Newsletter 22 January 2007
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Announcing a new in-Park Quest! Plus details on an upcoming football themed event AND a new VMK Guest room! It's an action-packed edition of Yavn Speaks and it all starts right now!
Yavn Speaks!
Winter Wonders
The vacation is over, winter is in full swing (boy, has it ever!) and now it's full speed ahead with school and work. So how can VMK help ease your winter blues? Well how about the long-awaited info on our newest Park Quest as well as a sneak peak at a new themed Guest Room?
Animated Questing
Here it is! The news you've been waiting for - the next VMK in-Park Quest is (drum roll please)... The Disney Animated Quest! Now we're trying something totally new here, unlike the traditional scavenger hunt-type Quests we currently have in the Parks, this is a Quest focused on Disney animated movies! Why would change the Quest you already enjoy? That's simple - we wanted to create a Quest that could be played while you are in line or taking a break from your Park adventure!
How well do you know your Disney animated features? The new VMK Disney Animation Quest has 10 question that will test your knowledge of your favorite Disney films. It hits both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World the first week of February!
Of the course the next question you're probably asking is 'what's the prize?!' Well, what better way to reward your animated Questing than with an all new Animation Viewer! Also known as a zoetrope (which means 'living wheel' in Greek), the device was used during the early days of animation to produce the illusion of motion. It's our little way of celebrating the early pioneers of animation - and it will look pretty cool in your room.
COMING SOON the Animation Viewer! It's the first card in the Series 3 set. That's right, we said Series 3!
When will you be able to play the VMK Disney Animation Quest? Well, our plan is to have it running in both Disneyland and The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World by February 1st, if it's any sooner than that, I'll let you know. Until then please be patient - and please don't ask Cast Members about when it's coming, since they don't have an exact date either and asking won't help it arrive any faster!
While we're on the subject of Quest, Cards and Rewards, we're re-working all the VMK rewards. I've mentioned this before, but be prepared, the days of VMK Bracelets and Reward Card Packs are coming to an end - I'll have more information about this very soon but we're always looking to bring new things to VMK.
Mmmm! Minty Goodness!
Ok, so a few of you have sent in comments asking about the Mint Julep. Well, there are many 'versions' of this famous beverage, and yes, not all are family friendly. But for us and millions of Disneyland visitors, The Mint Julep is a sweet carbonated drink (suitable for all members of the family) flavored with mint and lemonade. Still, you can't find this minty delight just anywhere, it's only found in Disneyland at New Orleans Square.
Wet your whistle with a tasty (and family-friendly) beverage - the Mint Julep. Served with a smile by the Blue Bayou's reptilian restaurateur, the Gator Waiter.
Epcot in VMK?
Another topic getting lots of interest is a little something called the Epcot Guest Room. Now I can't say how the room will be released just yet, but it might not be a bad idea to brush up on your knowledge of Epcot just in case.
Spaceship Earth makes a VMK appearance.
Which raises the question will there be more Epcot in VMK? Will there be any special Epcot furniture? And will you get it from an in-game Quest or in-Park Quest? Ok, please hold your questions, time will reveal all... or just check back soon for more details. ;-)
The Big Game Maze
Last, but certainly not least, I wanted to let you in on something special we've planned for Super Sunday. Announcing the VMK Football Maze event for Feb. 4th - Super Bowl Sunday! What's this all about? Well, the VMK team has been creating some cool mazes that will earn you a spiffy cool prize! Tune in next week to see the prize and get the full details on this event.
Well I think that should more than satisfy your curiosity about future VMK happenings. Just remember to check back for more details on the VMK Disney Animation Quest launch date as well as specifics on the VMK Football Maze event. Coming up in a future blog, I'll try to get you a preview of some of the new items going on sale next month! Until then, I'm off to New Orleans Square at Disneyland to grab a Mint Julep and Monte Cristo sandwich! And a Churro... and a Turkey Leg... and a Fudge Mallow... so much for that New Year's diet resolution!
See you in VMK, Yavn
Event Info
January - VMK New Year's Quest
February - Disney Animation Quest
February 4th - VMK Football Maze
January - VMK New Year's Quest
Have you played the in-game New Year's Quest? You have until January 31st to complete the Quest and you could win the New Year's 2007 Pin!
February - VMK Disney Animation Quest Launches in-Park
Test your Disney film trivia knowledge with this new in-Park Quest! Available for play at both Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and Disneyland starting the first week of February, the VMK Disney Animation Quest features questions about your favorite Disney Animated films.
Feb 4th - VMK Football Maze
VMK catches football fever with this Super Sunday event. Announcing the VMK Football Maze on Super Bowl Sunday! Cool mazes! Cool prizes! All that's missing is you! Stay tuned for more details.
Check the Community Calendar for more events, details and event times.
Jake's Blog
Same as 11 December
Tips
Tips, Tricks Hints and How To's
VMK Tickets and VMK Pass
We think some players may be getting confused regarding the difference between VMK Tickets and a VMK Pass. VMK Pass is a system that allows you to save your place in line to a popular room but still walk around and chat with players in VMK.
Instead of waiting in front of the loading screen, you now have the option to be placed in a special queue. But while you're waiting in this queue you still have the ability to walk around and chat in VMK.
VMK Tickets are special Single-Use Pins that allow players to enter 'Ticket Only' selected rooms. Room creators can now choose the players they want to enter their event.Tickets can be used once to enter, after they are used, they disappear from your inventory completely. Tickets also have an expiration date, after which they'll disappear even if they have not been used.
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!
Castle Fireworks remixed
In the new Castle Fireworks remixed game, you now have the ability to explode all the fireworks on the screen with a touch of a button. Either click on the "Explode All" button in the menu, or push the SPACEBAR. It will explode all the fireworks on the screen.
You will need to highlight the correct firework in order to get points. So, time it just right, and when you think you're ready to explode all the fireworks on the screen, hit it! If you don't time it right, or highlight the wrong firework, you will probably get an "Oops!"
Dear Yeti
You've Got Questions, Yeti Has Answers
I see some VMK players wearing a Stitch Hat in the game, how do I get one?
– RingOfSaturn
Dear RingOfSaturn,
That Stitch Hat is pretty cool, isn't it? It's also pretty cool where I live – brrr! Anyway, what was the question? Oh yes, the Stitch Hat! Well believe it or not RingOfSaturn, the set of Stitch cards (which includes: Stitch Hat, Traveling Stitch Pin, Blue Traveling Trunk) can only be received by booking travel online to the Disneyland Resort through the Walt Disney Travel Company.
Guests like yourself must book travel to the Disneyland Resort, through Disney.com or Disneyland.com, (book either the Resort Dream Vacation Package or The Good Neighbor Dream Vacation Package). Both packages include travel (airfare) and accommodations - the Resort Dream Package includes a stay at one of the three Disneyland Resorts (Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian & Spa, or Disney's Paradise Pier), while the Neighbor Package includes accommodations at a partner hotel off Disney property. The Stitch Card Set is sent with your vacation package, via special shipping and shipping confirmation. Input the code in VMK. Bam! You've got fuzzy blue Stitch headgear.
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
Which exhibit in The Disney Gallery marked the beginning of the Gallery's 'Art on Demand' system?
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:
Q: Before there was New Orleans Square, what Land occupied that location?
A: Holidayland opened June 16, 1957. It occupied roughly the same real estate that New Orleans Square now sits on.
This 1957 promotional booklet from Disneyland features an aerial photo of the long forgotten Holidayland.
Did you know: Holidayland was a picnic area for families and local businesses separate from Disneyland. Managed by Disney Legend Milt Albright, Holidayland had its own admission gate and could hold up to 7,000 Guests. Basically a recreation area, Holidayland featured a playground, horseshoes, volleyball and a baseball field, as well as other activities. It was closed in 1961 to make room for the Haunted Mansion and ultimately, New Orleans Square.
Congratulations to the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for last week's question!
TempGuy
spaa
Animalsrcool
Your prize is on the 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. 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
 | Arr Matey! Think you have what it takes to join Cap'n Pursuit's crew? Then sail on over to The Pirate's Hide Out and make a treasure map, have fun, and talk in your best pirate voice. Ships ahoy! |
 | Happy Holidays… again? In icecoolio's room The Mountain of Presents Ride, you can keep the holidays alive by riding on presents and enjoying holiday decorations - no need to wait until next December! |
Best Game Rooms
 | Do You Fit the Slipper? It's a race to be Cinderella or Prince Charming! If you're the first girl to reach the Glass Slipper you are Cinderella. If a boy is first to reach the Glass Slipper, he is Prince Charming. Go ahead and try to reach the slipper – hopefully it fits! This fun game is brought to you by Freddys |
Best Player Quests
 | Come and check out the Palace of Pink Quest and maybe win something… pink! There are no mini-games or magic required for this Quest, so it's a great quest for everyone. Thanks to dizpinfriend for making a Quest that really tickles us pink! |
 | Usually when you think of pirates you think of the Caribbean, but not this time! In A Pirate's Snow Day Quest, you can see what it's like to be a pirate and play in the snow! KEBSD brings us this great Quest, and there are plenty of prizes for everyone. |
Players who have been previously recognized for their design talents will receive the VIP award.
VMK Cards
Have you ever wondered what cards you are missing in your collection. Well there is now a great new way to discover all the cards for VMK. Check it out!
Scam Alert
Guess what I'm thinking?
'''Be careful of "Guessing" rooms – they're scams.'''
Don't waste your time in the guessing game rooms that have popped up recently – you'll most likely never win. When a player has you guess his/her favorite Disney character, favorite color, etc., this is a scam.
No one has ever won at these games because the room owner can say you're wrong even if you're right! Also, the owner of the room may try to get you to trade something to be able to guess again – not a good idea. Steer clear of these rooms.
Safety Corner
When to Ignore, and when to Call For Help
Sometimes there are people in VMK that might not be following the VMK values. If this person is just annoying – ignore them by using the IGNORE button.
Keep the CALL FOR HELP button for emergencies only (examples: players giving out personal information, adult language/behavior, etc.). To refresh your knowledge of the VMK values, check out the VMK VALUES link on the bottom of any VMK page.
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.)