Fact Check: Did Walt Disney’s Head Get Frozen After Death? Debunking the Popular Myth

Years after the initial speculation emerged, many individuals still cling to the belief that Walt Disney’s head was cryogenically frozen following his death. Some assert that his preserved head is secretly stored beneath Cinderella’s Castle in Disneyland, Anaheim, CA, while others suggest it lies in the vicinity under the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

However, as is widely recognized, these claims have been thoroughly debunked. In truth, the concept of cryogenically freezing deceased individuals surfaced long after Walt Disney’s passing. Furthermore, the famous animator’s family has confirmed that he was cremated following his death. His death certificate corroborates this, stating that he was cremated two days after his demise.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, cryogenic freezing refers to “the process of freezing deceased human bodies at extremely low temperatures, with the hope that they can be revived in the future.”

The Myth of Walt Disney’s Cryogenically Frozen Head

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

The origins of the myth surrounding Walt Disney’s cryogenically preserved head remain unclear, yet it has persisted as a topic of fascination among Disney enthusiasts and the general public for many years.

Some sources trace this myth back to Robert Ettinger’s 1964 publication, The Prospect of Immortality, which first introduced the concept of cryonic preservation. The book sparked interest amongst readers, eager to learn more about scientific advancements.

Moreover, since Walt Disney passed away only two years after the book’s release, many assumed that he might have opted for cryogenic preservation.

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

Additionally, author Leonard Mosley, in his 1986 biography Disney’s World, suggested that Disney became increasingly captivated by the idea of cryonic preservation as his health began to decline. He implied that Disney had authorized the removal of his lung in hopes of being revived after medical advancements.

Another work that perpetuated the myth surrounding Walt Disney’s frozen head was Marc Elliot’s 1993 biography, Walt Disney: Hollywood’s Dark Prince. This text amplified the discourse around Disney’s supposed desire for cryogenic preservation.

Nevertheless, all assertions regarding his frozen head have been proven false, and it has been established that Disney preferred cremation (as he was not fond of burials), a sentiment confirmed by his family.

Final Resting Place: Walt Disney’s Ashes

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

According to an article from Trust & Will, Walt Disney’s ashes were scattered in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, a renowned burial ground in Glendale, California, following his cremation. The site is reportedly located in a small private garden to the left of the entrance to the Freedom Mausoleum.

For further exploration of the myths surrounding Disney’s death, Nicholas Barber delved deep into the legends of Disney’s frozen head in an episode of BBC’s Debunked.

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