Disney World Confirms Ride Closure After Woman’s Lawsuit Over “Wedgie” Injuries

Walt Disney World Resort is closing a controversial waterslide, not long after a lawsuit over alleged injuries was dismissed in court. Humunga Kowabunga at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will shut down January 20, 2026, weeks ahead of the park’s scheduled seasonal refurbishment. The closure follows a legal battle involving a guest who claimed the attraction caused severe physical trauma.

Guest Claimed Severe Injuries

Emma and Edward McGuinness sued Walt Disney Parks and Resorts two years ago after Emma allegedly suffered, as court documents described, a “painful wedgie” on Humunga Kowabunga in 2019. The couple claimed the incident caused “severe and permanent” injuries and that Walt Disney World Resort failed to warn guests about inherent dangers on the waterslide.

The McGuinness family sought $50,000 in damages. Emma claimed she experienced vaginal lacerations, a protruding bowel, internal organ damage, and “immediate bleeding” after riding the waterslide.

Walt Disney World Resort countered that Emma “may have failed to use reasonable care” and suggested some injuries might have pre-existed the incident.

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit, Favors Disney

Judge Brian Sandor dismissed the lawsuit earlier this month in Disney’s favor. The judge had ordered Emma McGuinness to appear in Florida for court proceedings, but she refused to travel. The couple voluntarily dismissed the complaint with prejudice, preventing them from suing over the same incident again. Court records show no evidence of a private settlement.

Construction Permits Filed

Days after the lawsuit was dismissed, Walt Disney World Resort filed construction permits for “general construction” at the location of Humunga Kowabunga. Proslide Technology—a waterslide industry leader that has previously worked on Disney attractions—is listed as the contractor, suggesting a potential rebuild rather than simple repairs.

The waterslide will close January 20, well before Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park begins its seasonal refurbishment February 15. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will reopen that same day, and both water parks will operate simultaneously from May 26 through September 8, 2026, during Cool Kid Summer.

Is the Humunga Kowabunga waterslide too rough? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments!