Newsletter 8 January 2007

Back to Newsletter Main Page

Land Ho!

Yavn Speaks!

At long last the day you've been waiting for has finally arrived! VMK has launched an exciting new land and new game features.

By know you probably know our new land is… New Orleans Square!

In addition to 3 new locations on the VMK Map we've moved the Haunted Mansion to its rightful home. So just what are those new locations and why are they cool? Well let's have a look…

New Orleans Hub

This is the center or 'Hub' of New Orleans Square, it's the entry point for the Blue Bayou, VMK Gallery and The Haunted Mansion. Just like at Disneyland, New Orleans Square is not connected to the hub on Main Street, but don't worry you can still walk over from Frontierland or take the Monorail!

VMK Gallery

Like its counterpart at Disneyland, the Gallery is a showcase place. The VMK Gallery is the showplace for VMK related artwork. As you can see, VMK will be showing off both pre-production art (sketches and concept drawings) as well as other special imagery. And just like Disneyland, we'll be updating the Gallery on a regular basis. We may even use the space to get your opinions on some ideas we are developing, so keep checking back for cool stuff...

Blue Bayou

Ahhh, the Blue Bayou. The best place in the world (or Kingdom, as the case may be) to enjoy a delicious Monte Cristo sandwich or refreshing Mint Julep. This is also the home of the Gator Waiter, who will gladly serve you some of New Orleans' finest - but to get this reptilian restaurateur to serve you, you'll need take a seat, wave him down and say the "secret" word (or words). What's the secret word or word(s) and where can you find them? Well, I'd check with Jake and Haley, they are always in the know! And remember the secret word(s) will change on a regular basis so keep you eyes and ears open.

Club 33

Chances are you've never even seen this mysterious location - it is after all, the most exclusive 'club' in all the Disney parks. And you should know just like Disneyland, Club 33 is not on the VMK map. It's a Special Guest Room reserved for special events (maybe you'll need Tickets? Hint, hint...). Sometimes it will be used for staff events and sometimes we will "rent" it to Guests who have earned the privilege. Since it will be quite difficult to get into (it won't be open to often) we'll only be opening it up to the public for this week. After that Club 33 will be by invitation only!

New Orleans Quest

Get your Mardi Gras on! In honor of our newest Land, we have launched a new Quest all about New Orleans Square!

You can win the Port Orleans Resort Pin by playing the New Orleans Quest.

Music To Go…

Like I mentioned last week, the Monorail Trains are now home to our 2nd Music Mixer. This time around we're focusing exclusively on dance/techno music. The Mixer works exactly the same as the one on Main Street - just remember you can't play tracks from Main Street on the Monorail or vice versa.

Fireworks Remix

I discussed this one in last week too, Castle Fireworks has been remixed, but what I didn't show you or talk about was all new Fireworks Pins you can win by playing. Pretty nice, eh?

If you still need more info on the game, here's a recap:

CASTLE FIREWORKS remixed

We've put a new spin on one of your most favorite games - I know you want to learn more about our remix of Fireworks!

The screen above shows some off the brand new interface and game features.

The remixed version of Castle Fireworks has many cool new additions, let's take a look at them!

SPECIAL FEATURES

Bonus Combo

Explode the same shapes in the correct order to earn extra points.

Now go for a Flawless Bonus!

Real Time Scoring

During gameplay, this shows you score and that of your closest competitors. For example, if yavn has 500 points but sparky, sillysyl and caffdawg have close to 100 points, it will only show sparky's and sillysyl's score to caffdawg because they are the closest competitor caffdawg needs to beat.

During breaks between rounds you'll also be able to see the Top 3 Players and their current avatar.

Flawless Bonus

Every time you get a Flawless your Flawless Bonus goes up and you get more points.

Fireworks Left

Number of fireworks left to explode before the round ends.

Coming In

Shows the next fireworks due up in the show.

Explode All

Hit this button to explode everything on the screen. You need to have the correct firework selected in order for this to work and once you use it you will have to wait a bit for it to recharge.

Lock & Unlock

You now have a new way to move your selection cursor. Unlocked is the traditional movement method, with the firework shapes locked in place and the cursor moves over them. Locked keeps the cursor locked in the center and the shapes moves left and right (try this play technique and you'll see what we mean).

Randomized Fireworks

No more repetitive patterns, now the patterns are now totally random so you never know what's next (aside from looking at the next firework 'Coming In' box).

Revised Scoring & Prizes

We're still tuning this, so I don't want to give you too many details yet, but the credits you win will be based on how many fireworks you explode as well as the correct timing of exploding them.

For more info on 'Fireworks remixed' check out the FAQ.

New Features Revisited

Room Information, Tickets & Guest Room Interface

We made a few more changes since giving you a preview of the Room Information Interface a few weeks ago. Now there are more ways (4 in all) to determine who can enter your Room. Hey, but remember, VMK Staff can always enter a Room - no matter how you have it set:

Myself - In this setting only the room's owner can enter.
Everyone - With this box checked, anyone can enter.
Friends - Only players on the Room owner's Friend's List can enter.
People With Tickets - Only players who have a valid Ticket can enter the room.

Let me clarify, that when a Ticket is created it will work for any ticketed Room of the Owner who created it. So if I created a Ticket, it would be good for any of my Rooms that have the 'People With Tickets' box checked.

We have also color coded Rooms listed on the Guest Room List as the following, while a Room checked as 'Myself' will not show up on the navigator.

White - Everyone
Green - Friends Only
Yellow - Tickets
Purple - Friends & Tickets

Please note: The only way you can see a Room listed in Green is in the 'Friend's Room' tab.

Finally, remember to check the VMK FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for more details on how all of the new features work.

Wow. It's a big week for VMK! So what do you think of all the new stuff? Do you like the new VMK Passes? What? You want more?! Well of course we still have more surprises for you but those will have to wait. Next week, I promise to give you the dirt on the next In-Park Quest, the not so secret Epcot Guest room as well as some cool Ticket Events that we have planned. Now I need to get some rest - if you think getting a Yeti to speak is a problem, try working with a gator!

See you in the Bayou,
Yavn

Event Info

NEW TICKETING SYSTEM

It's the holiday, so why are you reading this Newsletter instead of playing with your new toys? I'll tell you why - because you want to know about the new VMK Ticketing System! The system may sound a little complicated, but bear with me and I'll do my best to explain it!

The basic concept of Tickets is that players will be able to close their Room(s) and require Tickets to enter them. A Ticket can be purchased for 10 Credits and can be traded to other players.

Starting in early January two new options will be added to the Room Information Button (that's the icon that has an i on it). The first is the 'People With Tickets' box, the second is the 'Create Tickets' box.

Room Options

Once you decide who to let into your Guest Room you can now have the following options:

• Allow Everyone: This option allows all players into your Room.
• Only Allow Friends To Enter: This option only allows players that are on your Friends List to enter your Room.
• People With Tickets: Only players that have an unused Ticket to enter your Room can enter.
• Only Allow Friends To Enter & People With Tickets: This option only allows friends to enter & people with Tickets - Players that are on your Friends List and players that have an unused Ticket can enter the Room.

Creating Tickets

When you click on the 'Create Tickets' button you will be given 4 options of when the Ticket will expire if not used (1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 30 days) you'll also have a counter that will help you decide how many tickets you would like to buy. (Should we add this feature to all shops?... It sure would make it easier to buy lots of tracks.)

The Fine Print

Tickets work as Single Use Magic Pins and once created are found in the Pin menu.

- Tickets can only be used once.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are kicked out of a room that requires a Ticket you can not re-enter!! We are looking ways to solve this but for now be aware that as a Room Owner you must be very careful when kicking a player out.

Likewise players that abuse this ticketing privilege will be banned.

- Tickets work for all rooms that require tickets from the same owner (you can not create a ticket for a specific room, the ticket works for any and all rooms with the "People With Tickets" box checked.

- Tickets not used by the expiration date will disappear from your inventory.

- Tickets can be traded. And traded, and traded... so just be aware that the person you trade with may re-trade the ticket.

- Rooms that require a ticket will have an icon on the Room Navigator to show the Ticket required for entry.

Aside from the Tickets there is another benefit, you can now lock a room from everyone without having to clear you friend list. How do you do that? Just click the 'People With Tickets' box but don't create any Tickets. Any Room that has both 'Only Allow Friends To Enter & People With Tickets' will allow people on your Friend List to come and go, but non-Friends will need a Ticket to enter. Rooms that require Tickets will now have a Ticket icon on the Navigator. Of course even VMK will have a special place that will be a 'Tickets Only' for special events.

Check the Community Calendar for more details and event times.

Jake's Blog

Same as 11 December

Tips

Tips, Tricks Hints and How To's

Fireworks Remix

In the new Castle Fireworks remix 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 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!"

VMK Pass

The VMK Pass window does not show while playing mini–games (Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Fireworks), and does not show in the Quest menus. You won't be able to see what queue position you're in or whether or not the 'Enter Room' button is flashing if you're in the middle of a mini–game or Quest. Make sure you are not playing any mini–games or Quests so you don't lose your place in line.

VMK Tickets and Boots

Unfortunately, if you receive a ticket to someone's room and they boot you – that is allowed. A room owner has the authority to boot whomever they want, even if it seems unfair. Don't despair! You can always find other rooms where there are friendlier owners, and you can have fun there instead!

Dear Yeti

You've Got Questions, Yeti Has Answers

My family and I love to eat at the River Bell Terrace in Disneyland, it's our favorite restaurant. I was wondering, has it always been there and was it always called the River Belle Terrace?

- CoolMechanic

Dear CoolMechanic,

You know the way to Yeti's heart is through his stomach! Actually the River Belle Terrace used to be called Aunt Jemima's Pancake House, and it was the first New Orleans-styled structure at Disneyland – and it was there long before there was a New Orleans Square. On a side note, New Orleans Square was actually the last Land Walt Disney oversaw and it opened to the public on July 24, 1966.

Back when the River Belle Terrace was the Aunt Jemima Pancake house, an Aunt Jemima character used to greet Guests outside and sign menus. You can still see the original 1955 facade on the front of the building, just look up at the entrance and you see moldings and design touches that reflect the 'nawlins' style. And you're not alone to enjoy the River Belle Terrace as it was also Walt's favorite restaurant.

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. Each week I'll answer a question or two here in the Newsletter.

Push's Trash Trivia

VMK welcomes New Orleans Square! We have added this awesome new land, and a lot of other great new features. Did you know the Castle Fireworks game changed? It's now called Castle Fireworks remixed, and it has some fun new additions. Another feature we added is the ticketing system. You no longer have to sit at a black screen waiting to get into a busy room – just get a ticket! Also, don't forget to get something to eat at Blue Bayou and visit the Gator Waiter.

All these new features bring back so many memories of when I was in New Orleans Square – my favorite part was hanging out in Club 33. That reminds me, Club 33 is in VMK's New Orleans Square, but only public for a short while – so visit while you can! Haunted Mansion has moved to New Orleans Square which brings me to our new trivia question.

Question: If you're passing through New Orleans Square at Disneyland on your way to visit the Haunted Mansion, you might just be stopped by a couple of bands of pirates! Name the two pirate bands currently residing right across from the Rivers of America.

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: Which Disney Theme Park does not have a Tomorrowland: Disneyland, California; Walt Disney World; Disneyland, Paris; Hong Kong Disneyland; or Tokyo Disneyland?

A: Disneyland, Paris.

Did you know: Disneyland, Paris does not have a Tomorrowland. Instead, the land that houses Space Mountain and other famous Tomorrowland attractions is called Discoveryland. Congratulations to the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for last week's question!

Emmyjo
TikiRoom
thetransporter

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. 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

Have a seat with CL_PademeNaberie and watch the pretty lights on these beautiful floats as you watch artists, ghosts, and even Santa pass you by! Enjoy the sights and sounds of your favorite Main Street Christmas Parade. What a holiday delight!

Check out the buffet at the Sweet Room for Holiday Dinner hosted by swtcecile. The dinning table is set for holiday fun and the food is ready to be served. Even the dessert has been laid out for this festive feast!

Giant sized furniture in VMK? Oh no, Slinkyman has taken the shrinking machine and shrunk everyone in his room I…Shrunk the VMK Players! At least there is a giant comfy couch, warm fireplace, and fun presents and games around to make it all worth while.

Best Game Rooms

Find treasure in VMK! In Treasure Finders, you have to race to the golden candlestick and light the candles. The first one to race back to their seat wins. Make sure you're wearing your magic pins because AceDinner allows you to use them in his race for the gold!

Best Player Quests

No mini games or magic required in this quest for knowledge. The VMK Values Quest tests your skills of VMK and values all players uphold. Amana makes this super fun and friendly quest a great way to share with new and experienced players alike.

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

When in doubt, don't give it out!

Never give your VMK user name and password to any other website. Some surveys have been going around on the internet claiming they have free offers if you give your VMK information. Don't do it – this is a SCAM!

Never give your information to these surveys, and also keep your password protected from other people as well. Keep your VMK, and all the great items you've earned, safe!

Safety Corner

Knowing when to ignore someone

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. Try not to abuse the Call For Help button if it's unnecessary.

However, if someone is saying things that are scary or inappropriate – report them. We want VMK to be a safe and fun place for everyone to play!

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.)