FEB. 5-18, 2015 VOL. 45 Number 3

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1 FEB. 5-18, 2015 VOL. 45 Number 3

MANAGING EDITOR: Brian Crimmins CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Debbie Mookini WRITER: Jay Hamburg SPANISH EDITION: Jo McAtee & Maria Ripol EDITORIAL INTERN: Michelle Larkin CREATIVE MANAGER: Simone Miranda ART

Danielle Iglesias, Jamie Jacobsen & Rachel Monnier PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Paul Alippo DISTRIBUTION: Cyndi Bader & Magic Kingdom Park Transitional Duty To provide feedback on Eyes & Ears, please

For advertising opportunities, contact Irma Coombs: 8222-4329 (407-828-4329), WDW.Eyes.Ears.Advertising@disney.com. For distribution information, contact Paul Alippo: 8222-1249 (407-828-1249), WDW.

FEATURE 14 04 06 ON THE COVER: Romantic spots around the Walt Disney World Resort PHOTOGRAPHY: Olga Lucía Thompson All photographs and images are Disney unless otherwise specified.

2 MANAGING EDITOR: Brian Crimmins CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Debbie Mookini WRITER: Jay Hamburg SPANISH EDITION: Jo McAtee & Maria Ripol EDITORIAL INTERN: Michelle Larkin CREATIVE MANAGER: Simone Miranda ART DIRECTOR: Mike Britton DESIGN & LAYOUT: Olga Lucía Thompson DESIGN INTERN: Kenzie Schmaltz COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING: Irma Coombs CONTRIBUTORS: Adam Earnhart, Matt Gomez, Jay Hamburg, Nathalie Hawkins, Danielle Iglesias, Jamie Jacobsen & Rachel Monnier PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Paul Alippo DISTRIBUTION: Cyndi Bader & Magic Kingdom Park Transitional Duty To provide feedback on Eyes & Ears, please contact Brian Crimmins via at For breaking news and more features, visit Eyes & Ears on The Hub at thehub.disney.com/wdw. For advertising opportunities, contact Irma Coombs: ( ), For distribution information, contact Paul Alippo: ( ), FEATURE ON THE COVER: Romantic spots around the Walt Disney World Resort PHOTOGRAPHY: Olga Lucía Thompson All photographs and images are Disney unless otherwise specified. Disney is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All rights reserved. Reprint of materials only upon written permission from Walt Disney World Public Affairs. Disney reserves the right to reject any ad. None of the products or services advertised herein are endorsed by Disney or its subsidiaries. To receive a discount, a valid Cast Member ID is required. In addition, Cast Members should carefully read each advertisement in order to be aware of any rules, restrictions or limitations that may apply Disney 08 For additional content, look for the Backlot symbol and visit: backlot.disney.com/community/waltdisneyparksandresorts/ waltdisneyworld/wdweyesandears. 2 EYES & EARS

CONTENTS FEATURE 14 ROMANTIC SPOTS AROUND OUR WORLD DEPARTMENTS 04 MEET THE WDW TEAM Kevin

ANNIVERSARIES 08 SITE NEWS Guest Experience Planning Process VoluntEARS Thank You Paws in the

monthly dose of healthy A happy heart is a healthy heart 12 TWDC Disney Vacation Account Land of

3 CONTENTS FEATURE 14 ROMANTIC SPOTS AROUND OUR WORLD DEPARTMENTS 04 MEET THE WDW TEAM Kevin Morello and Randall Lee 06 FAN MAIL Fireworks Spark Romance at California Grill 07 SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES 08 SITE NEWS Guest Experience Planning Process VoluntEARS Thank You Paws in the Park Retiring from Disney 10 SITE NEWS Retiring from Disney SAFETY 11 HEALTH & WELLNESS A monthly dose of healthy A happy heart is a healthy heart 12 TWDC Disney Vacation Account Land of Frozen coming to DCL this summer A perfect score for equality 16 HISTORY & HERITAGE CAST OFFERINGS EYES & EARS 3

MEET THE WDW TEAM MICHELLE LARKIN RANDALL LEE ROLE: BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MANAGER HOMETOWN: GREELEY, COLORADO YEARS WITH THE COMPANY: 23 KEVIN MORELLO ROLE: CATEGORY PLANNER, MERCHANDISE HOMETOWN:

4 MEET THE WDW TEAM MICHELLE LARKIN RANDALL LEE ROLE: BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MANAGER HOMETOWN: GREELEY, COLORADO YEARS WITH THE COMPANY: 23 KEVIN MORELLO ROLE: CATEGORY PLANNER, MERCHANDISE HOMETOWN: EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS YEARS WITH THE COMPANY: 24 Randall Lee and Kevin Morello s Disney stories have been almost completely intertwined. Each started his journey here working at a resort front desk: Kevin at Disney s Caribbean Beach Resort and Randall at The Disney Inn, now Shades of Green. A random interaction with the same Guest at each of their resorts brought the two together on the phone, and they ve been inseparable ever since. If it weren t for that Guest, we wouldn t have met, said Randall. Today, 23 years after their initial phone conversation, the couple have changed roles, gone on many Disney vacations together and recently gotten married. As a business technology manager, Randall works with IT to feed information to the Guest tab on The Hub and My Disney Experience. His favorite part of working for Disney is the relationships he s gained, including with Kevin. I have great partnerships with the business units. Disney is all about partnerships, [and some of ] those relationships I ve gained have turned into friendships, said Randall. Kevin now works as a category planner, a role in which he partners with product developers to make financial decisions about how much merchandise will be needed for events such as rundisney marathons and holiday parties. 4 EYES & EARS

DISNEY BROUGHT RANDALL AND KEVIN TOGETHER... Every day is a different day with events. I still interact with Guests, but I get to see a different aspect of the company, said Kevin.

They especially enjoy Disney s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. It feels like Cape Cod, which is the area where Kevin is from. It s relaxing and inviting, explained Randall.

5 DISNEY BROUGHT RANDALL AND KEVIN TOGETHER... Every day is a different day with events. I still interact with Guests, but I get to see a different aspect of the company, said Kevin. Kevin and Randall s relationship blossomed out of their mutual love for Disney. The couple are Disney Vacation Club Members and love spending time at various Disney destinations. They especially enjoy Disney s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. It feels like Cape Cod, which is the area where Kevin is from. It s relaxing and inviting, explained Randall. We just love walking around the resort, especially in the evening, Kevin chimed in. Kevin and Randall share many common interests that have helped them create great memories together. They both have a love of theater and enjoy seeing the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at least once a year. I don t know how many times we ve seen it, said Randall. It loops us together. It s a consistent show. We ve changed, but the characters and show haven t, explained Kevin. Disney brought Kevin and Randall together, and has been a critical part of their lives. The two clearly have a special relationship founded in that mutual love. He s a great yin to my yang, said Randall. EYES & EARS 5

SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES CONGRATULATIONS THE FOLLOWING CAST MEMBERS ARE CELEBRATING SERVICE MILESTONES IN FEBRUARY: If you are celebrating a milestone service anniversary in April and would like to be

40 YEARS Jeannette Gibbs Food & Beverage server, Disney s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (Feb. 2) 35 YEARS Gary Gray Deployment assistant, Parking administrative, Magic Kingdom Park (Feb.

6 SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES CONGRATULATIONS THE FOLLOWING CAST MEMBERS ARE CELEBRATING SERVICE MILESTONES IN FEBRUARY: If you are celebrating a milestone service anniversary in April and would like to be featured in Eyes & Ears, please send your photo to wdw.eyes.ears@disney.com and include your name, work location, contact number and years of service by Feb YEARS Jeannette Gibbs Food & Beverage server, Disney s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (Feb. 2) 35 YEARS Gary Gray Deployment assistant, Parking administrative, Magic Kingdom Park (Feb. 10) 30 YEARS Annette Harp Monorail hostess (Feb. 10) 25 YEARS Nazema Mohamed Data Maintenance, Downtown Disney Area (Feb. 17) 20 YEARS Marcel Harris Financial Systems manager (Feb. 18) 15 YEARS Scott Franklin Laborer, Horticulture Services (Feb. 29) 10 YEARS Meryl Plummer Attractions hostess, Disney s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (Feb. 22) 5 YEARS Brad Huett Resort Guest Service host, Disney s Coronado Springs Resort (Feb. 14) EYES & EARS 7

FEATURE MICHELLE LARKIN ROMANTIC SPOTS AROUND OUR WORLD You ve spent countless hours creating romance and magic for our Guests, and this Valentine s Day, it s your turn.

And if you can t make it on the holiday, these spots are here for you to enjoy all year long. Check The Hub for updated discounts and block-out dates.

7 FEATURE MICHELLE LARKIN ROMANTIC SPOTS AROUND OUR WORLD You ve spent countless hours creating romance and magic for our Guests, and this Valentine s Day, it s your turn. Whether you re spending the day with your Evangeline or looking for fun with the Timon to your Pumbaa, we have some of the top romantic spots across property for you to check out. And if you can t make it on the holiday, these spots are here for you to enjoy all year long. Check The Hub for updated discounts and block-out dates. Disney s Animal Kingdom Lodge This serene resort offers many quiet spots where you can get away from the crowds, savor the African savannah and catch a glimpse of some exotic animals. If you re feeling hungry, stop by Sanaa for African cooking with Indian flavors. During lunch, you even receive a 40 percent Cast Member discount. Afterwards, you can watch the sunset in one of the many rocking chairs nestled in lookout points, or sit close together by the fire pit. 14 EYES & EARS

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom Park How many attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort let you snuggle close to your sweetie?

After marching through the park, the attraction offers you a chance to get off your feet and revel in the world of tomorrow.

The two of you can stroll through a miniature version of Paris right here at Epcot. If you journey to the back of the France pavilion, you ll find the delightful ice cream shop, L Artisan des Glaces.

8 Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom Park How many attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort let you snuggle close to your sweetie? The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is a relaxing outdoor ride through the highway in the sky, where you can sit right next to your companion for the 10-minute tour. After marching through the park, the attraction offers you a chance to get off your feet and revel in the world of tomorrow. L Artisan des Glaces at Epcot You don t have to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to get to the City of Light this Valentine s Day. The two of you can stroll through a miniature version of Paris right here at Epcot. If you journey to the back of the France pavilion, you ll find the delightful ice cream shop, L Artisan des Glaces. Choose from 16 different handcrafted ice cream and sorbet flavors, and then enjoy each other s company while sitting by the pavilion s signature fountain with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Disney s Port Orleans Resort Riverside Tucked away in the Downtown Disney resort area, Disney s Port Orleans Resort Riverside offers an authentic Louisianan bayou escape. Rent a two-person surrey bicycle, or take a walk together along the tranquil banks of the Sassagoula River, while taking in the quiet beauty of the area. EYES & EARS 15

HISTORY & HERITAGE RACHEL MONNIER LILLIAN DISNEY S BIRTHDAY FEB. 15, 1899 Born on the day after Valentine s Day in 1899, Walt Disney s sweetheart, Lillian Marie Bounds, grew up in Idaho.

Lillian was not only a wife and mother to their two daughters but also a partner and adviser to Walt for his bold, new ideas including a suggestion for an ornery little mouse named Mortimer.

She provided gifts in support of CalArts as well as established The Walt Disney Concert Hall.

COMPANY D CAST ACTIVITIES, EVENTS & DISCOUNTS CAST OFFERINGS Valentine s Day is almost here!

Cast-exclusive pins Celebrate Pinocchio s 75th anniversary by purchasing his new pin. This is a Cast-exclusive, limited-edition pin, and each costs $15.95 with regular discounts.

9 HISTORY & HERITAGE RACHEL MONNIER LILLIAN DISNEY S BIRTHDAY FEB. 15, 1899 Born on the day after Valentine s Day in 1899, Walt Disney s sweetheart, Lillian Marie Bounds, grew up in Idaho. She met Walt shortly after moving to Los Angeles in 1923, when she began working as a secretary and inker for animated cells at the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, and they married in Lillian was not only a wife and mother to their two daughters but also a partner and adviser to Walt for his bold, new ideas including a suggestion for an ornery little mouse named Mortimer. Lillian thought Mickey was a more suitable name for the character. After Walt s death, Lillian continued to fulfill his dreams as a patron of education and the arts. She provided gifts in support of CalArts as well as established The Walt Disney Concert Hall. Lillian helped realize the dream of the Walt Disney World Resort and attended its dedication in 1971, saying, I think Walt would be proud. In 2003 she was inducted as a Disney Legend. COMPANY D CAST ACTIVITIES, EVENTS & DISCOUNTS CAST OFFERINGS Valentine s Day is almost here! If you are looking for a last-minute gift for your honey, come into any Company D for unique Valentine s Day gifts. Cast-exclusive pins Celebrate Pinocchio s 75th anniversary by purchasing his new pin. This is a Cast-exclusive, limited-edition pin, and each costs $15.95 with regular discounts. The Four Keys Efficiency pin is the fourth refreshed pin in the series. Each pin costs $9.95 and regular discounts apply. Pins are subject to availability and release dates may vary. Visit The Hub >> Cast >> Cast Appreciation and Recognition >> Company D for more information. Looking for a way to exercise, learn self-defense or just unwind after work? Karate classes will be held at Mickey s Retreat beginning Feb. 17. Youth classes will be from 5-6 p.m., and adult classes will be from 6-7 p.m. The eight-week session is $40 per person. For more information and to register, visit The Hub >> Cast >> Health & Wellness >> Get Active >> Onsite Fitness. The mission of Toastmasters is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment where Cast Members have the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, and foster self-confidence and personal growth. For meeting times and locations for Toastmasters Clubs at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Reservation Center in Tampa, please visit The Hub >> Cast >> Cast Activities, Events & Recognition. Let s hit the lanes! Make a striking difference for Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Florida. Raise funds and have fun bowling at this year s JA Bowl-A-Thon Feb. 27, 28 and March 1. Find your captain and join your team at By Feb. 10, all Disney bowlers also must register at www. DisneyVoluntears.com on the date marked March EYES & EARS

S.T.E.M. AN EQUATION FOR CREATING DISNEY MAGIC. JAN FEB. 4, 2015 VOL. 45 Number 2

S.T.E.M. AN EQUATION FOR CREATING DISNEY MAGIC JAN. 22 - FEB. 4, 2015 VOL. 45 Number 2 MANAGING EDITOR: Brian Crimmins CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Debbie Mookini WRITER: Jay Hamburg SPANISH EDITION: Jo McAtee