Park and attraction openings , like the premiere of Captain EO in 1986 and the opening of Animal Kingdom in 1998 , made headlines across the front page of later Eyes & Ears . While these items were news in publications across the country , Eyes & Ears offered deep-dive details on the production and design for a Cast Member audience .
At the back of each Eyes & Ears , Cast Members could find exclusive offers from local Orlando businesses . Everything from 99-cent undercoating at Fountain Oldsmobile to a drink special at the Top of the Tower Nightclub ( you had to show your Cast Member ID ). In addition to these local businesses , Cast Members were welcome to post their own classified ads requesting roommates , transportation , and houses for rent or sale . It ’ s possible to pick up a 1986 Eyes & Ears and see how much a Cast Member wanted for a lawnmower , a bedroom set , or even a horse .
From important park updates to local coupons , Eyes & Ears continues to be a great Cast Member resource at work and at home .
Over the years , Eyes & Ears has switched layout , page count , and logo treatment and has featured various regular columns . The latest layout of Eyes & Ears has more of an upscale magazine vibe ( kind of like the one you ’ re reading right now ) and leaves all the daily information to Cast Member resources online and via jobspecific materials like pocket guides . Eyes & Ears remains a motivational tool , getting Cast Members excited about new park endeavors and recognizing excellence on teams throughout Walt Disney World .
As a monthly publication produced by Disney Parks for Cast Members , Eyes & Ears is the only publication that has run continually since opening day . It covers the parks across the resort , but from an insider perspective . Each issue is a look back on the values , concerns , and efforts happening at Walt Disney World throughout its entire history .
“ My favorite thing was working on the special color covers with what was then called Marketing Art and Design , where I got to work with Don Williams and Russell Schroeder . I am most proud of the cover for the 15th anniversary of WDW . It featured Mickey at the drawing board with future projects with past WDW successes on wall posters .”
- Tim Kofahl , former editor , Eyes & Ears
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM KOFAHL