Newsletter 16 April 2007
| Back to Newsletter Main Page |
Get your VMK news straight from the source! This week Yavn opens the mail bag and answers your questions.
Yavn Speaks!
Good afternoon! Thanks for joining me once again for the VMK 411. It's a crazy busy time in the office since we're all getting ready for a trip to Walt Disney World later this week – for that reason, Yavn Speaks may be a bit shorter than usual, but it's still loaded with good info.
It's actually been a while since the team has traveled to Orlando so we're all looking forward to that – there's lots of cool stuff to do and Quests to create. While we're in Florida we'll also be working on finalizing the plan for the next build (which I am proud to say – is going to be awesome!!). But let's get back to the present and chat about what's going on in VMK now:
Dark Rides: Part Two
Have you been enjoying those dark rides? Right now you can win the Mad Tea Party Pin by pulling the Sword out of the Stone, so be sure to take a ride on Alice in Wonderland or Peter Pan's Flight for a chance to win – good luck!
Action! Adventure! And crocodiles! This ride has it all!
As I've mentioned before you can win the first 3 Alice Dark Ride pieces starting April 27th during our first Dark Ride-A-Thon. And starting in May we'll be releasing the tracks along with the Alice ride vehicles! More details are coming soon, but remember to keep watching the Event Info section here on the Newsletter page for the full scoop!
You Ask, Yavn Answers!
We haven't opened the old mail bag in a while, so how about some VMK Q&A?
Q: Nice to see the first of the Dark Ride items on the way, but what about the tracks?
A: The tracks are on the way! Starting in May we'll be releasing pieces so you can build your own dark rides! First will be the Alice vehicle launcher (or track starter) along with a nice selection of other track pieces.
Q: You mentioned the new Tomorrowland Quest and the new TL Quest reward card would be out soon – any update?
A: Sorry for the delay! We're working hard to get them in your hands – but the Tomorrowland Quest (and another new Quest) is coming very soon!
Q: Since you couldn't travel to Asia a few weeks ago is your trip canceled?
A: Right now it's just on hold. Hopefully I'll get to travel to Tokyo and Hong Kong in May or June.
Q: Peter Pan and Alice look great, but how about Mr. Toad's Wild Ride or Snow White's Scary Adventure?
A: Right now we're watching the players reactions to the Dark Rides. If the reception is really positive we'll look into adding more, so if you like them, let us know!
Q: I love the Alice Tea Cup Pin you win from the Sword In The Stone, are more on the way?
A: Yes! We have other cool prizes on the way, maybe more Fantasyland-inspired pins?
Q: Hey Yavn, what happened to your Club 33 Party? I want to go!!!
A: Yeah, what did happen to my Club 33 Party??? Yo Koala, let's get that party started!
Q: Can I please have a free Inferno?
A: Sorry, no.
Q: Pleeeeeeeease!!
A: Sorry, but the answer is still no&
Q: What if I trade you a Turn Into Bat Magic Pin?
A: Sorry, I can't trade you an Inferno Pin!!
Q: Could you please give away some Inferno pins for prizes?
A: Now there's an idea! I'll tell the HOSTs to give out 50 Inferno Pins this week – and I mean the good ones, not the Single Use variety!
Inferno – a Magic Pin so hot, it's on fire!
Churro vs. Turkey Leg: Round One
Well I better get packing for my trip to Walt Disney World. Lots to do while we're there – including finishing off a brand new Quest as well as working on the new game updates – but I'll tell you all about that next week, and I'll also have some very special news about a wonderful player and his special wish!
Now the question is what to eat first…Churro or Turkey Leg?
See you in VMK! Yavn
Community Reminder
From 13 MarchRemember, 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.
For more information or a reminder of what's acceptable in VMK refer to the VMK Values page.
Fantasyland 101
Tips for getting the most out of your visit to Fantasyland
1. How much do the Fantasyland rides cost and how do I ride them?
The rides in the Fantasyland Courtyard - Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan's Flight - cost 10 credits to ride. To ride them, go to the turnstile in front of the ride and pay the required amount of credits when prompted.
2. Where can I buy the new Fantasyland Alice and Mr. Smee outfits?
The outfits are on sale in the Emporium starting April 13th and will be sold at least through the month.
3. How do I get Sword in The Stone Magic Single Use Pin?
The only way to get the Sword in The Stone Single Use Magic Pin is to ride Alice in Wonderland or Peter Pan's Flight. You will not get a Pin every time you ride. You could ride ten times in a row and not get a Pin. Or you could get one on your second ride - since the Pin is given out randomly so there is no pattern or method to how it is given out.
4. How do I use the Sword in the Stone Magic Single Use Pin?
Go to your inventory (the CHAIR icon/button at the bottom of the VMK interface window) and locate the Sword in The Stone Single Use Pin. Click the Pin and select WEAR. Now stand next to the Sword in the Stone in the Fantasyland Courtyard and click on the Magic button (the button with the Magic Wand). Select the Sword in the Stone Single Use Magic Pin or simply write 'Draw!' in message bar at the bottom of the VMK window.
Your character will now attempt to pull the Sword out of the Stone. Remember not every attempt will be successful. Once you use the Pin it will disappear from your inventory. To get another one, ride again. The Pin must be used within 24 hours from the time your receive it, after 24 hours it will dissappear from your inventory.
5. If I get disconnected during a ride will I get my credits back?
No. We cannot refund your credits if you disconnect or get disconnected.
6. Can I buy dark ride pieces?
Not yet. But some pieces will be awarded as prizes for the Dark Ride-A-Thon coming at the end of the month.
Event Info
Dark Ride-A-Thon April 27, 28, 29th
VMK Racing Days April 15th and April 29th
NEW! Room Makeovers Every Tuesday and Thursday
Check the Community Calendar for more events, details and event times.
Dark Ride-A-Thon
Celebrate the arrival of Peter Pan's Flight and Alice in Wonderland to VMK.
More details coming soon.
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 a real auto race - 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.
The next VMK Racing Days are April 15th and 29th.
Room Makeovers
''Two lucky players are selected randomly each week for a Room Makeover by our talented team of Room Designers. Join us weekly as we post their story (including before and after pictures) here in the Event Info section of the Newsletter. Submit your room for a Makeover through the Contact Us Tool.''
Winners this week are KristyBlue and Courtlo, let's take a look at their rooms:
HOST_Sparky
Howdy ya'll! This week I wandered into a room owned by KristyBlue. Her Fun Retro Cafe had a couple of Herbie Couches, a Madame Leota Table and a few other things and while it was a nice start we definitely wanted to give this a little restaurant a Makeover!
After chattin' about what she wanted to do with the room, I started to go to work! She wanted a Bamboo rug checkered dance floor, and I added some more Herbie Couches and more Madame Leota Tables for her guest to get a good seat and eat. Then I added the Disneyland Velvet Ropes and a few Disneyland Penny Presses for that retro touch.
Before. With just a few chairs and a table.
After – the Fun Retro Cafe!
To add a nice water feature (and a little more character) I tossed in a few Tiki Tiki Tiki fountains. We used brown Coffee Table Crates to make a food ordering station and finished the place with Astro Orbiter Lamps. These bright lamps add a cheery retro feeling to this retro room. To make the place even more retro, KristyBlue and her friend wore their Retro Mickey Shirts!
Many thanks to KristyBlue for allowin' me to be a guest decorator in her room.
See ya'll next time,
HOST_Sparky
And now another Room Makeover by HOST_Lily... Take it away, Lily!
HOST_Lily
"Pretty pink pirate princess perfectly prepares pretty purple palaces!" That's been my signature all month and this week I got to do exactly that! I ran into Courtlo and her friends in this Skull Rock Room, as they getting ready for HOST_Phinny's game.
After a quick look around and the room (which seemed like an odd mix things that didn't really go together) I asked what we could use as a theme to really pull the room together – and we came up with a great idea! I would put a wishing well up on crates so it looked like coins and treasure spilled out on the floor!
Before...
Arrrgh! Now this is a treasure trove of fun!
These princess friends now can enjoy the pirate life and maybe even play a little pirate shanty on the piano. Precious pirate princess pals play purple piano presently! Parlay anyone??
See you soon!
HOST_Lily
Top 5 FAQs
This week's Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions
For more answers to other Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the VMK FAQs.
1. I clicked on a piece of furniture in my Guest Room and I noticed a new button called 'Item Info' - what does it do?
By clicking the 'ITEM INFO' button you can display additional information about the item such as item name and status of the item, like if it's tradeable.
2. I've heard guests can now move my furniture? Is this true? And what items can be moved by my guests?
Guest can ONLY move furniture if you allow them to do so by setting the option on the item. They can't take or remove anything from your room, or take any item and put it in their own inventory. Only furniture and posters that are placed in a room can be moved by guests – and then ONLY if the Room Owner has allowed that item to be moved.
By default, furniture and posters can't be moved by guests, the Room Owner must select which items he/she wishes to be moved by Guests before they can move them. (To do this make sure the box beside the words, LET GUEST MOVE THIS ITEM is checked in the 'Item Info' window.)
3. My Trading Window looks different now - what did VMK change?
To address some trading concerns, we added new features to make trading easier. Now when you click on an item, information about the item is displayed on the right hand of the window. The information displayed includes the item name, the type of item it is (Furniture, Magic Pin, Single-Use Magic Pin, Clothing, etc.), who owns the items, whether or not it's tradeable, and the magic word you need to active the item (if a Magic Pin is highlighted).
In the Trading Window you can now view additional information about the other player's item. Simply, select the item and you'll receive information about it. (Now you'll know that Dancing Inferno really has as many stars as they claim by clicking on the pin in the offer window!)
4. How do I get the Fantasyland dark ride track pieces and furniture?
We're currently working on a release schedule for dark ride track pieces and select number of furniture pieces from both rides. Check the VMK Newsletter to stay up-to-date with new item releases.
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: [email protected]. (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
You've got questions, Yeti has answers.
Can't figure out how to get that sword out of the stone? Are you stuck trying to create a Quest? Need some VMK gaming tips? Well, you came to the right place, heeeeeere's Yeti!
Greetings, one and all! It is I, the abominable snowman - but my friends just call me Yeti. Are you enjoying the new Fantasyland Dark rides? They're awesome, and so are the other new Fantasyland features, speaking of which...
How do I get the Sword in The Stone Single Use Magic Pin?
Well, you can trade the Yeti for it – JUST KIDDING, the pin is not tradeable. But you can get one, and here's how: First you will need to head on over to the new Fantasyland Courtyard. To do that, click the location on the Fantasyland Map:
The Fantasyland Map.
Ahhh… Fantasyland. Hey! Is that a churro cart I smell? Sorry about that, Yeti's stomach became distracted… Anyway, the rides here in the Fantasyland Courtyard - Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan's Flight - cost 10 credits to ride. To get the Sword out of the Stone, you'll need a Sword in The Stone Single Use Magic Pin. The only way to get one of these Pins is by riding one of these rides - but you won't get a Pin every time you ride, no sir, you see the Pin is given out randomly.
If you're lucky enough to get a Pin after riding one of the rides, a window will pop-up telling you that you've won a Pin! Next you will need to go to your inventory (this is the CHAIR icon/button at the bottom of the VMK interface window) and locate the Sword in The Stone Single Use Pin.
Now click on the Sword in The Stone Single Use Magic Pin and select WEAR. For the Magic Pin to work, you will need to stand next to the Sword in the Stone and click on the Magic button (that's the button with the Magic Wand on it). Now select the Sword in the Stone Single Use Magic Pin or simply write 'Draw!' in message bar at the bottom of the VMK window.
Now your character will attempt to pull the Sword out of the Stone.
Remember – not every attempt will be successful. If you aren't able to pull the Sword from the Stone, a pop-up window will appear that reads, 'Nice Try! You didn't have quite what it takes to pull out the Sword. Keep on trying!' Once you use the pin however, you'll have to ride the rides again to get another one, since it is a Single Use magic Pin.
However, sometimes when you use the Pin you will release the Sword!
Great! You've done it!
As a reward for releasing the sword you'll win a prize – and a pop-up window will appear letting you know what you won. Congratulations!
How do I create/quit a Quest?
CREATING A QUEST
Questing is lots of fun. It's even more fun to create your own Quest that you and your friends can play. In order to create a Quest, you'll first need to purchase a Quest Kiosk from the Inner-Space Shop. To do that, you'll need to go into the shop and look under 'specials.' (I told you how to get to the Inner-Space Shop last week - remember?)
Once you're inside the Inner-Space Shop click on the SHOP button at the bottom of the VMK user interface window. Now select 'Inner-Space Shop' and then 'Specials.' (Oops, forgot to mention, you'll want to have your bank built up, because the Quest Kiosk costs 30,000 credits!)
Once you've purchased the Quest Kiosk, head back to the room where you want to place the Kiosk. But be aware, you can only place the Quest Kiosk in a room you own. Click on the CHAIR button and locate the Quest Kiosk in your inventory. Now click on the Quest Kiosk and click PLACE to position the Quest Kiosk in your room.
Now that you have your Quest Kiosk placed in your room, double click the Quest Kiosk and this window will pop-up:
From here you have three options: Add Task, Add Prizes, or Change Settings.
Selecting 'new task' will make this window appear:
From this list you choose what you want the task (or objective) in your Quest to be.
There are lots of options to choose from, including 'change clothes' to 'acquire an item' to 'play a mini game.' Once you choose what task you want you guest to do, you can write a clue to correspond to the task you selected.
For example, if you choose the task 'Visit an NPC,' (NPC stands for Non Playable Character) a window will pop-up with a list of the NPC's. Choose the NPC you want the players to visit – like me, the Yeti. Then in the hint you could write something like 'Visit the NPC who's covered in fur and lives in the cold.' You can also add my picture from your photo album to correspond with the clue. ;-)
Once you finish the instructions for that task, you can choose 'New Task,' or if you are finished adding tasks click CONTINUE, and the PRIZES page will appear.
Select your prizes.
In the Prize window you decide what prizes the winners of your Quest will receive. You can choose items from your inventory, as well as credits. All prizes are pulled from your personal inventory, as well as credits – so make sure it's stuff you really want to give away.
Now choose the item you want to give to the first place winner and double click on that item to place it in the prize area on the right. You can choose how many winners there will be for your Quest by selecting 'Click here to add new winner' until you have the amount of winners you desire.
After you're finished selecting the winners and their prizes, choose CONTINUE to reach the CHANGE SETTINGS window. In this window you can decide when your Quest will end. This is either when all your prizes have all been given out or when the timer has run out. This is also the window where you name your Quest and provide the description.
Change your settings here.
Once you've filled out all the information, you can choose either 'Finish This Later' or 'Test This Quest.' If you decide to finish the Quest later, all you have to do is double click the Quest Kiosk. If you are ready to test the Quest, click 'Test This Quest.' When you click this button you will test your actual Quest to make sure it's playable. Once you do a test run and everything is ready, your Quest will be ready for people to play!
QUITING A QUEST
If you ever want to quit a Quest you are playing – either a player created Quest or VMK in-game Quest just click the red QUIT QUEST button in the Quest window. It will allow you to do exactly that – quit the Quest!
It's been a few weeks since I watched Snow White, but I'm pretty sure Snoozy was not one of the Seven Dwarfs...
Quest Courtesy
Yeti loves Questing! Here are a few tips on creating and playing a Quest:
- Make sure the hints for your Quest tasks are easy to read and understand and if you can, have a friend play your Quest before you open it up to the community.
- When setting scores for mini games, set them so guests can achieve them. No one wants to play an impossible Quest.
- Finally, when placing hidden items for your Quest, put them in places that are easily visible to other players. Don't place items behind furniture or stack furniture on them. And please, be courteous to other players – don't stand on Quest items or hide them from other players.
Ok, now let's go enjoy those dark rides and make some cool Quests! Have fun and good luck!
Push's Trash Trivia
This ride still operates at Disneyland but was closed at Walt Disney World in 1998 to make room for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. What is it?
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:'''
What does Peter Pan leave behind in the Darlings' nursery?
Answer: His shadow.
Did you know: Peter Pan was one of Walt Disney's favorite characters, in fact Walt actually played Peter Pan in a school play when he was a young boy.
Sail over moonlit London to Neverland aboard a pirate galleon!
Peter Pan's Flight was one of the original attractions that opened with Disneyland on July 17,1955. In the original concept, the ride was going to be a suspended rollercoaster (which would have made it the world's first suspended coaster – years before they would actually appear).
Walt Disney inspects a pirate galleon for Peter Pan's Flight.
Until 1983, Peter Pan appeared nowhere on the ride, the reason? Like most Fantasyland dark rides Walt and the Imagineers wanted Guests to experience Peter Pan's Flight from the eyes of the main character – in this case Peter Pan.
Congratulations to the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for last week's question!
You've won a limited edition Push Trivia Pin!
Kiylee
dlandchick
Gal_Venus
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.
Jacques 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
 | What's that over yonder? Aye! It's Jacques's Lazy Mermaid Pirate Lounge! Sail in and gather around the piano to sing a lively sea shanty! |
Best Game Rooms
 | Enter this game at your own risk! CL_Korianne has created the ultra spooky You Gotta Survive! game. The last person who doesn't get sucked into the Doom Room wins! |
Best Player Quests
 | So you think you know Disney? Test how much you know in rewolf's Disney Movie Quest. Also a great room for relaxing on a heart chair and chatting with your VMK friends. |
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
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 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 NOT loan out your items!
It's not a good idea to have ANYONE, 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 always safer to keep all your items in your own (virtual) hands.
If you promise Players a prize – you must award it!
If you're running a game in your room – play fair. If you promise an item to a winner, you must award that winner the item. Failure to do so is considered a scam by VMK Staff and you will be BANNED for this type of activity. If you're a player that was supposed to win an item and didn't receive it – use the HELP button and report the scam.
Remember, if you are ever have a question about fair play you can always check the VMK Values or the FAQs – your question will probably be answered there.
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.Enter 'pay to play' rooms at your own risk!
In some rooms you must 'pay' the room owner to stay in that room. If you choose to do this, you are doing so at your own risk. Once you 'pay' (credits or give items to the owner) – if you're booted from that room – VMK will NOT be able to get your stuff back. Why? Because you entered the room at your own risk and you (not VMK) are responsible for your actions while in the game.
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 type. Engaging in this type of behavior is inappropriate and will get you banned, in most cases permanently. Help keep VMK a safe and fun virtual place for everyone! :-)
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.
<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.)