Whoopi Goldberg, the renowned actress and co-host of 'The View,' recently shared a deeply personal and somewhat unconventional tribute to her late mother, Emma Harris. During an appearance on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers,' Goldberg revealed that she scattered her mother's ashes at Disneyland's "It's a Small World" ride, fulfilling a unique wish and creating a poignant memory.

Goldberg, who has always been candid about her personal life, detailed this intimate moment with a blend of humor and reverence. "No one should do this," she playfully warned the audience, emphasizing that her actions were more about honoring her mother's love for the iconic ride rather than encouraging others to follow suit.

Emma Harris, a devoted fan of Disneyland and particularly the "It's a Small World" attraction, passed away on August 29, 2010, at the age of 78. According to Goldberg, her mother’s affection for the whimsical ride made it the perfect place for a final tribute. "She loved Small World," Goldberg recounted. "So, in the Small World ride, periodically, I'd scoop some of her up and I'd do this poof, and I said, 'My God, this cold is getting worse and worse!'"

Goldberg described how she and her brother, Clyde K. Johnson, discreetly scattered their mother’s ashes throughout Disneyland. "We were subtle about it, kind of sneezing Ma out here and there when no one was looking," she admitted with a chuckle. Despite the lighthearted delivery, the act was clearly one of deep sentimental value for the actress.

Afterward, Goldberg felt compelled to confess her actions to Disneyland officials to ensure she hadn't caused any harm. "I told them I did it," she said. "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."

The park authorities, while not surprised by her revelation, were certainly not pleased. Disney parks have a strict policy against the scattering of human remains, classifying them as a biohazard that necessitates intensive cleanup and can lead to ride shutdowns. "Human cremated remains are considered a biohazard, and require an intensive level of cleanup with special equipment that will shut down rides for extended periods," reported SF Gate.

The scattering of ashes on private property without permission is also illegal in California, considered a misdemeanor that can result in fines or even jail time. According to the Southern California Defense Blog, run by the Tustin legal firm Wallin & Klarich, such actions can lead to serious legal consequences.

Despite these regulations, Goldberg’s narrative underscores a common desire to honor loved ones in meaningful ways, even if those ways bend the rules. Her story, infused with her characteristic wit, offers a glimpse into the ways we seek to keep the memory of those we’ve lost alive.

Emma Harris’s death in 2010 marked a significant loss for Goldberg, who has often spoken about her close relationship with her mother. By sharing this story, Goldberg not only highlights her unique way of coping with grief but also brings attention to the importance of personal tributes and the lengths to which individuals will go to honor their loved ones.