Newsletter 6 August 2007
From Disneys Online Worlds Guide (Wiki)
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Yavn Speaks!
This week Yavn's got hot info on VMK's newest game, plus important news about VMK Central at Walt Disney World. It's Tiki Month in VMK � now let's "talk Tiki!" Wake up, Yavn – it's showtime!
Ahhh! Buenos dias VMK'ers and welcome to another edition of Yavn Speaks! Hope you're all having a good summer, there's lots to talk about this week, so let's dig in!
Your Attention Please…
First up, I have an important announcement I need to get out of the way… there's really no easy way to say this, so here goes – on September 30th we're closing VMK Central at Walt Disney World. Now hold on, before you get upset and start sending hate mail, let me explain why this is happening…
As time has gone by, we've changed the way Quest, rewards and other parts of VMK work. The game, very much like our theme parks, is always changing. We've always tried to experiment with unique ways of doing things, like in-Park Questing, and we'll continue to do that (for example, we'll still be doing cool stuff in the Parks, like the merchandise cards and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Quest) - but those things won't revolve just around VMK Central.
Just because VMK Central is closing doesn't mean the game is going away.
VMK is going stronger than ever and we've got some very cool announcements (including one I'm making today) about how VMK will get even better. Yes, I know you'll miss Questing in the real Magic Kingdom, but like I said, this is part of a much larger plan for cooler VMK stuff.
So there you have it, sad news sort of, but you have plenty of time to complete those in-Park Quest. Just remember VMK Central in the Cinema on Main Street at the Magic Kingdom will stop accepting Quest and giving out rewards after September 30th, 2007!
Okay, so now that I've taken care of the "elephant in the room" (hey, it must have escaped from the Jungle Cruise) let's talk about some really cool stuff on the VMK horizon.
Thanksgiving in September!
You spoke (boy, did you ever) and we listened. By overwhelming popular demand the next item in the snack cart series is, drum roll please& the brand new Turkey Leg Cart!
It's the snack that eats like a meal!
Of course the next question you have is "When can I get one???" All I can say about that is early September. Sure, we should wait until Thanksgiving to release it but who wants to wait that long?
It's the NEW Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Shirt
Speaking of new items, we've got plenty more on the way – like the new Hawaiian Aloha Shirt – it'll look great with that new Cowboy Surf hat, you'll be able to pick up both of these in the Emporium and then be ready to hit Typhoon Lagoon in style!
Aloha, cowboy!
Surfing isn't your cup o' tea? Then how about some baseball? Just in case you missed them last year, America's pastime returns to VMK, with hat, shirt, pants and shoes – and a stadium room batting clean up! Look for all these items in our VMK shops before September.
Game On!
Remember last month when I promised you the lowdown on a cool new VMK game? Well, now it's time to pull back the curtain on that game and reveal the latest and greatest from VMK Labs. Today I'm proud to announce the VMK Trading Card Game!
Here's a sneak peek at the brand new VMK Trading Card Game!
The best way to describe the game is as a mix between the card games Trumps and War. It's an awesome game that's a lot of fun. This month we'll be releasing a preview version of the game that will teach you the basics of how to play, then over the next few months we'll be adding some more functionality to the game and rolling out more advanced rules. Oh and before you ask, there are some NEW items we created to go along with the VMK Trading Card Game&.but that's for another column…
More News on the Way!
Alright, that should wrap it up for now, hopefully you're still with me and not too upset about the news. Again, remember what I said and don't think of this as the end of an era, but the beginning of something just as incredible. The new items I've mentioned above like the snack cart series, the Trading Card Game, there's lots of great VMK stuff on the way!
Oh, almost forgot to mention, remember our Mickey rewards? We have a few items that were originally going to be released as Quest prizes. What should we do with them now? Do you think they should be sold/rewarded in-game? Or saved for something special, like say, an in-Park event??? Hmmm… Cast your vote and let us know.
Okay, so I have to get back to playing the VMK TCG and testing all the other cool stuff we have in the works. I'm so excited, I want to tell you about – oops, sorry, that will have to wait until next time! But keep checking back here for the latest VMK news because there's some really awesome things on the way!
See you in VMK, Yavn
Community Reminder
1. Worried about being banned?
Then ALWAYS USE GOOD JUDGEMENT when playing VMK. Treat other players as you would like to treated, don't use foul language or take part in bad behavior - any activity like this will get you banned, in almost every case, permanently.
2. Scamming players will get you banned!
Scamming of any kind is not tolerated in VMK. If you are involved in scamming players in any way, your account will be banned. If you promise an item to another player and don't award it, you will be banned from VMK. If you have a player that's offering an item and the offer seems "too good to be true," it probably is. Always use your best judgment and trade with caution.
3. Pay to Play is not allowed in VMK.
Any room where you pay to play a game and it's up to the room owner to award the prize is against VMK Values and not allowed in VMK. Opening a Pay to Play room is a violation of the VMK game guidelines and will get you banned from VMK.
VMK will continue to charge for some public rooms (like Pirates), as Pay to Play scams are a larger problem for personal rooms.
4. 'Relationship' rooms? Not in VMK.
It's against the VMK Values to create or open ANY type of 'relationship' room (rooms that include words like 'meet,' 'pick,' 'get,' 'find,' 'have,' 'taken,' etc.) in VMK. You'll be warned and possibly banned for opening any type of room that promotes this activity.
VMK reserves the right to update and/or revise the VMK Values and House Rules without notice. Please make sure you periodically review the VMK Values and House Rules for the most current game guidelines.
For more information or a reminder of what's acceptable in VMK review the VMK Values page.
Account Problems
Have you tried logging into VMK after a few months only to find your VMK account has been deleted?
Because of the size of our community we have to delete accounts that are inactive for more than 6 months to make room for new players - so if you haven't played in a while, be sure to log in every now and then (even if just for a few minutes) and keep your account active!
Disney H2O
Nemo 101
It's Tiki Time
August is Tiki Month
Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room was Walt Disney's first full-scale AudioAnimatronics attraction. It's been "enchanting" Guests at Disneyland since 1963… But did you know the attraction was originally going to be a restaurant? This and more interesting Tiki trivia is coming your way – it's Tiki time!
Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room opened in 1963, Walt Disney World's in 1971, and Tokyo Disneyland's in 1983.
- There are 225 singing birds, flowers, and tiki's inside Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room.
- The theme song for the Enchanted Tiki Room was written by the Sherman brothers, who were responsible for writing other Disney Theme Park classics like the theme songs for "it's a small world", Carousel of Progress, and the musical scores for movies like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book.
- The Tiki Room is currently the only attraction to feature a different version of the same attraction in three Disney Theme Parks. The original show plays at Disneyland, "Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management" with Iago from "Aladdin" and Zazu from "The Lion King" plays at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Park, and "Enchanted Tiki Room: Get The Fever!" with a new Cast of Tiki Birds plays at Tokyo Disneyland.
Walt Disney pays a visit to The Enchanted Tiki Room.
- On the Enchanted Tiki Room's opening day at Disneyland, June 23rd, 1963, you had to purchase a separate ticket in order to see the show. It wasn't included in you're A-E ticket book.
- Because of the computers required to run the attraction, The Enchanted Tiki Room was the first fully air-conditioned show building at Disneyland.
- Originally, the Enchanted Tiki Room was supposed to be a dinner show with birds singing overhead while you ate your meal. Walt and his team of Imagineers realized that many people may not feel comfortable eating under a bird… and the dinner portion of the show was cut from the concept.
- At Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Park, some famous names have lent their voices to the characters in the "Under New Management" show. Phil Hartman and Don Rickles are the voices of the birds behind the waterfall, Gilbert Gottfried is the voice of Lago, and Jerry Orbach (who is the voice of Lumiere in "Beauty and the Beast") is the voice of Pierre the Macaw.
- Tokyo Disneyland's Tiki Room is the only show to not feature the four original "Macaudios" … Jose, Michael, Fritz, and Pierre. Instead, the roost is ruled by some new birds… Buddy, Danno, Lava, and Scats. In this version of the show, the Tiki Gods have fallen asleep, and it's up to the new birds to wake them up!
Event Info
AUGUST is Tiki Month! It's Tiki Time in VMK!
Summer FUN Days Every Tuesday & Thursday in August
NEW! Room Makeovers Every week!
Check the Community Calendar for more events, details and event times.
Tiki Time
Get your summer party on! It's Tiki Time in VMK! All through the month of August enjoy Tiki-themed games and events!
Summer FUN Days
Tuesdays & Thursdays in August
Summer FUN days continue through August! Play the in-game Pirates game on Tuesday's or the in-game Haunted Mansion game on Thursday's and get double rewards! That's right Summer FUN Days give you chance to get double game credits for these games so play often.
Room Makeovers
New every week!
Each week we select lucky VMKer's at random for a Room Makeover, then our talented team of Room Designers review the rooms and put their design skills to work! We post the results here, including BEFORE and AFTER pics – plus tips you can use to make your own rooms better!
Submit your room for a Makeover using Contact Us.
Let's take a look at our room makeover this week – take it away Sparky!
HOST_Sparky
I met CL_Ferriz, standing in the middle of her room, she didn't quite know what she should do with her fantastic stash of pirate swag. She was ready for a Room Makeover though and very excited that someone nominated her! She was so excited in fact, we immediately got started turning this pirate plunder into a true treasure trove!
BEFORE. Let's make this room into a Treasure Hold!
I started the makeover by moving all of her items into the center of the room. By clearing the walls we could start making sense of where we wanted to place things in the room.
Let the building begin! First we stacked Crow's Nest Barstool Poles to make four support beams. On the right, we stacked 18 Dead Man's Chests (this will make a great place to present the treasure she's already collected). After the supports were up, we placed two Dreams Peter Pan's Ships on the Crow's Nests Bar Stools so it looks like they are flying through the eyes of Skull Rock.
A Davey Jones' Organ was then placed on the Dead Man's Chests. By creating a path with Small Pirate Treasure Rugs, now her guests can walk right up to the top and have a seat at the Organ. Two Skeleton Monkeys shine just enough light onto that area – and make it perfect for playing music. If organ playing isn't their thing, they can have seat at the Pirate Player Piano.
Of course a treasure hold isn't complete without Pirate Treasure Rugs, Pirate Treasure Chests, and a Pirate Treasure Chair! A Madame Leota Table was placed right in the center of the room, along with Pirate Thrones and Haunted Mansion Candelabras – now this is a perfect place to count loot! A pirate captain must have his or her own counting table, so a Pirate Map Table with Pirate Throne Chair was placed on the left.
AFTER. Now this is a Treasure Trove!
Now with the room ready for those pillaging pirates, I said goodbye to CL_Ferriz and headed off to find another player in need of a room makeover.
Be sure and sail down to CL_Ferriz's Pirate Treasure Hold to behold the wondrous gold and jewels abound. While you're there, sing a pirate shanty or two!
Top 5 FAQs
VMK's Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions for the week
For more answers to other Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the VMK FAQs.
1. Why can't I tell my friends in VMK what grade I just finished in school or give other personal information about myself?
Finishing any grade is a huge accomplishment and from everyone at VMK, CONGRATULATIONS! But part of keeping VMK safe means keeping your personal information to yourself.
Nobody should ever know where you live, how old you are, or even what grade you just finished. IT DOESN'T MATTER if you know the person outside of the game – it is against the VMK Values to give out ANY personal information. (This includes if you're home alone from school, or the state where you live.) You will get banned for doing this.
Keep your identity – and VMK account – safe, never give out personal information on VMK!
2. Can you tell me about the VMK Staff? Who are they?
Despite their appearance, VMK staff members are NOT kids but actually adults trained specifically to handle VMK. VMK Staff may look like you in the game (with cool Mickey ears) but they're actually more like school teachers - in fact, many of the VMK Staff are teachers, or have been teachers, which is why they choose to be VMK Staff: because they like to teach and help kids.
With that said, VMK Staff should be treated like you would treat a school teacher: with respect. Because although the VMK Staff is there to help and keep you safe, they also must step in when you're not playing safely or following the VMK Values or game guidelines.
Also keep in mind the VMK Staff are very, very busy working to keep you safe and make sure VMK runs smoothly - so while it's ok to say hello, ask for a picture or some cool magic, don't be rude to them, misbehave or report false information. If you do, you could get banned and in VMK bans are like being sent to the principal's office - and nobody wants that.
VMK Staff are adults trained to help you and keep the community safe - so please treat them with respect. In fact, treat EVERYONE in VMK with respect; it's more fun to play that way.
3. I keep using the Call for Help Tool and I keep getting a message that says "Press the ignore button!" Is anyone helping with my problem?
Yes, someone is responding to your problem. Just because a moderator sends you a message telling you to please use the "Ignore" Button, it doesn't mean the moderator is ignoring your problem! The moderator is asking you to ignore the other player because the moderator may be investigating the situation or helping another player. Using "Ignore" is the easiest and best way to stop the problem from getting worse.
4. What happens if you send false reports to VMK Staff members?
If you send a false report you could get banned. Yes, we want you to report players that aren't following the VMK Values (no, you won't get banned for reporting someone - if your report is indeed real), but DO NOT send false reports. Our Moderators and Staff research your report and if we find you've reported something which isn't true, you'll get a warning (which goes against your account), and you possibly could be banned. (The VMK Staff is very busy and are working very hard to keep you safe – so don't send them on a wild goose chase, it's not a good use of their time.)
Report ONLY things that HAVE happened, not what you think or assume someone has done, and report the issue IMMEDIATELY! If VMK Staff don't appear it doesn't mean the situation isn't being monitored or looked into (remember, we see everything that goes on in the game, and don't have to physically be in the game to do so) so you don't need to re-report it, leave the room and play in another room. VMK Staff researches all reports.
5. I've sent in a problem using Contact Us but no one has replied - why haven't I heard from anyone?
We respond to every email we get within 24 hours - but some email providers (like AOL.com, Hotmail.com, msn.com, Comcast.net, Cox.net, rr.net and Earthlink) block our responses.
If you use any of the email providers listed above, or haven't gotten a response from us, this is the reason.
Some email providers have Spam Filters that automatically block email from an unknown source and you have to tell the program (the email application) to allow email from that source. To get email from VMK, go into the preferences for your mailbox and allow mail from: mailman@virtualmagickingdom.com. (Please note, this email address DOES NOT receive email except via the Contact Us form.)
You also have the option to submit an alternate email address in the Contact Us tool (this option is under the Send Details box) if your provider won't take our replies. We suggest setting up another email account, like yahoo.com to get our replies.
Yeti's Tips & Tricks
From 25 July 2007
You've got questions, Yeti has answers.
The Yeti is back and ready for action! Here to provide game tips, answer your questions and make you a better VMK player in general, the fur-covered guru of VMK gaming, Mr. Yeti!
I don't have to tell you how hot it is this summer! I've been cooling off inside while playing VMK, by the looks of it, so have you! We've got lots of players in the Kingdom, so remember to be nice to other players while helping out new ones too! But hey, you can't stay in front of the computer all day, take breaks from VMK and get out and enjoy the sun! Just remember, wear sunscreen! Now, let's get to those questions:
Finding the Submarine Reward Card
The Reward for the Finding Nemo Sumarine Voyage Quest – the Tomorrowland Submarine Wall.
Mr. Yeti, a few weeks back I got a Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Quest from Disneyland but it didn't have the reward card on it. Where can I get the card?
The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Quest was available in preview, when the Quest was in preview it did not include a card. (Yavn mentioned this a few weeks back in the Newsletter.) We released the Quest as an early preview to give Guest a taste of what was to come. The Quest that is distributed in the line for The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland now includes the card – but this Quest (and Reward) is only available at Disneyland for a limited time, so get them before they're gone!
Can't I redeem the Quest without the card to get the reward? How do I do that?
You don't "redeem" this Quest like you did previous Quest at Disneyland. Why? A couple of reasons: 1.) The preview was meant as a preview, so this early version did not have a card. 2.) The answers are printed on the Quest. 3.) VMK Central (the redemption center) is no longer at Disneyland.
Hidden Mickey's
Yeti, I finally completed the Hidden Mickey Quest, but I didn't get the same rewards as my friends, what happened?
If you're referring to the pdf's that you print out and take to the Park and redeem for a virtual reward, those rewards have been retired. But stay tuned, announcements of other cool prizes for those games and Quest are on the way!
Hidden Mickey's can be anywhere – use your camera to find them!
Remember VMK revises and changes prizes to keep things fresh and fun. For instance, new items replace old ones, rare items are retired and new attractions or lands are introduced. Like the Disney Theme Parks, the Virtual Magic Kingdom is constantly changing to address the growing demands of our players.
Play it Safe! Don't Get Banned!
Since it's summer and we're all having fun, I want to take a minute and remind you to – behave yourselves! Especially when you're playing VMK. Nothing will give you the summertime blues like getting banned from VMK, so here are a few tips to keep your visit to the Kingdom safe and keep you from getting banned!
- Always be respectful and aware of other players.
Your actions (or chat) might offend other players, if another player reports you, our moderators and community mangers must look into the situation – so be careful of what you say or do.
- Play like a parent or teacher is watching you.
If you're doing something that they wouldn't approve of, in chat or otherwise, it's most likely VMK does not approve of it either.
- NEVER GIVE OUT PERSONAL INFORMATION OF ANY KIND. IF YOU DO, YOU WILL BE BANNED FROM VMK.
This includes, but is not limited to, your location, your email address, your real name, age or other personal info, myspace page, AIM info or your phone number.
It doesn't matter if you think you know the person or they've been on your friends list for a long time, it's against the VMK Values. But you shouldn't even do this on unofficial forums or message boards, because aside from being against game guidelines, it's just not safe.
- Be safe instead of being sorry.
If you're not sure if what you're doing is right, it's better to be safe than sorry and not get yourself into a sticky situation – don't take part in any activity you think might get you banned.
If you're not sure what will get you banned review the VMK Values, they're guidelines for safe play. Remember VMK are always updating and revising these guidelines to meet the needs of our growing community – so be sure to review the VMK Values from time to time.
Alright then, that about does it for now, but I'll be back soon with more VMK tips and tricks! Enjoy your summer and have fun out there!
Push's Trash Trivia
From 7 August 2007
At the very end of the Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management show at Walt Disney World, Iago decides to leave for a nap. Where does he say he is going?
Know the answer?
Send your answer in using Contact Us. Be sure to have your VMK registration info with you and select Push's Trash Trivia from the drop down menu.
From the correct answers we randomly select three players as the winners and send them a cool prize.
Hurry – only entries submitted by the close of game on Friday will be accepted.
Here's the answer to last weeks Push Trivia question:
Question: Jose and other Tiki birds hang out here – name the location.
Answer: Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
Featuring a cast of over 225 singing birds, flowers, and tikis, the Enchanted Tiki Room has been a Disney Theme Park classic since its opening at Disneyland in 1963. It was the very first attraction to use AudioAnimatronic figures.
Walt Disney introduces one of the Tiki birds to viewers of the Disneyland TV show, which aired during the 1950's.
The Enchanted Tiki Room was one of the original atttractions to open in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in 1971. In 1998, Walt Disney World's Tiki Room welcomed a new flock of owners, Iago from Aladdin and Zazu from The Lion King. Since then, the Tiki Room has been rockin' to a whole new tropical beat!
When our fine feathered friends Jose, Michael, Fritz, and Pierre met Iago, they were less than excited about his arrival. His spoof on the hit song "Friend Like Me" from Disney's Aladdin, had them worried about trying to be as "with the times" as he was. The Tiki Gods came to the rescue by sending Uh-Oa, the Tiki Goddess of Disaster to teach him a lesson in what happens to those who try to mess with the Tiki Room! Now the birds sing words, the flowers croon, and the Tiki Room is the coolest show in Adventureland!
Did you know: The building that houses Walt Disney World's Enchanted Tiki Room is a combination of exotic architectural styles from locations around the world like Bali, Hawaii, and Africa.
Here are the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for our last week's question!
CL_Korianne
Skitz
Goofyjenn
Congratulations! You've won a limited edition Push Trivia Pin!
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.
How can I nominate someone?
Got a cool Guest Room you want the Kingdom to know about? Do you know someone that has a great hangout spot and want to tell the world? Then nominate yourself or someone else for Best Game, Best Guest or Best Quest.
It's easy – just click on the Contact Us link at the bottom of any VMK webpage and follow the prompts, then select 'Nominate the Best.' It's that easy! The VMK staff will review the player rooms and Quest nominated and post the winners here!
ArestheBat 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
 | Hidden in a huge forest, is a Bat Cave. It has a small entrance no eye can see – it's the secret place for bats to be! Be polite or ArestheBat will have to send you off!
|
Best Game Rooms
 | In Sailing Dangerous Waves: The Game. Diztoongirl asks you to spin the number generator. Surf's Up!
|
Best Player Quests
 | Do you have what it takes to be an Explorer in the Ready for Adventure! Quest by Stories? *
|
Players who have been previously recognized for their design talents will receive the VIP award.
VMK Cards
AWESOME NEW REWARDS!
Get the Mickey Mouse Television by correctly completing 3 or more Quest at Disneyland or Walt Disney World – then redeem the code in-game 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
VMK Email Scam
If you get an email from anyone claiming to be from "VMK Player Support" asking for your VMK user information, your character name, password or birthday, DO NOT REPLY to the email. This is a scam to get your login info. There are also email scams where these same parties claim to need this information to award the Push Trivia winners or Best Guest Room prizes.
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 have already sent us an email requesting help with this problem or another problem through the Contact Us link on the website.
Any email from VMK will include your original email in the reply.
Remember, NEVER share your login and password information should never be shared with anyone.
Trade with Caution!
Before you complete a trade take a second and review your trade window! This is very important! You want to make sure the item, or items, you are trading for are actually inside the trade window before you accept the trade!
To do this, scroll all the way to the bottom of the trade window, confirm the items are there and then - once you're satisfied the trade is fair - accept the trade.
REMEMBER: It's up to you to keep track of your stuff and your trades! If you knowingly enter into a trade and get scammed because you didn't check the trade window, we cannot be responsible that you didn't get your stuff.
Scamming of any kind will get you BANNED!
It's great to have a popular room in VMK, but it's not OK to get players into your room by scamming. Pretending to have an item that you don't have, in order to get players to come into your room, is considered a scam and you can be banned from VMK!
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 kind of activity.
Pay to Play = Ban from VMK
Starting on Monday, 6.25.07, Operating Pay to Play Rooms (charging Players for entry to a room or a game) will get you banned from VMK. Previous rules on scamming have NOT changed: ANY Player Scam, will result in an automatic and PERMANENT ban. (Exchange items in a fair trade, and remember, do not loan your items.)
Everyone LOVES a prize – the promise of rare items and other VMK goodies are a wonderful thought, but remember when you enter a trade, a "Cute or Boot" or Pay to Play room you might be scammed.
Pay to Play rooms in particular – where you pay to play a game and it's up to the room owner to award the prize – are extremely questionable. That's why starting immediately VMK will no longer allow these rooms in VMK.
Scamming is equal to theft and a violation of the VMK Values. If you scam someone in VMK, this will lead to your account being automatically and permanently banned. Having your parents Contact Us to get your account re-activated won't work, because if you can't play by the rules and follow the VMK Values, we don't want you in the game.
Remember, don't let yourself get scammed. As the old saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don't "loan" your stuff and if a room owner refuses to show you their "Cute or Boot" prize or rare item, or you feel they don't really have the prize, leave the room. There are lots of other games to play and things to do in VMK!
Safety Corner
Adult subjects are NEVER appropriate in VMK!
Adult subjects are never allowed in VMK. If you need a reminder of what is and isn't acceptable, read over the VMK Values.
If you spot a player in VMK that is not following the VMK Values and guidelines (especially if they're using adult subjects in chat) – report them. This also applies to players chatting about violence and/or engaging in a violent act – report these players (and any who violate the rules) immediately!
VMK does not tolerate violent language of any kind. Engaging in this behavior is inappropriate and will get you banned, in most cases permanently. Help keep VMK a safe and fun virtual place for everyone! :-)
Game Guidelines Change – Stay Informed.
Has it been a while since you've signed into VMK? Make sure before you re-enter the Kingdom that you review the VMK Values and any updated game guidelines.
To address the needs of our growing community we often update our game guidelines – it's up to you to review the Values and guidelines and make sure you know what is and isn't allowed in VMK before you play. For more recent updates to the VMK Values review the Safety Corner and Scam Alert sections here in the Newsletter.
Don't Dictionary Dance
The VMK Dictionary is in place for a reason. If you "dance" around the dictionary to say something you shouldn't, you could get banned.
Bad words have no place in VMK and neither do words that sound or read like bad words (but are spelled differently). The VMK Dictionary will never allow players to use bad words. "Dancing" around the VMK Dictionary to use bad words (or words that aren't in the dictionary) in chat could get you banned.
Help is always available.
The VMK 'Call For Help' button is easy to use and always accessible – just click on the HELP button on the lower right of the VMK player window. At VMK we encourage you to let us know if anything unsafe or suspicious catches your attention. If it's not in line with VMK Values, please report it!
Tip: Remember the 'Call For Help' is like VMK's 911. So while we encourage you to use it, please only do so for serious player issues. And like 911, using 'Call For Help' to report false information will get you in trouble too, so make sure you're reporting the incident or player accurately.
If you do have a serious problem, tell us immediately! The faster you use the 'Call For Help' button to make us aware of a problem, the more effective we can be in taking care of the issue. So please, tell us immediately if you have a serious problem and help make VMK a fun and safe place for everyone.
VMK Safety & Security
Remember to review the VMK Values and game guidelines. New rules include that Pay to Play rooms are no longer allowed. As always, violence or inappropriate subject matter of adult nature will NOT be tolerated and involvement in this activity will result in a ban of your VMK account.
VMK is NO place for negative behavior. Have fun, make friends, play games and chat, but please keep in mind VMK must always be a safe and appropriate place for Players of ALL ages.
Please help keep VMK just like the Disney Theme Parks - a safe, fun and magical place for everyone!
Respect other players. Scams (theft), violence, giving out personal information or discussing adult content (sexual or otherwise), vulgarity or inappropiate behavior have NO place in VMK.
Keep It Private - Guarding Your Personal Information
Schools out! We know you're all excited about being at home instead of the classroom and VMK is a great, creative way to spend your summer days. Just remember when playing, giving out personal information, such as telling people you're at home alone, is NEVER okay in VMK.
Giving out ANY personal information - your real name, where you live, contact information, grade level, age, and yes, even if you're at home by yourself. Giving out this information – in ANY form, is in direct violation to the VMK Values and WILL GET YOU BANNED.
You should understand that the minute you provide others with your personal information, your personal safety could be at risk.
VMK is a fun place, but it's also a BIG place, with people from all over�so just to keep it safe, keep personal information to yourself and out of VMK. You're best bet is to keep your personal identity and information secret - like a superhero - it can help you avoid a ban and it can keep you safe.
If you have a question about what is or isn't okay, you can ask us using Contact Us.
Quests
In-Park Quests!
THE NEW FINDING NEMO SUBMARINE VOYAGE QUEST!
The Finding Nemo Quest - exclusively at Disneyland's Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage for a limited time.
PLAY THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN QUEST!
Have a swashbuckling adventure at the Magic Kingdom - search for the answers hidden in the attraction and earn the Pirates Fortress Room for VMK!
Print-From-Home-Quests
Going to Disneyland® Park or Magic Kingdom® Park? Take a Quest with you! Play in-Park and win cool prizes!
Tomorrowland Quest!
This out-of-this-world adventure is fun and rewarding. You can win a Inner-Space Suit Magic Spell for your virtual character.
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!
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.)
Dateline Disney
Events that shaped the Walt Disney Company
July 17
1955: Disneyland opens in Anaheim, California to invited Guest and media. Walt Disney originally envisioned it as "Mickey Mouse Park," and planned to locate the Park on a tiny eight acre plot across from Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. As ideas for the Park grew a larger location was selected about 45 miles south in the orange groves of Anaheim.
Disneyland has changed a lot over the years, a testament to Walt Disney's commitment to constantly entertain and amaze Guest. He was once quoted as saying, "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."
However, of the 25 opening day attractions several still remain at Disneyland today, including Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventures and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.
"To all who come to this happy place - welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America... with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world."
– Walt Disney at Disneyland's dedication, July 17th, 1955.
1989: The dedication ceremony for Splash Mountain is held at Disneyland for invited guest and selected press. In attendance are Disney's CEO Michael Eisner, actors Jim Varney and Nick Stewart (the voice of Brer Bear), Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Mickey Mouse. They officially turn on the water pump to the attraction which will open to the public the following day.
July 7
2006: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest opens in theaters nationwide, it will ransack the box office and become one of the highest grossing films of all time. At the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, Captain Jack Sparrow invades the attraction as Walt Disney Imagineers add Captain Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbosa to the attraction. The ride is also enhanced with dynamic digital sound and new effects.
1997: The Disneyland Monorail begins a revised operating schedule (traveling in only one direction) to help workers constructing a new theme park called… Disney's California Adventure.
1976: Starring Ed Asner, Don Knotts, Tim Conway, Tom Bosley, Dick Van Patten, football great Johnny Unitas and a mule, Disney's live-action comedy Gus kicks its way into theaters. The live-action film follows the antics of a field goal kicking mule named Gus and his rise to fame with the California Atoms football team.
That's right, he's a field goal kicking mule and the league's leading laugh scorer!
1971: Animator and technical genius Ub Iwerks passed away in Burbank, California. Ub (whose real name was Ubbe Ert Iwwerks) first met Walt Disney in 1919 when the two worked together as commercial artist in Kansas City. When Walt moved to California and started his animation studio, Ub was his first employee. Ub animated the first Mickey Mouse short, Plane Crazy in two weeks, producing over 700 drawing for the cartoon a day.
Ub Iwerks, animator and Disney Legend 1901–1971
In addition to his animation expertise, Mr. Iwerks was also a technical wizard and built the world's first Multiplane Camera in 1933. He is also credited for helping create the photography process used to blend live action and animation for such films as Three Caballeros, Song of the South and Mary Poppins. Ub Iwerks was honored as a Disney Legend in 1989.
June 29
2007: Ratatouille is released to theaters nationwide. It's Pixar's eighth animated feature film. Directed by Brad Bird (the creative force behind The Incredibles), Ratatouille, (pronounced rat-a-too-ee) follows the adventures of a rat named Remy as he dreams of becoming a famous French chef. The film features the voices of Patton Oswald (as Remy), John Ratzenberger, Janeane Garofalo, Brad Garrett and Petor O' Toole.
1974: America Sings debuts at Disneyland in Tomorrowland's Carousel Theater. The attraction features over 100 Audio-Animatronic figures and replaces the General Electric Carousel of Progress – which is relocated to Walt Disney World.
1908: Disney Legend John Hench is born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mr. Hench started with the Walt Disney Company as a story artist in 1939 and would eventually become the senior vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering.
John Hench, Disney Legend 1908–2004.
During his 65 years with the company (the longest of any Cast Member) he personally witnessed the creation of almost every Disney theme park and animated feature. He contributed to such classics as Dumbo, Fantasia and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Among his many other accomplishments, he was also responsible for designing Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World and the original designs for Space Mountain.
