Newsletter 5 November 2007
From Disneys Online Worlds Guide (Wiki)
Yavn Speaketh
Greetings loyal subjects! It's Enchanted Tales Month in VMK.
Check out the Event Info section here on the Newsletter for events, new item and clothing releases coming this month. Sir Yavn will have the full details on all the exciting events this month later this week! More details coming soon!
New to VMK?
A guide for new players!
Welcome to Virtual Magic Kindgom. Thanks for joining us! It's a big Kingdom out there and we want to help you make the most of it!
Before you enter the Kingdom, please take a moment and review these tips, it will help make your visit to the Virtual Magic Kingdom a truly magical one!
First Things First!
Like any community, our Kingdom has guidelines to keep things safe and fun for everyone.
- We know you're excited to enter the Kingdom, but before you do take a moment to review the VMK Values.
- The VMK Values are our rules of play, if you aren't familiar with them and don't follow them you could get banned from the Kingdom and you don't want that!
Get In The Game!
If you're new to games (or VMK), don't worry, help is here! We've got plenty of info about finding your way around the Kingdom.
Ahoy matey! Adventure awaits you in the Virtual Magic Kingdom.
- Need a helping hand? Our Game Guide will walk you through all you need to know to get started.
- Got a question about something in VMK or that relates to VMK? We've got answers, and you'll find those in our Frequently Asked Questions, or FAQs.
Know Before You Go!
The VMK website has a ton of great information, but you should always check out the Newsletter page (hint, you're reading it now!) any announcements about VMK will always be made here first!
- For the latest events check out the Event Info section, also right here on the Newsletter page.
- Check our Safety section, Safety Corner for tips on safe play.
- Need game advice? Visit the Yeti for Yeti's Tips and Tricks for insider tips.
The Yeti's gaming advice and great tips!
- How about cool Disney Trivia and history? Push Trivia and Dateline Disney are just for you!
Still got questions? We have answers!
Check out the FAQs Page, if you can't find an answer there, use Contact Us to reach our support team directly.
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!
Nemo 101
Trading Card 101
Deal Yourself In!
The ALL NEW VMK Trading Card Game is now available! Play a Basic version of the game now!
Check out the VMK Arcade to play now!
Get In The Game!
VMK Trading Card Game: Basic is a simple card game of strategy that you could compare to Rock, Paper, Scissors. The basic goal is to get 10 points before your opponent does. Players are awarded a point for each turn they win.
Play against the computer in the fast paced game of strategy! Got questions about VMKTG:Basic– We've got answers, check out the FAQ here.
Event Info
Happenings this Month in VMK
Hear ye! Hear ye! By his royal decree, November is Enchanted Tales month in VMK. His highness declares these new items and events fit for the Kingdom!
11/19/07 - 11/30/07 The Prince & Princess Quest includes royal challenges and trivia questions related to Disney Prince's and Princesses. Complete the Quest for a Prince & Princess Quest Pin!
11/22/07 - 11/25/07 Royal Ride-A-Thon Dress like royalty and take part in the biggest Ride-A-Thon the Kigdom has ever seen! A king's ransom in treasure will be awarded to the Kingdom! More details to come!
Check out these royal items available now in VMK:
Dress like royalty for any enchanted events in the Kingdom with the Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora outfits – on sale in Emporium Specials.
Princess Aurora Tiara – on sale in Emporium Specials.
Turn any guest room into a royal court with these awesome items:
Royal Sky Flat 1 – on sale now in the Emporium Royal Shop.
Royal Sky Flat 2 – on sale now in the Emporium Royal Shop.
Fab 5 Fall Leaves Mickey Pin – on sale now in the Emporium Royal Shop. This pin is 1 of 5 – collect the whole set!
Check the Community Calendar for more events, details and event times.
Room Makeover
Making better Guest Rooms, one room at a time!
Each week we select lucky players at random for a Room Makeover. Our VMK 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 another brand new room makeover with our very own HOST Sparky! Take it away Sparky!
This week:
GreenPoorFire's
Halloween Party
Greeting goblins and ghouls, ghostly Host Sparky here with this week's frightfully fun Room Makeover. I discovered GreenPoorFire's room by accident while on my way to a swinging wake. The Halloween party room description caught my eye, but when I entered the room things inside seemed a bit "dead." So I thought I'd lend a hand to help liven things up.
 |
BEFORE: Let's add a little life to this party!
Before you begin building any room, you should decide on your theme and setting. We're throwing a Halloween yard party but we can't have a yard until we have a house – so we made our haunted home from black and brown Coffee Table Crates, Flaming Ransacked Windows, and a purple Monsters Inc. Door Teleporter. ALR Short Walls topped with Mickey Ear Pumpkins line the windowsills of the home.
Outside this haunted house, the yard is made from ALR Painted Rugs while a pathway of Chernabog Rugs is lit by Halloween Pumpkin and Bat bags. Near the door, two Candy Cauldrons are within easy reach of trick-or-treaters. While Mickey Ghosts happily hover to greet ghoulish guests.
To finish the lawn we use ALR Small Grasses in pink, Spider Web Dividers, Mickey Ghosts and Mickey Ear Pumpkins. These create a chilling boundary to contain this creepy party for the dear departed.
 |
AFTER: Now it's Halloween time!
This chilling celebration will require some seating so we use Madame Leota tables and Haunted Mansion Rocking Chairs. For those brave enough, take a seat near the Skeleton séance, it's guaranteed to raise your spirit.
Be sure and stop by GreenPoorFire's Halloween Party – it's sure to be a grim grinning gala for all your creepy ghouls. See you soon...
HOST_Sparky
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 22 August 2007
You've got questions, Yeti has answers.
The fur-covered guru of VMK gaming is back again with game tips and general advice on making the best of your visit to the Virtual Magic Kingdom! So take a break from your summer and cool down with the Yeti! This time around, tips on managing your inventory, deleted accounts and more!
Man, oh man is it hot! It's the middle of summer and I'm still wearing a fur coat (and this silly tiki mask certainly doesn't help matters)!
Seems like the only thing keeping me going in this summer heat is knowing winter is just a few short months away! Well, that and the VMK Trading Card Game! ;-) Anyway, there's a lot going on in VMK, so let's get to your questions:
Mr. Yeti, I sent in the correct answer for Push Trivia along with a question about my VMK account using Contact Us. I haven't got a response – what's up?
When using Contact Us the quickest way to get a response to a question is to select the proper issue you're writing in about. If you're sending an answer for Push Trivia, you must use the correct menu option when sending in your answer! If you don't, your answer won't be considered.
The same goes for any other issue you're writing into Contact Us about – if you have a problem, have your user information handy and use the proper route to report a problem. For example, if you have a scam to report, you should use the 'Report a Player Scam' option in the menu. If you select 'None of the Above' for a problem that's listed in the menu it will take longer to get your issue routed to the proper person and get you an answer.
Also, please keep in mind some email providers (like AOL and Earthlink) block our replies, make sure you allow mail from this email address: mailman@virtualmagickingdom.com.
Please note this email address DOES NOT accept email, except via Contact Us.
Mr. Yeti, I heard that there's a new VMK card at Disneyland, is this true? And how do I get it?
Yes is the answer to that question! Indeed there is a VMK Merchandise Card available at the 20th Century Music Company located on Main Street at Disneyland. It's not a new card however, it was a card that was previously available and brought out of retirement.
Get a virtual Penny Press Reward Card free with any purchase you make at the 20th Century Music Company.
Mr. Yeti, I used Call For Help to ask VMK a question about the VMK Trading Card Game but they didn't give me an answer, they just told me to read the FAQ, why couldn't they just answer my question?
Call For Help is like VMK's 911 – it's there so you can get immediate help for a serious problem or emergency. You should NEVER use Call For Help to ask general game questions because this takes valuable time away from the moderators who are helping players with serious issues.
Got a problem? Call For Help, but do so only for emergencies!
If you have a question about the VMK Trading Card Game or items you've seen in the game, first read the FAQ, if you still have a question, use Contact Us and send in your question that way. But don't ever use Call For Help unless you have a serious in-game emergency.
Remember, when you use Call For Help, report something or ask us a question we will investigate what you're reporting or your question. If you send in a false report or abuse Contact Us (or any other VMK service like our voice or email) your account will be banned permanently.
Dear Mr. Yeti, is it cold where you live?
Is it cold where I live?!? What kind of question is that? (Well, I guess with all this crazy weather we're having, not a bad one.)
Is it cold where I live? Depends on what you consider cold…
Anyway, today it was about 100 degrees outside, but I stay in the cool comfort of my cave. But hey, I'm here to provide VMK game tips, not the weather! Next question!
Yeti, my VMK character was deleted. :-( Can I get my character back? Can I get VMK to transfer my stuff to a new character I created?
Sorry but when your account is deleted, everything in your account is removed from our system. VMK deletes inactive accounts after six months, so make sure you sign in every so often so your account isn't deleted.
Mr. Yeti, my friends and I like to pretend and play house in VMK? Is this OK?
It's okay to play pretend in VMK but just remember adult subjects or situations are NEVER appropriate for VMK and discussing these topics will get you banned. As I mentioned a few months back, if you're playing VMK play as your parents or a teacher were watching you. If you're doing or saying something in VMK that would get you in trouble in real life, it's probably something that will get you in trouble (like your account being banned) in VMK.
Yeti, my character's got a lot of stuff, any tips on how I can manage all this stuff? Sometimes, it seems like with all this stuff it's affecting my trading.
The Yeti will be glad to take your stuff, the Yeti is building a big ride room and I need lots of furniture! (Just kidding.) But I know how you feel my big furry paws make it difficult to carry lots of stuff too!
Seriously, if you're character has a lot of stuff, a good way to help manage your inventory is by using a few rooms specifically for storage. Name the room by the items you are placing in it, for instance call a room Chairs and Crates, or Ride Pieces. As for clothing and pins, trade or sell excess stuff that you don't use or wear anymore, this will help too!
So before I jump back into VMK, a few more things I wanted to mention:
Fireworked Remixed – Again!
Have you enjoyed a good fireworks show lately? Well, now's your chance to play Castle Fireworks Remixed, again! In case you haven't heard, now it only takes 5 people to start a game instead of 10.
Deal Me In!
Make sure you play the VMK Trading Card Game: Basic, you can access the game from the VMK arcade. Remember the goal of the game is to 'Trump' the computer. When you're playing instead of thinking just one step ahead, try thinking two or three steps ahead. This will often throw off the computer and you can win hands that you might have tied!
Well that's it for now, stay cool out there and I'll see you in VMK!
Push's Trash Trivia
Test Your Knowledge of Disney Trivia!
This enchanted tale was Walt Disney's first full-length animated feature film, name the movie.
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.
If you do not submit your answer by 'Contact Us' and using the Push Trivia option your answer WILL NOT be considered.
From the correct answers (submitted using the Push Trivia option) we randomly select three players as the winners and send them a virtual Push Trivia Pin prize.
Only entries submitted by using the Push Trivia option in Contact Us and sent by close of game on Friday will be accepted.
Here's the answer to last weeks Push Trivia question:
Question: Who is the evil witch that turns herself into a dragon to keep Prince Phillip from rescuing Sleeping Beauty?
Answer: Maleficent.
Prince Phillip battles the evil Maleficent in dragon form.
As Prince Phillip attempts to rescue Sleeping Beauty from the castle he is attacked by Maleficent the evil witch, who has taken the form of a fire-breathing dragon! Armed with only the magical Sword of Truth and Shield of Virtue, Prince Phillip takes on the giant dragon in a fight to save Sleeping Beauty!
Did you know: Disney Legend Eyvind Earle was responsible for the overall look of Sleeping Beauty. An accomplished artist at the age of 13, Earle worked on many Disney animated films including The Lady and the Tramp, Peter Pan and the 1958 animated classic short Paul Bunyan. He painted most of the backgrounds for Sleeping Beauty by hand.
Here are the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for our last week's question!
TinkerTibb
StormyBlue
Amythest
Congratulations! You've won a limited edition Push Trivia Pin!
Top Players
Create a Great Guest Room! Get Recognized!
maidendizznee's giant Tigger won her top honors this week in the Best Guest Room category.
Do you have a cool Guest Room you want to tell the Kingdom about? Do you know someone with a great hangout spot or game? Then nominate yourself or someone else for Best Game, Best Guest or Best Quest!
To nominate a player for consideration, click the Contact Us link at the bottom of any VMK webpage and then follow the prompts. You must select Nominate the Best from the list of options to have your nomination considered.
The weekly Best Guest Room Winner wins a party in Club 33!
Send in your nomination now!
Player created Guest, Quest or Game Rooms demonstrate originality in concept and design. Our judges are looking for creativity, so try using traditional items in different and unique ways. Rooms are judged by VMK Staff and selected from player submitted rooms and Quest.
New winners are posted here every week.
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
 | Come visit the oversized Tigger in this amazing room called Tigger Bounce House!. If you're a fan of Tigger you'll be bouncing off the ceiling for MaidenDizznee's room, and even if you're not a Tigger fan this room might certainly make you one!
The Best Guest Room Winner receives: |
Best Game Rooms
 | Look into SapphireDragon's crystal ball and help her raise her spirits in Madame Dragon's Séance. In this room you'll be asked random questions, get a question right and you'll be one step closer to winning! While wrong answers bring you closer to meeting Monte the Wicked Pumpkin Ghost King!
The Best Game Room Winner receives: |
Best Player Quests
 | Discover Straw's It's Not Easy Being Green Quest, and the magic of the color green. You'll be "green" with envy after playing and who knows, green might even become your favorite color!
The Best Quest Room Winner receives: |
New players are selected weekly in each category depending on number of nominations/submissions.
Players who have previously won as a Top Player do not receive the Room Award Pin twice, instead, they receive a VIP Award Pin.
Room awards offered may change without notice. VMK reserves the right to subtitute or change awards at any time.
VMK Cards
AWESOME NEW REWARDS!
Get the Tomorrowland Submarine Wall with the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Quest – only at the Disneyland Resort!
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
Staff impersonation is NOT allowed in VMK!
Impersonation is never allowed in VMK. If a player says they are VMK Staff, make sure they're wearing the orange Mickey Pin and wearing either red (for Staff and HOSTS) or blue (for QA) Mickey ears.
VMK Staff will always wear the orange Mickey Pin.
You can always spot STAFF and HOSTS because they wear red Mickey ears.
You can identify a Community Leader by the 'CL_' at the beginning of their name and their blue wizard hat pin.
Remember, VMK Staff will never ask you to trade any items. If you have other questions check out the FAQs page!
Scamming = Theft!
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 send in a request using 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.
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!
Beware of "Free Rooms"
Some VMK players advertise their rooms as "free," but when you enter them, they force you to pay (credits or items) or get booted from the room. Beware, these types of rooms are against the VMK Values and report players who engage in this kind of activity.
Safety Corner
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.
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.
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 immediately!
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.
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.
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.
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
October 22
1993: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is released. The film features the music of composer Danny Elfman who also lends his singing voice to the main character, Jack Skellington.
October 5
1949: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Disney's 11th animated feature film is released. The film features the voices of Bing Crosby (who narrates Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow) and Basil Rathbone (who narrates Kenneth Grahame's tale The Wind in the Willows).
October 1
1982: EPCOT, the second Park to be built at the Walt Disney World Resort opens to the public.
Spaceship Earth during the opening ceremonies.
Balloons and doves are released in a massive grand opening ceremony that features "The World Showcase March," a song written by the Sherman Brothers, exclusively for this occasion.
1971: The Magic Kingdom opens at Walt Disney World, it is the first Park to open at the Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney's brother, Roy Disney gives the dedication:
"Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney... and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place... a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn - together."
August 30
2001: The Disney Cruise Line celebrates it's one-millionth Guest.
The Disney Wonder on the high seas.
1995: Imagineers break ground for the Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World. The resort will feature an American southwest theme and open to the public on August 1st, 1997.
1936: Donald Duck gets his very own comic strip in newspapers across the country – up until this point Donald had only a supporting role appearing periodically in the Silly Symphony Sunday strips.
1908: Disney Legend, actor Fred MacMurray is born in Kankakee, Illinois. MacMurray started his career when he moved to Los Angeles in the late 1920s.
Personally cast by Walt Disney to star in Disney's first live-action comedy The Shaggy Dog (1959), MacMurray would go on to star in seven Disney feature films including, The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), Bon Voyage (1962), Son of Flubber (1963), Follow Me, Boys! (1966), The Happiest Millionaire (1967) and Charly and the Angel (1973).
It's the funniest shaggy dog story ever told!
MacMurray had a long and successful career in show business, also starring in the television show My Three Sons from 1960 to 1972. He was one of the first actors inducted as a Disney Legend in 1987. MacMurray passed away in Los Angeles in 1991 at the age of 83.
August 14
2007: The world premiere of High School Musical 2 is held at the AMC Theaters in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort. Among those walking the red carpet are stars Zac Efron and Ashley Tisdale. The film will premiere on the Disney Channel Friday, August 17.
1958: Disneyland's Alice in Wonderland attraction celebrates its grand opening. The ceremonies are hosted by Walt Disney, in attendance are other characters from the popular film including Mouseketeer Karen Pendleton who is dressed as Alice.
1945: Comedian/actor Steve Martin is born Stephen Glenn Martin in Waco, Texas. At the age of 5, Martin moves with his family to California. In 1955 the family moves to Garden Grove, California, a town a few miles away from Anaheim and the newly opened Disneyland.
This "Wild and Crazy Guy" (we mean the one on the left) got his start at Disneyland!
Steve Martin goes to work at Disneyland at the age of 10, getting an after school job there selling guide books dressed in a straw hat and bowtie. He will hold several small jobs at Disneyland before the age of 15, when he takes a job in Fantasyland selling fake vomit and performing magic tricks in Merlin's Magic Shop. Martin will work at Disneyland until the age of 18.
Martin has often been quoted as being heavily influenced by Wally Boag a performer at Disneyland. In addition to being seen in Fantasia 2000 and the Disney/Buena Vista film Father of the Bride, Steve Martin can currently be seen at Disneyland as the host of Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years at the Disneyland Main Street Opera House.
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.
VMK @ WDW
Thanks for Playing!
Hurry! The in-Park Questing portion of VMK at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World will end on September 30th, 2007. This will be the last day to redeem a Quest or get a virtual reward from VMK Central.
VMK Central will not offer or redeem Quest or distribute any Rewards after September 30, 2007.
Why is this happening?
As time has gone by, we've changed the way Quest, Rewards and other parts of VMK work. The game, very much like the Disney Parks, is always changing.
We've always tried to experiment with unique ways of doing things, like in-Park Questing, and will continue to do that (for example, we'll still be doing cool stuff in the Parks, like Merchandise Cards and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Quest) - but those things won't revolve just around VMK Central.
Can I turn in Quest to Magic Kingdom Guest Relations after VMK Central is gone?
No.
Can I mail in my Quest?
No. Walt Disney World doesn't have a system in place to take the Quest or distribute rewards.
When is the last day I can play or redeem a Quest at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World?
The last day you can Quest in-Park and redeem a Quest at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World for a Reward is September 30, 2007.
Will I be able to get any more VMK Cards at Walt Disney World or the Magic Kingdom?
The regular Reward Cards that you receive as awards for completing Quest won't be available after September 30, but look for those VMK Pin Card sets at select Pin Trading locations. For information about new cards, check future editions of the VMK Newsletter.
Does this mean VMK is going to end?
No. Just because we're closing VMK Central at the Magic Kingdom does not mean the game is going away. In fact, the game will continue going strong! And we've got lots of exciting additions coming in the next few months – stay tuned!
