The inspiration of and appreciation for Walt Disney knows no boundaries. The membership at The Walt Disney Family Museum certainly reflects this diversity. Each month, we’ll introduce you to one of our Members, so you can see the varied and frequently fascinating people, who have come together to learn and experience more about the life, work, philosophies, and ideals of Walt Disney. This month, we’d like you to meet Founding Member Sharon Lange-Hinkel!
Sharon Lange-Hinkel, in her own words: As a baby boomer, it seems Disney has always been part of my life. It is a life that I share with my own Prince Charming, Stephen, who has made my dreams come true in my own Disney story of "Happily Ever After." We now pass along our love for Disney to our granddaughters Jayne and Jocelyn so that the spirit that is Walt will continue. One of our most special traditions is walking to the tunnel and reciting together: "Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy," then walking through hand-in-hand, "Welcome home." Why did you become a member of The Walt Disney Family Museum?
The WDFM is truly a labor of love: a gift from the Disney family to those who love Walt as part visionary, part magician and part kid. The fact that they built this wondrous place to share Walt Disney—the man—in such a deep, intimate and honest way is perhaps the greatest tribute to his legacy. And to be a Founding member is truly an honor.
The WDFM is truly a labor of love: a gift from the Disney family to those who love Walt as part visionary, part magician and part kid. The fact that they built this wondrous place to share Walt Disney—the man—in such a deep, intimate and honest way is perhaps the greatest tribute to his legacy. And to be a Founding member is truly an honor.
What do you find the most enjoyable about your membership?
The sense of community here. This is a place where those with a true love of Walt—and all that he created—can come together in camaraderie. There is nothing like seeing a movie from your childhood on the big screen once again and sharing that experience with people who feel exactly the same as you do... to cheer for Dumbo or weep for Old Yeller in a room full of people who also refuse to grow up.
What do you enjoy most about the Museum?
The way you are immersed in Walt's life. The whole museum is a feast for the senses. The way the galleries progress through his life in such detail that there is always something new to learn. You develop an appreciation for the creative processes that caused Walt to demand the best from himself and those around him. I especially love the audio exhibits. It's like having Walt talk to me about his life and experiences, I can hear the joy of life in his voice. Each time I leave the museum I feel as though I have a bit more of his spirit inside of me.
The way you are immersed in Walt's life. The whole museum is a feast for the senses. The way the galleries progress through his life in such detail that there is always something new to learn. You develop an appreciation for the creative processes that caused Walt to demand the best from himself and those around him. I especially love the audio exhibits. It's like having Walt talk to me about his life and experiences, I can hear the joy of life in his voice. Each time I leave the museum I feel as though I have a bit more of his spirit inside of me.
How does Walt Disney inspire you?
He makes me BELIEVE that magic is everywhere if you just let yourself see it. And because I do believe, the child inside me is kept alive.
He makes me BELIEVE that magic is everywhere if you just let yourself see it. And because I do believe, the child inside me is kept alive.
What was your first Disney inspiration or memory? My first visit to Disneyland was in the fall 1955 when I was five years old... so the park and Walt have literally been part of my life as far back as I can remember. One of my most cherished possessions is a faded black and white photograph of me with my Aunt Jackie and Uncle Bud in front of the castle. Some of my clearest early Disney memories are of lying on the floor with my best friend and watching the Mickey Mouse Club on TV and having a big crush on Spin.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself?
The museum promises that future generations will be able to know and love Walt the same as those of us who can still remember him being in our lives. Like his parks, the museum will never be finished but always changing to show us yet another facet of the man and his dreams. Keeping Walt and his magic alive. That is the most important of all.
The museum promises that future generations will be able to know and love Walt the same as those of us who can still remember him being in our lives. Like his parks, the museum will never be finished but always changing to show us yet another facet of the man and his dreams. Keeping Walt and his magic alive. That is the most important of all.
For more information on membership at The Walt Disney Family Museum, or to join today, please visit our membership page!