There’s a new cosmic thrill at Universal’s Epic Universe, and it’s not just the wild ride—it’s the growing number of parkgoers preemptively removing their wigs, ponytails, and hair extensions before boarding. Stardust Racers, the park’s high-speed, dual-launch coaster in Celestial Park, is earning a reputation not just for its inversions and airtime, but for its ability to quite literally snatch wigs.
In a now-viral TikTok, creator @Erikathefrenchie casually peels off her ponytail while waiting in line. Her post quickly gained traction, with thousands of women chiming in that they, too, would rather ride bare-headed than risk losing expensive hairpieces to the wind.
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A Ride That Doesn’t Hold Back
Stardust Racers isn’t your average coaster—it’s an engineering marvel. Riders face off in dual comet-themed vehicles that soar, flip, and dive along 5,000 feet of track at speeds up to 62 mph. The ride’s signature element is a high-speed inverted crisscross maneuver, where guests on one train pass directly over the other while upside down. Add in no external track lighting at night, and you’ve got an attraction that feels less like a ride and more like a galactic dogfight.
It’s fast. It’s sleek. And apparently, it’s very good at launching hair.
Universal requires guests to store all loose items in lockers, including hats, bags, and sunglasses. But wigs and extensions? That’s up to the rider’s discretion—and savvy visitors are starting to take matters (and hairlines) into their own hands.
Not the First Wig Loss Rodeo
This isn’t the first time guests have underestimated what Orlando’s coasters can do to their hairlines. VelociCoaster—the high-speed dino-themed ride at Islands of Adventure—has long been infamous for wig-related incidents. Social media is peppered with dramatic slow-mo videos of synthetic hair flying off mid-ride, sometimes even getting caught in the foliage or fencing below.
Another user shared that she now keeps a “ride-ready” ponytail in her bag for theme park days—something snug enough to survive the airtime but replaceable if it doesn’t.
Beyond the Hype: It’s a Must-Ride
But the hair talk shouldn’t overshadow just how phenomenal Stardust Racers really is. With a minimum height of 48″, Express Pass access, and some of the most intense—but smooth—ride dynamics in the park, it’s quickly becoming a guest favorite.
Unlike some of the more intense thrill rides that leave guests feeling woozy or out of sorts (looking at you, VelociCoaster), this one is being praised for delivering nonstop excitement without crossing into too-much territory.
One early rider described it as “Cosmic Rewind meets Mako—with a face-off twist.” Another called it “the best coaster I’ve ever been on, hands down.”
So yes, you may want to leave your extensions in the locker—or at least double up on the wig glue—but don’t let that stop you. Stardust Racers is more than worth the prep.
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