Newsletter 12 March 2007
| Back to Newsletter Main Page |
Yavn Speaks!
Think Green
Learn how you can make a difference!
"The natural resources of our vast continent are not inexhaustible. But if we will use our riches wisely, if we will protect our wildlife and preserve our lakes and streams, these things will last us for generations to come."
– Walt Disney
Kids, talk to your parents first about how you can use these great tips in your home!
Ways You Can Make a Difference
1. Plant a Tree: Besides looking great, trees eat carbon dioxide (that's a global warming greenhouse gas), they also help keep the planet cool. Plants (and trees in particular) also provide shade and evaporate water into the atmosphere, which increases cloudiness, which also helps keep the planet cool.
2. Turn it Off: Did you know that many electronic devices remain on even after you hit the 'off' button? It's true, many new electronic devices (like video systems and computers) go into a 'standby' mode. To save energy switch these devices to the 'power save' mode. If your device doesn't have that option, unplug it.
3. Pass the Trash: Sure you've heard about recycling, but do you recycle? Remember, cans, bottles, plastic and paper can ALL be recycled. Check with your local city council for recycling facilities in your area and stop throwing away recyclable goods (like soda cans and plastic water bottles). You can also make some extra cash when you recycle cans and bottles, so check with facilities in your area for redemption programs they may offer.
Green Facts:
- More than 8,000 acres of property at the Walt Disney World Resort are designated as a permanent wildlife conservation area and will never be developed.
- According to the American Forestry Association, if every American family planted a single new tree, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would be reduced by a billion pounds a year.
- A typical family car puts 19 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere for every gallon of gas it uses.
- Walt Disney World has solar-powered traffic lights installed at many intersections around the Resort. These lights help save energy and reduce energy cost.
- During the past seven years, water-saving initiatives at the Walt Disney World Resort have saved nearly 2.5 billion gallons of water.
Event Info
EPCOT Quest Until March 31st
VMK Racing Days March 11th, March 25th
'Think Green' Entire Month of March
EPCOT Quest
Test your knowledge of EPCOT by playing the new in-game EPCOT Quest! To play press the Quest button ('Q') on the VMK Player Interface Bar, then select the EPCOT Quest from the list. Answer all ten questions correctly and you can win an Epcot Guest Room!
New Quest are released each week and will run until March 31st, so get in the game and get Questing!
New EPCOT Quest launches on March 5th and March 12th.
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.
'Think Green' Month
All through the month of March, VMK is going green. Learn how you can do your part to help reduce waste and make the world a better place to live! 'Think Green!'
Check the Community Calendar for more events, details and event times.
Top 5 FAQ's
This week's Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions1. I've sent in a problem through 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 (this option is under the Send Details box) in the Contact Us tool if your provider won't take our replies. We suggest setting up another email account, like yahoo.com to get our replies.
2. Why is VMK Staff or a Community Leader ignoring me?
If you're talking to a VMK Staff member or a Community Leader and it seems like they're ignoring you, keep in mind they may be away from their computer.
Also, many times when VMK Staff are in a room they're there for a specific reason and may be unable to respond to your questions or requests at the time &ndash don't take it personally, they're just doing their job. If you have questions when you're in-game that can't be answered by VMK Staff, check out the VMK FAQ located in the HELP section (that's in the upper right corner on the VMK homepage) on the VMK website.
3. I logged on into VMK and my character and stuff were gone - why was my account was deleted?
If you haven't logged into VMK for six-months or more - that account will be deleted. We need to delete unused accounts periodically to clear out room in the database for new users. If you don't want your account deleted, make sure you log into the game occasionally to keep your account active.
4. Why can't I log into the game and play VMK?
If you try to log into VMK and it's either closed or the site is too busy – don't panic. Sometimes VMK closes for improvements and will open again momentarily. Also, when there are many players in the game, this can cause VMK's system to become very busy – this is normal. Just wait a few minutes and try again later or wait until the Kingdom is less crowded.
5. My room needs a makeover - how do I get one?
Enter it in the Room Makeover contest! Just go to the Contact Us section on the VMK website. (The Contact Us link is located at the bottom of the every VMK webpage.) Then choose "Room Makeover Submission," fill in your information and the VMK Staff will evaluate your submission. Rooms in need are chosen for a Room Makeover. Good luck!
For more information about these or a complete list of VMK's most frequesntly asked questions, check out our FAQ.
Yeti's Tips & Tricks
From 7 March 2007
You've got questions, Yeti has answers.
Did you know you can get to a Monorail Station from the Haunted Mansion? Lost your password and want to get it back? Got a general question about VMK? The 'King of Q&A' is here to help!
Greetings again VMKer's! With Push covering the trivia, the guys here at VMK thought I might be better suited to answer your game related questions (plus, trashcans aren't very good gamers)! The Yeti knows all, so bring on those questions:
How do I find New Orleans Square in VMK?
Looking for New Orleans Square? The Yeti has helpful hints to get to where you wanna go.
When you log into the game, you will see the VMK World Map:
''The VMK World Map
To find a location from the VMK World Map, you can either click on the names of the Lands (at the top of the screen) or click on the icon (picture) of that Land on the VMK World Map.''
Looking for Tomorrowland? Click the Tomorrowland tab or the Tomorrowland icon. A Tomorrowland Land Map will appear and you can choose different places to go within Tomorrowland.
Click the Tomorrowland rocket and blast yourself into Tomorrowland.
How can I buy a room?
Credits burning a hole in your pocket? Well then, you're ready to buy a room!
See that button marked SHOP?
First click the SHOP button. After you've clicked the SHOP button a shopping window will pop up.
Let's go shopping!
Select the ROOMS tab located at the top of the window and click through the room choices using the arrows at the bottom of the pop up window.
If you can't afford it, you can't buy it.
Let's take a closer look at the shopping window: in the lower-left section of the pop-up window, you will see how much the room costs. Next to that you'll see how many credits you actually have in your account. When you see a room you like in your price range, click the BUY button and the room will be entered into your inventory.
How do I change my VMK password?
How does one change their password? First you need to get to the login screen (to do that click the PLAY NOW button on the VMK homepage). Once you're at the login screen click on FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?
You'll then be taken to a password recovery page:
Fill in your information and your password will be emailed to you within 1 business day. Remember: Never share your user or password information with anyone!
How and where do I get on the Monorail?
Ahhh, looking for a quick way to get around the Kingdom? All aboard the Monorail! The Monorail makes several stops around the Virtual Magic Kingdom and some of those stops are a little hidden. Don't worry if you can't find your way, the Yeti will get you there! Remember 'exit' marks the spot!
MAIN STREET STATION
Let's start with Main Street! To get there head to the VMK Esplanade!The VMK Esplanade
At the VMK Esplanade click this exit icon to get to the Monorail Station.
The Main Street Monorail Station
FRONTIERLAND STATION
In order to get to the Frontierland Monorail Station, you must be in the Haunted Mansion Attic. Here's how to get there: First, start off in the Haunted Mansion Game Lobby.
The Haunted Mansion Game Lobby. See the open tomb in the lower left hand corner of the yard (it's highlighted by the red box)? Go ahead, step inside - don't be scared!
After stepping inside this tomb and you'll find yourself in the Haunted Mansion Stretching Room. Keep following the path to the right to enter the Haunted Mansion Ballroom and eventually you'll wind up in the Haunted Mansion Attic.
We're almost there now - once you're in the attic, keep to the top level and continue going right to the exit icon and to the Frontierland Monorail Station.
A closeup view of the attic exit to Frontierland Monorail Station.
FRONTIERLAND MONORIAL STATION
Yahoo! Frontierland here we come!
ADVENTURELAND MONORIAL STATION
To get to the Adventureland Monorail Station you must first enter the Forbidden Temple in Adventureland.
Once inside the Forbidden Temple drag your mouse cursor over the area boxed off in red until you highlight the exit, then click the exit.
This exit will take you to the...
ADVENTURELAND MONORAIL STATION
The Adventureland Monorail Station, all aboard!
FANTASYLAND MONORAIL STATION
To get to the Fantasyland Monorail Station you must first get to the Dungeon. To do that, select the Dungeon from the VMK Fantasyland Map.
DUNGEON
Once in the Dungeon move your mouse over this area in the red box until you highlight the exit.
This exit will take you to the...
FANTASYLAND MONORAIL STATION
All aboard for Fantasyland!
Still up for another ride? OK, so now for some stations that are a little bit easier to locate. How about the New Orleans Square Monorail? Start by getting to New Orleans Square.
NOS is your portal to the Blue Bayou and when you drag your mouse over this area boxed off in red it will take you to the New Orleans Square Monorail Station.
Just beside the Blue Bayou is the exit to the...
NEW ORLEANS SQUARE MONORAIL STATION
Your attention please! The Monorail is now ready for a trip around Walt Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom!
OK, so we've got one more destination - that's Tomorrowland folks, so let's get going to the Tomorrowland hub!
Here in Tomorrowland you've got several sets of teleporters, we want the one to the far right.
Hop in this teleporter and hold on! Next stop...
TOMORROWLAND STATION
The Tomorrowland Monorail will take us - to infinity and beyond!
Whew! That was some tour! Alright then, enough questions for this week – the Yeti must now get a snow cone.
Do you have a game related question for the Yeti? 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. While I can't respond to each and everyone personally, I'll answer the best (and most frequently asked) questions here.
Push's Trash Trivia
In what Disney movie does the main character match wits with a tricky leprechaun in order to get his pot of gold?
Know the answer?
Send your answer using Contact Us at the bottom of this or the main VMK webpage. Be sure to have your VMK registration info with you and select Push's Trash Trivia from the drop down menu.
Out of all the correct answers, three players will be randomly drawn as the winners and sent a cool prize. But hurry! Only entries submitted by the close of game on Friday will be accepted.
Here's the answer to last weeks Trash Trivia question:
Question: Since VMK is going 'green' this month to help save the environment, can you name two 'green' Disney Resorts?
Answer: The six resorts that are 'green' are: Coronado Springs, Boardwalk, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Port Orleans Resorts (which is made up of French Quarter and Riverside), and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Check out all the cool features of the resorts on the Walt Disney World hotels page!
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort: That's some sweet eco-friendly island livin'!
Did you know: Jiminy Crickett is the spokesperson for Disney's environmental efforts!
'Green' lodging facilities use state-of-the-art laundry systems that filter and reuse water; low-flow showerheads and faucets in guest rooms; energy efficient computer equipment; lighting and appliances; Florida-friendly landscaping and recycling facilities.
The hotels also provide employee training and Guest information to encourage recycling and reuse.
Congratulations to the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for last week's question!
KingofElephants
WizardAndy
camcool
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
Best Game Rooms
Best Player Quests
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
Scamming of any kind will get you BANNED!
It's great to have a popular room in VMK, but it's not OK to get players into your room by scamming. Pretending to have an item that you don't have, in order to get players to come into your room, is considered a scam and you can be banned from VMK!
Beware of "free" rooms
There are some players that advertise their rooms as "free," but when you enter them, they force you to pay up or get booted from the room. Beware of these types of rooms and report players who engage in this activity.
Close your room when you leave
If you are going to be away from your computer for awhile don't leave your room open - close it. Why? When you leave your room open, you're leaving it open to players that may be confused when they enter and don't know where the owner is. Sometimes confused players who find ownerless rooms will use the Call for Help tool and this takes away valuable time that Staff could be helping players in need.
Safety Corner
Do NOT share your personal information!
It may be tempting to ask someone for their personal information (where they live, instant messenger names, etc.) – but asking for this information will get you BANNED!
Please spend some time reviewing the VMK Values, and remember to keep your information private.
Adult subjects are not 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! :-)
Make sure to follow the VMK rules when reporting someone!
Someone cutting in line or asking you to be their friend is not ground for reporting. Use the Call for Help system wisely.
VMK Staff needs to spend their time helping people are who are seriously in need of assistance. However, if a player keeps doing something to annoy other players (repeating words to fill up the screen, blocking, etc) please use the Contact Us section on the website to report your issue – don't forget to be detailed (include harasser's name and event details) when writing in
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.)