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 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 two of our Members, Dave and Gloria Froines.
Dave and Gloria have been Disney fans most of their lives. “In July 1972 we made our first trip to Disneyland, which began our love of all things Disney together,” Gloria says. “We have had the opportunity to visit Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. We hope to include Tokyo Disney—and maybe even Hong Kong in the next couple of years. A Disney Cruise is also on our “to do” list.”
Each with Disneyland Season Passports since 2006, Dave and Gloria visit Disneyland every chance that they can. “And still today after many, many visits, we feel the same sense of ‘coming home’ when we walk under the railroad bridge and into Main Street, U.S.A.” Of their 43 years married, Dave and Gloria count all things Disney as a big part of their shared joy. Recently, our WDFM Membership Coordinator Pam Spedus sat down and had a brief conversation with Dave and Gloria about Walt, the Museum, and Membership.
PAM: Why did you become a member of The Walt Disney Family Museum?
DAVE AND GLORIA: When we heard about the museum we knew that we had to be Members, and could not wait for opening day. We were able to get tickets to see the Museum before the public—and we were not disappointed. It was so much more than we had anticipated. It is truly wonderful, and we thank the Disney Family for the labor of love they have created in The Walt Disney Family Museum
What do you find most enjoyable about your Membership?
The events are probably the most exciting and educational, but we love to visit the Museum a Gallery at a time, thoroughly reading each item and learning more about the life of Walt Disney. We have been able to complete most of the galleries. Each time we go we discover something new, and what a truly amazing man Walt Disney was.
What do you enjoy most about the Museum?
It is really hard to pick, but Dave was excited to see Walt’s Carolwood train in the Museum. Gloria was so enthralled with the small, framed family movies, and all the person photos and history. We both spend time with the Interactive Tables and the Multimedia in Gallery 7.
How does Walt Disney inspire you?
His determination to overcome difficult aspects of life with a positive outlook, and his dream and reverence for the family and America.
What is your first Disney memory?
Dave says that his real first memory and connection was The Mickey Mouse Club. For Gloria, as a farm kid growing up in Iowa, she did not have much television access but does remember Sunday night, with The Wonderful World of Disney and popcorn. Gloria also remembers the first time she saw Cinderella—and she is still her favorite Princess to this day.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself?
The Museum brings such color and joy to our lives, and we are very thankful for this special place we can share with others and also enjoy ourselves time and time again. Thank You!
Membership in The Walt Disney Family Museum has many benefits, including admission, complimentary film tickets, a quarterly newsletter, and a membership card that grants a 10% discount in the Museum Store—as well as discounts on selected educational and public programs. In addition, several times a year, special events for Members only are held within the Museum itself. You can purchase immediate membership at the Reception and Member Services Desk at the Museum during regular operating hours (Wednesday through Monday, 10:00AM to 6:00PM), or online by clicking here.
Images above Courtesy of Dave and Gloria Froines.