Newsletter 15 January 2007
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Personalize the way you play VMK! Plus, Club 33, VMK Pass and more new stuff!
Yavn Speaks!
The New Stuff!
So what do you think of all the new additions? We surprised you with New Orleans Square? I know there was some speculation that the next Land was going to be Toon Town but we were just being sneaky! ;-) I know we've discussed the new features a bit already but after listening to your comments and the VMK Staff, I wanted to clarify a few things in more detail. Also, although it's been a while, I think it's about time we talk about some of the cool new website features on VMK.com.
Club 33 has arrived to mixed reactions - everyone really loves the new room, the look, the artistic details (especially the portrait of Walt) -nice job team! But you're not quite sure we haven't made the room or furniture for sale. Well, it's because Club 33 is a place for very special events, let me explain, I've put together a little FAQ to answer your questions:
Yavn's
Club 33 Mini-FAQ
Q: What is Club 33?
A: It's a very special location for very special events and parties. These special events require Tickets.
Q: When and where can I buy the Club 33 room and furniture?
A: Sorry, Club 33 is an exclusive location, the room, table or chairs won't be sold. Only VMK Staff have access to them, and then only for special events.
Inside the glorious Club 33.
Q: I've heard the room is VMK Staff Only, what does that mean?
A: Although it sounds like a room where VMK Staff hang out, it really means that only VMK Staff will own the room.
Q: Ok, why are VMK Staff the only ones who can own the room?
A: Just like the real Club 33 at Disneyland, we wanted to have a place in VMK that was unique - a place, that when you got a chance to visit it, the visit was truly special.
There are many wonderful locations in VMK but since you can visit them anytime you like, they're not as special as one that is more exclusive.
Q: How will VMK Players get into the room?
A: Now that the Club 33 preview is over, soon VMK will start releasing information for specific events that take place in Club 33.
Q: Will players ever be able to use or rent the room for their own events?
A:Yes. We'll have information about when and how you will be able to use Club 33 for your own events in the future.
So there you have it, Club 33 is a special place where you'll need a Ticket to enter.
Tickets! Get Your Tickets!
And speaking of Tickets - you guys certainly are enjoying the VMK Pass system and it's really nice to see so many people using them. Trading those Tickets is a different thing - you may have noticed when Trading, you can now double click on an offered item (like a Ticket) to see it in a larger window. This window will also show you the specific information (like the what, where and when!) for the item. Right now you can only double click on items being offered to you, not items you are offering to trade.
Remember to check our new and improved FAQ Section for the specifics on how Tickets and other new features works.
VMK Pass & Host Games
Like I said, it's good to see so many of you taking advantage of VMK Passes. Part of the Club 33 Grand Opening Preview was to test VMK Pass and make sure it was working properly and that players understood how it works.
However, once we saw the system in action we noticed queues of over 600(!!!) players waiting to get into a Host event.(!) Now, I hate to be the bad guy here, but our events only run for a specific time.
In the past when the event time was close to being over we would pull the room from the Room Navigation Menus and only the remaining 50 players waiting in the line would get in. Now with the VMK Pass system we currently have no way to turn off the passes when a specific threshold is met. So for the time being players need to be aware that just because you have a VMK Pass and are in-queue for a Host event it does not entirely guarantee that you'll get entry into the event.
So before you get a VMK Pass, you should check the number of people already in queue and how much longer the event will go - now don't despair! We are working on something that will help fix this and avoid future confusion/disappointment. As soon as I have more info on this, I'll share it with you. One last thing I should point out while I'm on the topic - VMK Pass will not make the line go faster - it only allows you to do something else while your place in line is saved.
Personalize your VMK!
OK, so it's been a few weeks, but maybe you've noticed we added some cool new features to VMK.com! Maybe you've seen them? Well here's a rundown of the new 'personalization' features we've added to the site (make sure you have logged in by entering your VMK account and password by clicking "Sign In" just below the "Play Now" button as most of the features won't be available to you unless you're signed in).
My VMK
After Logging in, you'll see the first 10 Pins that your character/avatar is wearing. You can also see how many credits are in your VMK account.
My Music
Did you notice the Song List at the top of the VMK homepage? Now you can spin your favorite Disney tunes whiles trekking through the Virtual Magic Kingdom, just try clicking the pull down menu and select one of the 11 songs! You can even start, stop or skip to the next song! Over time we will be adding more tracks - so make sure you keep checking the list... and of course be on the listen for Jake & Haley's smash hit 'That Popping Sound!'
My List
Have you checked out the cool Ride Pages on VMK.com? For each of the Parks and Water Parks we've featured some of the coolest rides around. Have a look and make a 'My List' of your favorites! Just click on the 'Add To My List' button. Not sure where to find the rides? Just click on the 'More Rides' button under Park Info section on the VMK homepage - from here you can highlight any of the Featured Parks to see our Featured Rides.
Video Masher
Direct your own video!
Ok, I've saved the best for last! Ever wanted to make your own video? Now it's just as easy as using the Main Street or Monorail Music Mixers - only with video clips instead of music clips.
To make a video, click the Disney Parks section from the homepage. Scroll down until you see the 'Make Your Own Video' section and click 'Create A Video.' Now you can select clips from a specific ride - or from all of them!
Just drag and drop your clips to the slots below in the grey box (just like the Music Mixers). Pro Clips & Freestyle Clips go in the All Clips slots and Visual F/X, Sound F/X, and Music Trax clips go in the slots of the same name. At anytime you can hit the 'Play' button in the blue media widow and see your progress! Click the 'Trash It' button to throw away a video you're no happy with or 'Stash It' to save the video (again, you must be Logged In to use this feature).
Not feeling the creative urge or need some inspiration? Why not click on Video Gallery to see some of the Mash Ups your fellow VMKers have created! You can also rate em' and let them us know what rocks your socks - or what if it needs another edit! Cool stuff huh?
Visit the VMK Gallery for conceptual art and cool behind-the-scenes info.
Well that's about it for this week, if you were hoping to get a sneak peek at other upcoming info (like the in-Park Quest program) I'm afraid you'll have to wait until next week. I really want to give you the dirt on the upcoming plans but we're not quite ready to let that cat out of the bag. I have heard you might be able to see a some new images in the Gallery later in the week! So keep those eyes and ears open, you never know where some good inside info might come from (for example did you notice the Blue Bayou 'Secret' word changed and who leaked it)?
Ok, now back to work! One last thing, in honor of or newest land I'll take New Orleans over Chicago (no offense to any Bears fans). Hey, I'm pretty excited about those football playoffs - perhaps we should do something special for the 'big game' on that certain Sunday...Hmmm...
See you in VMK, 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
VMK Tickets and VMK Pass
We think some players may be getting confused regarding the difference between VMK Tickets and a VMK Pass. VMK Pass is a system that allows you to save your place in line to a popular room but still walk around and chat with players in VMK.
Instead of waiting in front of the loading screen, you now have the option to be placed in a special queue. But while you're waiting in this queue you still have the ability to walk around and chat in VMK.
VMK Tickets are special Single-Use Pins that allow players to enter 'Ticket Only' selected rooms. Room creators can now choose the players they want to enter their event.Tickets can be used once to enter, after they are used, they disappear from your inventory completely. Tickets also have an expiration date, after which they'll disappear even if they have not been used.
What VMK ticket are you really getting?
Finding it hard to tell which ticket you are getting in a trade window? Before you accept the trade, double click on the ticket – that will open a new window with the room information of the ticket. Happy Trading!
Castle Fireworks remixed
In the new Castle Fireworks remixed 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 will 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!"
Dear Yeti
You've Got Questions, Yeti Has Answers
I see some VMK players wearing a Stitch Hat in the game, how do I get one?
– RingOfSaturn
Dear RingOfSaturn,
That Stitch Hat is pretty cool, isn't it? It's also pretty cool where I live – brrr! Anyway, what was the question? Oh yes, the Stitch Hat! Well believe it or not RingOfSaturn, the set of Stitch cards (which includes: Stitch Hat, Traveling Stitch Pin, Blue Traveling Trunk) can only be received by booking travel online to the Disneyland Resort through the Walt Disney Travel Company.
Guests like yourself must book travel to the Disneyland Resort, through Disney.com or Disneyland.com, (book either the Resort Dream Vacation Package or The Good Neighbor Dream Vacation Package). Both packages include travel (airfare) and accommodations - the Resort Dream Package includes a stay at one of the three Disneyland Resorts (Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian & Spa, or Disney's Paradise Pier), while the Neighbor Package includes accommodations at a partner hotel off Disney property. The Stitch Card Set is sent with your vacation package, via special shipping and shipping confirmation. Input the code in VMK. Bam! You've got fuzzy blue Stitch headgear.
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. Every other week I'll answer a question or two here in the Newsletter.
Push's Trash Trivia
Before there was New Orleans Square, what Land occupied that location?
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: 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.
A: The Bilge Rats and The Bootstrappers. The Bilge Rats are a band of cursed pirates recently escaped from the attraction. They sing songs, tell stories and raise their battle cry of freedom! The Bootstrappers are a rag-tag pirate musical act that performs authentic sea chanteys and even some Disney tunes!
Did you know: Pirates first invaded New Orleans Square in 1967. The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction was originally intended to be a wax museum depicting real pirates from history, but Imagineers decided to use a boat ride through scenes of fictional Audio–Animatronic pirates invading a Caribbean seaport instead.
While cruising through Pirates, the theme song, "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life For Me)," is heard – this song was based loosely on the sea shanty, "Dead Man's Chest," from the book Treasure Island. Due to the popularity of the attraction, Pirates was also made in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.
Congratulations to the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for last week's question!
FigaroFan
DPirateRobert
kristisam
Your prize is on the 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
 | It's The Gingerbread House! If you're hungry, you've definitely come to the right place. Gabyta invites you to eat the walls, the roof and the benches. It's fun, and tasty, for everyone! |
 | Check out The Biggest Computer in VMK! X-Marks-The-Spot has the Kingdom's largest monitor, keyboard, and mouse (besides Mickey!) on display in his fantastic room. Come in, dance on the keyboard, and send messages to your friends! |
 | Long ago, a giant asteroid hit the area and created Crater Lake. Jasonpwns welcomes everyone to this lakeside excursion – so grab a piece of crater and relax! |
Best Game Rooms
 | Catch That Lumiere! The higher you spin the closer your soldier gets to catching that crazy candelabra, Lumiere. First player to have their soldier reach the enchanted candle wins a great prize from Yousaf. |
Best Player Quests
 | Test your knowledge of the Magic Kingdom in the Do You Know WDW? Quest! Join Doegirl and her friends on an adventure through Walt Disney World. The more you know, the more likely you are to win a great prize! |
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
Beware of Rooms that Scam
Don't waste your time in Guessing Game Rooms - because you'll never win anything in these rooms. Think about it: When a player has you guess his/her favorite Disney character, favorite color, whatever, even if you guess correctly the room owner can say you are wrong. Don't get scammed!Is this the right room?
Before you enter a Staff or Host room, always verify the room owner and room information. You can verify the room owner and room information by viewing the room information before you enter the room.
Safety Corner
Keeping your information private
Remember, giving out personal information is a no-no. Asking for, or giving out, personal information such as MySpace, AIM, email addresses, etc., will get you banned! Report players that are giving out this information – keep VMK a safe place 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.)