Post by flsea on Dec 27, 2006 15:22:48 GMT -5
From vmk.com!
12/25 – Announcing a new ticketing system for your Guest rooms! Plus, a way for you to keep track of big game events. The latest VMK News starts now...
It's a Holly Jolly Holiday!
Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you're drinking lots of hot coco and keeping warm... Even here in what's a normally warm Southern California, we've had a bit of a cold spell. Yesterday morning I had to scrape ice off my windshield and as you can imagine there aren't too many places to buy an ice scrapers around here!
Before I get into the details of this weeks column, I want to mention a few things... First, you've probably noticed the personalization on the site, we hope you think it's as cool as we do, you'll now see the Pins you're wearing... Next week I'll talk more this and other new features... Second, make sure to check out the new EVENT INFO box just to the right of this column on the Newsletter page. In the future you'll want to check this section out to get all the information you're looking for about major in-game and Park events - again this section will just focus only on EVENTS, not game items, or play tips, but the what, when, where, who and how of major VMK events. Ok, so now that that's outta the way, let's get down to bizness!
Holiday Mix Up
So by now you're probably aware that we switched out the Disneyland Holiday Quest for a new Haunted Mansion Holiday Quest. I'm truly sorry for those of you who were looking forward to getting the Holiday Items - but even with careful planning and many extra Reward Cards we still ran out. The truth is that these Special Quests (Halloween, Holiday) have been a huge success, even exceeding our own expectations, so we will be adding more in the coming year. I'll give you some more insight into the next Park Quest in the coming weeks. If you are spending the holidays at Walt Disney World you can still play the Holiday Quest but as we've already mentioned, there is a limited supply there too, and once this batch of Holiday Reward Cards are gone, the Quest will end.
Who Needs Tickets?
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.
Jingle All The Way
I hope that all makes sense - it made sense to me when I was writing it but with all the sugary Holiday treats I've been eating, this all may sound like a rambling sugar rush! I also hope you're excited about the updates and stuff that's on the way. So what's on deck for next week? Well, a little something I like to call "Castle Fireworks Remix," and no you won't have to come in 2nd Place to win the Pin...
Finally, enjoy what ever Holiday or tradition you celebrate and I'll see you in VMK... Alright, someone pass the Eggnog & Churrous, Yavn needs more sugar!
And to all a good night,
Yavn
You've got questions,
Yeti has answers
12/25 – What Christmas songs are sung in 'it's a small world holiday' at Disneyland?
-PirateJack
Dear PirateJack,
I know it's cold where I am, but doesn't this wintry weather shiver your timbers! Har! That's a good one... Anyway, the Yeti has just gotten back from visiting 'it's a small world holiday' and was singing right along to all the holiday tunes...
Now, let me see if I can remember them all... The regular theme song is still in the holiday soundtrack but 'Jingle Bells' has been mixed in too. Plus, when you float past the mermaids listen carefully, they'll be singing 'Jingle Shells!' Oh those girls are clever - you can also hear 'Feliz Navidad' too! The ride ends with a few rousing bars of 'Deck the Halls' and the Yeti with visions of sugar plumbs dancing in my head! Have a great holiday!
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.
In-Park Quests!
Going to Disneyland® Park or Magic Kingdom® Park? Play the in-Park Quests! Learn more here.
High School Musical Quest! Watch the movie, visit the parks and answer all the questions to win cool stuff!
Get the Thrill Seekers Quest for the Walt Disney World® Resort here!
The Tomorrowland Quest is still available: Download it here
Trading!
12/18 – If you are in a trade with someone and they say they have entered furniture in but it remains invisible due to a bug – DO NOT believe them. This is a scam, and you should report them!
Reporting Problems to
VMK Staff
12/11 – When you have a problem with something or someone in the game, make sure your report to us includes as many details as possible regarding the situation. Our staff wants to help you, but to do that, we need to understand the situation clearly and what you want to have resolved.
Having as much information as you can provide will help the staff take care of the issue quickly and effectively. Likewise, if we don't have all the information and have to go back and research what happened it will take us MUCH longer to answer you concern and fix the problem.
When you're reporting any problem, include the players name and location, the time and date, and most importantly, clearly explain what happened. If you're telling us about a chat that took place or a ban inquiry, you can repeat the conversation or instance. Just be sure to include who said what (using a specific player name) - and before you get into talking about the actual chat make a note that you're about to relay a conversation that has already taken place.
12/12 – Hey guys, I'm back with holiday happenings and park hopping info! I'm back from a tour with the VMK guys and the one and only Yavn through both Walt Disney World and Disneyland!
Jake's Blog 12/12
Epcot Ahead!
After catching some Z's on the plane to Florida I was ready to hit the ground running, we checked into our hotel, Caribbean Beach, and then I was off to Epcot to explore one of my most favorite parks! In Epcot, each country has their own way of celebrating and the holidays are no different. From decorations to shows, each land has a unique way to show its holiday spirit.
While I'm eager to see all the holiday decorations, my first order of business is to do something I didn't get to do the last time I was here - ride The Seas with Nemo & Friends!
The Sea For Me
I don't know if you remember but this was a much different ride before Nemo moved in. Before it was called The Living Seas and you would get in a Hydrolator (an elevator that simulated a ride to the ocean floor) and get out at Sea Base Alpha where 'seacabs' would take you under the aquarium.
When it was originally built, The Seas aquarium was the biggest man-made salt-water aquarium in the world - now only one aquarium in the world is bigger. And while I miss the Hydrolator, what they've done to the building (in addition to the cutting edge effects) is pretty amazing. The whole ride is made to make you feel like you're underwater - I don't want to spoil it, but you'll think you've grown gills after riding this one. If the submarine ride with Nemo that's coming to Disneyland next summer is anything like this, sign me up now.
Port Orleans - Explored!
We also got to explore Port Orleans the next day after breakfast. Port Orleans is actually broken into two parts, the French Quarter & Riverside. This is one of the coolest places at Walt Disney World, it's got a Southern theme with waterfront shops and restaurants like you might find on the bayou. Boatwright's Dining Hall is a converted boat-builders shop, now a restaurant on the waterfront, how's the food? Just as good as the view. This resort also sports one of the cooler pools, Doubloon Lagoon is a pool with a Sea Serpent - the serpent's tongue is a slide. There are even personal watercrafts that you can take on the river (like mini-paddleboats). You can even fish with an old-school fishing pole and worm!
Jake's Top 4 - Epcot Snacks
4. Wasabi Peas - Japan
(Peas, wasabi and by the bagful!)
3. Crisp Bar - England
(Is it a cookie or a candy bar?)
2. Club Cool / Flavors Around the World - Future World
(Try Beverly from Italy... heh heh heh...)
1. Turkey Leg - America
(The snack that eats like a meal!)
You Light Up My Life
That night after the guys were done with work, I went with them over to Disney-MGM Studios to have dinner and check out the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. (No, Ozzy hasn't been hanging lights when he's not rocking out - it's not that Osbourne Family.) This light show is incredible and even then I'm under-selling it. I heard people talk about it, but you really do have to see it to believe it. I couldn't count them all, but there had to be like a gazillion lights, all of them flashing on and off in time with the music.
The crowning touch though was the snow (that's right I said snow) that showered the streets. I heard Yavn say it takes Disney months to get these lights hooked up - and that some guy in Arkansas started the show for his daughter - now that's one heck of a Christmas present!
After being blinded by the (millions of) lights we headed over to the 50's Prime Time Diner. If you can imagine what it would be like to live in an old black and white television show you can imagine what it was like to eat here. The food was really good - good home cooking. And that's makes sense since our waitress kept calling herself 'Mom.' Thinking back, I guess that was ok, cause she made me eat all my vegetables and keep my elbows off the table like my real Mom does! Of course I give high praise to any place where the desert menu is on a View-Master, if you're planning on eating here, take a tip from Jake - remember the color of the soap in the bathroom, or 'Mom' will make you go back and wash your hands again!
The next night we went over to the Magic Kingdom to check out Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and the Holiday parade later that night. It was pretty cold but we all got wacky hats to keep our heads warm! Like the Halloween Party the Magic Kingdom also throws, they close the park for this Christmas Party and you have to have a separate ticket to get in.
It's very cool though because the park's not as crowded and they even have free cookies and hot cocoa for everyone! The parade was awesome, the fireworks were awesome and of course seeing Santa himself was also pretty darn awesome!
I spotted a sign for a new attraction called the Monsters Laugh Floor! Monsters are coming to the Magic Kingdom! Next month I'll have more info on this show - it is not the same ride as DCA.
So what else did we do at Walt Disney World? Well the VMK team invited me along for a rematch of mini-golf at Winter Summerland! Then after a full week of park hopping from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom and Disney-MGM Studios it was time to get back on a plane and head home to California - and off to more Disney Park goodness.
Disneyland Gets Decked Out
I wanted to see the holiday decorations at Disneyland so I tagged along with Yavn over the weekend for a visit there. I love the effort that all the Disney parks put into decorating for Christmas, and the holiday decorations at Disneyland don't disappoint! After checking out Main Street, I grabbed a Holiday Churro with Yavn (taste like cinnamon to me, chief) and then headed over to Santa's Reindeer Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch to see Santa (plus make sure I wasn't on the naughty list). You know it wouldn't kill those elves to give the reindeer a bath every now and then!
And of course I had to check out the Haunted Mansion Holiday in New Orleans Square. I said this in my last blog and I can't say it enough, what they've done to the haunted Mansion at Disneyland makes it feel and look like an entirely new ride! We also made our way over to it's a small world where it has was decorated for the holiday too! It's crazy what they've done there! The front of the ride has been completely covered in lights and inside everything has a Holiday theme! Man, I don't even want to think about what the electric bill will be like for Disneyland next month!
I also played the Holiday Quest at both parks, and that was cool - now I have both snowmen - the gold one from Disneyland and the white one from World. Speaking of Holiday Quest, I've seen where some of you guys are posting the Quest answers online - come on guys, that is so NOT COOL! I (and practically everyone else) want the fun of completing the Quest myself, so do me a favor - stop spoiling it for everybody.
Thanks to Yavn for letting me hang out with him so much, getting to do that and check out all the holiday stuff in the parks made it like the best week ever. Can't wait to go again! OK, gotta run, next time I'll have a backstage tour of Disneyland and talk about some cool things happening there. Have fun out there people!
Jake out!
12/25 – What's the optical illusion called that causes the Haunted Mansion busts to watch you as you walk by them?
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 Push's Trivia question for last week:
Q: In "Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas" what is the first thing Huey, Dewey, and Louie do to end up on Santa's Naughty list?
A: They throw a football through a window.
Huey, Dewey & Louie in 1938 starring in Donald's Nephews.
Did you know: You can usually tell Huey, Dewey and Louie from each other by the color of their hats or clothing. Huey wears red, Dewey wears blue (but he has worn orange) and Louie dresses in green.
Disney archivist Dave Smith points out in his book Disney A to Z there's an easy way to remember the difference, "Note that the brightest hue of the three is red (Huey), the color of water, dew, is blue (Dewey), and that leaves Louie, and leaves are green."
Huey, Dewey, and Louie made their first theatrical appearance in Donald's Nephews 1938. They were left on Donald Duck's doorstep by their mother, Dumbella Duck - Donald's sister.
Congratulations to the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for last week's question!
AntiqueEeyore
HappySydney
Neoteny
Your prize is on its way!
NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH!
2006 has been a great year - so help us celebrate in VMK!
NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH
December 31st
Don't forget to join us for New Year's Eve and help us celebrate 2007, VMK style! The game will be staying open an additional 3 hours so we can ring in the New Year with our friends on the West Coast at Disneyland!
Yep, you heard that correct VMK will operate from 7AM PST - 1AM PST on December 31st! We'll also have a new hat to commemorate the celebration, it will be on sale starting the evening of the 31st and be on sale all New Years day!
Check the Community Calendar for more details and event times.
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.
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.
Tips, Tricks, Hints, and How To's
And the password is?
12/18 - Can't remember your password? Go to the login screen and click on "Forgot your password?" Enter your username, last name, and birthday (to verify it's really you!) and your password will be emailed to you shortly. Pretty easy!
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 these e-mail providers have filters that 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 mailman@virtualmagickingdom.com. (Please note this email address does not receive e-mail except via the Contact Us form.)
12/25 – Announcing a new ticketing system for your Guest rooms! Plus, a way for you to keep track of big game events. The latest VMK News starts now...
It's a Holly Jolly Holiday!
Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you're drinking lots of hot coco and keeping warm... Even here in what's a normally warm Southern California, we've had a bit of a cold spell. Yesterday morning I had to scrape ice off my windshield and as you can imagine there aren't too many places to buy an ice scrapers around here!
Before I get into the details of this weeks column, I want to mention a few things... First, you've probably noticed the personalization on the site, we hope you think it's as cool as we do, you'll now see the Pins you're wearing... Next week I'll talk more this and other new features... Second, make sure to check out the new EVENT INFO box just to the right of this column on the Newsletter page. In the future you'll want to check this section out to get all the information you're looking for about major in-game and Park events - again this section will just focus only on EVENTS, not game items, or play tips, but the what, when, where, who and how of major VMK events. Ok, so now that that's outta the way, let's get down to bizness!
Holiday Mix Up
So by now you're probably aware that we switched out the Disneyland Holiday Quest for a new Haunted Mansion Holiday Quest. I'm truly sorry for those of you who were looking forward to getting the Holiday Items - but even with careful planning and many extra Reward Cards we still ran out. The truth is that these Special Quests (Halloween, Holiday) have been a huge success, even exceeding our own expectations, so we will be adding more in the coming year. I'll give you some more insight into the next Park Quest in the coming weeks. If you are spending the holidays at Walt Disney World you can still play the Holiday Quest but as we've already mentioned, there is a limited supply there too, and once this batch of Holiday Reward Cards are gone, the Quest will end.
Who Needs Tickets?
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.
Jingle All The Way
I hope that all makes sense - it made sense to me when I was writing it but with all the sugary Holiday treats I've been eating, this all may sound like a rambling sugar rush! I also hope you're excited about the updates and stuff that's on the way. So what's on deck for next week? Well, a little something I like to call "Castle Fireworks Remix," and no you won't have to come in 2nd Place to win the Pin...
Finally, enjoy what ever Holiday or tradition you celebrate and I'll see you in VMK... Alright, someone pass the Eggnog & Churrous, Yavn needs more sugar!
And to all a good night,
Yavn
You've got questions,
Yeti has answers
12/25 – What Christmas songs are sung in 'it's a small world holiday' at Disneyland?
-PirateJack
Dear PirateJack,
I know it's cold where I am, but doesn't this wintry weather shiver your timbers! Har! That's a good one... Anyway, the Yeti has just gotten back from visiting 'it's a small world holiday' and was singing right along to all the holiday tunes...
Now, let me see if I can remember them all... The regular theme song is still in the holiday soundtrack but 'Jingle Bells' has been mixed in too. Plus, when you float past the mermaids listen carefully, they'll be singing 'Jingle Shells!' Oh those girls are clever - you can also hear 'Feliz Navidad' too! The ride ends with a few rousing bars of 'Deck the Halls' and the Yeti with visions of sugar plumbs dancing in my head! Have a great holiday!
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.
In-Park Quests!
Going to Disneyland® Park or Magic Kingdom® Park? Play the in-Park Quests! Learn more here.
High School Musical Quest! Watch the movie, visit the parks and answer all the questions to win cool stuff!
Get the Thrill Seekers Quest for the Walt Disney World® Resort here!
The Tomorrowland Quest is still available: Download it here
Trading!
12/18 – If you are in a trade with someone and they say they have entered furniture in but it remains invisible due to a bug – DO NOT believe them. This is a scam, and you should report them!
Reporting Problems to
VMK Staff
12/11 – When you have a problem with something or someone in the game, make sure your report to us includes as many details as possible regarding the situation. Our staff wants to help you, but to do that, we need to understand the situation clearly and what you want to have resolved.
Having as much information as you can provide will help the staff take care of the issue quickly and effectively. Likewise, if we don't have all the information and have to go back and research what happened it will take us MUCH longer to answer you concern and fix the problem.
When you're reporting any problem, include the players name and location, the time and date, and most importantly, clearly explain what happened. If you're telling us about a chat that took place or a ban inquiry, you can repeat the conversation or instance. Just be sure to include who said what (using a specific player name) - and before you get into talking about the actual chat make a note that you're about to relay a conversation that has already taken place.
12/12 – Hey guys, I'm back with holiday happenings and park hopping info! I'm back from a tour with the VMK guys and the one and only Yavn through both Walt Disney World and Disneyland!
Jake's Blog 12/12
Epcot Ahead!
After catching some Z's on the plane to Florida I was ready to hit the ground running, we checked into our hotel, Caribbean Beach, and then I was off to Epcot to explore one of my most favorite parks! In Epcot, each country has their own way of celebrating and the holidays are no different. From decorations to shows, each land has a unique way to show its holiday spirit.
While I'm eager to see all the holiday decorations, my first order of business is to do something I didn't get to do the last time I was here - ride The Seas with Nemo & Friends!
The Sea For Me
I don't know if you remember but this was a much different ride before Nemo moved in. Before it was called The Living Seas and you would get in a Hydrolator (an elevator that simulated a ride to the ocean floor) and get out at Sea Base Alpha where 'seacabs' would take you under the aquarium.
When it was originally built, The Seas aquarium was the biggest man-made salt-water aquarium in the world - now only one aquarium in the world is bigger. And while I miss the Hydrolator, what they've done to the building (in addition to the cutting edge effects) is pretty amazing. The whole ride is made to make you feel like you're underwater - I don't want to spoil it, but you'll think you've grown gills after riding this one. If the submarine ride with Nemo that's coming to Disneyland next summer is anything like this, sign me up now.
Port Orleans - Explored!
We also got to explore Port Orleans the next day after breakfast. Port Orleans is actually broken into two parts, the French Quarter & Riverside. This is one of the coolest places at Walt Disney World, it's got a Southern theme with waterfront shops and restaurants like you might find on the bayou. Boatwright's Dining Hall is a converted boat-builders shop, now a restaurant on the waterfront, how's the food? Just as good as the view. This resort also sports one of the cooler pools, Doubloon Lagoon is a pool with a Sea Serpent - the serpent's tongue is a slide. There are even personal watercrafts that you can take on the river (like mini-paddleboats). You can even fish with an old-school fishing pole and worm!
Jake's Top 4 - Epcot Snacks
4. Wasabi Peas - Japan
(Peas, wasabi and by the bagful!)
3. Crisp Bar - England
(Is it a cookie or a candy bar?)
2. Club Cool / Flavors Around the World - Future World
(Try Beverly from Italy... heh heh heh...)
1. Turkey Leg - America
(The snack that eats like a meal!)
You Light Up My Life
That night after the guys were done with work, I went with them over to Disney-MGM Studios to have dinner and check out the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. (No, Ozzy hasn't been hanging lights when he's not rocking out - it's not that Osbourne Family.) This light show is incredible and even then I'm under-selling it. I heard people talk about it, but you really do have to see it to believe it. I couldn't count them all, but there had to be like a gazillion lights, all of them flashing on and off in time with the music.
The crowning touch though was the snow (that's right I said snow) that showered the streets. I heard Yavn say it takes Disney months to get these lights hooked up - and that some guy in Arkansas started the show for his daughter - now that's one heck of a Christmas present!
After being blinded by the (millions of) lights we headed over to the 50's Prime Time Diner. If you can imagine what it would be like to live in an old black and white television show you can imagine what it was like to eat here. The food was really good - good home cooking. And that's makes sense since our waitress kept calling herself 'Mom.' Thinking back, I guess that was ok, cause she made me eat all my vegetables and keep my elbows off the table like my real Mom does! Of course I give high praise to any place where the desert menu is on a View-Master, if you're planning on eating here, take a tip from Jake - remember the color of the soap in the bathroom, or 'Mom' will make you go back and wash your hands again!
The next night we went over to the Magic Kingdom to check out Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and the Holiday parade later that night. It was pretty cold but we all got wacky hats to keep our heads warm! Like the Halloween Party the Magic Kingdom also throws, they close the park for this Christmas Party and you have to have a separate ticket to get in.
It's very cool though because the park's not as crowded and they even have free cookies and hot cocoa for everyone! The parade was awesome, the fireworks were awesome and of course seeing Santa himself was also pretty darn awesome!
I spotted a sign for a new attraction called the Monsters Laugh Floor! Monsters are coming to the Magic Kingdom! Next month I'll have more info on this show - it is not the same ride as DCA.
So what else did we do at Walt Disney World? Well the VMK team invited me along for a rematch of mini-golf at Winter Summerland! Then after a full week of park hopping from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom and Disney-MGM Studios it was time to get back on a plane and head home to California - and off to more Disney Park goodness.
Disneyland Gets Decked Out
I wanted to see the holiday decorations at Disneyland so I tagged along with Yavn over the weekend for a visit there. I love the effort that all the Disney parks put into decorating for Christmas, and the holiday decorations at Disneyland don't disappoint! After checking out Main Street, I grabbed a Holiday Churro with Yavn (taste like cinnamon to me, chief) and then headed over to Santa's Reindeer Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch to see Santa (plus make sure I wasn't on the naughty list). You know it wouldn't kill those elves to give the reindeer a bath every now and then!
And of course I had to check out the Haunted Mansion Holiday in New Orleans Square. I said this in my last blog and I can't say it enough, what they've done to the haunted Mansion at Disneyland makes it feel and look like an entirely new ride! We also made our way over to it's a small world where it has was decorated for the holiday too! It's crazy what they've done there! The front of the ride has been completely covered in lights and inside everything has a Holiday theme! Man, I don't even want to think about what the electric bill will be like for Disneyland next month!
I also played the Holiday Quest at both parks, and that was cool - now I have both snowmen - the gold one from Disneyland and the white one from World. Speaking of Holiday Quest, I've seen where some of you guys are posting the Quest answers online - come on guys, that is so NOT COOL! I (and practically everyone else) want the fun of completing the Quest myself, so do me a favor - stop spoiling it for everybody.
Thanks to Yavn for letting me hang out with him so much, getting to do that and check out all the holiday stuff in the parks made it like the best week ever. Can't wait to go again! OK, gotta run, next time I'll have a backstage tour of Disneyland and talk about some cool things happening there. Have fun out there people!
Jake out!
12/25 – What's the optical illusion called that causes the Haunted Mansion busts to watch you as you walk by them?
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 Push's Trivia question for last week:
Q: In "Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas" what is the first thing Huey, Dewey, and Louie do to end up on Santa's Naughty list?
A: They throw a football through a window.
Huey, Dewey & Louie in 1938 starring in Donald's Nephews.
Did you know: You can usually tell Huey, Dewey and Louie from each other by the color of their hats or clothing. Huey wears red, Dewey wears blue (but he has worn orange) and Louie dresses in green.
Disney archivist Dave Smith points out in his book Disney A to Z there's an easy way to remember the difference, "Note that the brightest hue of the three is red (Huey), the color of water, dew, is blue (Dewey), and that leaves Louie, and leaves are green."
Huey, Dewey, and Louie made their first theatrical appearance in Donald's Nephews 1938. They were left on Donald Duck's doorstep by their mother, Dumbella Duck - Donald's sister.
Congratulations to the 3 lucky (and randomly picked) players that sent in the correct answer for last week's question!
AntiqueEeyore
HappySydney
Neoteny
Your prize is on its way!
NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH!
2006 has been a great year - so help us celebrate in VMK!
NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH
December 31st
Don't forget to join us for New Year's Eve and help us celebrate 2007, VMK style! The game will be staying open an additional 3 hours so we can ring in the New Year with our friends on the West Coast at Disneyland!
Yep, you heard that correct VMK will operate from 7AM PST - 1AM PST on December 31st! We'll also have a new hat to commemorate the celebration, it will be on sale starting the evening of the 31st and be on sale all New Years day!
Check the Community Calendar for more details and event times.
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.
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.
Tips, Tricks, Hints, and How To's
And the password is?
12/18 - Can't remember your password? Go to the login screen and click on "Forgot your password?" Enter your username, last name, and birthday (to verify it's really you!) and your password will be emailed to you shortly. Pretty easy!
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 these e-mail providers have filters that 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 mailman@virtualmagickingdom.com. (Please note this email address does not receive e-mail except via the Contact Us form.)
