The Happiest Place on Earth…To Scatter Your Loved One’s Ashes?
Did you know that some people consider Disney Theme Parks ideal locations for scattering their loved one’s cremated remains? Exploring this anomaly is an article published in 2018 by the Wall Street Journal authored by Erich Schwartzel, “Disney World’s Big Secret: It’s a Favorite Spot to Scatter Family Ashes.”
Disney amusement parks attract millions of tourists every year, and some of these visitors have a hidden agenda – scattering their loved one’s cremated remains at one of the “Happiest Places on Earth.” Reportedly, popular scattering spots include the Haunted Mansion, the Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Magic Kingdom Flower Beds. According to the WSJ article, current and former custodians at Disney parks say identifying and vacuuming up cremated remains is a signature and secret part of working at the Disney parks. When “HEPA cleanup” is radioed to a custodian, it’s code that, once again, a park guest has scattered cremated remains and an ultrafine vacuum cleaner is required for cleanup. Some Disney custodians claim it happens routinely – about once per month.
When cremated remains are discovered on a ride, Disney workers shut down the ride due to “technical difficulties.” A manager then rides alone through the attraction looking for any piles of cremains while other employees distribute Fast Passes to pacify the guests as they leave “before the custodians turn up with their high-powered vacuums.”
This begs the question, is this legal? Absolutely not! Cremated remains may NOT be scattered on private property without permission of the property owner. Where can you scatter cremated remains? Each state has its own guidelines, so be sure to do your homework. Generally speaking, public land is usually acceptable, as is the ocean if you are one mile or more off the coastline. National Parks usually have a few specific areas available for scattering, but you must check with a park ranger beforehand just in case a permit is required. In addition, some cemeteries across the nation now offer scattering gardens. Disney Theme Parks are wonderful places to visit – but such experiences should be reserved for the living.
Contact us with your cremation questions or concerns. The Cremation Center of Southern Utah is located just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, (435) 986-2085. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CremationCenterSU.
Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Licensed Funeral Director/Owner
https://www.wsj.com/articles/disney-worlds-big-secret-its-a-favorite-spot-to-scatter-family-ashes-1540390229
