Newsletter 9 April 2007

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This week Yavn has the 411 on 2 new outfits, plus Fantasyland in-game Quest, and the Tomorrowland Quest. Yavn Speaks starts right now...

Yavn Speaks!

Fantasyland Takes Flight

The dust has finally settled and things are getting back to normal here at VMK HQ – the first few days after an updated version of the game (what we call a 'build') goes live are always crazy. And even though we do extensive testing prior to a launch there are still some adjustments, fine-tuning and the occasional bug fix that need to be made. Alas, our moment of rest is brief as we're already busily working on what's on tap for the next build.

We have lots of exciting Fantasyland events planned for the month ahead though, with the release of Alice in Wonderland dark ride pieces kicking off with the Dark Ride-A-Thon at the end of the month.

Make tracks to the Ride-A-Thon and win dark ride items like this Alice piece before they're released.

What to Wear While You Ride

Are you superstitious? Does Friday the 13th freak you out? Then why not stay home and play VMK? Maybe the fact that we've got 2 new outfits (that I'm sure you'll like) will convince you! Sure, you've got Alice's hair, but how about the rest of the costume? It's going on sale � and for the guys we've created a Mr. Smee outfit (a hat and shirt)! All 4 items will go on sale starting April 13th and will be sold at least through the month.

Do you want a pirates life or a hop down the rabbit hole?

So have watched Alice in Wonderland as I suggested? Then you should be ready for the Alice Quest! And by now you should already have your Peter Pan Quest Pin. But don't fill up your Pin collection just yet, we still have 2 more Fantasyland Game Quests, and on deck a Quest about that aeronautical pachyderm - or what you might call the flying elephant!

Pin down those Quest answers and get these fancy Fantasyland Pins!

Quest Update

We haven't forgotten about the new Tomorrowland Quests and hope to launch it within 2 weeks. I know I've been saying soon for a while but this time I really mean it – and remember that we will be updated the in-game Tomorrowland Quests as well – get ready!

Red Inner-Space Suit Magic Spell - coming your way soon!

That's a Wrap!

Hope everyone is enjoying (or enjoyed) their Spring Break - now the countdown to Summer can officially begin. For us we'll be counting down until we get to the new Summer content - but I'll get into that later. Lastly, I do want to thank everyone for your kind notes and the concern for my ear. I'm happy to report I'm almost all better and will be able to travel again very soon. (My next trip will take me back to Orlando and WDW. In the meantime, I'll leave you one more peek at the VMK's new HQ.

We call it the 4th Moon of Yavin…

See you in VMK,

Yavn!

Community Reminder

From 13 March

Remember, it's against the VMK Values to create or open ANY type of 'relationship' room (rooms that include words like 'meet,' 'pick,' 'get,' 'find,' 'have,' 'taken,' etc.) in VMK. You'll be warned and possibly banned for opening any type of room that promotes this activity.

For more information or a reminder of what's acceptable in VMK refer to the VMK Values page.

Event Info

Top 5 FAQs

This week's Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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

You've got questions, Yeti has answers.

This week find out how to get to the Inner-Space Shop, how to build your bank account and using that IGNORE button. Ladies and gentlemen, may we present the furry fury, the King of 'Q & A' - Mr. Yeti!

Greetings gamers! I just flew in from Mount Everest - and boy are my arms tired! ;-) Seriously folks, we've got some great questions this week so let's get them!

Mr. Yeti, how do I get to the Inner-Space Shop?

Is it time to go shopping – in Inner-Space!? You betcha! But you're stuck looking for the location. Hmmm. The Yeti will help you find the Inner-Space Shop so you may purchase some quality goods!

To gain access to the Inner-Space Shop, first you will need the Inner-Space Suit Magic Pin (either Red or Blue).

There are two ways to get the Inner-Space Suit Magic Pin:

Option #1:

Complete the upcoming print-from-home Tomorrowland Quest at either Disneyland or Walt Disney World. When you complete this Quest, you will be awarded Inner-Space Suit Red Magic Pin.

Option #2:

If you can't get to the parks, don't worry, you can still get to Inner-Space. But you'll have to complete the Adventure Through Inner-Space Quest which is located in the Space Mountain Quest Deck in Tomorrowland. When you complete the Quest you'll be awarded the Inner-Space Suit Blue Magic Pin!

Start at the Space Mountain Quest Deck…

When you get to the Space Mountain Quest Deck make your way up to the right of the window, and you'll find the computer control panel.

Double click on the computer control panel to start the Quest.

Once you complete the Quest, you will have your Inner-Space Suit Blue Magic Pin.

Return to the Space Mountain Quest Deck and take the exit between the four astronauts.

This exit will take you to the Inner-Space Shrinking Machine. Make sure you are wearing your Inner-Space Suit Blue Magic Pin and write 'space!' in the chat bar or double click the pin to activate the Inner-Space Blue Magic Pin!

Now cross the gate to make your way make your way over to the Inner-Space Shrinking Machine.

You will end up in the Inner-Space Ray Room. The Inner-Space Shop is in the upper right corner.

Click on the exit tile in the doorway and you will enter the Inner-Space Shop.

Congratulations! You made it to the Inner-Space Shop! I hope you brought some credits to go shopping!

How do I cancel the IGNORE button once I've pushed it?

Maybe someone was talking your ear off and you just wanted some peace and quiet – so you pushed the IGNORE button. Now you wish you hadn't, so now what?

Well there isn't a way to reverse the IGNORE button once used, however, it only lasts a short amount of time, and that player's words will be visible once again.

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 give you a few credits to swing by each day and 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!

If you were to visit all the NPC's in a given day you would get a total of 180 credits. Not too shabby for just walking around!

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.

The credits for the games are calculated by your final score, and the amount of credits varies.

Well, that's all for this week! Check back next week when I'll have tips for Questing and the new features in VMK! Stay cool!

Push's Trash Trivia

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

DO NOT loan out your items!

It's not a good idea to have ANYONE, hold your stuff for you. If you want to set up a trade, but don't have enough room for all your items in the trade screen, set up two trades.

It's always safer to keep all your items in your own (virtual) hands.

If you promise Players a prize - you must award it!

If you're running a game in your room – play fair. If you promise an item to a winner, you must award that winner the item. Failure to do so is considered a scam by VMK Staff and you will be BANNED for this type of activity. If you're a player that was supposed to win an item and didn't receive it – use the HELP button and report the scam.

Remember, if you are ever have a question about fair play you can always check the VMK Values or the FAQs – your question will probably be answered there.

Staff impersonation is NOT allowed in VMK!

Impersonation is never allowed in VMK. If a player says they are VMK Staff, make sure they're wearing the orange Mickey Pin and wearing either red (for Staff and HOSTS) or blue (for QA) Mickey ears.

VMK Staff will always wear the orange Mickey Pin.

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

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

Remember, VMK Staff will never ask you to trade any items. If you have other questions check out the FAQs page!

Safety Corner

Enter 'pay to play' rooms at your own risk!

In some rooms you must 'pay' the room owner to stay in that room. If you choose to do this, you are doing so at your own risk. Once you 'pay' (credits or give items to the owner) – if you're booted from that room – VMK will NOT be able to get your stuff back. Why? Because you entered the room at your own risk and you (not VMK) are responsible for your actions while in the game.

Adult subjects are NEVER 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! :-)

Keep your information private in VMK!

Never, under any circumstances give your VMK user name and password to any other player or post it on a forum on another website.

Some surveys have been going around on the internet claiming they have free offers if you give out your VMK information – this is a SCAM!

Never give your information to these surveys or anyone else, and always keep your password private. VMK will never ask you for your information unless you contact us about a problem with your account. Keep your VMK, and all the great items you've earned, safe!

Please spend some time reviewing the VMK Values, and remember to keep your information private.

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.)