Each month, we ask a museum staff member to answer five questions about their position at The Walt Disney Family Museum, their fondest Disney memories, and other personal tidbits. As we wrap up celebrating Walt's Magic Kingdom throughout its entire birth month of July, we'd like to introduce you to someone who, in 2009, was named Disneyland's Cast Member of the Year for his service in New Orleans Square and Critter Country! So today, we're asking Jeffrey Moffit... what do YOU do??
WDFM: What is your title and what do YOU do here at our museum?
I’m one of the Visitor Services Associates and we help guests enjoy their experiences here by offering directions, answering questions, processing ticket transactions, and upholding the museum’s policies. On occasion, I have had the privilege of introducing some of our public programs and film screenings, as well as presenting.
What is your fondest Disney memory OR what is your favorite gallery at The Walt Disney Family Museum and why?
The part of the museum I enjoy the most is Gallery 9. Not only are there so many subjects to read about, listen to, and watch, but the gallery is set up in such a dynamic and dazzling way. From walking down the ramp alongside the Lilly Belle to curving around toward the display on EPCOT, going through Gallery 9 is an adventure in and of itself.
How does your job communicate and interpret the legacy of Walt Disney?
I help guests understand Walt’s life story by helping them with questions they come across as they learn about him in the galleries. From time to time, a guest who is gazing at the Disneyland model shares with me some of their favorite memories of visiting the park. Those are always special moments because I get the privilege to talk to someone who was a recipient of the joy Walt created through his work. It's one of the most vivid aspects of his legacy and a touching one, at that. When I’m fortunate to do public speaking assignments, I try to find ways to connect Walt’s legacy to experiences that audience members may have had. The goal of which is to help guests understand and identify with Walt’s story and, hopefully, become inspired by it.
Describe your workspace OR your favorite item on your desk:
Because of the nature of my job, my workspace contains all of the areas to which our guests can walk up or enter. This space includes our permanent galleries, ticket desk, theater, coat check room, the Diane Disney Miller Exhibition Hall, and each of the lobbies. With all of these different areas, I get to walk around a lot, which is a definite positive!
Tell us a little known fact about you!
My very first job was working as an Attractions Cast Member at the Disneyland Resort. I got to host The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and guest control for Fantasmic! and the parades. The time I spent helping to make the magic at the resort taught me such a great deal and I'll always consider it an honor to have performed there.