Universal Orlando Resort is preparing to give one of its most beloved water attractions a short but significant refresh. The Honu Ika Moana slide at Volcano Bay will close for refurbishment beginning November 3, 2025, and is expected to reopen on December 19, 2025, just ahead of the holiday rush that fills the park each winter.
This scheduled maintenance window — lasting just over six weeks — falls in line with Universal’s regular operational calendar and reflects the company’s commitment to keeping attractions safe, visually appealing, and in top-performing condition.
A Cornerstone of Volcano Bay’s Polynesian Storytelling
Known for its bold design and thrilling dual-slide experience, Honu Ika Moana has been a mainstay of Volcano Bay’s lineup since the water park opened in 2017. The attraction, located within the Krakatau Aqua Coaster section, is one of the few in the park that offers two distinct but complementary slides: Honu, themed after the sea turtle, and Ika Moana, inspired by the whale.
Each provides a different ride experience. The Honu track delivers a high-adrenaline adventure, sending multi-person rafts soaring up large curved walls that simulate the sensation of cresting rolling waves. Meanwhile, the Ika Moana side offers a smoother, more family-friendly ride, with winding twists, sprays, and splash-filled turns.
The duo together form one of Volcano Bay’s most recognizable silhouettes — vibrant blue and turquoise slides looping through lush tropical scenery. For many parkgoers, the Honu Ika Moana complex embodies everything that sets Volcano Bay apart: detailed theming, shared adventure, and a deep sense of escapism rooted in Polynesian mythology.
Why the Closure Matters
Although Universal hasn’t provided specifics on what the refurbishment will include, the work is expected to involve routine inspections, repainting, and other forms of upkeep typical for water-based attractions. Over time, slides like Honu Ika Moana face unique challenges due to constant water flow, exposure to chemicals like chlorine, and Florida’s intense weather conditions.
The timing of the refurbishment — early November through mid-December — is strategic. This period typically represents one of Volcano Bay’s slower attendance windows, allowing Universal to complete essential work with minimal guest disruption.
Short-term closures such as this one have become a key part of Universal’s approach to park maintenance. By addressing infrastructure and cosmetic needs ahead of high-attendance periods, the company ensures smoother operations and reduced downtime once crowds return.
The Bigger Picture: Universal’s Ongoing Upgrades
The Honu Ika Moana refurbishment comes amid an ongoing wave of improvements across Universal Orlando Resort, as the company gears up for the highly anticipated debut of Epic Universe in 2025. Even with major construction underway elsewhere on property, Universal has continued to invest in enhancing guest experiences at its existing parks — from Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida to Volcano Bay.
Refurbishments like this one reinforce the brand’s long-standing philosophy: attractions, no matter how iconic, must evolve. When the slide reopens in December, visitors can likely expect refreshed paintwork, improved surface textures, and general maintenance enhancements that will keep the ride looking and feeling brand-new for the busy holiday season.
Refurbishment as Routine Practice
Across the theme park industry, refurbishments are an integral part of daily operations — as critical as ride openings themselves. From Disney to Universal, parks rely on regular maintenance cycles to uphold the safety, efficiency, and storytelling integrity of their attractions.
Water rides, in particular, demand more frequent maintenance due to the wear caused by water flow and guest volume. Universal’s commitment to this upkeep has been consistent since Volcano Bay’s opening, with past refurbishments often including slide repainting, queue updates, and water filtration upgrades.
While these closures may briefly inconvenience guests, they are essential in maintaining Universal’s reputation for operational excellence. Honu Ika Moana’s brief downtime ensures that when it reopens, it continues to meet the same high standards of safety and performance that define Volcano Bay’s attractions.
Honu Ika Moana at Volcano Bay will be closed for refurbishment starting November 3, 2025.
It is set to reopen on December 19, 2025. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/CDCJudFyPR
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) October 27, 2025
Guest Reactions and What to Expect During the Closure
Refurbishment announcements are always met with a mix of anticipation and disappointment among Universal’s fanbase. Passholders and frequent visitors often monitor maintenance schedules closely when planning their trips. While some fans express regret at missing a favorite ride, most acknowledge that Universal’s attention to maintenance keeps experiences running at their best.
Visitors to Volcano Bay during the closure window will still have plenty of options. The park’s headline attractions — including the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Ko’okiri Body Plunge, Taniwha Tubes, and TeAwa The Fearless River — remain in full operation. With its lush tropical theming and relaxing atmosphere, Volcano Bay continues to offer one of Orlando’s most unique water park experiences, even when a few slides are temporarily offline.
Guests hoping to experience Honu Ika Moana are encouraged to check the Universal Orlando Resort app or official website for real-time updates. Once the refurbishment is complete, the attraction will reopen just as holiday visitors begin arriving, ensuring that the full lineup of rides is ready for one of the park’s busiest seasons.
A Symbol of Volcano Bay’s Identity
Since its debut, Volcano Bay has redefined what a water park can be — blending thrills and storytelling with a deeply immersive setting. The park’s design, inspired by Polynesian culture and island mythology, has been praised for its attention to detail, from tiki-style architecture to the massive Krakatau volcano centerpiece that anchors the park.
The refurbishment of Honu Ika Moana underscores Universal’s dedication to preserving that immersion. The slide’s brilliant blues and flowing design contribute to the park’s visual storytelling, making it not just a ride, but part of the overall landscape that defines Volcano Bay’s identity.
Looking Ahead to the Holidays
The December 19, 2025, reopening date positions Honu Ika Moana perfectly for the holiday crowds. Universal traditionally experiences one of its highest attendance periods between Christmas and New Year’s, as families flock to Florida for warmer weather and festive events. With the slide reopening just ahead of this rush, guests will be able to enjoy Volcano Bay in its full glory.
Whether they’re racing down Krakatau, floating along the Kopiko Wai Winding River, or relaxing on the sandy shores of Waturi Beach, guests can look forward to a revitalized park where every attraction — including Honu Ika Moana — operates at its best.
The Takeaway
While the upcoming refurbishment may seem routine, it reflects the careful balance that defines Universal’s approach to park management: constant renewal without losing the essence of what makes each experience special.
When Honu Ika Moana reopens in December 2025, it won’t just mark the return of a fan-favorite attraction — it will stand as another example of how Universal continues to evolve while staying true to its commitment to safety, quality, and storytelling.
For guests planning fall visits, the message is simple: even when one wave pauses, the adventure at Volcano Bay never stops.
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