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Presented by ElectricLime...The Virtual Magic Kingdom Database...it's here in all it's glory.  Thank you ElectricLime for all the work you put into this!

Discussion: DisBoards

VMK to Re-Open until Halloween? Could it be True?

Wouldn't this truly be the Year of a Million Dreams?

"Just got this from Ridley Pearson, the author of several wonderful books where characters talk to one another inside VMK. The entry is on his website, and is dated today, Friday, May 23, 2008:

"There are rumors circulating about VMK possibly being extended (for long time users) for a few months longer. I can't confirm anything at this time, but keep your fingers crossed."

We now have word from trusted sources who say that VMK will open through October -- but only for those who are already signed up on VMK. So we'll see what happens. Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available... Thank you, Ridley, and everyone of you for your support!! Save VMK!!!!"
Source: Ridley Pearson Blog | SaveVMK.com

ETA 5/25/08:
Update from Ridley :(

Sunday, May 25, 2008 False VMK I'm now told by my "insider" that indeed it may be only a rumor (about VMK). Sad, because my "source" of the rumor was another top insider. But alas, I'm afraid VMK is gone. I'm disappointed too.... Ridley
Source: Ridley Pearson Blog | SaveVMK.com

A Message from Madison

"We asked Madison if she had anything to say to everyone about VMK closing. She wrote and said:

"I'd like to thank YOU and everyone at SaveVMK.com for all your help in trying to keep VMK open. I felt really sad yesterday but tried to have as much fun as possible on the last day. I closed in my castle suite room because I was finally home. I waited a long time to get that room (thats all I ever wanted on VMK). I was so happy but then got really sad when that room came out for me to buy last week. I wish I had a longer time to enjoy it. I t was a very special place for me. I took lots of pictures of all my rooms and will treasure those memories forever. I wish disney would realize that this wasn't just a game for me and for so many others. It was a way for me to do things i can't do in real life. Just like the carnival games that came out yesterday on the last day. I would love to be able to play a carnival game myself in real life but I can't. I finally could in VMK and they made it so simple and easy for me. I built a Buzz Lightyear ride too. I could sit and ride without my mommy holding me. I just came back from WDW a couple of weeks ago and my favorite ride was Buzz. Can you believe this? Disney said VMK was a promotion that went way longer than it should. But it looks like VMK had plans for a Toy Story month with the release of these new items. I think that would have gotten people to go to the parks just to try the new ride. NOTHING will replace VMK but hopefully I can find my friends again in VFK or somewhere else. It just won't be disney and I love disney so much! I kept the same name- princessmadiro so if you see me there please say hi. Thanks again to everyone! My VMK friends are the greatest! Glove and hugs!  "Madison-princessmadiro."

Source: SaveVMK.com

VMK - The Magic is Gone - RIP - 05.21.08

   

Yavn's Final Message from VMK

Live and direct from VMK Central, here's Yavn with a final mesage to the Kingdom...

Not Goodbye...

Well here we are, at the end of a long journey. First, I'd like to say thank you for your notes, emails and letters – they have all made their way to me. I too have many great memories, and like you, I have a great appreciation of VMK.

I wish I could list out my favorite VMK memories and moments, but there are so many it's impossible to list them all. Of course something that I get asked over and over again is what inspired you to make VMK. For each of us it started with a love of the Disney Parks, and in my case it was a book...

The Big Blue Book

I was 11 years old when I went to see a Disney stage show. I don't remember the details of the show, only that each family that attended received a big blue book. In my family, I ended up with the book and spent many, many nights reading it. Over and over again.

The book was called "Disneyland, The First Quarter Century."

The book showcased the first 25 years of the Park with a few pages of the then upcoming Big Thunder Mountain. Many of the attractions shown were still in the Park, but a few that caught my eye (Flying Saucers, Phantom Boats and Carousel of Progress) made me wish I could turn back the clock.

Yavn took inspiration for VMK from this book about Disneyland.

I spent so much time visiting and reading about Disneyland that I started to know every inch of it, past and present. But Disneyland wasn't my only passion, I was also a huge fan of video games, and I always thought it would be cool to make a computerized version of Disneyland. Of course I had no idea what that would mean until much later...

What amazes me now is the way that Disneyland found its way to the internet, and again is showing the world an exciting new frontier – a digital frontier, that lives on the internet.

Now VMK is going away. Just like several attractions at Disneyland that have come and gone, VMK was just the first step in a new age of online attractions. However unlike Disneyland, VMK was never built to run forever. VMK was just the beginning – who knows what we will imagine next!

Still we've had a great time, shared some great memories – and years from now, someone will mention VMK in a conversation and you can smile and say proudly "Yeah, I played it."

Thank You!

Finally, we'd like to give all our players 30 days of unlimited access to both Pirates of the Caribbean Online and Toontown Online. If you're interested in this offer, email us at: vmk@disneyonline.com.

Important: Please make sure you provide your VMK character name to be eligible (this is the character name you played as in VMK -- we don't need your login, password or other info, just your character name).

And Thank YOU!

It takes a great many people to create, build and run a virtual Park. I'd like to thank Team VMK, all of our friends and partners at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom – but most of all, you.

I ask one last favor of all of you – remember VMK as one step along the journey. Like I said, in the history of the Disney Parks, we've seen attractions go away to be replaced by better experiences. Still those older attractions are talked about today just as fondly as they were when they were opened (Flying Saucers, House Of The Future, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Walt Disney World, America Sings).

Let's keep a special place in our hearts and minds for VMK and remember the fun, friends and fantasy while we keep an eye toward the great things to come.

Remember this is farewell, not goodbye! After some much needed rest you'll probably catch me sailing the virtual seas in Pirates, or flying around in Pixie Hollow.

Thanks for playing VMK,
Yavn

Read more

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Social Media is NOT an Experiment!!

"Bad move: Disney shutting down Virtual Magic Kingdom:

Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom to Close Doors

On May 21, Disney is closing down Virtual Magic Kindgom. Launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in 2005, the virtual attraction saw strong enough numbers to keep it running for three unexpected years, but, as producer Seth "Yavn" Mendelsohn explained in a newsletter earlier this week, "the game has lived well beyond the originally intended time it was planned to run."

"At Disney we're still committed to building communities and online virtual worlds – and we're looking forward to providing you the opportunity to enjoy other exciting new experiences," Mendelsohn continued..."
read entire post

Source: Laurel Papworth -Social Networks

VMK R.I.P. 05.21.08

IsadoraQ from SaveVMK.com Would Like to Say Something...

"I have been thinking, and I wanted to say this:

In this world we come across many different types of people. We may find that people are generally doing positive and helpful things. Or, they may be doing negative and harmful actions, either by themselves, or by allowing others to do so.

It is always wise to try to steer clear of those who are so wrapped up in their own concerns that they will hurt others -- either on purpose, or indirectly because they simply don't care enough about other people to think about the consequences of what they are doing.

Even when we are careful about who we choose deal with, it can still be disappointing to find people choosing these negative actions, whether it is a single person, or a group of people, like a company.

We are sadly surprised to find Disney in this category. We are stunned at the way they have treated people all over the world, especially kids. They did not even give a sincere apology, but instead watered down their explanation with excuses and defenses. It is also sad to see how different the Walt Disney Corporation is now from the man, Walt Disney, himself. He was a good businessman also, but he kept his focus on making people -- especially children and families -- happy. He once said:

"A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there. With enough effort, he may achieve it. Or he may find something that is even more rewarding. But in the end, no matter what the outcome, he will know he has been alive."

Happily for us, as in the words of Walt Disney, something even better has come along when something else goes away. Maybe VMK went away, so a better thing could come alive?! We want to express our profound gratitude and admiration for the folks over at www.virtualfamilykingdom.com. They are concerned families, just like we are, who wanted to help and not allow the friendships and lives of VMKers to die. The people at VFK have been working so hard to have their kingdom ready for everyone, so that no one need be disappointed. Their new world looks lovely and exciting! We feel very happy that they stood up and decided to help, thus becoming a true hero for us all, and saving the fun and friendships we enjoyed on VMK, and giving hope to all of us. May their kingdom last forever, and our friendships, too!!

Walt Disney also said,

"You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."

This is, no doubt, true. But I don't think anyone -- including Disney himself -- would ever have imagined that the Walt Disney Corporation would be the one kicking millions of children in the teeth.

Lizzie_Magic wrote today, and said,

"Thanks so much for setting up this site IsadoraQ! It is too bad that Disney still refuses to listen to the voices of the people. I don't know about you, but after VMK is over, there is no way I am going to support the other Disney websites that they are trying to switch us to. Did you ever find out the REAL reason why they are shutting it down? Well, we have one day. Maybe there will be a sign tomorrow that says: BIG NEWS! VMK LIVES ON!!!! Otherwise, there will be a great sadness throughout the world. Oh well. Thanks again!"

So we will see what happens tomorrow. Regardless, please know that SaveVMK.com will still be here. Hang in there. Talk to your parents, or others who care about you, about how you feel. And, I'll see you all at Virtual Family Kingdom!!

Thanks to everyone for their support,
        IsadoraQ "

Source: SaveVMK.com

AN IMPORTANT NOTE FROM VMKBLOG.COM...
VMK KIDS PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not post your e-mail address on any blog, YouTube video, comment, discussion forum or otherwise, with the hopes of tracking down your VMK friends.  I do not know what VFK has in store for us, but it is probably safer than posting your info online in an effort to find your friends.  PARENTS: PLEASE discuss with your kids/pre-teens/teenagers, etc. the risks of posting your personal information online.  DISNEY has most certainly let the VMK community down by not creating a safe harbor or transition period for the kids of VMK.  Disney hoped VMK kids would just transition over to their new virtual worlds, but due to understandable trust issues, it cannot be assumed they will automatically convert into a toon, pirate, penguin, fairy or car. 

Message Sent...

Hello,

I, like so many others, are asking you to please reconsider your decision to close Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK).  You will not see a letter from me.  Instead my “letter” consists of my blog, www.vmkblog.com, which I have been actively posting to regarding virtually each and every aspect of VMK’s closure.  Among the hundreds of posts, you might be interested in some of the headlines you have been creating (listed at the end of this message). 

You have billed VMK as a “promotion” when in fact you knew from the very beginning that you were building a community.  You never told the kids/families that VMK would not be around for the long haul.  Now you have tens of thousands doubting Disney, and the magic that it so often embodies.   

In closing, I thought you would be interested in the following video that was sent to the Los Angeles Times.  They are interested in covering the story as many other media sources have over the past several weeks:

This song was written and sung by a “VMK’er” hoping to help Save VMK with her music video…please watch it.  It is another example of children reaching out and trying to make a difference in their “world”.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qLVeQpTRZk

Please let their voices be heard, the media exposure and positive feedback from the VMK discussion-forum community has helped them feel like they have a voice and an impact.  However, they feel their actions have fallen on deaf ears as it concerns Disney and its executives.  Their efforts do not end poverty or end wars, but it is a youthful display of activism and it deserves to be recognized, encouraged and supported.

Thank you for your consideration (and see below),
vmk blog

VMK CLOSURE: RECENT PRESS COVERAGE
Los Angeles Times
There's no Tomorrowland for the Virtual Magic Kingdom of Disney

Wall Street Journal
Fans Resist End of Virtual Disneyland

OC Register
Disney’s Virtual Magic Kingdom explained by virtual world expert

The Industry Standard
When Virtual Worlds Die

Associated Press
Associated Press: OMG! VMK is Going Away

The Motley Fool
Disney Trashes Its Kingdom

CBC Radio: Spark
Corporate Responsibility to Online Virtual Worlds

NextUp
Does Disney "Get" Virtual Worlds?

Central Florida News 13
Breaking News Video: Online Disney Dilemma

Virtual Worlds News
On Another Note: Nielsen: Club Penguin Growth Slows

Virtual Worlds News
WSJ Notes Virtual Magic Kingdom Backlash

Los Angeles Business Journal
Media Coverage on VMK Closure

GameSpot
Editorial: Ideas for the Mouse

Sydney Morning Herald
Why Games Matter

NewsTalk 710 Seattle Radio
NewsTalk 710 KIRO from Seattle - TBTL Show

Silicon Valley Insider
‘Casual Gamers’ Not So Relaxed If You Mess With Their Games (DIS)

Church of the Customer Blog
Closing a Disney Community

VMK Blog Commentary
Club Penguin...Obvious Fit...HUH???

NBC Local News 6
Local 6 - Save VMK Media Coverage

United Press International
Fans protest end of Disney online game

VMK BLOG CATEGORIES OF INTEREST:
Home Page
http://www.vmkblog.com/

Media Coverage
http://www.vmkblog.com/media_coverage/index.html

Commentary
http://www.vmkblog.com/commentary/index.html

Daily Picture
http://www.vmkblog.com/daily_pic/index.html

You Tube
http://www.vmkblog.com/you_tube/index.html

An Analysis of VMK, from Chris

"No need to try to contact me unless you wish to.

I noticed the following things that happened in rapid order:

Following the end of the pirate celebration, specifically the big pirate quest, there was the Yavn "scolding" about all the cheating and other stuff going on in regards to that quest. A couple of days later, VMK announces its closure. The next day, I start seeing a surge in the "Year of a Million Dreams" television promotion. Then, I see commercials for the Disney pirates online game within days of that. As April rolls around, a new batch of Disney travel shows on The Travel Channel(which I have recorded). Also, notice sites such as MSN and other high traffic sites with Disney travel banner ads.

Obviously, Disney is spending millions on marketing, promotional and other advertising, with no real method of finding out what is working for them.

And here it is, VMK, a great promotional tool, which they have used to promote a good many things Disney. And like the print, television and internet ads, no real way of knowing what is driving income into the big pot of money that is Disney. The other games are not open ended enough to allow the direct and blatant interjection of promotional material. VMK allows this. Proof? Pirates stuff during the releases of POTC3. High School Musical mania promoted via a long running quest. Hannah Montana and Twitches got similar treatments. Ongoing games from the Narnia, POTC and Terabithia promotional sites handing out codes for use with VMK. The game helped get my little kids excited about their trip to WDW last November.

So, axe VMK. Let's make every a penguin. Make everyone a pirate. Make everyone a toon. Soon, make everyone a fairy(let's avoid crude jokes). Let's make everyone a car.

Sorry. I like Disney parks. I want to be me. Unlike some people, I chose to make my little avatar look like me. I walk around in black shorts, black shoes, wear glasses and it even came with hair similar to mine.

VMK: I could be ME in Disney, as if I was there without the costs. My daily escape. The other games won't do it for me.

Oh well. I'm a technician. What do I know about marketing?"

Source: Save VMK Comments (please give this page time to load, there 4,311 comments)

LA Times: There's no Tomorrowland for the Virtual Magic Kingdom of Disney

"The online game created to celebrate Disneyland's 50th anniversary in 2005 is to be closed today because it 'never achieved scale,' a company spokesman says. Thousands of loyal players are outraged.

By Dawn C. Chmielewski and Alex Pham, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
7:47 AM PDT, May 21, 2008

With the aid of a special mouse pad and on-screen keyboard, Madison Reed has found a way to venture beyond the protective confines of her home in suburban Columbus, Ohio, and play with other children in a Disney theme park.

Madison, who suffers from a severe neuromuscular disease called spinal muscular atrophy, gravitated to Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom, an online game that re-creates aspects of the company's theme parks. It was in this online world that she took her first steps. She rode a ride without being held or sitting in a wheelchair. And, at the age of 11, she celebrated the first birthday party with friends in February..."
read entire article

Source: Los Angeles Times

On Disney's Puzzling Online Move: Buy vs. Build

"This Wall Street Journal article lays out one of the most perplexing things about how established companies, leaders in their industries, behave with an incumbent's mind-set...

"The situation shows how sticky things can get when free, nonrevenue-generating gimmicks blossom into hits. In 2006, Disney boasted that one million avatars had been created inside VMK, though the company declines to say how many users the site actually has (individuals can create multiple characters). The site, which operates from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Pacific time, still boasts a few thousand daily users."

Couple of remarkable takeaways from this little quote.

1.  Disney managed to get a million folks to translate their off-line affinity for Disney parks into some online activity.  It fizzled in growing users from there  of course, since the whole thing was designed just as a short-term "promotion" for the perennial off-line properties.

2.  Disney actually had off-line operating hours for an online site, which presumably can be accessed 24/7, from anywhere in the world.

Some of these questions popped into my mind reading this saga:

1. How much does it cost to keep the site running?  How does that cost compare to other promotional initiatives by Disney for it's off-line properties that last for years or indefinitely?

2. What are the pros and cons of moving the site from it's marketing/promotional departments, to the operational side?  What if this were turned over to some in-house employees with a "start-up mentality", and ask them to see how something like this could be turned into a sustainable virtual presence of Disney's real-world properties?  Could it be morphed into being both a permanent promotional and an entertaining  online property in it's own right?  And of course, could that be turned into a profitable operation in the long-term?

3.  Would an effort like this cost anywhere near the $700 million it cost Disney to buy Club Penguin last year from outside entrepreneurs with the right "startup mentality"?..."
read entire post

Source:   *michael parekh on IT* Ruminations on the Internet, Technology, and Interesting Trends around the globe.

Closing a Disney Community: Church of the Customer Blog

"Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom is a virtual representation of the real-life Disneyland theme park. It's also an online community for evangelists of Disneyland.

More than a million avatars have been created at VMK. By almost any standard, it's a popular site.

But Disney plans to shutter VMK tomorrow night, and that's caused consternation in paradise. Petitions have been signed, protest sites have been created. VMK citizens wonder why Disney would want to close something that solidifies and extends their loyalty.

Here's one reason: Disney envisioned VMK as an 18-month promotion, not a long-term loyalty effort.

The closing of VMK illustrates a schism prevalent today at many companies, especially larger ones: the battle between short-term campaigns vs. long-term evangelism..."
read entire post

Source: Church of the Customer Blog

Disney’s Virtual Magic Kingdom explained by virtual world expert: OC Register

This article is worth an entire read...

Parents with children VMK'ers...read the last question entitled "What do you suggest VMK people do when VMK ends? Why?"

Excerpt:
"Why do you think Walt Disney Co. is ending VMK? Do you agree that the site should end or do you think Disney should keep it going?

I believe VMK is being closed for a variety of reasons, although this is my professional conjecture. VMK represented an early entrant into virtual social worlds. Technology has advanced, as have business models, user expectations and “mainstream” acceptance. Disney is in the process of launching several new worlds in which they can capitalize on these new market conditions and realities.

VMK seems to have had about 15,000 people as active daily users at the time of its closing. With constant quests and activities, this represents a cost which is likely unsustainable at that level of use - especially since there is dedicated staff (cast members) who are in world at all times it is open for users.

Also, because VMK was originally conceived as a 50th anniversary promotion, there was likely no long-term strategy in place beyond an early “experiment” in these kinds of multi-user environments.

Disney’s decision to close VMK was a business decision - so it is difficult for me to assign a “should” factor to it. However, I do think it is enormously - enormously - unfortunate that Disney has provided such little support for this hugely engaged community in the closing. Disney has a perfect opportunity here to have strategically communicated with this community, helping them transition into one of the new Disney world perhaps or providing some way to somehow archive some of the personal artifacts - not the least of which are the avatars, assets and personal environments which users have spent untold hours building - maybe that would be simply a digital VMK memory scrapbook - something that communicated Disney was tuned into the angst of the community being disbanded.

I do think any organization that actively builds a community has some responsibility to manage the dismantling of that community if it should be necessary. But, in the long view, any company that builds a community should be doing so as a long term commitment and ought to be considering at the outset what the “exit strategy” is..."
read entire article

Source: Orange County Register

On Another Note: Nielsen: Club Penguin Growth Slows

"In Nielsen's social networking numbers for April, Club Penguin's growth slowed -7% compared to April 2007. Caroline McCarthy at CNET points out that last  August, Nielsen was showing   Penguin with 250% year-over-year growth, emphasizing the current slump. Perhaps coincidentally, that growth came the same month that Disney acquired the kids virtual world.  Club Penguin might have drawn its big blast of users then and is simply evening out now. Or, of course, there's the good chance that increasing competition from the wealth of other youth-focused virtual worlds is simply drawing away potential users..."
read entire article

Source: Virtual Worlds News

Maybe Disney should have built on something good...that they already had...hmm...let me think...VMK!

Virtual Worlds News: WSJ Notes Virtual Magic Kingdom Backlash

"The Wall Street Journal has a lengthy write-up on the user backlash against Disney over its decision to shut down Virtual Magic Kingdom tomorrow. There's no new news in the story, but it's worth noting that the coverage has reached page B1 levels in the WSJ. AS the Journal points out (and hits the nail on the head): "The situation shows how sticky things can get when free, nonrevenue-generating gimmicks blossom into hits.""
Source: Virtual Worlds News

Real People Feel Pained as Virtual Drawbridge Goes Up

"The 3-d web and Virtual Worlds are - I contend - the future of communication and a big part of community as we connect with wider and wider diverse groups of people. But there are glitches.

If truth be told there's more than one glitch.

The Disney folks have discovered that.

Or should have.

The Wall Street Journal sums the situation up neatly when it points out that "For Walt Disney Co., the task of opening a virtual version of Disneyland on the Web was relatively easy. Closing it, though, is proving to be quite a bit more difficult, thanks to the wrath of obsessive fans of Disney's theme parks."

It started with the launch, in 2005, of the free online game Virtual Magic Kingdom, based on the design and feel of the real world Disneyland park.

Fans wanting to visit Tomorrowland or princesses in catles were able to do just that in virtual reality through avatars they created. Plus the Kingdom gave visitors - or did until tomorrow - lots of opportunity to interact with others who share an interest in Disney and online virtual reality games.

Players, participants, or those who WSJ calls "Disney's notoriously obsessive fans" were quickly hooked and Disney bragged that over a million avatars had been created.

So far so good.

read entire article

Source: Susan Reynolds' Blog

When Virtual Worlds Die: The Industry Standard

"Think pulling the plug on a relatively small and slightly aged social virtual world is easy? That's what Disney apparently thought, when it announced plans to shutter its free Virtual Magic Kingdom service. Even though the VMK userbase is small (just over one thousand were online when I checked this morning, and now almost 4000 are online at 7:30 in the evening, eastern time) they are extremely dedicated, and are taking news of the closure quite badly, according to the Wall Street Journal and other sources. There have been petitions, angry blog posts, and even a tiny real-world demonstration outside of Disney HQ.

I am not surprised. People don't just love social networks and virtual worlds, they come to depend on them, and the threat of losing access is extremely hard for some to bear..."
read entire article

Source: The Industry Standard

Los Angeles Business Journal: Media Coverage on VMK Closure

"

For Walt Disney Co., the task of opening a virtual version of Disneyland on the Web was relatively easy. Closing it, though, is proving to be quite a bit more difficult, thanks to the wrath of obsessive fans of Disney's theme parks, the Wall Street Journal reports.

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in 2005, Walt Disney launched a free online game called Virtual Magic Kingdom whose look and layout mimics Disneyland's. Users created avatars and explored the online park's various regions, such as Tomorrowland and Main Street; chatted with other users; and participated in online promotions that crossed over into real-life activities at the company's resorts in California and Florida..."
read entire article

Source: Los Angeles Business Journal

WSJ: Save VMK Article in Hardcopy

Here are pics from the hardcopy...this article took up a large portion of the WSJ Marketplace front page!

   

‘Casual Gamers’ Not So Relaxed If You Mess With Their Games (DIS): Silicon Valley Insider

"Way back in 2005, Disney (DIS) opened a free online game/virtual world called Virtual Magic Kingdom. The site, released primarily to celebrate Disneyland's 50th anniversary, took off, and within a year Disney announced that users had created 1 million avatars for the virtual playland.

Success story? No longer. Disney is shutting down the game tomorrow, and its users are not happy. And said users -- primarily parents and their kids -- are griping about it like a rabid Digg army. WSJ:..."
read entire post

Source: Silicon Valley Insider

NOW!!! Long Live VMK - Time Capsule / Frozen in Time Project!

Get all the details and updates at the DisBoard post here.

Would you like to have your feelings "frozen in time" so to speak when the gates close tomorrow night? If you do, please go into all your Guest Rooms and add "Long Live VMK", or the like, to the beginning of all your Room Names and if you want to go another steop further the Room Descriptions.

The room names will be frozen in some Guest Room database and who knows, the DIG might do market research on their other worlds (i.e. see which rooms were popular, trends, themes etc.) and lookie what they will find...little nuggets of our effort to Save VMK...frozen in time. A Virtual Time Capsule.

This also goes for changing your signature before the final close. (sniff).

If anyone has ideas on top of the above, please chime in!!!

And post here when you have completed your time capsule, to keep this guy bumped up and in plain view!!!

This project will continue to the bitter end folks! woot! (sniff on the woot...)

UPDATE: SAVE VMK E-Mail Blitz to Continue to the "Bitter End"

Yep, things are going very well with the SAVE VMK E-MAIL BLITZ...you can get the latest information and updated Master E-Mail list at the DisBoards at this post.

Save VMK - Make Some Noise!!!

URGENT: E-mail Blitz on Now & Going Strong!

Thank you so much everyone...really, let's keep it going!!! WE HAVE TO BE HEARD!!!!

OFFICIAL E-MAIL BLITZ THREAD IS HERE.

and here is a thought, it you are searching for words, or you need yours to be really quick, take a look at all the media coverage the entire Save VMK effort has received...I culled as much as I could here in my Media Coverage category...the latest is from TODAY's Wall Street Journal!!!

http://www.vmkblog.com/media_coverage/index.html

The Disney Execs obviously need to be hit over the head with all of this...they really don't get it...so let's get out there and E-MAIL!!!

TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS...ALSO TELL PPL IN VMK TO CHECK DIS FOR INFO.

NOW!!! Join the Save VMK Timed E-Mail Blitz - TODAY 5/20!!!

I hope I have some joiners here...please go to this DisBoards post if you are planning to participate!!!

Let's "hit" the inboxes with your e-mails NOW!!!

The e-mail you send can be as simple or involved as you choose...the idea is to get as many people out there to send e-mails TODAY.

I will post the e-mail list in a few minutes, so look for it below!
Thank you!!!

ETA: Here is the List!!!
You don't need to send out individual e-mails.  Just send one message to all of the following:

wdw.guest.communications@disney.com

Steve.Parkis@disney.com

wdw.guestcommunications@disneyworld.com
robert.a.iger@disney.com
steve.wadsworth@disney.com
brent.woodford@disney.com
jay.rasulo@disney.com
john.lasseter@disney.com
paul.yanover@disney.com
zenia.mucha@disney.com
larry.shapiro@disney.com
brad.davis@disney.com
lane.merrifield@disney.com

Brandy.Phillips@disney.com

wdig.communications@dig.com

Online Contact Forms:

Disney Corporate - http://corporate.disney.go.com/wdig/contact_form.html 
Disneyland Resort - https://secure.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/help/contactUs?name=ContactUsPage

WDW Newsletter: End of Disney’s Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK) near?

"How many of you know what VMK is?  I sure didn’t.  Yes I had seen ads for it but I never delved into it to actually experience it.  VMK is a free massively multiplayer online game run by Walt Disney Theme Parks and Resorts online.  It is a virtual representation of Disneyland and Magic Kingdom theme parks, containing areas and mini games which are based on real park scenery and attractions.  It was launched as part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth promotional campaign to commemorate fifty years of Disney theme parks.  The next question you are probably asking is why I am I blogging about it?  Disney has recently announced that they are planning to shut down the Virtual Magic Kingdom on May 21, 2008, due to VMK being meant as a limited time promotion for the Disneyland 50th Anniversary Celebration.    Since this decision was made there have been thousands of players who are upset at this decision..."
read entire article

Source: WDW Newsletter

Save VMK Petitions Surpass 30,000 Mark!!!

Combined, the petitions are at 30,080!!  If you haven't already...please sign a petition NOW!!!

SaveVMK.com | sign petition here
19,857 have signed the petition to date

SaveVMKtoday.com | sign petition here
10,223 have signed the petition to date

SaveVMKtoday.com | sign petition here
10,223 have signed the petition to date

Save VMK Wall Street Journal Coverage!! Fans Resist End of Virtual Disneyland

"For Walt Disney Co., the task of opening a virtual version of Disneyland on the Web was relatively easy. Closing it, though, is proving to be quite a bit more difficult, thanks to the wrath of obsessive fans of Disney's theme parks.

Virtual Magic Kingdom

This screen allows Virtual Magic Kingdom's gamers to build an avatar they can play with.

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in 2005, Walt Disney launched a free online game called Virtual Magic Kingdom whose look and layout mimics Disneyland's. Users created avatars and explored the online park's various regions, such as Tomorrowland and Main Street; chatted with other users; and participated in online promotions that crossed over into real-life activities at the company's resorts in California and Florida.

Disney's notoriously obsessive fans got deeply into this. Using their online personas, fans of Virtual Magic Kingdom -- VMK to aficionados -- accumulated points by playing games and completing tasks inside the world. These points could then be used to buy in-game objects like animated hats, pins and furniture to decorate their virtual private rooms. Points could also be accumulated in the real world through purchases of Disney movie DVDs and the like..."
read entire article

Source: Wall Street Journal Online and Hardcopy 5/20/08 Page B1

WE ARE HERE Rally

WE ARE HERE!  The 2nd Rally is taking place right now!!!  Just like in Horton Hears a Who!

It's Too Late to Apologize: Please Save VMK

One of 206 Save VMK Videos Uploaded to YouTube

29,980 Have Signed Save VMK Petitions to Date

SaveVMK.com | sign petition here
19,770 have signed the petition to date

SaveVMKtoday.com | sign petition here
10,210 have signed the petition to date

SaveVMKtoday.com | sign petition here
10,210 have signed the petition to date

Editorial from GameSpot - Ideas for the Mouse

from SaveVMK.com

Gamespot is the world's leading gaming industry and game review site, and now, respected Gamespot blogger DSJam (VMK: TheMadDuck) has a great article on VMK, with some others on the way.  He explains why he likes VMK:

"The reason people are so upset, myself included is that VMK was a safe place for kids to go online, be entertained, and make friends without having to fear inappropriate contact with predators. To me it was simply a way to get a Disney fix without spending thousands on airfare, rental cars, food, etc. And it was free of all the griefing and cursing found in so many other online games. I could go to VMK without the fear of being annoyed by foul-mouthed kids whose idea of intelligent discourse is spewing as many racial and homophobic slurs in the shortest time possible, like some kind of tourettes olympics."

New E-mail Campaign - wdw.guest.communications@disney.com

E-mail your letters and messages to the above address NOW!  Read below as well...

Kaitlin wrote to say that she spoke with a Disney official and said:

"GUESS WHAT! I GOT HOLD OF SOMEONE WHO WORKS AT DISNEY, and i got to talk to them about vmk closing down and what we can do to stop it!!!!! It took alot of waiting time to get transfered, but it was totally worth it. the guy was so helpful and i explained what VMK was ( he was a little unfamiliar with it ) and after I told him how heartbroken we were, he really felt for us and said he was on the internet doing everything he could ( and calling other people ) to hook me up with a producer form vmk or someone behind this decision of closing it down. I told him about the website, and how we have nearly 20,000 signatures protesting shutting our virtual world down and he was AMAZED! he said it was Crazy how many we had and that was really great, and he was astonished when i sad that Disney has so far repeatedly refused to recognize our work of trying to stop it from closing down. finally, in the end i didn't get to talk to a producer but he let me know that he honestly had no idea of how to get in contact with them but he told me to give this address to all of my friends and all the other players and even said to flood the email address with our letters of how sad and how its affecting us and just to pretty much let disney know how awful this decision is! i have never seen this email - but i know its real because a real disney guest information gave it to me! i jsut thought i would share it with ya'll so we can do all that we can... before our nightmare becomes reality :(

"here it is: wdw.guest.communications@disney.com"

Thank you Kaitlin, we will be sending the petition (and signatures) to them, and encourage everyone to write to Disney at that email address, too!! Save VMK!!!

SAVE VMK SONG - WATCH NOW!

Just E-mailed to the LA Times

Hello,

I was informed by the owners of savevmk.com that you are covering the story about Disney’s decision to close Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK).

This song was written and sung by a “VMK’er” hoping to help Save VMK with her music video…please watch it.  It is just another example of children reaching out and trying to make a difference in their “world”.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qLVeQpTRZk

Please let their voices be heard, the media exposure is helping them feel like they have a voice and an impact.  This effort doesn’t feed the starving or end wars, but it is a youthful display of activism and it deserves to be recognized and encouraged.

Best,
VMK Blog

The Los Angeles Times wants to hear from you! Now!!

"I just talked with a reporter from the Los Angeles Times, one of the world's leading newspapers. She wants to hear from you about what you think about VMK, and Disney wanting to close it down. Think about what you want to say and email her at dawn.chmielewski@latimes.com. Thank you, Dawn, and everyone who writes to her! SAVE VMK!!..."

Source: SaveVMK.com

Protest Pics

from SoupDragon, thanks!

 

VMK Museum: SoupDragon Contribution

VMK Fishbowl (look at that Queue!)

VMK Adventure Club

VMK Pirate Sonice

Club Penguin...Obvious Fit...HUH???

"Virtual worlds and immersive environments are key elements of Disney's strategy, said Steve Wadsworth, president of the Walt Disney Internet Group.  "So when something like a Club Penguin comes along, it's a very obvious fit," Mr. Wadsworth said..."
read entire article

Source: Silicon Vineyard

So...is VMK not an immersive environment?  It's about as immersive as you can get...and Club Penguin an obvious fit?  Okay, I just don't get this one...but what I am getting is that I am in agreement with SaveVMK.com that it looks more like Lane Merrifield's (co-founder and general manager of Club Penguin and executive VP of the Walt Disney Internet Group) doing to send VMK to an early grave.  After all, I'm guessing he has more incentive to make the Club Penguin numbers look good and might have felt that taking VMK out of the vitual world picture can only bode well for CP.  If he was thinking a little more broadly, he could have found there were synergies to be had by keeping VMK in the picture and utilizing it as a vehicle to further promote Club Penguin.

Farewell VMK

Source: DisBoards

VMK Room Museum, Avatar Protests & Avatar Farewells

Please provide links to pictures of your favorite rooms to help create the VMK Room Museum.  Also if you have pictures of your avatar saying "goodbye" or trying to Save VMK, give me the links or include those pictures below as well.

This post doesn't mean I'm giving up the fight...it just means I'm collecting pictures to help document and chronicle VMK...

VMKer Comments: Teacher Comments

Penny1 // 3 weeks ago
"As a teacher and Disney fan, I found a way to connect with my students through VMK. We often "meet" on VMK after school for some Disney fun. This bond I have worked hard to build is being torn away. My students are disheartened, as if in some way they are losing a part of their teacher. I am hoping Disney will do the right thing and leave VMK alone. There are so many ways Disney could capitalize on marketing VMK, it seems foolish from a financial stand point to pull the plug on a successful venture. But what do I know? I'm just a consumer, family member, teacher, friend, traveler, and role model to hundreds of children..."

Source: Comment from iReport

Current Petition Results

SaveVMK.com | sign petition here
17,686 have signed the petition to date

SaveVMKtoday.com | sign petition here
9,896 have signed the petition to date

SaveVMKtoday.com | sign petition here
9,896 have signed the petition to date

VMK Listed Under Parks and Resorts in Disney Corporate Fact Book

On page 18 of the 2007 Walt Disney Company Fact Book (link), Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK) is listed alongside all the other Disney Parks.  Doesn't look temporary/promotion to me!
View Factbook Page 18 2007.pdf

Seven Months After VMK Launch: Virtual Magic Kingdom Hits Million Player Mark

VMK History Backgroud & Metric information...

"Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online Announces Millionth Character Milestone and Expansions to Online Theme Park

Barely more than seven months after its official launch, Virtual Magic Kingdom, a free multiplayer gaming community inspired by Disney's famous theme parks, has acquired the one-millionth character in its virtual community, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online announced.

Quickly establishing itself as one of the coolest destinations online for gaming fans, the virtual theme park at vmk.com has grown to include several new lands, fun new games and more than 1.3 million personalized rooms created by its players.

"We're thrilled that so many players have embraced the fun of VMK," said Paul Yanover, senior vice president and general manager of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online. "To reach this milestone so quickly after the community debuted is extremely satisfying to everyone on the VMK team. Just like in the real parks, we strive to constantly improve and expand our online park to exceed players' expectations."

Where Are We ... Frontierland Newly Added!

In December, VMK opened Frontierland, a Wild-West neighborhood with new areas to explore and brand-new games. Players can create their own log flume ride or hunt ghosts in a new Haunted Mansion multiplayer game.

By Land or Sea ... Adventureland, Main Street and Fantasyland!

Players can enjoy tons of fun activities as they explore a virtual community inspired by Disney's famous theme parks and attractions. Adventureland offers players the chance to steer through treacherous rivers aboard the Jungle Cruise Photo Safari or battle other players in high-seas competition inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and movies. On VMK's Main Street, players can create funky music mixes and share them with other players. Fantasyland lets players compete against 100 other characters in an amazing fireworks display game. Throughout each land, shops offer creative items players can purchase to decorate their personal space - or trade with other characters. More than 1,000 virtual items currently are available for sale and trade within the VMK community.

In a future phase set to launch later this year, Tomorrowland will add an exciting, outer-space dimension to the virtual theme park. Guests can catch a sneak preview of Tomorrowland with three new arcade-style games available now in the Tomorrowland section of VMK: Airlock Escape, Hyperspace Mountain and Blast in Space.

From the Virtual World to the Real World

The fun continues on as it transcends its online community. Gamers can visit VMK Central in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort and participate in exciting real-world Quests. And, best of all, guests who successfully complete a VMK Quest in the real world will earn secret codes for game credits and other cool virtual rewards to enhance game play.

Always Something New

Part of the reason VMK is such a fun, high-energy destination is because there's always something new to do. A glance at the VMK Web site at VMK.com gives players a calendar of special online events designed to challenge and entertain while offering the chance to win rare virtual items. These new social activities and community-driven events enhance the dynamic nature of the game, complementing the permanent features players can enjoy throughout VMK. In February, VMK added a cool new game where guests can build their own Expedition Everest ride in celebration of the Spring opening of Expedition Everest in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Beyond VMK

Other new Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online destinations allow players an opportunity to take advantage of great VMK tie-ins. At VMK, guests can link to disneyeverest.com, an all-new web site for the thrilling new Expedition Everest attraction at Florida's Walt Disney World Resort where players can learn about the ride and win free stuff for VMK. A downloadable game called Yeti Vision lets players become the feared Yeti from the new attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Protect the sacred realm from intruders and earn Yeti Vision Rewards to redeem in VMK by destroying train tracks, causing avalanches and solving ancient mysteries. After each episode, guests can earn different virtual prizes such as Everest pins, Everest ice furniture or an Everest guest room.

Creating the "New" You

When players enter VMK they can really express themselves. Each character is completely in charge of the universe he or she creates, right down to their "look." Blue spiky hair is "in" and your wardrobe is your own, with dozens of colorful clothing pieces to buy or trade. Plus, Virtual Magic Kingdom lets players create personalized guest rooms and decorate them any way they want to reflect their own style.

Experience the magic firsthand at vmk.com. The fun is just a 'mouse' click away!"

Source: Disney Corporate

Shockwave Videos with Disney VMK Reference

Does anyone know an easy way how these shockwave videos can be viewed?
Here is the Advanced Search Google Results that has the three videos.

VMK Concept Dates Back to 1996

Another resume reference dating the Virtual Magic Kingdom concept back to 1996...VMK was in development long before Disneyland's 50th Anniversary promotion.  It may be been rolled out during the 5oth Anniversary, but fingers point to the fact that VMK was in development to be a longstanding venture into virtual worlds.

"Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom” - concept development for Disney Interactive - 1996
(Concept continues through 2007 as a web-based game for Disney Online)

Source: Ed Olson Resume

Players Beware: POTC May Be Promotion as Well

As reported in an earlier post, it appears that Pirates of the Caribbean Online will not be here to stay either...will look out for more corroboration to this effect...

"The most response we got from what appeared to be a Disney Official was a brief conversation that basically said the exact same thing verbatim about VMK being a promotion. I asked about other games and social networks and got an interesting response that Disney Games are promotional vehicles for merchandising, including Pirates of the Caribbean!"