Hold onto your swimsuits! A beloved, albeit notorious, waterslide at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon has unexpectedly shut down, sparking speculation about its future. The iconic Humunga Kowabunga slides are currently off-limits, with no firm reopening date in sight. Is this just a routine refresh, or are we witnessing the birth of a brand-new thrill?
Humunga Kowabunga: Refurbishment or a Complete Overhaul?
The original Humunga Kowabunga slides were part of the park's grand opening in 1989. Fast forward a decade, and they were replaced by the current trio of slides in 1998. As of January 20th, Disney World's official website confirms the slides are closed indefinitely. But here's where it gets interesting: a recently filed permit hints at a potential rebuild of the Humunga Kowabunga slides. This permit involves ProSlide Technology, Inc., the very company that engineered both the original and the 1990s versions of these slides, for 'general construction' at the attraction.
This collaboration with ProSlide suggests that the ride might not be getting a complete redesign, but rather a thorough rebuild to ensure it meets today's safety and performance standards. Think of it as giving a classic car a top-notch restoration to make it run like new!
Adding to the intrigue, Mayday Falls, the tallest and longest waterslide at Typhoon Lagoon, is also currently closed without an official reason or reopening timeline.
Don't fret too much, thrill-seekers! These closures are expected to be relatively short-lived. Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled for its seasonal closure in February, which conveniently coincides with the reopening of its sister park, Blizzard Beach. You might recall that Typhoon Lagoon has also experienced several multi-day closures recently due to unseasonably cold weather in the Orlando area.
Both water parks are slated to be open simultaneously by late May. However, it remains a mystery whether Humunga Kowabunga and Mayday Falls will be ready to welcome guests back by then.
The 'Painful Wedgie' Lawsuit: A Lingering Shadow?
This permit filing comes on the heels of a concluded lawsuit from 2023. The case, filed in Orange County, Florida, alleged that a guest suffered a 'painful wedgie' on the Humunga Kowabunga slide, leading to 'severe and permanent' injuries. The plaintiff has since voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit. This raises a crucial question: could past incidents have influenced the decision to potentially rebuild the slides?
Are you going to miss experiencing the thrill of Humunga Kowabunga while it's undergoing its potential transformation? Let us know your thoughts on social media! What are your most memorable moments on this iconic slide, or perhaps a similar experience at another water park? We'd love to hear your stories and opinions!
