Newsletter 3 December 2007 — Disneys Online Worlds

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Yavn Speaks!

From 3 December 2007

Happy Holidays from VMK! We're gonna make it a Jolly Holiday! In fact that's the theme for this month. We've got loads of great items and events coming this month – and if you're good maybe even a surprise gift, just for you!

Jolly Holiday Sneak Peek

Like I said we've got lots of awesome stuff coming this month! It's going to be a Jolly Holiday and next week I'll have all the details on what's coming, but until then, here's a sneak peek at what you can expect!

There's nothing more fun than building a gingerbread house and decorating it for the holiday! Now if I just had some blinking lights... hmmm.

Stay tuned – next week VMK's holiday surprises will be revealed!

Scam Alert

Earn Stuff Honestly

Using ANY hacking, scripting or editing program that modifies VMK, changes the game or generates codes from our mini-games is against VMK Values and will result in a permanent ban of your VMK account. This is a serious violation of the VMK Values.

If you are found to be involved in this type of activity, we will place a ban on your account (and computer) that will keep you and anyone in your family from playing the game – forever.

THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS !

You're not just hurting yourself – but your actions will affect other players on the same computer. What should you do to make sure you're not banned? Don't use ANY programs that generate codes and don't use any codes that you haven't earned yourself by playing our games.

Protect Your Personal Info!

VMK Staff will never ask you for your password or initiate contact with a player outside of the game, so don't respond to any individual posing as a VMK Staff member in e-mail or on a message board.

Many times scammers posing as VMK Staff will promise special access or an invitation to a special program in exchange for a player's login information. Be smart and don't fall prey to these foul villains! VMK will only contact you if you've sent in an inquiry through Contact Us.

We take scamming very seriously, and anyone caught attempting to scam a player through impersonation of a VMK Staff member in order to exploit a player will have all their accounts banned permanently from VMK.

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!

Staff Impersonation is NEVER allowed!

Impersonating VMK Staff 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 or HOST) or blue (for QA) Mickey ears.

Remember, VMK Staff will never ask you to trade any items.

You can always spot STAFF and HOSTS because they wear red Mickey ears.

VMK Staff will always wear the orange Mickey Pin.

You can identify a Community Leader by the 'CL_' at the beginning of their name and their blue wizard hat pin.

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.

Got more questions about scamming? Read the FAQs page!

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.

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.

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.

Dateline Disney

December 5

1901: Born Walter Elias Disney, Walt Disney is born in Chicago, Illinois. While Walt spent most of his childhood in Marceline, Missori, he would eventually move to Los Angeles, California to break into show business. After being turned away by most major studios, he strikes out on his own and forms Walt Disney Studios.

Walt introduces the world to his concept for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, an idea that will later become EPCOT.

Walt will create Mickey Mouse and with his team of animators, lead the charge for the Golden Age of Animation, during which time such classics as Snow White and the Seven Drawfs, Pinocchio and Dumbo are produced.

Walt will go on to develop an idea called 'Disneyland' into a theme park business that is loved by people the world over and continue to innovate in every aspect of entertainment.

November 26

2003: The second live action feature film based on a Disneyland attraction, The Haunted Mansion is released. The movie stars Eddie Murphy as Jim Evers, he plays a real estate agent who sees an opportunity to make a tidy commision selling the mansion but finds out those "Grim Grinning Ghost" have other plans!

The singing bust in The Hanuted Mansion movie are voiced by The Dapper Dans, the barbershop quartet that performs on Mainstreet USA at Disneyland.

1997: Flubber starring Robin Williams is released. The film is a re-make of the 1961 Disney classic The Absent Minded Professor starring Disney Legend Fred MacMurray.

1987: Tokyo Disneyland welcomes its 50-millionth guest!

November 25

1992: Aladdin is released. The film features Robin Williams as the voice of the Genie and Gilbert Gottfried as the voice of Iago the Parrot.

During the film Genie appears in over 50 different disguises including, a Scotsman, a dragon, a flight attendant, a zombie, Arnold Schwarzenegger and a tourist with a Goofy hat.

November 13

1940: Fantasia is released! The first major movie released in the United States with sterophonic sound, Fantasia set a new standard for the cinematic experience.

Chernabog's, magical brooms and dinosaurs – oh my!

It was not only the first feature film to be shown in multichannel sound, it was the first Disney animated film in which Walt Disney allowed his artist to use whatever colors they wanted. In addition to such classics as "Night on Bald Mountain" and "Rite of Spring" Fantasia also features a more modern looking Mickey Mouse in "The Sorcerer's Apprentice."

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.

Yeti's Tips & Tricks

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. 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: [email protected].

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!

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 started in school or give other personal information about myself?

Starting 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 are in. 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? How do I become Staff?

VMK Staff members are NOT kids but actually adults trained specifically to handle VMK. VMK Staff may look like you in the game (but with cool Mickey ears) in reality 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.

VMK Staff should be treated like you would treat a school teacher: with respect. They're here to help you and keep you safe, but they also must step in when you're not following the game guidelines.

VMK Staff are very, very busy working to keep you safe. So while it's ok to say hello, 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Interested in becoming VMK Staff or a Host? We are not hiring new Staff or Host, thanks for your interest.

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: [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.

VMK @ WDW

Thanks for Playing!

The in-Park Questing portion of VMK at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World has ended. September 30, 2007 was 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!

Event and Item Info

''Formerly "Event Info"

Happenings this Month in VMK

3 December 2007 version

From 3 December 2007, removed 5 December 2007

Pirates have landed!

To celebrate the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End , VMK is doubling the rewards in your favorite pirate's game! For one day only, Tuesday, December 4th, whenever you play Ship Battle or Capture the Flag, you'll get extra pirate booty!

ONE DAY ONLY!

Arrgh! Log in on Tuesday and play – VMK treasure awaits!

Happy Holidays!

NEW items just released!

Check out these new items!

Get the Reindeer Mickey Ears Hat in Emporium Specials! It's the first of a whole bunch of a sweet holiday treats VMK has in store for you this month!

Get the Candy Lollipop Flower Green in Emporium Specials!

December is Jolly Holiday month.

Check the Community Calendar for more events, details and event times.

4 December 2007

Happy Holidays

Check out these sweet treats!

Get the 2007 Holiday Ornament Pluto Pin in Emporium Specials! It's the first Pin in the 2007 Holiday Ornament series! Collect all 5!

Get the Hanukkah Presents in It's a Small World Imports Specials!

Get the Reindeer Mickey Ears Hat in Emporium Specials!

Get the Candy Lollipop Flower Green in Emporium Specials!

Get the Gingerbread Wall with Doorway in the Gingerbread section of the Emporium shop!

Get the Gingerbread Wall with Lights in the Gingerbread section of the Emporium shop!

Get the 1x1 Gingerbread Roof Block in Emporium Specials!

Get the Holiday Skeleton at the Helm in It's a Small World Imports Specials!

Get Unlimited Use Snowman Magic in It's a Small World Imports Specials!

Get Single Use Snowman Magic in It's a Small World Imports Specials!

Get the Winter Wonderland Room in the Rooms section of the Shop window!

Get the Red Gumdrop Chair in Emporium Specials!

Get the Chocolate Bar Carpet in Emporium Specials!

December is Jolly Holiday month.

Check the Community Calendar for more events, details and event times.

5 December 2007

Happy Holidays

Check out these sweet treats!

New Gingerbread items - 3x1 Roof and Corner will be available when the game opens on 12/6/07

Get the Gingerbread Roof 3x1 in the Gingerbread section of the Emporium shop!

Get the Gingerbread Corner in the Gingerbread section of the Emporium shop!