Epic visitors await reopening of coaster after rider's death

Epic Universe visitors loomed at the theme park Saturday afternoon in anticipation of the Stardust Racers roller coaster reopening.

It would be the first day the thrill ride has been available to the public since a man died Sept. 17 after riding it.

Universal Orlando Resort announced the move Friday afternoon, saying it had worked with local and state officials to observe testing of the attraction. The ride system’s manufacturer and a coaster engineering expert did their own examinations that validated Universal’s findings, the company said.

On Saturday morning, both sides of the dueling coaster were put through their paces — sometimes empty, sometimes with Universal employees on board. Epic workers told passers-by that it was hoped the ride would be available by late afternoon or e