three months after the park opened in May. Gregory Hall, the ride’s creative director, confirmed the news in a post celebrating the team’s achievement.
Universal Orlando Resort has updated its mobile app and guidemap features to include photos of test seats for thrill rides at all three parks. Guests can now see seat and restraint images before visiting each attraction—enabling them to assess fit and comfort ahead of time.
Epic Universe at Universal Orlando officially opened on May 22 2025, featuring Celestial Park as its cosmic-themed hub. The signature coaster in this area is Stardust Racers, a dual‑launch racing coaster manufactured by Mack Rides. It hits speeds of 62 mph, climbs 133 ft, and spans about 5,000 ft of track, including a twisting inversion dubbed the “Celestial Spin” where the two trains interlock mid-air. But new lore have given the backstory to the coaster’s creation, and as the story goes, Back to the Future’s Doc Brown traveled through time to assist the builders with his own technology.
In a startling incident on Friday afternoon, two electric buses associated with Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park erupted in flames at a bus depot located at 9505 Universal Blvd., just outside the park. The fire was swiftly contained by emergency responders, with no injuries reported.
Universal Orlando Resort and Elon Musk’s The Boring Company are rumored to be discussing a potential underground transportation project in Central Florida.
Universal Orlando Annual Passholders are getting some perks at Epic Universe—but not the one they really want: park admission. But a recent announcement might signal that annual passes are coming to Epic Universe in 2026.