Ariana Grande recently opened up about her mother Joan’s unusual final wish: to have her ashes scattered at Cinderella Castle in Disney World. On the Las Culturistas podcast with Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, Grande, 31, shared the Disney-loving request her mom has made clear to her and her brother, Frankie.
“My mom tells us way too often that she wants her ashes sprinkled over [Cinderella Castle],” Grande said, amused by the persistence of her mother’s request. “‘Mom, it’s Christmas,’ I’ll say. And she’s like, ‘Yeah, you have to make sure it happens.’”
The singer, who has been actively promoting Wicked, joked that she’s not too eager to fulfill the request. “Mom, I don’t want to make sure that happens!” she laughed, pointing out a potential issue: “There are actors back there working, dressed as Tinker Bell waiting for their cue — they’re gonna end up sprinkled on!”
Adding to the conversation, Yang referenced the exclusive Cinderella Castle Suite inside, where Grande once changed before a performance. “It’s beautiful in there and feels very real,” she noted.
However, fulfilling Joan’s wish may be impossible due to Disney’s strict policies. Disney confirmed in a Wall Street Journal report from 2018 that dispersing ashes at any of their parks is “strictly prohibited and unlawful.” Any guests caught attempting it are escorted off property, and affected attractions are temporarily closed for a thorough cleanup, known as a “HEPA cleanup,” by custodians.
Despite the policy, Disney has seen repeated attempts, especially at the Haunted Mansion. A Disney custodian remarked, “The Haunted Mansion probably has so much human ashes in it that it’s not even funny,” highlighting that areas like flower beds, Pirates of the Caribbean, and even the Dumbo ride’s moat are also popular scattering spots.
For now, it seems Joan’s dream will remain a fantasy, but her wish certainly gives a humorous glimpse into her love for Disney.
