Yavn Speaks!

2/12 – VMK Central at Disneyland gets a makeover, plus how to get a VMK room makeover! New reward cards are announced and we've moved our office - all in this edition of Yavn Speaks!

We've Moved!
After a week in the new place, we've unpacked most of our boxes and are finally settling into our new office location. While there are a few things that need to be worked out, the new building is very nice (and location still top secret) - so if you didn't see any of the team in the game over the last few days it's because of all this moving craziness.

Central Changes & Rewards Reworked

VMK HQ is not the only thing that changed last week, VMK Central at Disneyland also got a facelift! As you can see from the pic below, the kiosk now has the same look and style as VMK.com! If you've visited the VMK Central at Disneyland in the last week you've not only noticed the new color scheme, but that we're also showing off 4 new cards there!

http://avmk.disney.go.com/avmk_v0300/en_US/media/calendar/YavnSpks-2007-02-12-VMKCentral.jpg

If you visited VMK Central in Tomorrowland at Disneyland last week, you may have noticed something new – a new look and new reward cards!

In addition to everything else that's getting an overhaul, we're introducing a new reward system in both Parks. Starting soon we'll offer a new prize for completing multiple Park Quests (at both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom) – like one of our new Limited Edition Mickey Furniture Reward Cards! These are extremely limited cards that will only be available seasonally. How's that work? Well, we'll launch the Limited Edition set with the Winter Mickey Mouse Window - this card will be available until Spring, when it will be replaced with a new seasonal reward card – and remember Limited Edition means just that – once the season is gone, the Limited Edition card that goes with it will be gone for good too.

In all, there are 4 Mickey Furniture cards and each one is themed for a specific season. The Limited Edition set also features a special 'foil' and of course each one has a code that can be redeemed for the virtual item on the card.

http://avmk.disney.go.com/avmk_v0300/en_US/media/calendar/YavnSpks-02-12-06-MickeyWindow.jpg

The picture here doesn't do these cards justice – but trust me, they look awesome.

And we've got more cool changes and new reward cards on the way too, plus for our Disneyland Guest, don't forget we're still running the Fast Pass program. Stay tuned, I'll have more info on these Limited Edition cards very soon!

Room Makeovers - VMK Style

Also this week we're bringing back an old VMK favorite, VMK Room Makeovers! Would you like to have one of our VMK Experts help you turn you room into a hot spot? Just send us a note and tell us about a room (your's or someone else's) that's worthy of a makeover. Our secret room makeover agents will also be making the rounds secretly looking for rooms that need a makeover. Either way, each week we'll pick some rooms for a makeover and show you the results in an upcoming newsletter.

http://avmk.disney.go.com/avmk_v0300/en_US/media/calendar/YavnSpks-02-12-02-roommakeover1.jpg

Before…

http://avmk.disney.go.com/avmk_v0300/en_US/media/calendar/YavnSpks-02-12-02-roommakeover2.jpg

After…

Lost Your Character? More About Deleted Accounts

As I mentioned a while back, we have started deleting inactive accounts, in particular accounts that have been inactive for 6 months or more. You may have noticed this yourself if you logged on and found your account was gone. If you did, we're sorry, but we did warn players.

A few of you have requested your deleted account and player name back – sorry, once the accounts are deleted from the system they can not be brought back. We even reset the deleted player name. I bring this up again so you remember if you plan to be away from VMK for a while, you should still check in every now and then so you don't loose your character.

Hey Waiter!

Just a heads up, Haley & Jake aren't the only ones who know the 'Secret Word' to get service from the Gator Waiter in the Blue Bayou - check around, there are plenty of other 'characters' in the game that know how to get the Gator Waiter's attention!

http://avmk.disney.go.com/avmk_v0300/en_US/media/calendar/YavnSpks-2007-01-22-gatorserving.jpg

Service with a smile in the Blue Bayou - a big toothy, gator smile that is.

That's a Wrap!

Well I hope you enjoyed the first week of February Fun Days, don't forget get extra credit by playing Haunted Mansion on Tuesday and Castle Fireworks remix on Thursday! You never know when a little extra bling may come in handy. Also I should mention the first VMK Race day is coming up this weekend, February 18th. So grab your driving helmet and race on over (it's a bad pun I know, but at least I didn't tell you to get in gear for VMK Race Day… on second thought, just scratch both of those puns).

What else? The new office is pretty cool, I'll try to get you some pics of it in upcoming Yavn Speaks blogs, I think Darth Vader designed the lights! Ok time to go, we gotta wrap up the Epcot Quest… word on the street is it may be ready to kick off next week… Stay tuned!

See you in VMK!
Yavn


Dear Yeti..

You've got questions,
Yeti has answers

2/12 – Just curious Mr. Yeti, where do you get your hair cut?

– TikiT

Dear TikiT,

I get it – you like the Yeti's stylish do and want to emulate my greatness! I usually let the mane get a few inches on it before I cut it, especially during this time of year, since it's a tad colder than usual. But enough about me, let's get to your question, my favorite spot for a hair cut is the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.

http://avmk.disney.go.com/avmk_v0300/en_US/media/calendar/DearYeti-2007-12-02-MKBarberShop.jpg

Need a little off the top? Stop by the Harmony Barber Shop.

Yep, that's right, there's a barber shop inside a Disney Park – how cool is that?! The Harmony Barber Shop is located just inside the entrance to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and they offer full service cuts and styling! No only do they do a great job, but it's awesome to be able to tell people you got your haircut in the Magic Kingdom! If you do go, ask for Michael and tell him the Yeti sent you! And while you're there Tiki, check out the Tiki Room – just make sure the birds don't set up shop in your fine new hairdo!

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.


Scam Alert!

Is that who I think it is?

2/12– It's not a good idea to have anyone, even Community Leaders, 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 best to keep all your items stored safely in your own (virtual) hands.
Pretending you're Staff is a no–no

Impersonation is not allowed in VMK. If a player says they are staff, make sure they're wearing the orange Mickey Pin and wearing either red (for staff and hosts) or blue (for QA/testers) ears. Remember – a staff member would never ask you to trade any items.


Safety Corner

Do you REALLY need to use the Call for Help Button?

2/12 – Please make sure to follow the VMK rules when reporting someone. Someone cutting in line or asking you to be their friend is not grounds for reporting them. Use the Call for Help system wisely. VMK Staff needs to spend their time helping people are who are seriously in need of Staff assistance.

However, if a player keeps doing something to annoy other players (repeating words to fill up the screen, blocking, etc) please use the Contact Us section on the website to report your issue – don't forget to be detailed (include harasser's name and event details) when writing in.

To get emergency help at any time while you're playing the game, simply Call for VMK Staff by clicking on HELP in the bottom right of the game screen. VMK Staff will then either send you a message or come and see you.

The Call for VMK Staff option is VMK's 911 service, so please only use it in emergencies – if another Player is hassling you or making you feel uncomfortable. For general questions about the game, take a look at the FAQs.


Push's Trash Trivia

2/12 – What provided the inspiration for the castle at the Magic Kingdom?
Know the answer?

Send your answer using Contact Us at the bottom of this or the main VMK webpage. Be sure to have your VMK registration info with you and select Push's Trash Trivia from the drop down menu.

Out of all the correct answers, three players will be randomly drawn as the winners and sent a cool prize. But hurry! Only entries submitted by the close of game on Friday will be accepted.

Here's the answer to last weeks Trash Trivia question:

Question: In the Haunted Mansion, who provides the voice for the ride's narration?

Answer: Paul Frees

Did you know: Paul Frees is the "Ghost Host" for the Haunted mansion – providing the narration for the attraction's foyer, stretching room, and ride.

http://avmk.disney.go.com/avmk_v0300/en_US/media/calendar/PushTrivia-2007-02-12-HauntedMansion.jpg

They're dying to get into the Haunted Mansion.

Frees' voice was also used in many other Disney projects. He voiced the Professor Ludwig Von Drake in episodes of the Disney anthology television series (which is often referred to as "The Wonderful World of Disney"). This same character, Professor Ludwig Von Drake, was also featured on many Disneyland Records and Frees sung as Von Drake in the cartoon An Adventure in Color. Frees also voiced the pirate auctioneer for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Frees was honored as Disney Legend on October 9, 2006.

http://avmk.disney.go.com/avmk_v0300/en_US/media/calendar/PushTrivia-2006-01-01-hauntedmansionbust.jpg

Who is Paul Frees? There's a likeness of him in The Haunted Mansion movie (here's a hint: he's one of the singing bust).

There are a few other notable voices used for the Haunted Mansion attraction as well. The voice of Vincent Price (most popularly known for his narration in Michael Jackson's Thriller) was originally used in the Phantom Manor part of the Haunted Mansion attraction. However, due to some complications with contracts, the voice of Gerard Chevalier was used instead. Another notable voice used in the attraction is that of Thurl Ravenscroft (best known for voicing Tony the Tiger in the cereal commercials) – he sings as part of the quintet of singing busts in the graveyard scene.

Congratulations to the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for last week's question!

DudeZeke

MizBubble

Camera Clicker

Your prize is on its way!


Tips, Tricks, Hints, and How To's

Party in Club 33!

http://avmk.disney.go.com/avmk_v0300/en_US/media/help/faqs/2007-01-11-FAQ-Club33-logo.jpg

2/12 – Did someone say party in Club 33?
Be the Best Guest Room Winner of the week and win an exclusive party in Club 33 with 33 of your friends.

Need some advice on how to make a great room? Search the shops for fun new items, check out other players' rooms for ideas, be creative as possible, and have fun! Good luck!


Best Rooms of the Week!


Best Guest Rooms

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Pirate_Hope brings
us his heart themed room, Big Heart in VMK (http://avmk.disney.go.com/avmk_v0300/en_US/media/global/room_2007_02_12_Pirate_Hope.jpg). Come in and relax on the giant VMK heart, dance, hang out, or take a swim!


Best Game Rooms

Smartieaquagirl really stumped us with her tricky Can You Spot the Difference? (http://avmk.disney.go.com/avmk_v0300/en_US/media/global/room_2007_02_12_smartieaquagirl.jpg) room. The room is cut in half, and both sides are almost identical except for one detail – can you find it?


Best Player Quests

Two Quests in one room! In Amythest's room, Amythest Quest (http://avmk.disney.go.com/avmk_v0300/en_US/media/global/room_2007_02_12_amethyst.jpg)!, you can learn all about the Amethyst stone. There is also a bonus Cars Quest through the purple door. Get Questin'!



Quick Summary - New EPCOT quest soon,old accounts get deleted, new reward cards at Disney parks soon, room makeovers will be returning, new word at the Blue Bayou, best guest room winners now can have a private party at Club 33, new Push Trivia question along with tips + tricks as well as a new scam alert.

Because it wasn't there a few minutes ago (I checked). Hurry up and edit your post, Schmoofy!! :)

Wow, Yavn actually said, "...so you don't loose your character."

You'd figure he'd be able to spell.

As I mentioned a while back, we have started deleting inactive accounts, in particular accounts that have been inactive for 6 months or more. You may have noticed this yourself if you logged on and found your account was gone. If you did, we're sorry, but we did warn players.
I'm going through my list and there's quite a few of friends that are gone (even though they do show up on the forums now and again). Please remember that you need to log in your accounts every so often, whether it's VMK or another game (other games deleted inactive accounts as well).

Wow, Yavn actually said, "...so you don't loose your character."

You'd figure he'd be able to spell.

Thats' really funny, i was thinking the same thing.
:)

Hmm.. Interesting newsletter. Maybe the new location could be in DCA?

Heh, who knows about the new location, it doesn't really effect our game play, except for the fact that the move could have been the reason for all the lag and dc the last week or so.

So, who's making the DomoAriGato and MrRoboto accounts over? ;)

Yay! So there definately is an EPCOT Quest coming out! That's so exciting. I wonder if that is how you get the room, hopefully along with furniture, pins, or other rewards! I'm excited, I love EPCOT!

Yay! So there definately is an EPCOT Quest coming out! That's so exciting. I wonder if that is how you get the room, hopefully along with furniture, pins, or other rewards! I'm excited, I love EPCOT!


So if Epcot Quest launches next week does that mean it will be in park? If it's in game it doesn't really fit with the theme unless there's a test track tie-in.

So when does spring start? I want to get my paws on that peeking Mickey! I still think it's creepy. :D

I think the window is being shortchanged. It starts next week, there is almost 2/3's of winter gone already. That means it will only be available for 1/2 of the time of the others. I guess I will be trading for most of these until our annual trip. Sigh.

I think the window is being shortchanged. It starts next week, there is almost 2/3's of winter gone already. That means it will only be available for 1/2 of the time of the others. I guess I will be trading for most of these until our annual trip. Sigh.
Yeah, and I've already done the quests this winter, so now I have to wait ninety days before I can do them again. In ninety days, it won't be winter!

Curious question: I'm a pass holder and I just did the quests last week. I have to wait 90 days before I get the quest cards again. But if I go and fill out the quest cards, but don't actually get those cards because it's within 90 days, would I be able to get the Reward card? I hope my whole question makes sense - my brain is ticking off for the night.....

Curious question: I'm a pass holder and I just did the quests last week. I have to wait 90 days before I get the quest cards again. But if I go and fill out the quest cards, but don't actually get those cards because it's within 90 days, would I be able to get the Reward card? I hope my whole question makes sense - my brain is ticking off for the night.....
This is the same problem I have. I just did the quests yesterday! Ninety days will push us out of winter. Does this mean we can't get the winter bonus card?

This is the same problem I have. I just did the quests yesterday! Ninety days will push us out of winter. Does this mean we can't get the winter bonus card?

I always assumed your 90 day waiting period only applied to quests you've already done, not new ones. That would make sense, but then again we are talking about VMK here..

The 90 days only refers to the quests already done. New quest np, new prize then the 90 day starts for that one. :val01:

I am going to wait. My 90 days are up now, so I could do the quest again this week. I did the last one halloween week. ( and then the christmas quest.) We are going sometime in the next week.

I am just going to let my parents turn in there quest, I will wait and see if they are doing the extra reward before I turn mine in.

I would rather just wait, the only new thing out is the spinner thingy.

So maybe I read the update wrong, but is he implying that you have to complete the quest at both Disneyland and WDW to get the limited edition card? That would obviously be ridiculous, but again, we are talking about VMK here.. ;)

I don't know if anyone realized this or not. . . TikiT (pin designer) is asking question to the yeti! xD LOL

~me~

ARG! I CAN"T BELIEVE IT! THey decide the launch the epcot quest next week, while i'm at WDW. The only thing is, I WONT BE ABLE TO GO TO EPCOT! ARG >_<

So if Epcot Quest launches next week does that mean it will be in park? If it's in game it doesn't really fit with the theme unless there's a test track tie-in.

So when does spring start? I want to get my paws on that peeking Mickey! I still think it's creepy. :DI don't know if it means in park, in game, or both. I think what was said is really misleading, especially because the other week Yavn said the team was going to WDW to discuss items for the EPCOT room. (Note, we still have to say epcot in VMK, not EPCOT like it's meant to be spelled)

I don't know if anyone realized this or not. . . TikiT (pin designer) is asking question to the yeti! xD LOL

~me~
Rofl, that was my initial reaction too, but then you need to think in the fact that TikiT has normal player powers, he just designs pins.

Question: Were we supposed to send in why they should decorate our room via contact us?

I don't know if it means in park, in game, or both. I think what was said is really misleading, especially because the other week Yavn said the team was going to WDW to discuss items for the EPCOT room. (Note, we still have to say epcot in VMK, not EPCOT like it's meant to be spelled)
Actually, the name of the park changed from EPCOT (an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) to Epcot (a word which doesn't officially stand for anything) in 1994.

Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epcot#The_theme_park) has more details.

Actually, the name of the park changed from EPCOT (an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) to Epcot (a word which doesn't officially stand for anything) in 1994.


Yeah, I liked it back when it was EPCOT Center...

I thought it stood for Every Person Comes Out Tired. Or Every Person Carries Out Trinkets. Or Eisner's Profit Center Of Today....

I am with ThenIShall I want to know where to send in for a room makeover

I am with ThenIShall I want to know where to send in for a room makeover
I dunno, that "after" picture doesn't impress me so much.

The 90 days only refers to the quests already done. New quest np, new prize then the 90 day starts for that one. :val01:

Here is what I think. Please correct me if I am wrong...

If you have already done the quests, received the cards and it is past 90 days you are OK. If it is less than 90 days will get the Reward Card(s) only because they are new. Once the 90 days are up you will be able to get both the quest cards and the rewards card.

Hope this helps. :wave2:

I dunno, that "after" picture doesn't impress me so much.
But hey, they got a free firewall.

Oh great. As if I don't spend all of my extra time at EPCOT as it is, now the quest may go live next week?

Sheesh, I guess I might as well move into the park.

For the room makeover do we send them a letter about our room through Contact Us, or through a call for help....

Sheesh, I guess I might as well move into the park.

Heh, if it were possible to move into Epcot, I would have done it a long time ago!

I hope that not all the Epcot items are quest items. The pins on display in VMK Gallery look like a set of monthly pins, so we should at least get those.

For the room makeover do we send them a letter about our room through Contact Us, or through a call for help....
The Call for Help is only for emergencies.

I'm thinking they just haven't added the option to Contact Us yet.

Pretty cool stuff. Although I probably won't get those four cards because I don't go to WDW once a month!...

Other then that, that's pretty much it. Nothing really going on except the VMK Race thing. Oh, one more thing:

Our secret room makeover agents will also be making the rounds secretly looking for rooms that need a makeover.So...they will give you a makeover even if you don't want it? I hope not.

~Q/S

Our secret room makeover agents will also be making the rounds secretly looking for rooms that need a makeover.Yeah! That is rather insulting!

Hmm, I think I need to make a new really sad looking room with all of my reject furniture and submit it. Maybe they would give me something cool to help. Or I could submit my pirates room I really don't know much of what to do with it. All I know is I need 7 more skeleton monkeys and the codes won't come up right now.

Pirates codes don't work anymore? I used to play that religiously and store my codes in a document. I finally checked how many codes I had accumulated a couple weeks ago and it was around 5000!! I figured I may as well stop playing and start using.... So far I've only used 300.... I hope that they all still work by the time I get finished....

The codes still work, just that the game won't give them out, it only says error all the time.

Maybe I am really thick, but I can't seem to find the difference in the best game room picture. Can anybody help me out?

Maybe I am really thick, but I can't seem to find the difference in the best game room picture. Can anybody help me out?
Ok, I didn't want to be the first to admit this, but yeah, I don't see it, either.

I think I am just going to pretend that the difference is right behind the kid standing in the way on the right side, or that the difference is the kid standing on the right side.

nice, star wars room lol. Anyway, ignoring the fact that i wont be able to get these rewards cards :( :( :( :(, i told you there would be an epcot quest! Get ready to see that room and maybe other stuff like the guesses people took with the ship/costume on the loading screen.

in the roommakeovers do they take stuff out of your furnish stuff or use there stuff?

Makes me wonder what was wrong with their other location.

I thought it stood for Every Person Comes Out Tired. Or Every Person Carries Out Trinkets. Or Eisner's Profit Center Of Today....

I asked someone working in one of the countless shops and they said, "Every Paycheck Comes Out Tiny". ;)

I'm really hoping the quest is in-game, but if it isn't, I have a friend going late next week-early the week after who might be able to help.

Makes me wonder what was wrong with their other location.

I think yavn mentioned in a past newsletter that the other office was too small. However, it could be for location as well.

Wow, Yavn actually said, "...so you don't loose your character."

You'd figure he'd be able to spell.
Somebody fixed this error in the newsletter. Yay.