Ariana Grande shared on an episode of the “Las Culturistas” podcast that her mom’s last wish would be to have her ashes spread at Disney World however, due to the laws at the theme park, this will likely never happen. According to Grande, her mom frequently mentions that she wants her ashes sprinkled over Cinderella’s Castle in the park, but the legality of this action prevents the family from carrying it out. Despite the morbid nature of the wish, Grande shared the conversation with hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers during a conversation about landmarks at Disneyland and Disney World.
The discussion highlighted the popular attractions at Disney World, with Grande mentioning Cinderella’s Castle and her mom’s wishes for her ashes. She expressed her reluctance to fulfill her mom’s request, due to the potential complications and strange situations that could arise from scattering ashes at the park. Grande also noted the presence of actors backstage and hotel rooms in the castle, pointing out the complexities and realities of such a surreal wish. The conversation shed light on a topic that is often considered taboo or uncomfortable, bringing humor and candor to an otherwise solemn subject.
Although the Disney park is a place often associated with magic and joy, there are strict rules against scattering ashes within the premises. It is considered unlawful and prohibited by the park management, with consequences for those who attempt to do so. The Wall Street Journal reported on this issue in 2018, revealing that guests who try to spread ashes at the park will be escorted off the property. Disney workers have procedures in place to deal with residue from ashes found on rides, including shutting down attractions for cleaning and maintenance.
The practice of scattering human ashes at Disney parks is not uncommon, with guests often choosing locations like flower beds, bushes, or rides such as the Haunted Mansion. Despite the efforts of park staff to prevent such incidents, some individuals manage to carry out their plans, as seen in the case of Whoopi Goldberg who revealed on a talk show that she spread her mother’s ashes inside the It’s a Small World ride. Despite her actions, Goldberg acknowledged the potential dangers of scattering ashes in such locations, and encouraged others not to do the same due to safety concerns.
The code term “HEPA Cleanup” is used by Disney employees to address incidents where ashes have been scattered in the park, prompting custodians to remove the particles with high-powered vacuums. The issue of dealing with ashes at Disney parks was further emphasized by a former employee who mentions the risks involved in such clean-up situations. While some guests may succeed in spreading ashes in the park, the management’s policy against such acts is reiterated through the strategies employed by employees to maintain cleanliness and safety at the parks. Despite the allure of Disney parks and their magical atmosphere, the issue of handling ashes in the park raises important questions about respecting the wishes of loved ones while following legal guidelines and practical considerations.
