Fact check- Was Walt Disney's head frozen after his death? Debunking the rumor

Years after the rumor began, some people still believe that Walt Disney’s head was cryogenically frozen after he passed away. Some claim that his frozen head is hidden somewhere beneath Cinderella’s Castle in Disneyland, Anaheim, CA. Others think it is concealed in the same area under the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

However, as most people know, these rumors have since been debunked. In fact, the idea of cryogenically freezing a person surfaced long after Walt Disney's death. Besides, the renowned animator's family has verified that he was cremated after his passing. His death certificate also substantiates the same, stating that he was cremated two days after he died.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, cryogenic freezing is "related to the freezing of dead human bodies at very low temperatures, hoping that it may be possible to bring them back to life in the future."

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Walt Disney's head being frozen after his death is a myth

Disney's frozen head being preserved for scientific purposes is a myth (Image via Getty)

It is unclear how and when Walt Disney's head being cryogenically preserved following his death started to do the rounds. Still, it has been a popular topic of discussion among Disney fans and others for years.

Some people have traced its origins back to Robert Ettinger's 1964 book, The Prospect of Immortality, which introduced the idea of cryonic preservation. This work gained significant traction among audiences who were surprised by the advancements in science that the book revealed.

Since Walt Disney died only two years after this topic became public through the book, there was a widespread belief that he may have chosen to be indefinitely preserved using cryogenic methods.

Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disneyland, Anaheim, CA (Image via Getty/@Jeff Gritchen)

In addition, author Leonard Mosley, in the 1986 biography Disney’s World, stated that the iconic animator became slowly enthralled by the idea of cryonic preservation as his health started deteriorating. In the book, he also suggested that Disney gave the green signal for removing his lung in the hopes of being resurrected later following advancements in the medical field.

Another text contributing to the faulty narrative concerning Walt Disney's frozen head was Marc Elliot’s 1993 biography, Walt Disney: Hollywood’s Dark Prince. The text built upon the previous conversation surrounding Disney's cryogenic preservation and harped on his obsession with being preserved.

However, all the aforementioned contentions about his frozen head being preserved have since been disproved. Additionally, it has been mentioned that Disney chose to be cremated (he was not a fan of burials), a fact confirmed by his family.

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Where are Walt Disney's ashes scattered?

Disney's remains are scattered in Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Image via Getty)

Trust & Will had previously stated in their article concerning Disney that his remains were scattered at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (a popular burial ground) in Glendale, California, after his cremation. They have also noted that his burial site is clearly identifiable. They state that it is situated in a small private garden to the left of the entrance to the Freedom Mausoleum.

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In an episode of BBC's Debunked, Nicholas Barber explored the myths about Disney's death and the tale of his frozen head in depth.