On Thursday, Walt Disney World Resort announced the closure of a waterslide currently embroiled in legal controversy. Humunga Kowabunga at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will shut down on January 20, 2026—weeks before the park’s February seasonal refurbishment begins. Construction permits filed earlier this month revealed Disney plans significant work on the attraction.
Rough Week for Typhoon Lagoon
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park has been closed since Monday, January 12, due to freezing temperatures and frost warnings in Central Florida. The park is scheduled to reopen Saturday, January 17, but will close again from Sunday, January 18, through Tuesday, January 20, because of returning low temperatures.
On February 15, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will reopen, and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will close for seasonal refurbishment. Both water parks will operate simultaneously from May 26 to September 8, 2026, during Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Resort hotel guests will receive complimentary admission to one water park on check-in day during this period.
Lawsuit Background
Emma and Edward McGuinness filed a complaint against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts over two years ago, claiming Emma suffered “severe and permanent” injuries after experiencing a “painful wedgie” on Humunga Kowabunga. The couple alleged Walt Disney World Resort failed “to warn of the inherent dangers presented” on the waterslide before the 2019 incident.
The family sought $50,000 in damages. Emma McGuinness claimed injuries including vaginal lacerations, a protruding bowel, and internal organ damage, with “immediate bleeding” after riding Humunga Kowabunga.
Walt Disney World Resort argued Mrs. McGuinness “may have failed to use reasonable care” when riding and that some “injuries or damages pre-existed” her ride.
Earlier this month, Judge Brian Sandor dismissed the lawsuit in Disney’s favor. Judge Sandor had ordered Emma McGuinness to return to Florida for court proceedings, but she refused to comply. The complaint was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice, meaning the McGuinness family cannot sue over the same incident again. Court records don’t indicate a private financial settlement.
Construction Plans
On January 7, Disney Fanatic reported that Walt Disney World Resort filed construction permits for “general construction” at the exact address of Humunga Kowabunga. The filing came days after the dismissal of the lawsuit became public.
Proslide Technology, a waterslide industry leader that has previously helped Disney construct or rebuild waterslides, is listed as the contractor. While the permit didn’t provide extensive details, the contractor choice suggests Disney plans to rebuild the attraction. A complete redesign seems unlikely within the repair timeline, but a complete rebuild is possible.
Walt Disney World Resort confirmed Thursday that Humunga Kowabunga will close beginning January 20, 2026—weeks before Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park’s seasonal refurbishment.
Have you ever been on Humunga Kowabunga? Share your experience with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
