Disney popular spot to scatter ashes, report says
ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 13) - It's the happiest place on earth, and for some people, for eternity, according to a recent report.
Custodians say Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the rides within them are popular spots to scatter ashes, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Theme park workers say visitors scatter ashes so often that a special code word was created. It's called "Hepa Cleanup," referring to the vacuum cleaner used to pick up the ashes.
Park custodians say certain places are more popular than others to scatter ashes, like flower beds and water rides like "Pirates of the Caribbean."
One custodian at Disneyland told the Wall Street Journal that "the Haunted Mansion probably has so much human ashes in it, that it's not even funny."
A representative for Disney did not immediately return Fox News’ request for comment, but a spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal that the spreading ashes at the park is “strictly prohibited and unlawful. Guests who attempt to do so will be escorted off property.”
Anaheim Police Department spokesman Sgt. Daron Wyatt told the Wall Street Journal that spreading ashes at the popular theme park is considered a misdemeanor and confirmed officers have responded to calls “regarding ashes” at Disneyland before.
Typically guests sneak in the contraband in pill-bottles or plastic bag hidden in purses or backpacks, the Journal reports. When inside, guests secretly sprinkle their loved ones throughout the park.
Though there are no confirmed reports of anyone being caught in the act, once ash residue is discovered on a ride, Disney workers are reportedly forced to shut down the ride and inform guests there have been “technical difficulties.” Managers then allegedly ride through and look for evidence of ashes, while employees turn people away before custodians come in with the vacuums.