Starfall Racers
Starfall Racers | |||
---|---|---|---|
Universal Epic Universe | |||
Park section | Celestial Park | ||
Status | Under construction | ||
Opening date | 2025 | ||
General Statistics | |||
Type |
Racing – Launched | ||
Manufacturer | Mack Rides | ||
Lift/launch system | Linear motor launch | ||
Green | Yellow | ||
Height | 133 ft (40.5 m) | 133 ft (40.5 m) | |
Length | 5,000 ft (1,524.0 m) | 5,000 ft (1,524.0 m) | |
Speed | 62 mph (99.8 km/h) | 62 mph (99.8 km/h) | |
Inversions | 1 | 1 | |
Height restriction | 48 in (122 cm) | ||
Trains | 5 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders per train. | ||
Official website | Starfall Racers | ||
Starfall Racers at RCDB Pictures of Starfall Racers at RCDB |
Starfall Racers is an upcoming
Starfall Racers was manufactured by Mack Rides and includes two 5,000-foot (1,500 m) pairs of track, collectively making it one of the largest steel coasters in the United States.[3][4] It is currently anticipated to open in 2025.
History
Development
Universal Epic Universe was first announced on August 1, 2019, as a new third-gate theme park that would double Universal Orlando's footprint.[5][6] No attractions or details were divulged at the time, although a large dueling coaster was predominantly visible in concept artwork. German roller coaster manufacturer Mack Rides subsequently patented a new ride inversion design in the fall, where twin tracks twisted over each other while rising and falling from a peak.[7] This would later become widely referred to as the Celestial Spin.[8]
Epic Universe was originally scheduled to open in 2023, but parent company
Construction
Track and supports for the attraction began arriving in August 2022.[12] Construction oversaw groundwork and coaster installation taking place concurrently, with each section being completed in phases. The first pieces were fitted in November 2022 with the initial launch tracks and maintenance bays, with the layout being physically completed in June 2023.[13][14] The highlight Celestial Spin element was topped off near the end of May.[15]
Announcement
Universal City Studios LLC submitted a trademark application for "STARFALL RACERS" to the United States Patent and Trademark Office on March 7, 2023.[16] On January 30, 2024, Universal Orlando formally shared information on Epic Universe and its central Celestial Park precinct.[17] Starfall Racers was also officially announced at this time, with a wide variety of concept artwork and animation released to the public.[3][18] The coaster is currently expected to open with the park in 2025.
Characteristics
Each side of Starfall Racers will stand 133 feet (41 m) tall, cover around 5,000 feet (1,500 m) feet of track, and reach a top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h). The aforementioned peak height will be reached during the attraction's signature Celestial Spin element, where the tracks invert around each other while rising and falling. The top speed meanwhile will be reached using a pair of linear motor launches on each side.
Starfall Racers will run with up to four trains on each track, given that the maintenance bays can hold eight sets.[12] Each train will be made up of five cars where riders sit in two rows of two, for a total of twenty passengers. While the ride structure won't display any lighting at night, the trains will include onboard audio and lights, making the illuminated ride vehicles appear as comets in the night sky.[3]
References
- ^ "Universal Orlando Resort Announces Ambitious New Theme Park" (Press release). Universal Orlando. August 1, 2019. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ Beldon, Matthew (January 30, 2024). "Universal Orlando announces Epic lands at new theme park". WFTS-TV. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Starfall Racers at Universal Epic Universe". Orlando Informer. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ WirtschaftsWoche(in German). Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ O'Kane, Caitlin (August 1, 2019). "Universal Studios Orlando announces new theme park, Epic Universe". CBS News. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ Tuttle, Brittani (August 1, 2019). "Universal Orlando announces new theme park, Universal's Epic Universe". CBS News. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ "EP3685894A1 – Guide device, ride and method for operating a ride". Google Patents. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ Stella, Alicia (February 22, 2023). "Epic Universe Update: Coaster Top Hat Installed, Attraction Rumors, and Nintendo World Portal". CBS News. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ Russon, Gabrielle; Hudak, Stephen (April 30, 2020). "Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park will be delayed because of coronavirus pandemic". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ Whitten, Sarah (March 3, 2021). "Universal set to resume construction of Epic Universe park in Florida". CNBC. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ "Die Zukunft der Freizeitparks – mit Roland Mack". Spotify. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ a b @bioreconstruct (August 19, 2022). "Aerial overview of staging area for track and supports of the high speed..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Cygnus (November 8, 2022). "Universal's Epic Universe Construction Thread". Inside Universal. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ @bioreconstruct (June 23, 2023). "Aerial overview of the recently completed tracks of the dual-racing roller..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ @bioreconstruct (May 25, 2023). "At #1 in this aerial of the dual-racing coaster in Epic Universe is an..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Trademark/Service Mark Application, Principal Register". tsdr.uspto.gov. March 7, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ "Introducing Universal Epic Universe". YouTube. Universal Orlando. January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ Chen, Eve (January 30, 2024). "Universal Orlando Resort reveals first details on highly anticipated Epic Universe". Courier Journal. Retrieved January 31, 2024.