If you’re a devoted fan of the Disney theme parks, then you’ve probably heard the urban legends of people spreading the ashes of their Disney-loving deceased family members in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. As it turns out, there is quite a bit of truth to this particular tall tale. According to a story appearing in the Wall Street Journal (via Gizmodo), not only has it happened, it’s happened a lot. How often? On average, at least once a month. The Disney cast members even have a special code for whenever this happens, calling it “the HEPA cleanup,” with HEPA referring to a particular vacuum used to pick up small particles, like human ashes.

So where do family members tend to spread the ashes of their dearly departed Disney fans the most? Although popular areas throughout the park include flower beds, Dumbo’s Flying Elephants, and Pirates of the Caribbean, the most frequently used spot is–you guessed it–The Haunted Mansion. I guess a lot of people have it in their will they they want to join the “999 Happy Haunts” and be ghost #1000. I mean, who wouldn’t want to party in that graveyard bash at the end of the ride for eternity? According to one cast member, “The Haunted Mansion probably has so much human ashes in it that it’s not even funny.”

This of course has led to another popular urban legend about the Disney theme parks, and that is that the Haunted Mansion is actually haunted for real, probably because it is the true “final resting place” of so many actual people. Ask certain cast members, and they will share stories with you about the little boy seen wandering in the ride, often referred to as “Timmy,” who is allegedly the ghost of a boy whose ashes were spread in the show building. But don’t get any funny ideas about requesting your ashes be spread at a Disney park.  A Disney spokesperson made it very clear, saying “this type of behavior is strictly prohibited and unlawful. Guests who attempt to do so will be escorted off property.” At the end of the day, it might be less hassle to do this anywhere but a Disney park.

What do you make of this charming (but  creepy) custom from Disney fans? Be sue to let us know down  in our comments

Images: The Walt Disney Company, Tours Departing Daily