Whoopi Goldberg recently shared a deeply personal and somewhat unconventional story about her mother’s final resting place. During an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” on July 10, the 68-year-old actress revealed that she scattered her mother’s ashes on the “It’s a Small World” ride at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
Goldberg began by cautioning the audience, “No one should do this,” before delving into the details. She explained that her mother, Emma Harris, who passed away from a stroke in August 2010, had a deep love for Disneyland, particularly the “It’s a Small World” ride. As a child, Goldberg’s mother would often take her to this iconic attraction, which features a boat ride through various scenes with animated dolls representing different cultures around the world.
In a heartfelt and humorous recount, Goldberg described how she and her late brother, Clyde, discreetly scattered their mother’s ashes during the ride. “So, in the ‘Small World’ ride, periodically, I’d scoop some of her up, and I’d do this,” she said, mimicking a dramatic sneeze. “I said, ‘My God, this cold is getting worse and worse!’ And then we got over to the flowers where it says, ‘Disneyland,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, look at that!’” she added, acting out the gesture of dropping the ashes again.
Goldberg admitted that she felt guilty afterward and decided to inform the ride operators about what she had done. “I told them I did it,” she explained. “I wanted to make sure, actually, that I hadn’t done something that was dangerous because it hadn’t occurred to me. But there’s a reason they don’t want ashes just floating around.”
This isn’t the first time the “It’s a Small World” ride has been the site of unusual activities. In November 2023, the Anaheim Police Department had to respond to the park after complaints that a guest had removed his clothes and walked around the ride naked, causing it to shut down for nearly an hour.
The “It’s a Small World” attraction, which opened in 1966, is known for its boat ride, hundreds of automated dancing dolls, and an anthem about world unity written by Richard Sherman. Goldberg’s story adds another layer of intrigue to the ride’s history.
Goldberg’s actions, while unconventional, were driven by a desire to honor her mother’s love for Disneyland. In her memoir, “Bits and Pieces,” released in May, Goldberg described the experience in more detail. “It was her vision of what human beings should be, these children of the world: all colors, religions, and cultures together. Disney had made it seem possible that all the kids of the world would hold hands in unity,” she wrote.
She also recounted how she and her brother were subtle about scattering the ashes, “kind of sneezing Ma out here and there when no one was looking.” Although they didn’t get caught at the time, Goldberg later confessed to a park employee, who was not surprised but certainly not happy about it.
Goldberg’s story highlights a broader issue that Disney parks face. Scattering ashes at Disney parks is reportedly a common occurrence, so much so that park managers have a dedicated code for the situation, known as “HEPA cleanup.” Cremated remains have been retrieved from various locations within the parks, including bushes, lawns, and rides like The Haunted Mansion.
In a recent episode of “The View,” Goldberg shared her own wishes for after she passes away. She expressed a preference for cremation, envisioning her remains as “dust in the wind.” “I’m going to be going around the world, I’m going to be everywhere. I might be in your backyard – I don’t know,” she said. She emphasized that she doesn’t want people to feel obligated to visit a cemetery to remember her.
Goldberg also made it clear that she does not want to be portrayed as a hologram after her death, a sentiment she has included in her will for the past 15 years. “I don’t want that. It’s a little freaky, creepy, yeah,” she stated.
In December 2023, Goldberg revealed another provision in her will that prohibits unauthorized biographical films about her life and career unless her family gives permission. This ensures that her legacy is managed according to her wishes.
Goldberg’s story about scattering her mother’s ashes at Disneyland is a poignant reminder of the lengths people will go to honor their loved ones. While her actions may not be conventional, they were a heartfelt tribute to her mother’s love for a place that brought her immense joy.
Source: TODAY Digital, People, The Wall Street Journal
