Newsletter 7 January 2008 — Disneys Online Worlds

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Yavn Speaks!

From 31 December 2007

Holiday greetings and New Year's info – it's all live and direct from VMK Central! And now with the news – heeeeeere's Yavn!

Hello again! Is everyone enjoying the break from work and school to have fun during the holiday?

Hopefully in between opening gifts and snacking on fruitcake you've been spending some quality time with your family and friends – and hopefully spending some time with your pals in VMK too! ;-)

Whatever you're doing, from all of us here at VMK, we wish you the best for an awesome New Year!

Speaking of the new year – I hope you liked what we released in 2007. I'm sure you're wondering what we have up our sleeves for 2008? Well, before we get too far ahead, let's talk about what's coming up in the next few weeks:

Making the New Year Magical!

Who doesn't love a party? Well, we've got one for you – join us New Year's Eve and celebrate as we ring in 2008!

We've got special surprises, including when you log in, your character will be given a Single Use Confetti Magic spell to use during the New Year's Eve celebration!

Party like it's 2008 with Confetti Magic!

Like last year, we're extending the hours of VMK, so as we count down to the Magical New Year you'll be able to celebrate in your own time zone (in real time) or in all the U.S. time zones if you prefer.

Be sure to visit VMK Monday, December 31st for a Magical New Year's Party that can't be beat!

Do You Believe in Magic?

Ok, so it's time to let the cat out of the bag – or rabbit out of the hat, as the case may be. If you haven't guessed by now, the theme for January is, drum roll please... Magical New Year! Some of you may have picked up on the hint in the last Yavn Speaks column...

"Anybody seen a rabbit? He's white, has floppy ears, loves carrots."

So what exactly is this Magical New Year all about? Well, a good magician never reveals his secrets, but I can tell you if you like magic you're gonna go crazy in January! I'll reveal all the details in about a week or so, until then, keep checking the Virtual Magic Kingdom for clues.

Something's Cooking in the Kingdom!

Thanks to all of you that registered for the Gingerbread House/Holiday Room competition, this was our biggest room building event ever! Now our judges begin the long and difficult process of judging those rooms!

Remember once your Gingerbread House/Room is judged a Purple Judging Flag will be placed in your room.

I've already seen some pretty amazing stuff, so I can't wait to see what our judging panel actually selects! If you participated in the competition please leave your rooms open to other players so they can see what you've created. We'll have a round up of some of the rooms we've seen so far in the next Yavn Speaks along with the prize info.

Well that's all for now, gotta run and get ready for the Magical New Year Party tonight - be sure to stop by and celebrate with us!

See you soon, -Yavn

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.

From 4 January 2007

The fur-covered guru of VMK gaming is back! With hot game tips on the latest and greatest in Virtual Magic Kingdom! This week the Yeti explains how you can get some extra credit(s).

Hey there, I hope you had a great holiday season. I sure did a lot of shopping. I bet you did too, so you're probably feeling a little light in the pockets. So let's start filling those pockets with some credits!

Where can I find places to get credits?

There are a lot of great places in VMK to get some credits. Visiting NPC's (which means Non-Playable Character) is one of them. The very first time you enter VMK and visit an NPC you are awarded 40 credits. Each time you visit thereafter, the NPC will award 20 credits once every 12 hours.

The other NPC's are: Esmeralda � located in the Emporium on Main Street

Shrunken Ned � located in Shrunken Ned's Shop in Adventureland.

Captain Blackheart � located in Pirate Treehouse in Adventureland.

Dragon � located in the Dungeon in Fantasyland.

Ghosts � located in the Haunted Mansion Stretching Room in the Haunted Mansion lobby which is in New Orleans Square.

Yeti � located in the Matterhorn in Fantasyland (that's right, I'll give you a few credits each day to say hello).

Gator Waiter � located in Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square.

The Gator Waiter serves up more than Mint Juleps at the Blue Bayou � you can get credits everyday!

MORE CREDITS

You can also get credits by playing any of VMK's great games:

Castle Fireworks remixed � located in Fantasyland.

Haunted Mansion � located in New Orleans Square.

Pirates of the Caribbean � located in Adventureland.

Jungle Cruise � located in Adventureland.

Hope that helps you. Now let's get back to game and collect some more credits!

Your pal,

Yeti

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

From 1 Janaury 2007

Happenings this Month in VMK

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Magical New Year's Eve Party

Join VMK December 31st, 2007 for a Magical New Year's Eve Party! Get 5 FREE Confetti Magics when you log into VMK on New Year's Eve day to celebrate the New Year and party with extended game hours!

New Year's Eve only, VMK's operating hours will be extended until 1:00 AM PST so that our players may ring in the New Year.

The fun starts December 31st at 8:00 PM PST so put on your party hats, dancing shoes and grab a couple handfuls of confetti – it's time to par-tay!

Say "Confetti!" and enjoy the party.

Check out these NEW YEAR'S goodies too:

Get the 2008 New Year's Pin for FREE when you enter the game on New Year's Day!

Get the 2008 New Year's Party Hat available in the Emporium.

VMK Gingerbread House & Holiday Room Competition!

Build your best Gingerbread House or Holiday Room using VMK's Holiday and Gingerbread pieces. Use a winter theme or any theme (Holiday Jungle Cruise, anyone?), but you must use Gingerbread and Holiday pieces in your room.

This is an individual room competition. You must submit your registration following our guidelines below:

1. The room MUST BE NAMED in the following way: "Gingerbread House (your player name)"

2. When you register ONLY PROVIDE your player name and the name of the room you are entering in the competition.

PLEASE NOTE: If your name does not fit in the room title "Gingerbread House", please make sure you have your room titled "Gingerbread House," your room, provided you follow the other guidelines, will be judged.

3. Gingerbread Houses/Rooms will be judged by the following categories:

- Best Theme - Most Creative - Best Overall (this includes both most creative and best theme)

Your Gingerbread house/holiday room must be completed by midnight December 25th.

There will be 10 First Prize winners and 1 Grand Prize winner from each category.

Registration for this event is now closed. Again, only players that register following our guidelines exactly will be judged.

Judging will begin on Wednesday, December 26th and end Sunday, January 13th. Winners will be announced on Monday the 14th of January. A Purple Room Judging Flag will be placed in your room once your room has been judged.

While it is not required, VMK encourages you to keep your room open during the event so other players can enjoy what you have created. Prizes for the event will be announced in a future edition of Yavn Speaks and the Event Info section of the VMK Newsletter.

Begin planning your Gingerbread Holiday treat today!

January is Magical New Year month.

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

From 31 December 2007

Happenings this Month in VMK

Happy Holidays!

Check out these NEW items!

From 28 December 2007

Holiday Ornament Mickey Pin
(Available in Emporium Specials)

Toontown Fireplace
(Available in It's a Small World Imports Specials)

Check our shops for more new items!

In Emporium Specials...

Reindeer Mickey Ears Hat
Snowman Hat

Mickey Blue Sweater
Minnie Red Sweater
(Matching Beanies also available!)

Red Gumdrop Chair
Chocolate Bar Carpet

In the Emporium...

Candy Lollipop Flower Red
Flat Mint Block Green

Candy Cane Fence
Candy Lollipop Flower Green

Other available items:

Standing Mint Block Green

In It's a Small World Imports Specials...

Dreidel Chair Blue
Mickey Christmas Tree

Unlimited Use Snowman Magic
Single Use Snowman Magic

Other available items:

Hanukkah Presents
Candy Cane Red
Holiday Skeleton at the Helm
Candy Cane Yellow
Toy Soldier Green
Pink Holiday Wreath
Stack of Presents

In the Gingerbread section of the Emporium...

Gingerbread Wall with Doorway
Gingerbread Wall with Lights

Gingerbread Wall with Window
Gingerbread Corner

Gingerbread Roof 3x1 Block
Gingerbread Roof 1x1 Block

Other available items:

Gingerbread Roof Corner Block
Gingerbread Roof Steeple Block

In the Rooms section of the Shop window...

Skull Rock Holiday Room

Holiday Haunted Mansion Conservatory Room

Winter Wonderland Room

NEW Red Surprise Gift!

Give the gift of Mickey! Available now in Emporium Specials!

This new Red Surprise Gift features a personal message and virtual Mickey plush character! To find out how it works check out Yeti's Tips & Tricks section.