Newsletter 12 February 2007
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VMK Central at Disneyland gets a makeover, plus how to get a VMK room makeover! New reward cards are announced and we've moved our office - all in this edition of Yavn Speaks!
Yavn Speaks!
We've Moved!
After a week in the new place, we've unpacked most of our boxes and are finally settling into our new office location. While there are a few things that need to be worked out, the new building is very nice (and location still top secret) - so if you didn't see any of the team in the game over the last few days it's because of all this moving craziness.
Central Changes & Rewards Reworked
VMK HQ is not the only thing that changed last week, VMK Central at Disneyland also got a facelift! As you can see from the pic below, the kiosk now has the same look and style as VMK.com! If you've visited the VMK Central at Disneyland in the last week you've not only noticed the new color scheme, but that we're also showing off 4 new cards there!
If you visited VMK Central in Tomorrowland at Disneyland last week, you may have noticed something new – a new look and new reward cards!
In addition to everything else that's getting an overhaul, we're introducing a new reward system in both Parks. Starting soon we'll offer a new prize for completing multiple Park Quests (at both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom) – like one of our new Limited Edition Mickey Furniture Reward Cards! These are extremely limited cards that will only be available seasonally. How's that work? Well, we'll launch the Limited Edition set with the Winter Mickey Mouse Window - this card will be available until Spring, when it will be replaced with a new seasonal reward card – and remember Limited Edition means just that – once the season is gone, the Limited Edition card that goes with it will be gone for good too.
In all, there are 4 Mickey Furniture cards and each one is themed for a specific season. The Limited Edition set also features a special 'foil' and of course each one has a code that can be redeemed for the virtual item on the card.
The picture here doesn't do these cards justice – but trust me, they look awesome.
And we've got more cool changes and new reward cards on the way too, plus for our Disneyland Guest, don't forget we're still running the Fast Pass program. Stay tuned, I'll have more info on these Limited Edition cards very soon!
Room Makeovers - VMK Style
Also this week we're bringing back an old VMK favorite, VMK Room Makeovers! Would you like to have one of our VMK Experts help you turn you room into a hot spot? Just send us a note and tell us about a room (your's or someone else's) that's worthy of a makeover. Our secret room makeover agents will also be making the rounds secretly looking for rooms that need a makeover. Either way, each week we'll pick some rooms for a makeover and show you the results in an upcoming newsletter.
Before...
After...
Lost Your Character? More About Deleted Accounts
As I mentioned a while back, we have started deleting inactive accounts, in particular accounts that have been inactive for 6 months or more. You may have noticed this yourself if you logged on and found your account was gone. If you did, we're sorry, but we did warn players.
A few of you have requested your deleted account and player name back – sorry, once the accounts are deleted from the system they can not be brought back. We even reset the deleted player name. I bring this up again so you remember if you plan to be away from VMK for a while, you should still check in every now and then so you don't lose your character.
Hey Waiter!
Just a heads up, Haley & Jake aren't the only ones who know the 'Secret Word' to get service from the Gator Waiter in the Blue Bayou - check around, there are plenty of other 'characters' in the game that know how to get the Gator Waiter's attention!
Service with a smile in the Blue Bayou - a big toothy, gator smile that is.
That's a Wrap!
Well I hope you enjoyed the first week of February Fun Days, don't forget get extra credit by playing Haunted Mansion on Tuesday and Castle Fireworks remix on Thursday! You never know when a little extra bling may come in handy. Also I should mention the first VMK Race day is coming up this weekend, February 18th. So grab your driving helmet and race on over (it's a bad pun I know, but at least I didn't tell you to get in gear for VMK Race Day… on second thought, just scratch both of those puns).
What else? The new office is pretty cool, I'll try to get you some pics of it in upcoming Yavn Speaks blogs - I think Darth Vader designed the lights!
Construction of the Death Star Lamp is finally complete! Now VMK will rule the galaxy!
Ok time to go, we gotta wrap up the Epcot Quest… word on the street is it may be ready to kick off next week… 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
Party in Club 33!
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
What provided the inspiration for the castle at the Magic Kingdom?
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: In the Haunted Mansion, who provides the voice for the ride's narration?
Answer: Paul Frees
Did you know: Paul Frees is the "Ghost Host" for the Haunted mansion – providing the narration for the attraction's foyer, stretching room, and ride.
They're dying to get into the Haunted Mansion.
Frees' voice was also used in many other Disney projects. He voiced the Professor Ludwig Von Drake in episodes of the Disney anthology television series (which is often referred to as "The Wonderful World of Disney"). This same character, Professor Ludwig Von Drake, was also featured on many Disneyland Records and Frees sung as Von Drake in the cartoon An Adventure in Color. Frees also voiced the pirate auctioneer for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Frees was honored as Disney Legend on October 9, 2006.
Who is Paul Frees? There's a likeness of him in The Haunted Mansion movie (here's a hint: he's one of the singing bust).
There are a few other notable voices used for the Haunted Mansion attraction as well. The voice of Vincent Price (most popularly known for his narration in Michael Jackson's Thriller) was originally used in the Phantom Manor part of the Haunted Mansion attraction. However, due to some complications with contracts, the voice of Gerard Chevalier was used instead. Another notable voice used in the attraction is that of Thurl Ravenscroft (best known for voicing Tony the Tiger in the cereal commercials) - he sings as part of the quintet of singing busts in the graveyard scene.
Congratulations to the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for last week's question!
DudeZeke
MizBubble
Camera Clicker
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.
Pirate_Hope 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
 | Just in time for Valentine's Day, Pirate_Hope brings us his heart themed room, Big Heart in VMK. Come in and relax on the giant VMK heart, dance, hang out, or take a swim! |
Best Game Rooms
 | Smartieaquagirl really stumped us with her tricky Can You Spot the Difference? room. The room is cut in half, and both sides are almost identical except for one detail – can you find it? |
Best Player Quests
 | Two Quests in one room! In Amythest's room, Amythest Quest!, you can learn all about the Amethyst stone. There is also a bonus Cars Quest through the purple door. Get Questin'! |
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
Is that who I think it is?
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
Do you REALLY need to use the Call for Help Button?
Please make sure to follow the VMK rules when reporting someone. Someone cutting in line or asking you to be their friend is not grounds for reporting them. Use the Call for Help system wisely. VMK Staff needs to spend their time helping people are who are seriously in need of Staff 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.
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.
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!
Going to Disneyland® Park or Magic Kingdom® Park? Play the in-Park Quests! Learn more here.
<strong>High School Musical Quest</strong>! Watch the movie, visit the Parks and answer all the questions to win cool stuff!
Get the <strong>Thrill Seekers Ques</strong>t 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 [email protected]. (Please note this email address does not receive e-mail except via the Contact Us form.)