Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom to Close Doors

Disney has launched plenty of new virtual worlds since its early foray with Virtual Magic Kingdom, and now those new worlds will have to carry the load. 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.

That's readily apparent. Disney plans to invest up to $100 million in 10 new virtual worlds, including one based on Cars to tie in to themed physical park expansions. Likewise, at the same time that Disney launched the virtual world, PIxie Hollow, for the Disney Fairies brand, and an accompanying series of toys, Clickables, it announced a new team dedicated to addressing virtual worlds.

The team is led by  SVP Steve Parkis, answers to EVP of DIsney Online Paul Yanover, and will include members from the team that created Disney.com XD, an interactive community, and Disney Online’s Virtual Reality Studio, the group behind ToonTown Online and Pirates of the Caribbean Online.

Will the VMK team find a new home there?

"Well, we're all moving onto other projects here at Disney and positively looking ahead to the future," explained Mendelsohn. "Me and a few other team members have already moved to other projects (but are still making sure VMK is running smoothly until it closes)."

The question always comes up at conferences, what happens when a world closes? Usually it gets laughed off--you wouldn't close down a successful world, and if it's unsuccessful, nobody cares--but as of two years ago VMK still had 1 million player characters (the most recent numbers I've seen). Now, according to the FAQ, those players and their items are finished: "Since the virtual items live in VMK, you won't be able to access your VMK items or take them with you to another Disney Online Virtual World."

If nothing else, it could make for a good case study. With that in mind, the forum where the newsletter is posted makes for interesting reading.

[via WorldsInMotion]

Comments

[Jegrezo]

This incredible community is a place where children and adults anonymously socialize side-by-side everyday, sharing laughter, tears, life stories, and friendships closer than imaginable. It is a special place where people connect in incredible ways. It is a place where kids and adults alike play, relax, and visit with friends everyday.

It’s a place that children with Asperger’s have found to be pivotal in helping them build social skills. Other parents of children with various illnesses have shared that in the real world other kids treat their sons or daughters as “weird or freaks,” while on VMK they have formed amazing friendship in which they are not subjected to these labels. Adults and children alike who are fighting cancer and other ailments have found this incredible place to be their escape.

As a married, 30-something, self-employed, college graduate trying to grow my small business, I start my day several times a week in this amazing place talking with a friend who is in Chicago about his day. Being a business owner himself, our friendship has not only provided the usual joys that accompany such a connection, but he also offers business advice, making our talks near-networking sessions.

When my Chicagoan friend gets called away by customers, I often remain in this incredible place, to visit with other friends that I have known for almost 3 years. I may share laughs with a young adult in the United Kingdom that I have found a unique connection with or maybe I will hear about the happenings of the day in the world of my of my teenage friend in Canada who manages to make me smile almost everyday with her kindness and light-hearted spirit. I am lucky to know her. Inevitably, adult friends who live from Neveda to New Jersey and have become great friends that I speak with everyday step in to join us during any of these visits and share in the laugher, advice, or random fun that may evolve. They are sunshine in my every day.

While Disney relied on this little Kingdom to generate revenue from Disney fans worldwide through related-product purchases (including trips to both WDW and Disneyland), what they did not count on is the amazing, unique, seemingly boundary-less friendships that would form and become a part of REAL people’s daily lives.

They did not count on adults who are bound to wheelchairs finding a virtual freedom like never before through their little game. They did not count on children battling cancer having 1,000s of people worldwide offering support, friendship, and laughter through their marketing mechanism.
They did not count on adults dealing with the struggles life can issue connecting with each other for daily laughter and escape through their little virtual world.

And earlier this week, when they announced that they were going to close the Virtual Magic Kingdom, leaving over 250,000 characters behind in a land that can never be visited again, they did not count on the fact that the real life humans behind those avatars would fight for life for their virtual counterparts. They didn’t count on 12 year olds asking 40 year olds on game-related message boards for assistance in writing a letter so they could share with anyone who would listen their desire to keep their favorite place on the internet alive.

They didn’t count on the fact that people will do amazing things to keep friendships that cannot exist elsewhere (due to their anonymous nature that keeps kids safe) alive by doing anything they can to try to stop the gates to the Virtual Magic Kingdom from locking at 10pm PST on May 21, 2008, including establishing an online petition at www.savevmk.com that would gather almost 4,500 signatures in less than 48 hours.

What can the consumers of a free online game do when an entertainment mogul decides to shutdown their Funville? Fight for its survival! Why did Disney not offer its players at pay-to-play option? Why do they offer this for other on-line games but not for the Virtual Magic Kingdom? Why do they not see the amazing power and almost unbelievable affects that their little virtual world has on the human spirit of people of all ages, nationalities, and genders worldwide? Why do they not understand that in the midst of their Year of a Million Dreams, incredible dreams are happening everyday by fellow human beings at vmk.com?

Disney has reportedly turned down the offer to speak with news agencies that have attempted to ask about this. For the children that find an unheard of confidence in VMK, for the adults that find unique connections with peers that they would otherwise not know exist, for anyone that has ever shared a smile with someone on the other side of the planet through this incredible place, please, help us show this entertainment giant that their little Virtual Magic Kingdom is worth saving.

There are real people behind the 250,000 virtual avatars that are fighting for their ability to continue to bring smiles and joy to many real people worldwide. If only Disney would let them.

Why pour all the money into new worlds when you have an amazing Kingdom that is loved my many every day?

Sincerely,
Jegrezo

P.S. If nothing above moves you to feel that this human interest story is anything more than the closing of yet another online game, allow me to leave you with a direct quote of an entry from the online journal of an 11 year old VMK player has Spinal Muscular Atrophy which controls voluntary movements, such as crawling, walking, swallowing and breathing:

“My favorite web site, Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK) is closing May 21st. I'm sad and MAD! I can't live without my friends on VMK. PLEASE sign my guestbook like a petition to SAVE VMK for me and my friends. Pass my site on to everyone you know so they can help too. I love VMK cause I can WALK, TALK, EAT, DANCE, SHOP and play checkers all by myself.

PLEASE HELP ME!

Love,
Madison
p.s. VMK is GERM FREE too!
p.s.s. and no one stares at me there.”
(source: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/madisonreed)

[angela]

I am writing today, to express my disappointment and sadness I am feeling with the recent news of VMK closing as of May 21st. VMK is a place where fans of all ages can gather and share one common love that is in fact Disney. We've grown up with the movies, the characters, the park experiences and now more then ever do we need a place to escape to. With so much negativity in today's society and in our world in general, we need that place where we feel safe.
With VMK gone where do we turn? Sure we can turn ToonTown, Club Penguins and even Pirates Online, but the truth is, we all want to be a little selfish; we all want that great feeling that only vmk can provide us with. What is lacking in Toon Town, or POTC, or Fairies, or Cars...etc Is the magic of the Disney Theme Parks. VMK has it all, actual replicas of the parks, pin trading, character themed rides and clothing. This is a truly magical experience, inside the park and online. Toon Town and the rest of those games have no ability to adapt or change. If you wanted anything other than pirates, you wouldn't play Pirates of the Caribbean Online. VMK has the uncanny ability to adapt and promote whatever they like. Any new features that Disney wants to push can be viewed through VMK.
I was amazed when I saw VMK for the first time by how real the experience came to be. That was added to the multiple friends someone can make to enrich the experience.
VMK has been an oasis for kids of all ages, standing alone amongst adult themed websites. It brings families and friends together despite barriers of distance, economics, race, disability, or religion. We are all sharing the magic together and that is what matters!
The magic that we all get at the parks when we go can only be described as unforgettable and if Disney can create something that lets us relive those moments when we are unable to attend the parks, then they would be foolish to let it go so easily. What I don't think the members of the above company understand is that is exactly what has been created, a magical experience that not I or anyone else who is a Disney fanatic is ready to give up. Nearly everyone who plays VMK currently is willing to pay to keep it open; the only ones who would not are those who can not afford it. There is such an out pouring of sentiment about this issue on various sites dedicated to keeping VMK alive.

[Allison]

When I first heard about VMK I was literaly in shock. I was thinking "how in the world could they do this!" As posted before VMK is not just some promotional game, it's a little community where Disney fans from all over the world come to talk, play, and trade. VMK means something VERY special in my heart. It's more like my second home since I've spent so much of my time and effort into that game. VMK always found a way to cheer me up when I was feeling down. Chatting with my virtual buddies felt like I was right at the Magic Kingdom and right there beside them.
VMK is magical and what about the kids who are too poor or too sick to go to the real Disney Parks? VMK provided all of that with just the click of a mouse. To see it thrown away just like that is heart-wrenching.
Disney, if there is ANY way please keep VMK alive for future generations. Think of all the happy children and parents there will be if they saw that VMK was not closing down. What would Walt Disney do? The whole theme of Disney is bringing fun and magic into people's lives. VMK did just that! Long live VMK!

[Sheree]

I am so dissappointed that disney has decided to close it's vmk virtual world. I might not have played since opening, but the time I have played is so precious and wonderful. None of these other new endeavors can compare to the wonderful time that has been spent on vmk. Times shared with friends, playing games related to the parks. As far as I have seen it is a experience that allows you to visit the parks when you can't make it to the real parks. All of the other "new" disney games are not connected and more specific to just one aspect of the parks. Why be a fairy, car, penguin or a toon when vmk has a character that I can make to be more like the real me?

My whole family is in disbelief. I wish Disney would reconsider and allow us to keep our virtual world!

[Dan]

VMK was the best online community I have ever seen. People were always helping each other. There were many friends to be made in this "game".
I do not believe VMK was just a game or a promotion. It was a online community of friends. To me it wasn't all about the items. It was about the friends.
VMK does not care about what we have to say about the closure.

[Kelly]

I'm in graduate school and still (barely) hanging on to my early 20s, and yet there are very few hobbies in life that I enjoy more than VMK, a truly magical Virtual Magic Kingdom.

Since I began playing the game in November 2005, I have become more of a Disney fan. It has helped me have fond memories of the parks during the long time periods between trips, but it has also made me miss WDW more and made me want to make more frequent trips there. I had been eagerly hoping for more real VMK pin box sets, since I collect the VMK cards and items, and am a burgeoning real life pin collector too. There are so many financial opportunities for Disney in this game, and many of its players are happy to spend money on things related to it. Myself and my family included! If only we could be given the opportunity once more.

There were no words to describe how I felt when my little character stood next to the "Partners" statue of Walt and Mickey for the first time. I got chills, much like I did when I was able to sit under a portrait of the wonderful Mr. Disney in a Club 33 room preview. Walt Disney is one of my heroes. He was an innovator, a genius, and a true magic maker. He thought of families first. VMK is a true family game, where people of all ages can come together and learn, laugh, and have fun.

The fireworks in WDW make me cry happy tears every time, and in this game I am able to play a fireworks game and use fireworks magic. I can dress like a princess like I did on Halloweens as a child. I was so excited when I traded for a "Belle dress" (yellow princess outfit); as a lifelong bookworm, I always most identified with her character and have fond memories of seeing the movie when I was 9 years old. In VMK, I can go visit my favorite Disney character, Donald Duck, in a Central Plaza shop window. I can play Haunted Mansion and love it, even though I'm still too much of a scaredy cat to ride the ride. I can hang out in the Castle Suite room I won, taking comfort in knowing that while I'll probably never win a night's stay in the real version, at least I have my own little virtual version. More importantly, I can forget about the real world for a while and just have fun with friends and games, and have a chance to live inside the Magic of Disney. I have been playing for over two and a half years now, and it never gets old. The magic is still there, if only it would be allowed to continue. I have made so many wonderful friends in game who share my love for Disney and love for all of the things good in the world. I will not just be losing a game when this closes, but I will be losing people I consider dear, dear friends. This is true for most of us in the game.

In VMK, I can be a person with no real problems, no real worries other than how to earn the credits I need to buy the new items. It embodies the Disney magic in so many ways, especially the wonderful Hosts such as Hula, Phinny, and Lily. Most of my Host events have been with Hula and Fin, and I think so highly of both of them. Every staff member I have ever encountered, and especially these three, really seem to care about us the players. I personally feel Walt would be very proud of each of them as they truly embody the Disney magic. Many of us are heartbroken at losing them as well, people we have come to know and love over the years.

VMK is much more than a mere game. It is an experience, a community, a magical extension of Walt's Magic Kingdom. I pray that it will not go away. It will leave a huge hole in my heart that no game, Disney or not, will ever fill.

[VMK player]

It is a sad sad day when the powers that be think that no one cares when thousands of kids lose their favorite hobby, their favorite place to connect with friends. You cannot replace the magical feelings these children have felt while playing this wonderful game that represents all things Disney with games that are promotion specific. What I mean is that VMK has the capability to promote every aspect of Disney; the parks; the movies; the pins; and almost all of the products in some way. These new games and worlds are specific to only one aspect of Disney. Cars online, Fairies, and even POTC Online can only promote that one aspect. Why would Disney purposely remove something that so obviously has so much potential to be HUGE to try to replace it with games and worlds that have such limited potential? VMK already has a Huge, loyal fan base. It already has unlimited promotional potential. It has already caused many people to visit the parks, buy the movies, and buy Disney products. Was this decision made because Disney believes that no one would pay to play this game? That seems to be the case, since they are pushing everyone to pay for games that are only about one small part of Disney. None of these new games will give anyone that complete Disney experience the way VMK does. Yet, we were never even offered the option to pay to play. This doesn't make any sense. As I read above, Disney is spending $100 million on new virtual games that do not have the unlimited potential or the established fan base that VMK has. This seems like it should a common sense decision to me - go with what works! Build on what you have, there is no need to start over.
This little world is not so little - As stated above, there are close to a million characters, and we have recently been told by some staff of VMK that there are about 250,000 active players. The decision to close this "little world" will effect thousands of children and thousands of adults. This community means so very much to so, so many people. People with illnesses that limit their social abilities, people who live far away from each other, people - real people that have found a virtual way of staying in contact in ways that no other game offers. The players of VMK are like no others. Most of them are wonderful, caring, giving people that share a love for the Disney Magic. Everyone of the players share a common thread, something that brings them all together - a love for Disney. Where else in the real world or any virtual one, can you find a place where everyone has a common love? No where. This game has helped so many children and people of all ages connect in ways they never would have anywhere else. In VMK we are all kids (even if we aren't), we are all healthy, and we can all play together. There is no age, there is no color, there is no illness. In VMK we are all equal. You cannot find another family friendly, safe environment online anywhere else that can bring so many people together in so many ways. VMK is the only place that can do all of these things. If Walt Disney could see what the loss of this game is doing to so many people, he would never allow it. What happened to Disney magic? Disney is taking it away.

[LuckyRetroDesi]

So this promotion has ended is the reason/excuse they are using to justify closing VMK? Are they going to discontinue promoting the theme parks too? I have never heard of discontinuing something as successful as VMK.

[Jennifer]

Since it's announcement there has been a crying out from the kids and adults to allow the site to remain open. Young and old have bonded together in a common cause to save the site from being closed down. Online petitions have had over 4,500 signatures in the short time since the announcement. Countless e-mail and phone calls to Disney have remained unanswered or been told there is nothing that can be done. It has been sad that adults have gone to CNN and tried to get them to run a short story about it but when Disney refused to comment CNN saw no point in trying to run it. Fan based sites are buzzing with activity trying every possible angle to help.

You see VMK is more then a simple online game. VMK is a community of friends and yes even family that enjoy the magic Walt Disney inspired. Yes there are games to play but for the most part this has been an escape from the real world troubles many of us seek refuge from. Here nobody is judged for their appearance, disabilities, race, or age. We are friends all seeking support, love, and understanding. We help each other in times of need. We share in the simple joys life can bring us. We care for each other. So while yes this is a game, Disney fails to realize it has grown way beyond that. Shutting the doors is absolutely heart-wrenching for all of us.

My family, 2 children and I, have been playing a little over 2 years now. As I sit and hold them while they sob at each goodbye to friends they will never have a chance to talk to again I wonder why? Why is Disney doing this to all the countless children around the world. Are their hearts that cold that they don't hear these kids screaming out? Do they not understand the anguish they are putting these kids through? So many broken hearts, so many countless tears shed, and all to blame on Disney. The one place in this world where dreams are supposed to come true. My kids dreams never included this much heartache. Tomorrow will be another day of tears and sadness. Another day of hugging them while they sob on my shoulder. All I can do is try to tell them that it will all be ok, while inside my own heart breaks in two.

As an adult who suffers from severe depression, anxiety attacks, and post traumatic stress this is the one true place I can forget my troubles. Here my friends unknowingly have provided the love and laughter I needed to make it through my darkest hours when I had nowhere else to turn to. When closing comes each night and we've danced our final dance of the day, exchanged out hugs with wishes of sweet dreams, I sit back and dream. No nightmares for me then.. I dream. Dream of what surprises await me the next day, maybe designing a new room to share some fun in with my friends, dream of the fun times we have had and more that have yet to come. Those dreams came to an end this week.

Our family's hearts are saddened. There is no joy here now. No buzz of excitement as a special host event time draws near. Now our home is filled with quiet dread. Each of us knows that tomorrow will bring more sadness but still we sign on to be there for our friends. To share in the last remaining few happy moments, to quietly sit with our friend knowing that they are shedding tears of heartache, to dance our last dances with dear friends we will never meet.

Disney I beg and plead of you, please change you mind. Please bring back the happiness and dreams of countless children both young in body and at heart. Don't turn your backs on us. Cant you hear us crying?

[Amie Lloyd]

I don't have anything eloquent to say right now. This is because of my exhaustion from holding my son and comforting him last night as his heart broke and he cried himself to sleep. He is devastated to lose his friends and all of the items that he worked so hard for, and which he truly does cherish.

Somehow, I don't think this was what Walt had in mind.

Anyone who hasn't played VMK can't understand the emotional ties that develop. I realize that. But it surely must be apparent that something wonderful is going away, to have so many people this upset over losing it. Please help us save VMK.

[Mrs. B]

VMK is the only online game where a kid or adult can be a kid. Not an animal, not a cartoon character, and not have to fight.

For kids who have ailments or social problems, this has created an outlet for them to be themselves. As you can see in Madison's online journal, this is where she can Walk, Talk, Dance, and play checkers. Not only that, she can get to be a beatutiful princess who gets to walk around her kingdom on a daily basis. Yes, a kid who gets to visit the Disney's Magical Kingdom virtually everday. How can that disappear? How can a virtual version of a real life park that has served many for over 50 years decide to go away. It's a win win situation for both the players and Disney if the right marketing goes into it. Please Disney reconsider, let children who otherwise cant do the things we take for granted in real life continue to have that advantage to do it in VMK.

[MagicalLadee/ Jamie]

It's good to see we are making a difference. Children need this site. Please, don't close VMK. I beg you.

[M.G. Gray]

Although Disney's other online games run the gamut from cute to immersive experiences, these are all niche games that appeal to certain ages or playing styles. Only VMK served as a common game for all ages, genders, and playing ability. Just as families can enjoy the real Disney parks together, so can they experience the online game together. Whatever magic sets the Disney parks above their competition, VMK is infused with that same kind of pixie dust so that it trancends a simple little online game. This is no simple cookie cutter type of static artwork that most "promotional" games use. This had as much beauty and depth as any decent animated film. The interations, the game play...all are top-notch.

It is with sorrow that I see this game close for it is the only online game that all members of my family have enjoyed together. Guess we'll all have to go our separate ways online since none of the other games support the diversity of age or interest as does VMK. Since Disney is allocating budget to online games for which they charge membership fees, I remain puzzled as to why, what should be their flagship game, is going to be shut down and the community that has grown there will be displaced to there games. It seems a simple matter to simply start charging membership fees in line with other games to support VMK if that is the problem rather than spend money developing new games that may or may not appeal to potential players.

[Ruth]

There is no place on the big World Wide Web like this game.

I have been struggling these last few days to figure out why no other game will work for me. There might be one out there but I know it is not Disney.

Many of us dream of being a cast member (to work for Disney) to be a part of the magic; that Disney creates. Well reality for most; it is just not possible.

In VMK we got to live out that dream. We could be virtual Disney ambassadors. What do I love about VMK? It not the things, not the games not even building rooms. But all those things are a means to do what I enjoy the most. Spreading pixie dust. Maybe I have had the most aweful day and going on VMK helping another always lifts my spirit. Gifting new guest a real Mickey hat or a princess crown instead of the goofy many newbie's wear made them feel special

To knowing a kid is hurting from the lost of some one close, fighting cancer there are many on VMK. To the kids with different forms of Autism. That many of us worked so hard to help. They have learn social skills on VMK. So after two years they were doing well themselves.

These kids have no real friends outside of VMK. But for the first time in their lives the do in Virtual magic Kigdom. What an amazing gift Disney gave these families. They are not laughed at, they can social at their ouwn comfort. They have a constent in their lives.

Being able to help a friend and say encouraging words when you hear they are having a bad day. Many many I am sure would go to sleep with happy hearts.

Or being on the receiving end and having many friends come and say I'll help, you can do it, hang in there. Telling funny jokes to the point you are laughing so hard tears run down your face.

So many Disney fans going the extra mile to bring so many smiles to others on VMK. That is what VMK meant to me. Now I could still make a difference in others lives but it is just not the same. We all know it.

I do not know much about computer games. But no one has suggested any game that we can do this in. In the real world we spend so much time worrying about things, pressures and stresses. The Little Virtual Community that we built is a haven for the weary.

I think back to the quest. What awesome friendship we formed of the years. To me that is what stood out. People treat their character as little extensions of themselves. We all knew this and thus reach out over and over to help friends and families. For me it was not for the prize. It was saying wow I beat the impossible quest. Doing it with friends made the finish even more rewarding. To a lot of people their character is their mini me. How they talk, what they feel is an extension of themselves. That is the issue to many. That is why the deep pain I think.

I hope we can save VMK but if not I hope someone will see what I think Disney missed. They create a niche, that no one had done successfully. It could really have been so much more. From what the original vision was. A great marketing tool. Unfortunately our little mini mes are not papers of advertising that can me thrown out, commercials we can skip over. This 50th Anniversary of DRL site grew in to a wonderful journey of people in many continents of different faiths, color, age and race. "Our own version of a Small World" Sharing the Disney magic each day of the week. I have more friends around the world than I ever had.

Hugs to all the wonderful caring friends I have made.

Special Note. When I started playing VMK I was a healthy person. A year later my own world crashed down when I lost the ability to walk. And thus my battle with MS began. My world got very small after that, but in VMK my disease does not exist, and my love of Disney has flourished.

I may be just a virtual character in a game to Disney. But this virtual character is crying real tears. I never thought the word Disney could bring so much heart ache to thousands of people mostly kids that need this place.

I do not think they understood what they created when they built VMK, I do not think they realized the great need they were filling when they decided to close the door to VMK. To them it was just another video game.

But as you can see it is not. A diamond in the rough, a place were dreams really do come true. A place if disney does not change its decision will be a place where it broken too many kids and families dreams. For a year of an million dreams in one push of a button they will have destroyed just as many.

Can someone tell me where in this big great web can I find a place like this again?

[VirtuallyMe]

I am so sadden by the announcement of the closing of vmk. It is more than a promotion to me it is a family or a community.

I first started playing VMK in the summer of 2005. My husband and youngest daughter played and once I saw the fun of all being online and playing together- I joined in too. My then 1yo son loved watching us play and would point to things he wanted to see us do again and again.

At the end of this summer tragedy struck in the form of Hurricane Katrina- destroying my husband's boyhood home and throwing his family into disaray. He used VMK as his escape- his piece of Disney Magic to take his mind off of the insanity happening in New Orleans. He was able to laugh and smile with the friends he made there and forget for a few minutes.

A month later- Hurricane Rita strikes and our family is evacuated. Unsure of what would remain of our home, schools, or jobs on return- but while away we had one constant- VMK- we could log in and we could see our friends and our little VMK home...

Fastforward through many months of playing in team competitions to build rooms, games, and rides- and the friendships I developed with other adults was great. The game expanded beyond something for my family to share with each other to another group of friends that I met in the game- who became a support and relief and people to laugh, smile and sometimes even cry with. In Summer of 2006 my oldest son got sick and the support I got from my VMK friends helped to get me through it.

More recently my youngest daughter had an infection of her brain. She spent one month in the hospital on the other side of the state from where we lived. My VMK friends sent her cards, notes and well-wishes that kept her spirits up. They also made sure her little VMK character would receive all the items our family was missing and then some. When she was released from the hospital she still had another month of recovery and antibiotic therapy at home where her visitation was limited. VMK served as her way to "play with friends." She could talk and visit with the kids and adults there without fear of germs causing any relapse to her illness.

And most recently- my son who first "played" vmk on the laps of my husband and I, can now play all by himself. He is 3 1/2 and can travel around the worlds of Virtual Magic Kingdom. This little boy is one of the biggest Disney fans I know and he has never been to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort- but he is able to visit them virtually any day he wants to "play my favorite game."

I dread the day he goes to log into the game and it just isn't there. My husband and I and even my 10yo daughter can comprehend the idea of the game closing- I'm not sure his little mind will wrap around the concept.

I have looked at the pay to play games that were suggested by yavn in the newsletter. None have the same feel as VMK. They do not have that Disney magic that attracted my family. I would much rather my three year old son explore a game that valued team work and didn't stress fighting and gambling. VMK provided a safe and friendly environment that I felt was safe for my children in the world of hidden dangers. Unfortunately, I have yet to find an alternative.

I will miss vmk and my little doses of pixie dust. It will make those distant trips to the real parks all the more distant. I do know I will not lose all of my friends though- they are still my family.

[Karen]

Hello, I am writing to show my opposition to Disney’s decision to close the Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK.) I hope to show, through this letter, exactly what VMK means to me, and show how VMK has financially intervened into my life.
Life doesn’t always deal you a great hand. We’ve all been there, and hopefully learned from our shortfalls and losses. During the ebb and flow, I discovered VMK. VMK has become my “happy place.” I get excited to sign on each day and chat with thousands of other Disney lovers all over the world! We have a common interest in all things Disney. I turn to Disney for my online community, my virtual friends and I share laughter and tears. And I thank Disney for creating this amazing visual interactive site. VMK appeals to almost everyone! If I am not chatting with my friends, I am challenging myself at arcade style games, or expressing myself by creating works of art in my guest rooms. I am an elementary school teacher, and I enjoy “meeting” my students after school for some VMK fun! VMK has brought my closer to my students by creating a connection I could never achieve in the classroom.

Without VMK, I would not have taken advantage of your successful Disney Movie Rewards site. Because of the inclusion of virtual prizes, I have spent nearly $200.00 on Disney DVDs and BluRay discs over the past year. The virtual VMK prizes motivated me to ask friends and family to purchase Disney movies whenever possible!

Without VMK, I would not have planned a family vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. VMK offered in-park quests to explore the Magic Kingdom and earn virtual rewards. My family and I had a blast filling out the quest cards and redeeming our prizes. That vacation cost roughly $2500.00 and could have easily been spent somewhere else.

Without VMK, I would not have ordered Disney Pirate Pin sets. These special pin packs included beautifully created pirate theme pins featuring Disney characters, but also a special code to redeem for VMK virtual prizes. Each pirate pin set cost $15.00, and I have ordered at least five.

Without VMK, I would not have explored your sister site Club Penguin. I choose to pay for this site in order to have access to all of the items available. This pay to play game has cost me nearly $120.00 over the past two years. My penguin character JackieFrost has brought many friends from Club Penguin to VMK.

Without VMK, I would not have discovered Disney Edition Hyperion Books. Titles such as Kingdom Keeper and the Peter and the Star Catcher series have drawn me in with their fantastical writing style. I have purchased additional copies to share with family members and students in my classroom. That’s a total of roughly $70.00 in books so far!

That is nearly $3000.00 spent on Disney trips and merchandise because of VMK!
And I am just one person!

Losing VMK on May 21st would be a tremendous blow to your Disney fan base.

Don’t take away our Virtual Magic Kingdom.

Ask the members of VMK… WE WILL PAY TO PLAY VMK!

Give us the option, you won’t be
disappointed.

4th Grade Teacher and avid Disney fan

[Anony]

250,000 that's an inflated number that would include a lot of mules.
All the kids can thank the adults that did nothing but complain over VIRTUAL items. It started with the gingerbread contest.

You actually want Yavn or Disney to keep vmk open as a pay site? Think your demands are high now, what would you expect if you were paying for vmk?

[May]

I am a 30+ mom with for teenage children. We missed the Beta days of VMK by just a month. Before VMK we used to play another online game but because of the unrestricted language dictionary I quickly prohibited my kids from getting on that site. Even though we have fun and exasperating memories of the VMK dictionary, we are glad to have it. VMK is the 1 place I can allow my children to go and know they are relatively safe. We have made so many dear friends. These friends were there late at night and early in the day when I lost my dad to cancer. They were there and offered support during the months I had to care for him. My friends on VMK were there and understood what I was going through when my mom had a stroke and I had to leave in the middle of a mini-game to help care for her. My older friends, my young friends, my teen friends, and my peers are there always willing to help with day to day issues. Those who want to close VMK do not realise just how much magic VMK brings to everyday people. They don't realise that on VMK everyone is equal. There is no " better than you". No bias because of how you look or talk or any other limitations you might have. Please please keep our little part of the Disney magic alive. Perhaps it would be good for them to remember the lyrics " When you wish upon a star.. makes no difference who you are... " Disney based his worlds on the Magic of imagination. I can not imagine him allowing something like closing down a virtual community to happen. Not when it is robbing so many of resource to imagine and share their magic with the world.

[A Dedicated VMK Player]

I cannot find the words to say what I truly feel, other than to say I am very disappointed.

This is like closing down the park...only the virtual one. If they would have just made this pay-to-play instead of buying that wretched Penguin game...

I am so upset I cannot even type. Maybe I will come back later............

[HeartbrokenAtDLR]

My husband and I joined VMK a month after we bought an annual pass to Disneyland for the 50th Celebration. We had never had a pass before but had been to Disneyland at least once a year. We loved VMK right away, we had fun doing the in park quests and taking the tour but even more liked meeting new people. We met and made friends with people on the game and in innovations while playing VMK. One couple we met have become close friends of ours and I would not trade that for anything! When the time came for us to renew our pass we did renew because of VMK and the friends we had made. We are now on our third year of having a pass. We were so sad when the tour and then the quests went away but we renewed because we love Disneyland and meeting up with our new friends there. I consider my friends my "VMK Family", without them I would not have gotten through so many things in my life. They are there to comfort and support me, celebrate and cry with me. Though I will be able to continue many friendships out side of VMK there are many people I know in VMK that I talk with that I do not want to lose touch with. VMK has always been a safe place to go and play fun games, create a cool room and chat with good friends.
I have met some amazing people battling cancer and other illnesses. VMK has been their safe harbor for fun when having fun in the "real world" is not possible. One such friend called me on the day of the announcement that VMK would be closing. My friend was heartbroken and tearful my heart broke as I listened to her cry.
I am saddened and heart broken that VMK will be taken away from us. Sure we complain from time to time but at the end of the day the fact remains that VMK is home to so many, young and young at heart. I hope and pray that the powers that be will reconsider or at least give us a pay for play version. I for one would be one of the first to sign up!
Signed,
HeartbrokenAtDLR

[PinkSkyMoon]

This is a disgrace. This isn't a video game, its a COMMUNITY.
This is NOT Disney service.
All these things that people have worked hard for.. disappear into cyberspace??
This isn't right!!
Disney, PLEASE reconsider this!

[Steve]

My wife, my five children, and I have played VMK for over two years. It is the only site on the web that interest all members of my family.

To me, that is gigantic. Technology often isolates us 'in real life'. Yes, we have dozens of wonderful on-line friends because of VMK, but more importantly to me, my entire family is interested and involved.

My entire family is involved - I think that needs repeating. And it should matter to Disney. It would to Walt.

My ten year old helps her siblings with quests (as do Mom and I).
My 9 year old and I have 'king of the hill' pirate contests, to see who has mad skills (I have regained my crown).
My seven year old and I build amazing rooms, and incredible rides to travel through them.
My four year old calls me over several times an hour to show me her latest avatar 'dress-up' experiment and to show me how the chairs are set up in her tea party room.

With a dozen on-line offerings from Disney, and hundreds more out there, VMK is the only site my entire family is interested in.

I do not need more activities (on-line or 'in real') calling my family in separate directions.

I want my family having fun together.

What I need is a place we all want to go - that we all enjoy.

VMK is that place, and we need it.

[thesupersmartguy]

Yavn says VMK was meant to be a promotion. Now he wants us to move on to their Pay-To-Play Games such as Toontown and Pirates Online. The problem is we have all invested time into VMK, building friendships, credits and rooms and above all a bond between Disney lovers. Are they just going to drop the new games as they did VMK with the stroke of a corporate pen?

VMK has been more than a game, it has been a community, a safe and fun place to play. These others however, tie you to objectives on their terms and give the players tasks to complete to progress in the game leaving no time to socialize. It is the same as if you stuck a CD in the drive and played alone.

We are a community, not a promotion.

In high hopes we can save VMK,

thesupersmartguy

[Hockeymadfairy]

Living in the UK VMK not only allows me to connect with players world wide, indeed I have many friends from the US to Greece, but also allows me to experience what many people call 'Disney Magic' every day despite living many miles away from a Disney park.
VMK functions as a place that thousands of children, adults and grandparents alike can log in and become someone who is not them for a couple of hours at a time, releasing them from stress, illness or just the day to day nagging of everyday life. It serves as a place where children can be taught from a young age the value of money, or as VMK dubs them credits, perhaps arguably better and quicker than the real world can teach them, and the value of real friendships and the meaning of Disney Magic.
I do not for one second think that Disney can have imagined the impact that one, small, free online game could have had on a world wide community but I am perfectly sure they are aware of it now. This community will not only perish online but many valuable friendships made inside the game will also perish too, and I am near to 100% sure that nobody wants this to happen.
So please, as Walt himself put it, "Disneyland is a work of love. We didn't go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money.", so many people love VMK, please don't close it.

[Bugdozer]

I am writing to tell you about a magical place. A place where young and old can gather to play, learn and enjoy the Disney Magic. A place envisioned by an amazing man who dreamed of places where families could gather and have fun leaving behind the real world when they entered. A place that only the magic and creativity of Disney could build.
Where is this place you may ask? It sounds magical and fun. The first thought you may have of course is that it is Disneyland- but this is not the place I am speak of. It is a form of Disneyland in a different technological age. The place I speak of is Virtual Magic Kingdom.
VMK started out as what Disney thought would be a promotion for the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. So they built this amazing virtual world to replicate Walt’s amazing Disneyland.
They threw open the gates and invited us in. We came slowly at first but once word spread we grew. VMK did not become an online park where we entered for a while then left. It became a community built by its players. A community of young and old, sick and well, and people of all races from near to far off distant countries. Here we found a place that evoked the Disney spirit in all of us. We played, danced, built rooms and formed friendships in the spirit of the man himself Walt Disney.
VMK was growing and becoming more popular so that when the promotion ended the gates were left open and our community flourished. There is no place like it on the Web where children and adults can play in a safe controlled atmosphere. I personally found a place where I and my 13 year old son could be together. We shared in this wonderful kingdom built only as Disney can do-amazing graphics, fun games, a sense of being part of the parks and much pixie dust.
They created our characters to look lifelike, like little people. We named them, dressed them, and formed their personalities. They became part of us. We look forward and enjoy seeing our little people everyday.
Suddenly on April 7th we were hit with an unbelievable devastating blow. On May 21, 2008 our kingdom, our community will cease to exist. The shock that took over was beyond belief. I felt numb, weak, and sick to my stomach, like I had been hit by a bat. How can this happen? How can a company as compassionate as Disney allow the doors of our Kingdom to close?
The news crushed my 15 year old son (slinkyman). VMK has become part of his life, part of his daily routine. A day is not complete without seeing his little person who he created to look like himself. After a few moments the shock and reality sank in and the tears started to flow. WE hugged and just cried asking how, why, how can they?
You see VMK is not just a mere game to us. Six months after slinkyman started playing VMK he was diagnosed with cancer. A shocking blow to any family made worst it being a child. I found my strength to get him through this, then an mazing thing happened. Thanks to the spirit of Disney he took refuge in his Kingdom. In VMK he was not sick. He was a normal kid that still had hair and he had many friends. He had a support team in this community that was not available elsewhere. Cancer scares many people and our family pulled back-offering no support or visits. Here in VMK slinkyman and I have a community of amazing friends. They talked, listened, comforted us, prayed for us and sent mountains of pixie dust our way.
Through out his treatment whenever we were at the hospital slinkyman would take along the laptop with him. During these painful and scary days of treatment he would play VMK as the poisons to kill the cancer were pumped into his body. Doctors and nurses would ask him what he was playing and he would passionately tell them of a place only envisioned in dreams. VMK became an instrumental tool in his recovery. We have made life long friends and have wonderful support thanks to the magic of Disney. So to us it is so much more then a mere game. It is in a soul. I had a friend tell me the other day the VMK is in slinkyman’s DNA- they could not be more right. I was able to save my son from cancer but I fear I will not be able to save little “slinkyman” from the darkness that is about to be bestowed upon us.

Please I beg you to reconsider this decision. Please hear the cries of young and old and let our little people live. I can not imagine a day without seeing the face of my little person. I like may others are then willing to pay to keep this community of ours alive. Please consider this option. Please show compassion and Disney spirit and show the children you care. After all in VMK the minds of our young a being filled with Disney and they will grow into adults that spend much money on anything and everything Disney.

In this Year of a Million Dreams I ask you to please dry a Million tears and let our dreams come true.

Sincerely,

Bugdozer

[Ppiglett]

I am a faithful player of Disney's online game, Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK). I heard about it back in May of 2005, and started playing. I have recently been informed that VMK is being cancelled.

I have to tell you that this broke my heart. Why?

I have been playing this game almost every day for 3 years. In all on-line role playing games, you have the same goals: To acquire virtual "stuff" and to acquire your in-game friends. Can you imagine playing a game and building your virtual rides and rooms and all of taken away? For example, in Club Penguin, imagine you started playing and then after awhile they just said "Thanks, that's all now. All those games you played to get in-game credits? Too bad." And all your friends? We are told that we are not to contact our VMK players outside of VMK. Good online safety. But now they are telling us you are taking away all our virtual friends?

VMK also keeps me immersed in "all things Disney." We love the family-friendly aspect of it...in fact my husband, me, and my 11 year old and 14 year old all played the game. But now it will be gone.

On the VMK home page, it says that VMK was only supposed to be a promotion and that is why they are closing it down. Well why didn't they tell us? Why not say this game will only last for three years so don't get too invested? Why have new virtual items for sale and new games and quests continuously if it was just going to stop?

You might ask, "It's a free game, what do you want them to do?"
But as you said, it was to promote Disney. I can tell you all the money I spent on Disney products as a result of VMK.

1) Trips to Walt Disney World. I remember in 2005 when my husband I were talking about where to go on vacation, I immediately suggested Disneyworld as I wanted to do some of the in-park quests that allowed you to get park-specific virtual items for VMK.

2) Stays in the Disneyland hotels. My husband had some business trips to the L.A. area, and he went early and stayed in a Disneyland Hotel just to get the virtual "Stitch" items for VMK. They are still very rare in the VMK economy.

3) Disney Movie Rewards. I feel stupid now, but we bought a few more DVDs than we would have to get Disney Movie Rewards to get exclusive items for VMK.

4) Pins: I feel really really really stupid now, but just on Monday April 7th 2008, I went to Epcot as I was in town for a business trip. I bought some of the real-life VMK pin sets for both the pins and the virtual codes to get more VMK items.

5) In park merchandise. With purchase of real items, you get some virtual items. I have a set of gold ears. I also have a set of virtual gold ears! I have some pins, and virtual “Penny Press” that I got with the purchase. I have a Splash Mountain Photo, and the virtual “Wanted Poster”. I have some magic tricks, and a “Magic Mirror.” Would I have bought all that without the VMK bonus? No, I wouldn’t have. Those magic tricks are sitting in a closet.

I want my money back. I spent money on Disney items to get VMK items as well as the physical items. But I no longer get the benefit of the VMK codes related to those items. I feel that they have reneged on your implied contract with us. I may be stupid to buy all that stuff, but I enjoyed the virtual items in VMK.

Now you say, hey, why don't you play one of their Pay to Play games? So I should abandon all that I have worked for in VMK, all the items and rooms and clothing I have worked hard for, even paid for with my real life purchases, and now pay for the privilege to start all over? No thanks.

Why would I pay money if they can close down the games at any time? Clearly they are in control and we never know when they will close down an online game.

And truly, I cannot imagine Walt Disney shutting down a family friendly virtual Disney Experience with hardly any notice and causing such bad feelings about Disney.

WWWD? What would Walt Do?

You may say that VMK costs money. They never gave us the opportunity to pay for VMK. I would say that I already paid for it with what I bought from Disney. Even so, I would pay to keep what I have acquired in VMK. All the items, all the friends. All the Disney fun. But they say, throw it way. Who cares. Too bad. Not our problem. Your fault for getting invested in a Disney online experience. Wasn’t supposed to last anyway. Just a promotion. Didn’t you know?

[AmberDaze]

It's about 4am now...3 hours after VMK closed for the night. I just checked in on my daughter (MonkeyRulz on VMK) who was still awake. She was crying...crying because we just found out that VMK was going to close. The thought of her losing all of her VMK friends was just too much for her to bear. No one thinks that children have much stress in their lives, but they do. Last summer she had surgery to remove a soft tissue mass on her thumb. Through the tears and the pain, she still was able to type to friends far and near in her virtual Magic Kingdom. This is what saved both of our sanities during this time. Her VMK friends was who she counted on while she was lying on the couch only able to use one hand to type. Her VMK friends was what made her forget her pain.

My daughter was recently diagnosed with a form of arthritis, which has has helped to explain many of her health issues over the past few years. She currently has a lot of inflammation in her thumb, which causes numbness and pain. Medication has not yet been successful to heal it. She is a very strong person but when she accidentally hits her thumb, the tears fall like there is no tomorrow. She turns to her VMK friends for support all the time. When she is with them, all I hear is laughter. If VMK closes, it would be like her closest friends just left her. No more cheering up, no more support, no more enjoying each other's company, no more forgetting about that big test coming up tomorrow, no more goodnight hugs and waves with friends across the miles...

For almost 3 years I knew my VMK friends would always be there for me...they were there when I had my gallbladder (gold.blot.her) taken out last summer. What real friends would have stayed with me when all I was able to do is lie around in bed for weeks? My VMK friends...that's who. These friends have become very much a part of my everyday life and I treasure them. I want VMK to continue as it always has...I had no idea it was not supposed to last this long. But I also didn't know that my little virtual self would wander around and make friends who have become near and dear to my heart. I don't think any of us really knew that when we first started.

My daughter and I joined VMK before Frontierland was added. Since that time, we have both met wonderful people from all over the world...some of them have become a part of our real day to day lives. To those friends I have met in person...I thank you for your friendship. I am so grateful that we have met, and even moreso that you will continue to be a part of my life. To those friends inside the game who I have not had the pleasure of meeting: I thank you too, for your friendship and all the wonderful times we have had. I am indeed the luckiest girl in the world to have friends like you.

Monkey and I never realized how greatly we would feel this loss...the majority of VMK players feel the same way. We do not want to lose our friends, nor the Disney magic, and we are willing to pay to keep it going. How can wanting to continue the magic be a wrong thing? In the true spirit of Disney hearts, friends and family would not suffer a loss as great as this. What started out as a small virtual game, has indeed grown into something so much more. This little "game" has grown into a huge community of friends, families and true Disney lovers. In the midst of A Year of a Million Dreams, it's hard to believe that friends and families will just go away.

Sure we tried playing other games over the past few years...but it was never the same. We always went back to VMK. No other game brings Disney magic right into our home inbetween trips to the real parks. No other game. If you can think of another game that makes me yell out "flawless," or "awesome," while watching real Disney's fireworks light up the sky, please tell me. There just isn't a replacement. You may not have created this game for us to grow an extension of ourselves in the virtual world, but that's what happened. Everything in the Disney parks make us think of VMK as well...it always will. When VMK closes, I will have suffered a great loss...just how do you say goodbye to so many friends who you still treasure so much?

We are not alone in our feelings...there are so many families and friends who play VMK and enjoy Disney magic together...families who cannot be together in their real lives, such as mothers and fathers who are in the military and cannot visit their children. Without VMK, they would not have this opportunity to share Disney magic whenever they can. There are children who cannot see their moms or dads because of a divorce; and families who just live too far away to physically be there for each other. These families depend greatly on Disney's VMK. Then there are those who are of ill health, who depend on VMK to forget about their health issues. I have a treasured friend who needs to use a wheelchair, but in VMK she can stand taller than her husband, who also plays VMK with their two children. I can't even begin to count the numerous autistic children I have come across who have reached out in VMK and finally made a connection...children who have had no direction have been found to blossom and become outspoken because of this "game." I have a wonderful friend who has twin girls...one of them has autism and is experiencing great sadness over the news. Her other daughter, Dlandchick, has been battling cancer for more than a year now. In the darkest days of her treatments, she knows she can login to VMK and find loving and caring friends and family who support her from across the miles. There are many more adults and children who have cancer, or another serious illness who depend on VMK as their magical "getaway." VMK is for everyone wanting just a little piece of Disney magic. We know we can login, and share our good days and our bad...with friends and families we have grown to treasure.

Whatever you'd like to call VMK -- whether it be a "game," an "application," a "promotion..." things have changed tremendously since its opening. It has grown into a real life community with living and breathing souls behind those cute little characters. Disney does not destroy dreams, it creates them. Please don't take our dreams away.

AmberDaze on VMK

[EvlQueen]

Once upon a time there was an online game called VMK: Virtual Magic Kingdom, an online replica of the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World. It was originally created to promote Disneyland’s 50th anniversary in 2005, and lots of children and their parents alike created characters and dressed them up, designed rooms, played games and made friends on this site. All for free. After 3 years, many strong friendships had been made, and VMK had become a daily habit for thousands of people. It served the particularly helpful function of being a “fix” for the Disney fanatics that were between trips to WDW or Disneyland. Fun was had by all. Then on April 7 2008 with no warning, VMK announced that it would close on May 21, 2008. If you read the Disney bulletin boards like Disboards.com, you will see that people are more than upset. They have started petitions, mail writing and phone campaigns to save VMK. They have offered to pay for the privilege of playing. Interestingly, Disney has no plans to close the sites they have that are already pay to play (i.e. Pirates of the Caribbean Online, Toontown, Club Penguin). But they really don’t seem to care about the thousands of people for whom this little site has become a daily habit. Is money really the only thing that matters to Disney now?

I am a psychologist who works with children in Florida; I am also a VMK addict. I am writing to express the anger, sadness and disappointment I (and so many others like me) feel about the sudden closing of VMK. Please don’t misunderstand; I don’t think that Disney owes us a free online game indefinitely. But to allow people (children, adults, Disney fans in general) to play for 3 years with no idea the end is coming is just wrong. Many, myself included, would pay to play.

My family started playing VMK in the summer of 2005. My daughter was 8. She and her dad found the game and I thought they were crazy. Then I made my own character and I was hooked. If you look on the DIS boards you will see all kinds of people, kids and adults alike, who have used VMK for their escape from the troubles of everyday life. Some people had serious illnesses or limitations that kept them from leaving home, and VMK was respite. Just like WDW and DLR, VMK is a sanctuary: you can make some new friends, there are fun things to do, and most everything is quite lovely to look at. Whether they were talking to their friends (real friendships were forged on this site over 3 years‘ time!) or building a room, it was a place to go for some real joy. Isn’t that what Disney is all about?

In the beginning, we never saw it as a forever thing. But as the years went by, it became a part of our daily life. We made friends that we came to look for each day, we decorated our rooms, and got better at fireworks and pirates and mansions. We couldn’t wait for the new costumes to come out; that first Halloween we almost lost our minds with excitement. We entered competitions and stood in line for host rooms. It became a big part of our life, just like everything Disney does. People count down their trips to WDW and DRL starting a year before departure! VMK was a place to go for our Disney needs in the meantime. What will we do now?

Okay, you might not appreciate my sad story, but the most appalling part of the whole thing is the way they lied to the kids (and adults). What message does this send to the kids? They told us the VMK Central closings in the real Disney parks meant nothing; they told us new items were coming next month. They had this huge quest and brought out a new room and tons of new items for sale that everyone was excited about. Then unceremoniously on April 7 (with a poll still in the newsletter asking us what we would like to see more of in VMK), they announced its end. This is not the Disney way. This is not what Walt would have wanted. Don’t lie to us and then tell us that VMK ending is not such a bad thing. If a child showed up at the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland and the castle was gone, would you tell them to just deal with it? Go to another park, perhaps? It’s that big of a deal, people; believe it. Tell us how to keep it alive.

Sincerely,
Laura B. Carper, Ph.D.

aka: EvlQueen

[phil williamson]

i am suprised at the stupidity of disney thinking that people are going to take this lying down. fraud is one word that hits me and scam is another. many of us paid thousands of dollars going to disney and buying movies and pins for vmk. and now they are closing it. they did not lose money thats a lie. they made millions. lawyers love to hear about words like i have mentioned. wonder if felony criminal charges will be brought up agains disney or a class action lawsuit. hint hint

[stephen price]

feel cheated and lied to. i am a disney passholder in both disneys. vmk was the reason i was going. vmk was the reason i was buying pins and clothes and movies. i spent a lot of money on vmk thinking it would stay open. at the beginning of the year yavn talked about all the new things that would take place this year. meaning to me all year. hmm lies. i would have never bought all the movies i bought from disney knowing vmk was closking. and i just bought them. they all have those codes on them that get you things virtually on vmk. since disney wont give our money back i urge everyone to boycott disney dont buy any of there stuff or go to disney let them know its because of what they did to us in vmk. no comapany that does that deserves your money. we would have gladly paid to stay on vmk but they just close and dont even offer money back. too bad they dont understand the principle of successful business. walt disney would be ashamed of the disney today. just to let you know over the last 4 years my family has spend over 60,000 dollars going to disney and buying disney products and we are just one family . thats real money they wont be getting any more . we are wealthy. i know some are not for that i am sorry. we do help others to go to disney but even that will stop. if other people will do what we are commited to doing they will find themselves making a real stand against bad business. lets not let them get away with it. and contact news papers and tv. let them know your story how you feel cheated and lied to. and get lawyers and see if we can do something about this

[Littlebelle]

Many of us dream of being cast members to be a part of the magic; that Disney creates. Well reality for most; it is just not possible.

In VMK we get to live out those dreams. We could be virtual Disney ambassadors. What do I love about VMK? It is not the things. Not the games not even building rooms. But all those things are a means to do what I enjoy the most. Spreading pixie dust. Maybe I have had the most awful day and going on VMK helping another always lifts my spirit.

I do not know much about computer games. But no one has suggested any game that we can do this in. In the real world we spend so much time worrying about things, pressures and stresses. The Little Virtual Community that we built is a haven for the weary.

I hope you will reconsider your decision. Your team created a niche that no one has done successfully. It could really have been so much more. From what the original vision was. A great marketing tool. Unfortunately our little mini me(s) are not papers of advertising that can me thrown out, commercials we can skip over. This 50th Anniversary of DRL site grew in to a wonderful journey of people in many continents of different faiths, color, age and race. "Our own version of a Small World" Sharing the Disney magic each day of the week. I have more friends around the world than I ever had.

So please consider how many dreams you have made come true:

· To the kids with Autism who for the first time have friends and are not laughed at for being different.

· To the mother that was woken up when her 11-year old Aspersers child was crying that she is loosing all her friends. When this kid never cried when she needed stitches. Or broke her ankle and in real life has no friends she plays with.

· To the mother or Father who is trying so hard to comfort their kids as they cry themselves to sleep. Disney is no longer a magical place.

· To the mother of an Autistic child who has seen her blossom because of VMK and is begging for help as she sees her regress everyday to a time before VMK began.

· To the child who comes from an abusive family and goes to his grandmothers on weekends. (the only place with a computer). To go to his happy place where he is always safe.

· To the single mother who struggles to provide for her kids and saves for the day when she can one day take them to the real park.

· To the mother that travels for work. Meeting on VMK and waving Good night to her daughter helps the pain of being away.

· To the grandparents that were terrified on computer technology that now have a magical place to share with their grand children.

· To the 11-year-old child struggling just to live with spinal muscular disease. Who says in VMK I can walk eat and breathe just like everyone else. And no one stares at you.

· To the kids getting cancer treatments and playing VMK while in hospital. Saying there is no cancer in Virtual Magic kingdom.

· To the dad that is separated from his kids and has found a place where they can connect every day. And is frantic that no other site exist for them now.

· The young at heart that struggle with disabilities that this game gives encouragement, a sense of belonging and therapy.

· To the thousand of families that have created an even deeper bond by playing together. Knowing no other game provides this.

· To the soldier that has had to leave his family behind but the kids bring out his Virtual character and have a sense he is still near.

· To the future imaginers, the kids because of this type of game want to follow in Walt's footsteps.

· To the children and families who were so excited to be finally going to Disney and after the announcement there is no talk of it, no excitement in there eyes. ·

Yes Mr. Iger, theses are just a small portion of Disney fans and families. There are so many more stories I just wanted to highlight a few.

To many we are just virtual characters in a virtual world. But this virtual character is crying real tears. I never thought the word Disney could bring so much heartache to thousands of people mostly kids that need this place.

I do not know if you understand what you created when Disney build VMK, I do not know if Disney realizes the great need they were filling when they decided to close the door to VMK.

You have diamond in the rough, a place were dreams really do come true. A place if Disney does not change its decision will be a place where it broke too many kids and families dreams. For a year of an million dreams in one push of a button thousand and thousands of kids dreams will have been crushed. This is not just a game to the majority of people it is a Disney Park just virtual. Please do not make this the year of a million tears.

How heart breaking to be walking around VMK and see the typing of kids totally lost, totally confused. Saying they are crying real tears. Praying for a miracle. Hoping beyond hope that Disney will change their mind. That on May 22 when they wake up their magical place is well and alive.

Thank you for keeping the magic alive.

After reading this letter to Disney. The question needs to be asked. Why haven't you written your letter yet? Even if you do not play VMk why are you not asking Disney why So may kids are crying.

Why can they not help these kids. Search out the web you will find these stories all over the place.

Please help us help these kids.

[Mamacita]

I'd be more than willing to pay to continue in this game. As so many have said, it's not a game, it's a community and it has become so dear to me and to my children. I'm not going to go into the details, but the last 2 years have been extremely difficult for me and having vmk has been a comfort that I can't begin to describe. I have made true friends in this game, not just people who I enjoy gaming with, true friends. We have supported each other through rough times and celebrated with each other through happy times. It's a safe place where I can allow my children to interact with others and at the same time a great teaching tool (typing and interpersonal skills) and creative outlet (room building) for them. I have no desire to join the other games which are task centered rather than community centered, and even if the new games being developed are community centered, I fear the same thing will happen there. I can't take spending 3 years building friendships only to have them yanked out from under me again. My children have treasured this game, some of them since before they could read or type. If whoever made this decision could have seen my 9 year old son crying at the news, I think he would reconsider.
Mamacita

[SkiBoi]

There were some very heartfelt sentiments expressed in these messages. I'm not as good as some, but the sentiments are certainly there. But don't you all wish that they would just tell the truth? Walt would. Making a mockery of a quest one day, closing it early two days later, and then making a snap announcement of VMK closing is not something that was not done with any of the thought that Disney puts into its other endeavors. I'm afraid, that for myself, I won't be able to expend effort towards any other offerings that Disney may produce. The trust that I have grown to have for Disney vanished on that announcement. Just one rhetorical question to close - What Would Walt Do?

[anonymous]

This truely is a disappointment. I couldn't believe it when I heard they were closing. My feelings ran through me because it felt like they were putting my second life to rest. I call VMK my second life because of all the hard earned effort, laughs, tears, relations, emotions, successes and down pours in that magical place. "It all started with a mouse," is correct, so in order to keep that quote alive and remembered, than cajole everyone you can in every candid way to keep the happiness of this virtual world existing. As i think of it, calling VMK a virtual world shouldn't be so. VMK is so indefinate and filled with hopes people couldn't imagine or accomplish in the real world because of the ignorant actions of real people. VMK is another story I may say, and closing the gates of this mystical world would be like putting down EVERY SINGLE dream of EVERY SINGLE child on things that thrill them. Its amazing how the simple things such as a "minnie hat" or "stitch hat" or "inferno" magic puts a big smile on someone's face. Yes, i know everyone likes feeling a little thrill of joy in knowing that they put forth alot of saved up virtual world items to get the one magic, or one hat they've been wanting since day one. Personally, closing VMK is devastation on my behalf. My friends and make believe family will extinct, and i may never see them again. That statement alone puts a tear in my eye and melts a hole in my throat knowing "I may never see them again." Please please do everything you can to keep a million dreams alive, in a world of long-wanted PEACE. No judgement. No violence or ignorance. No bullying. And especially no evilness. Consideration is wanted. Yavn doesn't HONESTLY want to ruin our dreams, does he? As i write this raw piece of essay from the pit of my heart, the memories roll by like the sound of laughter from children experiencing the times of their lives. We truely dont deserve having our dreams ruining by Yavn do we? Dreams of being happy with friends, sharing feelings, love, enviness? Do all you can. This is a nightmare.

[aqamarina]

Mamacita said it all. What Would Walt Do? Maybe it would benefit Disney if they asked themselves this question. Maybe they would realize that they are not just ending a promotion, but ruining the "online escape" of thousands of children everywhere. Do they not understand the hope, and most of all important, friendship?
Like SkiBoi, I don't want to leave my friends. I cry whenever I think... "At 1 in the morning on May 21, I have to say goodbye to my friends forever." FOREVER. Not for a day, a week, or a month. Forever.

When I heard that VMK was closing, I also thought, "This must be a joke. How could they do this?" The answer is, they can't. Or rather, WE CAN'T LET THEM. We have to fight!

[Emily]

I came across VMK while on Neopets.com. They were running a game called "Virtual Magic Kingdom Tour" at the time, and VMK was still in beta with only a few days remaining and was not yet open to the public, except for its beta members. So I waited, counting down the days, until finally, after what seemed like forever, I was able to join.
VMK seemed a little boring at first, since nobody really knew anyone else. Then out of nowhere, I met my first VMK friend and my outlook on the game changed forever.
Every day, we would challenge each other in mini-games, chat and just play around. I started to make more and more friends on VMK and with that, more excitement came from the game. Before I knew it, I had a full friend's list.
No items were really rare yet, almost everything was buyable at the time. Until October 2005... VMK had it's first Halloween! I bought almost every costume, hat, and furnishing item that was sold during this time. On November first, when I went to buy one more thing in VMK's "Emporium", everything was gone. I was very confused as to what had happened to all of these items, until I found out they were now retired and I owned "rare" items. I was so happy that I decided to trade all of it except my Pink Princess Dress (which I still own :)) for a single gray crate. I was very excited and thought the crate was rare too; what a silly new player I was.
I had never been to Disney World before, and my first VMK friend (maddiebellaye) and her sisters were going. Maddie promised to bring back something very special for me, so I waited while she was gone. When she came back, she presented me with a pair of Gold Mickey Ears (Still own those too!), I thanked her like crazy. Soon, though, we began to grow apart, talking less and less as we both made more and more friends. She is not on my VMK friend's list anymore to this date, but her two older sisters, "Loray" and "trixiemarie" still are, so I get to talk to her every now and then.
I can't believe how much VMK has changed over these three years for the better, but suddenly, it started going downhill and I was assuming this time to say our final goodbyes would come. When yavn sent out the message that VMK would infact be closing, I cried for two days straight. What about my VMK friends? Will I ever get to talk to them again?
I'm not as upset about the game itself closing as I am about losing all of the friendships I've made. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.
Please don't stop fighting for VMK everyone! We can keep it opened!

[Sally]

I just want to say this is really really sad for those kids that have been playing this virtual game for three years. They get on everyday to say hi to a friend states away. This should not be closed for vmk is releasing many new things everyday, every month. Why give out new things and take everything away from them... This shouldn't happen for thousands maybe millions of kids across the Countries. This is a terrible thing anyone could do. People make new friends on this virtual game. My child plays this, She loves to get on and talk to her friend in texas. Tennesse and Texas are far from one another, but my daughter loves to say hi to her friends and chat onlines for many hours. A child needs a place where they can go and not get into trouble just to play with friends. It is sad to hear what is happening, What is going to happen. If they let people play this and close it soon after thats heart breaking. Just want to let everyone know why ever this is happening millions of childs hearts are being broken.

[Jessica]

I have been on VMK since a few weeks after it opened. I have worked so hard to earn all my stuff. As a player it really does bring tears to my eyes to know that VMK will be closing its gates. What I am going to miss the most is the feeling of actually being in the park. Plus I have made so many wonderful friends either talking to them in the game or talking to them at the kiosk to turn in the in park quests (when it was open) or inside of innoventions. I am very sad to be seeing VMK close and I am sure many other people agree with me.

[Karen]

Is there anything I can say that hasn't been already said? Nothing has given me as much pleasure as VMK has given me over the years. Nothing has caught my attention as VMK has. Now I find out that it was all a promotion; a dream sequence that makes all the insanity ok. I feel lied to, manipulated, and deflated. I am sad/angry to find out that friendship, community and "magic" is just an advertisement! Do what's right and Save VMK!

[Amber [ amber_kait ]]

I don't have much time to write this, so my comment will be a bit short compared to all these other amazing comments some of my dearest friends have left.
I just have to say, VMK is absolutely NOT just a game. VMK is a community. If i could choose, i would choose to live my VMK life over mine. I have met the most amazing friends on it. For VMK ending, this is all a mistake. disney, please do something. a few of us are starting to think there are other reasons that you're ending VMK, and not telling us.. All i can say is that we just need to save it. there's not much more to it. But also please note how many people that VMK has helped them get through. People with cancer, and many other diseases, they have played VMK, and it saved them, they could be a normal person on VMK, with no germs. just please save VMK! (:

[MickeysBuddy]

We are also saddened by the closing of the Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK). My son and I play together and have been on VMK for the last 3 years. We joined VMK they day they opened the game for public beta which was a testing phase of the game before it was officially open. Like many others, we have made special trips to the Disney parks to do "Quests", and joined the Disney Movie and Disney Rewards clubs all in order to receive special items within the game that you could not buy in it's virtual stores. Although VMK is a free game offered by Disney, it has made plenty of revenue for the Disney Company. Of course the best thing about VMK is the save environment that VMK provides for children. Being a Disney game, this should not be a surprise, but VMK is even safer that Disney's other online games. Although you can freely chat with others in the kingdom, Disney has built in a safe chat system where you can only say words that are in the games dictionary. This prevents you from saying things like numbers so you are not able to give out your phone number or address. You also can't say your name or even the word "name". It is the safest place on the web for kids to gather and play. When our son is on VMK, we do not have to be over his shoulder the whole time he is on the game. VMK is also a great educational system. Not only do kids learn much needed social skills, but the also lean economic and mathematical skills by earning credits (the games online currency) and learning to save them for items that are for sale in the virtual stores within the game. These items are things like clothing, trading pins, furniture for their virtual rooms and magic pins that add fun special effects to your character like fireworks above your head or letting you be semi-invisible for a few moments. They learn to barter by trading their virtual items with others in the game. We would be willing to pay to continue to play this fantastic online experience if Disney would make the offer, but they have ignored our requests to do so. We thank you for helping us to spread the news about this and hope that others will join our fight to keep VMK open. Send email, letters and give phone calls to the Walt Disney Internet Group and the Walt Disney Company and let them know we need to keep the Virtual Magic Kingdom open.

[AceEllaBelle]

There are some great sentiments posted here. I may not be as eloquent but here are my thoughts:

Dear Disney

As a former Cast Member I love everything Disney. When I discovered VMK I was hooked!! This is a site where friends are made but more importantly my daughter is safe.

We have looked at other online games - POTC, Club Penguin, Webkinz, etc. and frankly nothing compares to VMK. POTC is definitely not for children. Should the Disney Company decide to ignore the pleas of its VMK devoted and shut this virtual world down our family will be disappointed and very sad.

We loved the in park quests. We booked trips to DLR and WDW, to visit yes, but also to get those quests done for the virtual items (we love our stitch hats! and those Kali River Rapids couches!) Great marketing I would say. Disney Movie Rewards also got us. It was the only way we could get Inferno Magic!! And that cool Red Stitch Hat to go with our Red Stitch Battleship Magic!

Please realize this is more than just a game. VMK has taken on a life of its own. Disney has to be proud of that innovation but do not slam the door on something that is already so great and with Disney imagination can be so much more to so many people. Continue to build on this AMAZING place do not shut it down!

[AnotherlostVMKer]

I have said for quite some time now that Disney would not continue to finance something that does not make money. Bottom line.... Disney is a huge corporation that has a board to answer to. VMK costs money to keep running and makes ZERO dollars. I will miss it of course as I have made great friends here but I do understand.

Also I started playing with the EBAY sweepstakes and for the record it was NEVER mentioned online or in game that VMK was promotional for any event. Disney be honest tell us you are losing money dont lie to make your greed any less evident.

[Melonaide]

VMK is truly a world, a community where people can come together and share a dream. A dream of a wonderful place, where friends can be made, fun can be had, and safety can be found in a medium that is often full of danger. Walt may not have envisioned exactly this world, but he believed in a place where dreams can be made and come true.

So why take it away? This is a place where families can connect, and that is rare whether in the virtual world or the real world. Many people have expressed their artistry in their creations in this world, and others have the opportunity to enjoy and admire it. Friendships have been made, wonderful people have made this place truly magical. I have seen a lot of kindness to strangers being spread around, and passed on. I find amazing friendships and support given to people. It truly saddens me that the current Disney management does not think this has any value and wishes to shut it down. I see it as the magic being slowly replaced by the almighty dollar. Fine, so be it. Make it a pay-to-play world. But do not shut it down.

[Lisa/aka Peppey]

Every individual has the power to make a difference. Every bit of development and progress made in society throughout the history of mankind began with one person who possessed enough vision and courage to step forward. Walt Disney was one of those people. He was one of the world's greatest artists, a true imagineer, whose vision and persistence manifested the greatest theme parks of all time. It is only logical to think how deeply disappointed he would be to witness the dismantlement of an extension of his dream, the virtual Magic Kingdom, a place where families, kids and adults can come together in cyberspace and experience the magic that Disney has to offer. For many this is the only way they are able to experience a Disney park and the excitement it holds. For others, it is the way they can relive their wonderful experiences there. So, since every voice counts, we too are stepping forward to voice our support and encouragement for this safe and fun virtual game environment suitable for the whole family known as Virtual Magic Kingdom.

As the XBox company and Blizzard Entertainment knows, online gaming can be extremely successful ventures with great revenue potential. If the corporate Disney executives believe the benefits of running this 'promotional' VMK has come to an end, it is apparent they have underestimated the huge and valuable impact it has had on thousands of families; adults and children alike.

One core premise of business is the law of supply and demand and currently it seems the company is ignoring this universal and basic business truth if it indeed is determined to ignore the thousands of people voicing their desire that the company not close their beloved VMK.

Disney, like any successful company, is always searching for ways to increase it's profit margins and although it's certain they have analyzed current data which may show a shy increase in revenue connected to the game thus far, it is premature to discount and dismiss the potential surge of profit from the ever increasing numbers of players, game popularity and notoriety. Walt Disney knew that building a dream starts with a thought and needs cultivation and patience. Perseverance and dedication ensure its birth into reality. If the Disney company executives pull the plug on this phenomena known as VMK, they will be aborting the developing dreams and wishes of thousands of people. The closing of the virtual park is tantamount to the executives actually closing one of Disney's physical theme parks. After all, VMK players are not virtual, they are all real human beings playing in a virtual world, and all are current or potential Disney customers. The effects of this decision will not stop at the individual players who will no longer be allowed to play VMK, it will continue on to touch the lives of many many others like the ripple effect of a raindrop falling on water. A company's reputation is built upon its interaction with it's customer and consumer. If the Disney company fails to budge on its intent to close its most successful online game, it will not be surprising to witness a subsequent decline in trust and esteem held among the thousands of adults and children alike who will be affected by this decision.

It is an ignorant mistake by Disney to believe that they have the ability to simply lure the VMK public into their other online games when those games do not hold the attraction of the VMK park. It is the virtual Disney Kingdom that has the people transfixed, not the cartoons being offered. It isn't the toys that can be bought. It is the place, the world where adults can escape and be a kid again or to to visit cyber-friends or family across the globe; it is the place where kids can play safely and be respected. It's a game without violence, where new friendships are formed, where children can learn life lessons from the safety of their homes. Its so much more than what the Disney team ever imagined it would become. Why has it grown to mean so much to so many, a bona fide phenomena? Because of one factor that the Disney company can never create or duplicate, real people with heart and a dream. And as we all know from the movie Cinderella, "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes". Therefore, with all the voices united of those who love VMK we say, "Our Dream is that Disney will SAVE VMK!

[Karen]

If anyone had told me 18 months ago that I would be petitioning for an online game to remain open, I would have thought they were out of their minds. I have never been interested in computer games, I am a cross-word puzzle kind of person, but VMK speaks to me as no other game ever has. VMK is more than just a game, it has become a community, a family that I share my love of Disney Parks with. It truly has become "more than the sum of its parts".

My love for Disney is deep, and although my heart is hurting at the feeling of abandonment by their careless actions in shutting down VMK, I would never punish myself by threatening to cut off my association with them. On the other hand, neither am I willing to accept them mollifying me with promises of a new online game to replace VMK .. my trust in them does not extend that far any more.

[amy]

I figure I may as well add my two cents, in the hopes that if somebody comes and sees the wonderful and well thought out comments above mine might help them realize a little more how many people love this game.

I have been playing VMK regularly since September 2005, starting just two months after it officially launched in July of that year. I’ve made great friends in the game of all ages, and I really think neither Disney nor any other MMO offers an experience similar to VMK.

What I loved about VMK was that you could make a guest room with a game or quest for others to play, and you could give prizes to them. That opened a whole world of experiences beyond those the official staff make for the game. The furniture you bought was often used to build a room that wasn’t just a collection of your stuff, but a chance for kids to be creative in making up a new game or a themed room.

The game was simple and fun, with an emphasis on collecting and being social rather than completing quests and leveling up.

I wish Disney had considered pay-for-play as well. VMK would be perfect for a lower monthly rate, maybe $5/mo, making it the “bargain” MMO in the Disney family. For someone like me, about to graduate college and currently interviewing for my first real job, I really can’t put aside $10/mo for a Disney MMO.

Beyond, I don’t really want to because I have already spent time in every MMO Disney has offered and none gives me the sense of community and user creativity VMK always did. Unfortunately, from the description of the other games they will be more like the non-VMK games Disney has already created.

If you have a big enough budget for 10 new online worlds, surely there should be room for this one small, clever, well loved one?

[Milla Valkeasuo]

I've never ever played DVMK.. But I guess people liked it.

[Candy]

Why would you close down a website which gives children with special medical conditions a place to be with kids of all kinds. What an opportunity to not only do something for the greater good but also reach out to kids with a fine product. Please don't shutdown the website!

[Pat]

I started playing vmk in Nov. 2006. An ebay promotion got me to go to the site. I thought it was a fun place and then started telling people about it and how much fun it was. I knew the in park quest was a promotion but I thought this was a promotion to get you to go to the vmk site, just like ebay was and earlier Kelloggs had a promotion to get you to the site. When someone said they were going to WDW I would give them money to bring back pins so that I could get codes to use in the game. I bought a few movies that I didn't need for the codes. I had no problem giving Disney my money because the game was free and felt I was paying Disney for the fun. When they closed the in park quest at DLR, people asked is vmk closing we were told no and the quests were still running in WDW, then WDW quests closed we were told vmk was still going strong. Now as we are getting this information we are still playing, putting time in getting credits to buy the stuff coming out, fixing up rooms. spending hours doing quests. I knew from the game that Disney was promoting there movies etc. I thought what a great idea they had. Then to my surprise I read it is closing. What? Now I hear that vmk was only a promotion that extended beyond it's time. Up to the day we were told it was closing if you went into Disney Movie Rewards they were still letting you get magic with reward points for buying or seeing movies. So how long was it suppose to be up for? Why keep promoting it in Movie Rewards if it was past it's time. Why let me think it was still going strong? Thanks for letting me introduce a game to kids who are now asking why does it have to close. I enjoyed vmk because it let me get away from reality and have fun. Well thanks Disney for finding away to get reality into vmk. It would of been nice if Disney was up front with us to let us know vmk was only temporary. Would I of bought pins, movies etc. for a game that would be over so quickly for me. I will never know that answer because I never had the correct information. Sorry this is so long but Disney really dissapointed me this time and I guess I'm surprised.

You know something. I was so shocked and sad when I first heard about VMK closing. A bit of panic even set in. ‘What will I do?’ I wondered. After all I have been playing this game for 3 years. 3YEARS!! Who would ever have thought they could make a commitment to a virtual computer game for that long, let alone stop playing only because you are forced to??
Well a bit of time has passed and I am no longer shocked (albeit still sad inside) I have graduated to ANGER! I am so disgusted with Disney for doing this to me – to us. To ALL of us.
We have longed on to this game, rearranged schedules so we could be on certain times for either – certain Hosts events, new item releases, or just because there is that one particular time of day you can spend with that very special friend you made from across the world! Literally across the world! I have friends from the opposite coast of the US all the way out to the UK, that I have met and come to love as a part of my life. All because of VMK.

Thanks Disney for destroying that for me!

I am ANGRY about losing that special place to share a bit of the ‘magic’ with them
~sitting in the Blue Bayou in the mornings for our coffee talks
~racing down Main Street USA in our virtual cars (yeah the greenest was hardest to get but the pink is so awesome!)
~ floating on a snowflake with your buddy

Thanks Disney for destroying that too!

Why on earth would I ever want to try another Disney game, let alone pay for one, after this fiasco? First of all there is NO game ~ Disney or otherwise, out there today that contains all the elements that VMK offers us. We got to live inside Disney on VMK. We got to be a part of the magic! More than that we were able to create our own Disney magic for ourselves, building our own attractions for our friends to enjoy. All the while walking around in Mickey ears or space suits all day long if we wanted. We were kids here, all of us, as often as we wanted to be.
Well welcome to reality.

Thanks again Disney for destroying that as well!

It’s a slap in the face for all loyal Disney fans that have invested~
• Our time
• Our money
• Our loyalty
• Our emotions

Thanks Disney for pointing out the fact that we are nothing but a number to you.
Years of our lives invested in the Disney magic, planning trips to do the VMK quests in the parks and buying whatever VMK merchandise we could get our hands on, just to have YOU the GREAT DISNEY COMPANY, decide that – “Oh sorry- this 3 years long promotion (oh did we fail to make that part clear) is over now. Thanks for playing, have a good life- BUH BYE!
Thanks for caring that all the people that are unable to get to the parks now lose even the slightest glimpse of the Disney magic they enjoyed.
Thanks for closing the doors on all of the kids that are sick or just unable to make friendships otherwise.
Thanks for taking away the moments all those adults that cherished being able to feel like a kid again.

I am not sure when – if ever, I will be able to visit a Disney Park without that dark