Newsletter 19 February 2007
From Disneys Online Worlds Guide (Wiki)
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EPCOT comes to VMK! Plus room make overs and all about magic! Get ready to party it's National Yavn Speaks Day!
Yavn Speaks!
Greetings one and all! Welcome to another installment of Yavn Speaks! Did everyone have a good Valentines Day? How about Lincoln's Birthday? I celebrated by putting on my stovepipe hat and playing with Lincoln Logs.
It's great to celebrate a special holiday and this week we've got a slew of them! Presidents Day is the 18th, National Chocolate Mint Day the 19th, National Sticky Bun Day the 21st, and the ever popular National Banana Bread Day is the 23rd. But I think it's safe to say that every day is a holiday when you play VMK! (OK, so I'm filling the blog with obscure holidays to make up for a slow news week – but keep reading anyway!!)
EPCOT comes to VMK
If you're looking for serious news, I'm pleased to announce that by the time you read this our first of several Epcot in-game Quests will be up and running! Did you catch that? I said Quests! Yes, this is your chance to win up to 4(!!!) Epcot Guest Rooms! Here's how it works, each Monday for the next 4 weeks we'll launch a new Epcot Quests, complete the Quest and you'll win an Epcot Guest Room. Since these in-game Quests will run through March 18th you'll have plenty of time to complete them all. Not an Epcot Expert? Then check out the official Epcot website , cause you don't want to miss your chance at winning those cool rooms!
It's called Spaceship Earth and it's really cool.
National VMK Room Makeover Month
Last week we launched our first VMK Room Make-over. Here to tell you all about, Le Caffdawg. Take it away Dawg!
Le QA_caffdawg
Bonjour! Our first VMK Room Makeover was Tuesday, February 13th! Since this was the first day for makeover, HOST_Sparky and I randomly selected a Guest Room from the Navigator. At first, all hope was lost, mainly because we kept stumbling into Game and Trade Rooms – but then we found giutargirl. This VMK'ers Briar Patch Room was a bit, well, bare (a table a few chairs and velvet rope do not a room make). Confused, giutargirl asked why VMK Staff were in her room. I kindly asked her, "Hey, would you like a room make over?" Of course, she was thrilled, and immediately answered, "Yes! Please!"
I started walking around giutargirl's Briar Patch, thinking, "What to do… what to do…" Even HOST_Sparky was doing his best Winnie the Pooh expression, saying, "Think, think, think…" Then we asked her, "What are your favorite colors?" she replied, "Red and green!" We said, "PERFECT!"
The Briar Patch before…
And after! Now this is a Laughing Place!
Suddenly, like magic, Red and Green PhilharMagic chairs lined the walls! A Tiki Fountain was placed in the center of the room and surrounded with Red Heart Chairs! Our idea was to create a room that was both a cool place to hang out in and she could create her own Falling Chairs game within it! Then I added a couple of Tron Arcade Cabinets so her friends could play some games while in her room and to please the Tiki Gods, we also added some fire around the fountain and laid some Bamboo Floor Carpet. Some Parrot Palm Trees were also added for shade (waitaminute, isn't this Briar Patch underground?) as well as a water cooler and a Penny Press. That cozy–ied the place up nice and quick! And of course for a finishing touch we tossed in a Bear Rug to make the place really feel like Home Sweet Home! giutargirl was very pleased and thanked us many times. Our work done, I and HOST_Sparky headed off into the Kingdom to find other eager Rooms in need of a makeover.
Until next time! - QA_caffdawg
Thanks for that report Dawg! Next week, we'll be randomly selecting a VMK Room Makeover submission – so if you want your room to get a makeover (or request to have a friend's room get one), send in a VMK Room makeover submission from Contact Us. A nice story why you would like the makeover would go great with the submission but it's not necessary.
It's National Talk About Magic Day!
So we've been getting a lot of questions from new players about how you get Magic Pins - well, right now you can earn Deep Sea Diving, Racing and Inner-Space Magic Pins by completing our Tomorrowland Quests. Teleportation Magic is available from both of the Tomorrowland in-Park Quests (which you can play at Disneyland and The Magic Kingdom). Coral Magic (single use) can be won by playing Level 3 of the Pirates of the Caribbean game here on VMK (you'll find it randomly in the Gold Chest). We have also sold some Magic Pins from time to time, like Snowman and Turn Into A Bat, but currently none are for sale. But stay tuned, we are always adding more magic and ways you can get them.
It's on fire! The coveted Dancing Inferno Magic.
That's a Wrap!
Well it's time to wrap this up, before I leave the office today I need to mark National Eat Churros and Donuts Day on the calendar… Oh yeah, one last thing… I know last week I mentioned we'd start new multiple Park Quest Rewards with the Winter Mickey Window card, but many of you expressed concern that you wouldn't have time enough to get it before Spring, so what do you think about starting our new Park Quest Rewards with the Spring card, the Mickey Mouse Carpet instead?
Winter or Spring? The Mickey Mouse Carpet.
It's just a thought, but we want you to know we listen to your comments and since we're getting closer to Spring (despite all the snow in the East Coast) by the time we are ready to launch it may be Spring anyway! Well, we'll have more info on this topic very soon, so stay tuned!
See you in VMK!! Yavn
Event Info
February 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 20th, 22nd, 27th - February Fun Days
February 18th - VMK Racing Days begin
February Fun Days
Starting Tuesday the 6th VMK will be increasing the Credits you can win from The Haunted Mansion and Castle Fireworks Remix games. Just play the games as you usually do, but on Tuesdays and Thursdays you'll win extra Credits for playing! These 'Fun Days' are every Tuesday and Thursday through February! Just remember that the increased Credits are only for these games and only for the dates listed below:
Haunted Mansion Fun Days February 6, 13, 20, 27
Fireworks Fun Days February 8, 15, 22
VMK Racing Days!
Strap on your helmet and kick those tires, it's the start of the race season and VMK is going to get your motor running! Join HOST_Sparky on select Saturdays and Sundays during the racing season for special VMK racing events! These special racing games like Chase Race and Race to the Finish will take place during the same time as a real auto race, the first one starting Sunday February 18th - so you can watch the big race and race in VMK at the same time! And only on VMK Racing Days can you win the VMK Racing '07 Pin. Keep an eye on the Event Info box and the Community Calendar for more updates and a schedule of race events.
Check the Community Calendar for more events, details and event times.
Tips
Tips, Tricks Hints and How To's
Does your room need a makeover?
Is your room bland and boring? Then enter our VMK Room Makeover contest!
To enter, just go to the 'Contact Us' link on the VMK website (the 'Contact Us' link is located at the bottom of the every VMK webpage) and log in. Now choose 'Room Makeover Submission' from the list of 'Contact Us' options and submit your information. The VMK Staff will evaluate your submission and chose rooms in need of a makeover.
Did someone say party in Club 33?
Be the Best Guest Room Winner of the week and win an exclusive party in Club 33 with 33 of your friends.
Need some advice on how to make a great room? Search the shops for fun new items, check out other players' rooms for ideas, be creative as possible, and have fun! Good luck!
Double Your Points!
February Fun Days are here! This month ONLY you can double your points in both the Castle Fireworks remix game and in The Haunted Mansion game. Check out Yavn Speaks for more information!
Has the Quest Machine eaten your stuff?
Do you store items in your Quest Kiosk? If so, make you sure you do not store items past row 128. Even though the Quest Kiosk allows you to keep adding more items, these items will not be saved in any rows higher than 128. Remember, your Quest Kiosk in not meant to be a locker for your stuff.
What VMK ticket are you really getting?
Finding it hard to tell which ticket you are getting in a trade window? Before you accept the trade, double click on the ticket – that will open a new window with the room information of the ticket. Happy Trading!
Dear Yeti
You've Got Questions, Yeti Has Answers
Just curious Mr. Yeti, where do you get your hair cut?
- TikiT
Dear TikiT,
I get it - you like the Yeti's stylish do and want to emulate my greatness! I usually let the mane get a few inches on it before I cut it, especially during this time of year, since it's a tad colder than usual. But enough about me, let's get to your question, my favorite spot for a hair cut is the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.
Need a little off the top? Stop by the Harmony Barber Shop.
Yep, that's right, there's a barber shop inside a Disney Park - how cool is that?! The Harmony Barber Shop is located just inside the entrance to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and they offer full service cuts and styling! No only do they do a great job, but it's awesome to be able to tell people you got your haircut in the Magic Kingdom! If you do go, ask for Michael and tell him the Yeti sent you! And while you're there Tiki, check out the Tiki Room – just make sure the birds don't set up shop in your fine new hairdo!
Do you have a question for me?
Send it to me through the Contact Us section at the bottom of this page. Be sure to have your VMK registration info with you (the email and information you registered with) and select "Dear Yeti" from the drop down menu. Every other week I'll answer a question or two here in the Newsletter.
Push's Trash Trivia
Name 3 Disney attractions in the U.S. that have a 'presidential' presence?
Know the answer?
Send your answer using Contact Us at the bottom of this or the main VMK webpage. Be sure to have your VMK registration info with you and select Push's Trash Trivia from the drop down menu.
Out of all the correct answers, three players will be randomly drawn as the winners and sent a cool prize. But hurry! Only entries submitted by the close of game on Friday will be accepted.
Here's the answer to last weeks Trash Trivia question:
Question: What provided the inspiration for the castle at the Magic Kingdom?
Answer: European castles, mainly Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany.
Did you know: The castle was designed by Imagineer Herb Ryman and he drew his inspiration from several famous European castles and architecture. Among the many castles that Ryman was influenced by, the one that stood out most was King Ludwig II's Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany.
Neuschwanstein (German for 'New Swan Stone'), like Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World, incorporates several architectural styles – for example the base is similar to a 13th century medieval fortress, while the upper half of the building looks more like a regal Renaissance palace.
Neuschwanstein was also used as reference when the Imagineers were designing Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland.
Congratulations to the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for last week's question!
katrun
LadyDooley
FarStar
Your prize is on its way!
Top Players
What makes a Guest Room award-worthy?
Guest or Game Rooms that stand out show originality in concept and design. It could be a use of conventional furniture in unconventional ways, the use of a theme or color, or humor.
CL_Percius wins top honors this week in the Best Guest Room category.
Game rooms that get the nod offer a new game idea or a new twist on an old favorite. In all rooms we look for room owners who welcome everyone with a smile and show a willingness to answer questions about their room.
Check out this week's Best Guest Rooms and Best Game Rooms.
Best Guest Rooms
 | Pirate ghosts haunt the hidden hallways of this week's Best Guest Room. CL_Percius amazes with his creative Pirates Water Garden room. Can you find out how to make your way to the top of Pirate Falls? |
Best Game Rooms
 | Shoreboy wants us to follow our hearts! In his game room, Follow Your Heart Races, you start on a heart chair, go through a door, and ride a track lighting candles. First one to finish and sit on the ice, wins!
|
Best Player Quests
 | It's time to get Goofy! BlueSorcerer tests our knowledge of The Goofy Movie in The Goofy Movie Quest. Answer the questions quickly and you may just win a goofy prize!
|
Players who have been previously recognized for their design talents will receive the VIP award.
VMK Cards
The first card from Series 3 is here!
Get the Animation Viewer by playing the Animation Quest at Disneyland or Walt Disney World – redeem the code on your card for this cool virtual prize.
Check out the VMK Rewards Card Checklist and make sure you have all the VMK bling! What cards do you have in your collection?
Scam Alert
Beware of "free" rooms
There are some players that advertise their rooms as "free," but when you enter them, they force you to pay up or get booted from the room. Beware of these types of rooms and report players who engage in this activity.
Close your room when you leave
If you are going to be away from your computer for awhile don't leave your room open - close it. Why? When you leave your room open, you're leaving it open to players that may be confused when they enter and don't know where the owner is. Sometimes confused players who find ownerless rooms will use the Call for Help tool and this takes away valuable time that Staff could be helping players in need.
Don't loan items!
It's not a good idea to have anyone, even Community Leaders, hold your stuff for you. If you want to set up a trade, but don't have enough room for all your items in the trade screen, set up two trades. It's best to keep all your items stored safely in your own (virtual) hands.
Pretending you're Staff is a no–no
Impersonation is not allowed in VMK. If a player says they are staff, make sure they're wearing the orange Mickey Pin and wearing either red (for staff and hosts) or blue (for QA/testers) ears. Remember – a staff member would never ask you to trade any items.
VMK Email Scam
If you get an email from anyone claiming to be from VMK Player Support asking for your VMK user information, such as your character name, password, birthday, etc., DO NOT REPLY to the email. This is a scam to get your login info.
VMK will NEVER send unsolicited email asking for your password or user information.
The only time you would get an email from VMK regarding this information is if you are having a login problem and have already sent us an email requesting help with this problem through the 'Contact Us' link on the website.
Any email from VMK will include your original email in the reply. Remember your login and password information should never be shared with anyone.
Do you have a friend in VMK you trust?
Even if you think you can really trust another player in VMK, it's not a good idea to loan people your items – since some people won't give them back!
If someone asks you to borrow one of your items – just say no. Because if you decide to trade an item and it isn't given back, we can't help you recover it. Why? Because you knowingly entered into the trade – remember you're responsible for your character's actions in the game, no matter what.
Safety Corner
Using violent language in VMK will get you banned!
If a player in VMK refers to violence and/or a violent act while chatting – report them immediately! VMK does not tolerate violent language of any type. If you or another player are using violent language or threatening other players (even jokingly) YOU WILL GET BANNED, in some cases – PERMANENTLY.
Follow the VMK Rules for reporting someone!
Please make sure to follow the VMK rules when reporting someone. Someone cutting in line or asking you to be their friend is not ground for reporting. Use the Call for Help system wisely. VMK Staff needs to spend their time helping people are who are seriously in need of assistance.
However, if a player keeps doing something to annoy other players (repeating words to fill up the screen, blocking, etc) please use the Contact Us section on the website to report your issue - don't forget to be detailed (include harasser's name and event details) when writing in.
Get Help!
To get emergency help at any time while you're playing the game, simply Call for VMK Staff by clicking on HELP in the bottom right of the game screen. VMK Staff will then either send you a message or come and see you.
VMK 911
The Call for VMK Staff option is VMK's 911 service, so please only use it in emergencies – if another Player is hassling you or making you feel uncomfortable. For general questions about the game, take a look at the FAQs
Don't get banned for bad behavior
Resist the urge to use bad language in VMK – it's not allowed. Using inappropriate words in the game will get you banned. Also, misusing words in the dictionary (example: putting two acceptable words together to make one that isn't acceptable) can also get you banned.
Keep your information private!
Never, under any circumstances give your VMK user name and password to any other player or post it on a forum on another website. Some surveys have been going around on the internet claiming they have free offers if you give out your VMK information – this is a SCAM!
Never give your information to these surveys or anyone else, and always keep your password private. VMK will never ask you for your information unless you contact us about a problem with your account. Keep your VMK, and all the great items you've earned, safe!
Quests
In-Park Quests!
PLAY THE DISNEY ANIMATION QUEST!
Play the latest VMK In-Park Quest now at The Magic Kingdom® and Disneyland® - put your knowledge of Disney animated films to the test!
Going to Disneyland® Park or Magic Kingdom® Park? Play the in-Park Quests! Learn more here.
High School Musical Quest! Watch the movie, visit the Parks and answer all the questions to win cool stuff!
Get the Thrill Seekers Quest for the Walt Disney World® Resort here!
The Tomorrowland Quest is still available: Download it here.
Contact Us Tips
Problems? Contact Us!
When you use Contact Us to ask a question or report an issue, please be aware of the following:
If you use AOL or EarthLink for e-mail, you won't receive our response, as AOL e-mail filters block our replies. Please provide an alternative e-mail in the Contact Us form where it asks for your e-mail address.
Some Spam Filters will automatically block e-mail from an unknown source unless you tell the program to allow it: To get email from VMK, allow mail from mailman@virtualmagickingdom.com. (Please note this email address does not receive e-mail except via the Contact Us form.)
