How will your Loyalty to Disney Change?

[Leila33]

I have read several posts today where it seemed that people just wanted to express their feelings of hurt.

So I thought I would start this post.

I read redshoes post at lunch and spent time, when I had some at work, thinking about how the closing of VMK will change my being loyal to the Disney Brand.

All I know right now is that things will change for me, I am not sure how much or for how long, but I do know they will change. I am taking the closing harder than any of my friends and that may be because I was more loyal to Disney than any of them.

I am going to WDW this weekend because we promised a little boy we would take him. We are however, staying off property (first time in 8 years!) and we have said (for the time being) that we will probably not be renewing our APs. I am just lacking that Disney Spirit right now. This is the first time that Disney has "let me down" to where I couldn't get past it. (Other time and only time I have ever complained was when they changed Imagination and removed Figment and the Dream Finder).

I haven't canceled my reservations for 2 future trips, I haven't booked my first trip to Universal (Just yet that is) in 10 years, but I do know my spending and trip habits will change.

We did go to Disney more than usually because of VMK, heck, VMK made me want to go more. I did purchase more than I would have when there because of VMK, lots of us did.

I would laugh as it seemed Disney stock would spike while we were there. When we got married there 5 years ago, you should have seen the spike! We find that so funny.

Yes, I loved Disney before VMK was around and in time I will probably feel the same again.

It's VIRTUAL I know! For pete's sake I can't tell you how sick I am of hearing that from friends. Just tell me why I will never be able to feel or see the excitement of those red ears popping up in a doorway like they did during the Dreams Month. I will not be able see and then get excited to see some of the more popular Disers in the same room as me. Jedi's green face, Pink's annoyment of people asking her about her red space suit, Dreams blocking a bridge, trying to get in the same fireworks game as GoofyGeggy or Days. Spending race days with Ant in her room as we are both afk watching the race. Playing "Happy!" "Fan!" with HappyGuest. Freaking out totally from seeing aengus only once in my entire VMK life. Finally getting Briar to put me on her friends list! Getting just as excited about seeing Slinkyman out and about as I do seeing the hosts. Some of the people I just mentioned do not know me from Adam's House Cat as I am not Dis Friends with them and they will never know what they have meant, there are so many more that I will not be able to tell them how fun it was to know them on VMK, because that is the only way I know them.

The thing is; I know these feelings of hurt will pass, I know all good things must come to an end. I just hate that Disney is the one that put this ache in my heart.

Forever yours ~Fan

[Aimbier31]

ok i ahve read many of these posts too and just saying i for one love all things disney. i go to disney every too ears and i buy all things disany WDW is my second home and how could i boycot it. also there are so many different parts of the disney coorperation the sales dont have anything to do with vmk so dotn hurt them for what on part of disney did

[dr_zero]

I grew up mostly in Fl and can remember going to WDW when you still had the ticket books (still have two of them by the way :thumbsup2 ) we used to visit at least once a year. When I got older my friends and I would drive down for the day all the time and just go and hang out it was great! Disney though started with some not so great business practices and we quit going. We took my little one to the Electric light parade cause it was ending but overall we had slowed way down. Then came VMK it was fun and reminded me about the fun I had and I could show the kids about the park virtually and when we went in person it was too cool cause they knew where everything was.
We are planning to go back this summer or fall but not to the degree of time and are not going to stay in park I had rather spend that extra money and maybe go to Sea World or Wild Adventures.

Disney I think has lost sight of the real Magic and are solely looking at the not so magical dollar.

[OneLittleSpark]

Big hugs to Fan :hug:. I know what you mean about feeling hurt; it feels like an old friend has suddenly thrown a foot out in front of you and you've whacked face-first into the cobbles. I think part of the hurt is that it was so unexpected and sudden.

I'm not sure how much it will affect my feelings to Disney as a whole. I still want to work for Imagineering, I still want to visit the parks, but there is that little bubble of unhappiness that the game closing has made, and I'm not sure how long it will take to shake.

I thought we were past the pursuit of dollar over all else; I thought we'd got rid of that when Eisner left and we got Eiger instead. Please don't turn into your predecessor, Bob. :sad2:

[cteddiesgirl]

Honestly?

I really don't know. I still love Disney as a whole. But I've also had my eyes wide opened about them for a very long time. Some of their business practices I don't like nad never have. But, you still have to take the bad with the good. Overall, the company still makes good family entertainment.

But, since the announcement, I haven't been in a very Disney mood. I own several hundred Disney movies. And I usually watch them all the time. since the announcement of VMk closing, I haven't even watch one. I just haven't felt like it.

I'm sure I will eventually get over this feeling of betrayal. By nature, I'm a very forgiving person.

But, I will go back to buying only used movies instead of buying new and putting new money into disney's pockets. After all, I no longer need those codes. I'm very happy now that I never got around to buying more of the pirate pins for their codes. I was getting ready to buy some when the announcement was made. I don't collect pins and the ones I do have are just sitting in a box. I seriously doubt they'll be worth much on the second market for a very long time since so many were bought.

So, I'm sure eventually, I'll go back to loving Disney. But I do believe that if they go through with closing down VMK that I'll have lost a bit of my respect for the company.

[bopper]

Disney is about the magic, you know?
Well, it is like they opened the curtain and we saw the man behind the curtain.
I don't feel so loyal.

[Belle1997]

Well I will continue to go on Disney cruises. But as for going to the parks. Not a big item for me. Already decided that before and after the cruise we will not be staying on site or going to the park.

We always did and especially if there was a VMK quest card redemption going on.

I must say I feel very betrayed by disney. The one place where you really could be happy has been tainted. Even if we do save VMK they took part of the magic away.

I know Disney is a corporation and has to make money. But to do this when 1000's and 1000's of kids and families are begging please don't. Has totally ruined my full support of Disney. I see them as a cold corporation now and more and more with price increases less about the magic and more about making making the biggest profit possible. No matter how many kids it hurts and how badly they betray their roots.

I feel that Disney has lost its magic and betrayed Walt's vision. In the grand scale of things I do not understand why they can not keep VMK alive. But then again there are "100's of free Disney games" on the internet."

Problem is they just do not understand what they created and the harm they are doing. To me that is where the pixie dust died. I wish so much one of the big bosses would get it. Welcome to the 21st century where people are just numbers that you really do not matter. What is it we are not telling them. Why are they so cold to the pleas. How can they not care. That is why the world Disney does not bring joy to my heart.

Disney has been known to be heavy handed and not listening to protests.

But this is the frist time they have been so callous to kids. To me that is why Disney can never ever hold the same spot in my heart.

I still love the Mouse. But when I go to Disney the innocense is gone. And the constant saying of if you can dream it then you can do it just a lie now.

On May 22nd 2008 will be known as they day that faith trust and pixie dust died.

[VMK_Mouse]

Warning: This post is not for those that attack people for the sake of defending a themepark or Disney Corporation or those that get upset when something negative is said about Disney. I am sure Aengus will remove my post if he feels it is not acceptable for the question. :rotfl:



I have very mixed feelings. :upsidedow


Disney replaced magic with money a long time ago. It has gotten worse since Iger took the boss's seat. I thought Eisner was bad, no so much anymore. :rolleyes1

We have seen the fall within their own corporation by the inconsistencies in the way their Corporation is ran. Their CRO customer service is a joke. Guest Services customer service is worse. It is only the people in the parks that I have found are still keeping Walt's vision somewhat alive.

Disney needs to go back to the drawing board and go back to the heart of Walt and what Disney represents to many of us. Exceptional customer service, fantasy, dreams coming true and a model corporation for all other corporations.

When I started seeing how much money Disney was investing in time-share and then time-share across the globe I realized something was not right. I read an article somewhat recently where Disney Corporation said their future is in time-share and vacation homes. And even more recenty I read an article about Disney selling homes on Disney property. :sad2: I don't know about you, but I have no interest in looking down from the top of Everest and seeing cars pulling up in their driveways. Talk about killing some magic. May as well go to Six Flags.

I love Disney. I have a room in my house decorated in Disney. If I told you how much money in Disney merchandise was in that one room you would look like this guy ----> :eek: and him ----> :faint: .

I go to WDW each year and spend a minimum of 10K on a vacation. That is a good chunk of my annual salary for one corporation.

I shop at the Disney Stores all of the time as well as disneyshopping online. While I do shop at places like Foley's, Dillards, Macys, Target and Kohls, Disney Corporation gets more of my money than any of them combined.

When Disney announced VMKs upcoming closing, I was obviously upset about the game being closed, but I am more upset over their marketing and labeling.

When I was in WDW in 2007, I spent A LOT and I mean A LOT of money on codes. I did not care about the pins. My daughter spent a HUGE portion of her Disney Dollars on codes for VMK as well. She is 9.

When VMK made their announcement, I was more upset over the money both my daughter and I spent for codes for a game than I was about the game closing. Not because of the money, but the principle.

Disney Corporation never told me that the money we were spending was being used for their promotional purposes only and that they would be taking it away soon. Yes, you can use the ban arguement, etc, but we do not do things to get ourselves banned.

I feel like Disney used my love for their company and label as well as my love for VMK against me to make a little money in the parks and now they are stealing it away from me. Disney Corporation has made me feel like they can try to sucker me and lure me by using "magic" and "experience" but when they are done with me and what I have to give I am no longer a loyal Disney customer, but a number on a sheet of paper.

I had a Disney Cruise booked next year. I cancelled that trip and booked it with Princess Cruise Lines instead.

So has my loyalty changed? Yeah, but only after theirs did.

[PrincessNoelle]

Disney has been known to be heavy handed and not listening to protests.

But this is the frist time they have been so callous to kids. To me that is why Disney can never ever hold the same spot in my heart.

On May 22nd 2008 will be known as they day that faith trust and pixie dust died.

I totally agree. The "wonderful world of Disney" will not be so wonderful after this date.

[budcollector]

nothing will change for me, i'll still go to disney world every year, buy disney movies, etc. i'll miss playing vmk, but it was only a game and games come an they go. i won't be playing any other disney game, they just don't seem to do nothing for me. so for now i just have a little more free time on my hands. i might find another game to play online or go and buy a Wii.

[CelebrationNM]

My Disney loyalty won’t change at all. I can see why many of you are feeling disappointed, after all, Disney is a company that sets the expectation that it will be perfect, and when Guests come in with that expectation, anything less can be jarring. At WDW alone there is the expectation that nearly 60,000 Cast Members will perform their roles perfectly, all the time, making one negative Guest-cast interaction unacceptable. There’s been lots of talk about Guests spending their money and vacation time elsewhere. If a Guest would have more fun spending time in “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” Universal Studios, or with Shamu, I think they should, because those places certainly have a lot to offer. Companies will always make unpopular decision, but kids are only young once and there’s only so much time and money for vacation, so I would suggest spending vacation time where you are best able to enjoy time together. There’s life beyond Disney, that is for sure.

That being said, when it comes to the “complete package,” I think families find it at Disney Parks. Disney has the market-share it does because of the experiences that it offers its Guests; even those cynical about the company know that a Disney experience is unlike any other theme park or resort experience, anywhere. In a post-9/11 world, “productivity” has become the name of the game, whether you’re an airline or a theme park or any business. Each company is considering how to best proceed through these times and into the future. I had some qualms with Mr. Eisner, but I think Mr. Iger is doing a fine job with the way he is managing operations, especially considering the financial climate we’re currently weathering.

Things aren’t like they used to be and the one thing that remains constant is change. The “good old days” aren’t always as good as we remember them, either. When WDW opened in 1971, there was one theme park and three resorts. If things hadn’t changed since then, WDW wouldn’t be what it is today. In order to move in a positive direction, controversial decisions had to be made and other things had to be sacrificed. That’s why I’m excited every time Disney makes a change; I have great memories from the past and an anticipation for the future.

That's my opinion.

[Leila33]

Thank you all for your words. I have found comfort in the fact that some of you do feel as I do and have found the words of those who's loyalty will not change uplifting.

Yes, I am finding it hard to find that pixie dust right now.

Belle's words - "the day that faith trust and pixie dust died." do keep repeating in my head. But also the words of Celebration "Things aren’t like they used to be and the one thing that remains constant is change. The “good old days” aren’t always as good as we remember them, either." this reminds me that if it wasn't for change - Epcot coming to WDW, I wouldn't have my beloved Figment.

You all are helping me see both sides and I really really appreciate it.

Like I had said previously. We ARE off to WDW in a few minutes and maybe a good dose of Disney is what I need to help me remember the magic, maybe it will make it worse, idk.

But I do know that I am glad that I have you guys around to show me I am not alone and to remind me of where this change may lead.

Thank you all and keep the thoughts rolling in! ~Fan

[Yankeegal5]

i will still love disney but this is unfair ppl cant play online for free any more :confused3 this is so cheep

[seaturtledude]

None what so ever. Although I am a die-hard VMK fan, I still love Disney. I'm arriving back from my disney trip 3 days before VMK closes, and still plan on going on many more disney trips, playing Disney online games, and everything else associated with Disney. I am heartbroken at VMK closing, but, I can see why VMK is closing from a business standpoint. My argument:

VMK doesn't generate revenue. People may say "Trips are booked to go to the parks because of VMK", but, the fact is I highly doubt that many trip bookings are due to the fact that VMK Central was in the parks. It no doubt made a minor contribution to trip bookings, but not that much. Second - although people buy the Pirate Quest pins - those don't generate as much revenue as much as say 7,000-8,000 players with a paid monthly subscription to their game. I agree - they should make it pay to play, and I hope VMK sees our point of view. Lastly - the price of hosting, maintaining, and everything else of VMK is just to much.

I may be flamed for this but...

Anyways, I hope VMK stays open just as much as the next person, but I realize why it is closing.

Off Topic - Probably my longest post on dis.

[stitchon]

I agree with everything VMK_Mouse just said. Iger was hailed as the second coming of Disney, yet all I seem to be seeing is Pixarization of the parks, over-marketing of Hannah Montana and High School Musical, the horrible waste of 7 million bucks that is Club Penguin, and now the loss of VMK. Tell me again why I should call him better than Eisner?

[tinkryansmom]

stitchon! We are in the same city! Woot!

OK I have a different take on this. Please don't flame me - I too am entitled to my opinions....

I am in California. I worked at Disneyland through college. I have about as much Disney magic in my veins as you can have. I glove Disney.

That being said, I do honestly feel betryed.

Despite an OP said we did book a trip to stay onsite at Disneyland which we never do....just to get the stitch cards. My DH went to a trade show in Orlando. I convinced him the family should go to - our first trip to WDW in 2006 - why?? We wanted Kali River Rapids Couches. People did book trips for the cards. VMK does or at least did generate money.

For all of you who disliked Eisner....Igor (pun intended) is showing his true Pixar colors. And from an ex-CM point of view, while consolidating the parks (Disneyland and WDW) business practices I am sure seems great and makes sense on paper, my last trip to Disneyland (which BTW is Disneyland and not ever DLR:rolleyes: - see I told you I had it bad) some of the original Disneyland magic is gone. I see a lot of things WDWish about Disneyland. And honestly I don't like it. And I don't want shirts or any other merchandise with "Disney Resorts" on it. If I am at Disneyland I want my shirt to say "Disneyland". Not Resorts or DLR. Disneyland. Period.

I don't think Disney has been honest about why they are shutting down VMK. I truly believe it must be a contract issue with Sulake. We may never know. To me it just does not seem like a wise business decision when the fan base says "let's make VMK a money maker" most would pay to play. There has to be another reason than simply "it was a promo".:mad:

We are going on our 2nd Disney cruise in July. We are going with several families and have had this planned for some time though not sure I would have cancelled an already paid for trip. But we have no other trips to Disney planned and I don't see it happening anytime soon. We even backed down on buying a DVC contract after the announcement since we don't really want to go.

I am sure when my infant DD turns 2 we will take her to Disneyland. Until then...we will see how it goes. To Disney I say that is the best you can expect from a lot of people who are disappointed by your decision to close down VMK.

[redshoe]

VMK doesn't generate revenue. People may say "Trips are booked to go to the parks because of VMK", but, the fact is I highly doubt that many trip bookings are due to the fact that VMK Central was in the parks. It no doubt made a minor contribution to trip bookings, but not that much. Second - although people buy the Pirate Quest pins - those don't generate as much revenue as much as say 7,000-8,000 players with a paid monthly subscription to their game. I agree - they should make it pay to play, and I hope VMK sees our point of view. Lastly - the price of hosting, maintaining, and everything else of VMK is just to much.

I may be flamed for this but...

Anyways, I hope VMK stays open just as much as the next person, but I realize why it is closing.

No flames here. I understand that it isn't generating revenue. My beef is that they're pulling the plug without ever having even tried to make it profitable. They're just giving up on it for no good reason...at least, not one that they've seen fit to share with us. If they were honest about why they're closing VMK instead of hiding behind the "promotion" excuse, that might help. As it is, they're tossing aside this entire community that they created for no readily apparent reason, and that smacks very heavily of not caring at all. If VMK absolutely must (and I mean MUST) be closed, fine...but I can see about a billion ways in which it could have been handled better as far as the public goes.

I've figured out where my blah-ness about Disney stems from with all this. Disney is something that I associate with innocence, and I gain my own innocence back when I watch their movies and, especially, when I visit the parks. That innocence, joy and carefree feeling of "Disney will take care of us!" makes me feel like a kid, and is what brings me back again and again. However, in order for innocence to be present, there must be trust. I don't have that anymore. Disney will NOT take care of us. They're showing that very clearly, and I'm really not sure I can ever get back that trust and innocent feeling. If not, I might as well go just about anywhere else.

[Kasiks]

When I discovered Disney as a kid, I liked Disney and WDW was synonym for me of the best theme parks in the world, then Disney started to go down in my esteem mainly when I heard about Celebration for the first time, and I started to discover other theme parks ..

VMK was a game that I liked but playing it with the fact things were not always fair was not changing my way of seeing Disney. Now, Disney with the fact they decided to close VMK wont go up in my esteem. Walt Disney was great ..

[poohluv2u]

... Disney started to go down in my esteem mainly when I heard about Celebration for the first time, and I started to discover other theme parks ....

I am just curious as to why Celebration made you seek out other theme parks. :confused3

[Iris]

My Disney loyalty won’t change at all. I can see why many of you are feeling disappointed, after all, Disney is a company that sets the expectation that it will be perfect, and when Guests come in with that expectation, anything less can be jarring. At WDW alone there is the expectation that nearly 60,000 Cast Members will perform their roles perfectly, all the time, making one negative Guest-cast interaction unacceptable. There’s been lots of talk about Guests spending their money and vacation time elsewhere. If a Guest would have more fun spending time in “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” Universal Studios, or with Shamu, I think they should, because those places certainly have a lot to offer. Companies will always make unpopular decision, but kids are only young once and there’s only so much time and money for vacation, so I would suggest spending vacation time where you are best able to enjoy time together. There’s life beyond Disney, that is for sure.

That being said, when it comes to the “complete package,” I think families find it at Disney Parks. Disney has the market-share it does because of the experiences that it offers its Guests; even those cynical about the company know that a Disney experience is unlike any other theme park or resort experience, anywhere. In a post-9/11 world, “productivity” has become the name of the game, whether you’re an airline or a theme park or any business. Each company is considering how to best proceed through these times and into the future. I had some qualms with Mr. Eisner, but I think Mr. Iger is doing a fine job with the way he is managing operations, especially considering the financial climate we’re currently weathering.

Things aren’t like they used to be and the one thing that remains constant is change. The “good old days” aren’t always as good as we remember them, either. When WDW opened in 1971, there was one theme park and three resorts. If things hadn’t changed since then, WDW wouldn’t be what it is today. In order to move in a positive direction, controversial decisions had to be made and other things had to be sacrificed. That’s why I’m excited every time Disney makes a change; I have great memories from the past and an anticipation for the future.

That's my opinion.


A true Disney Die-Hard fan to the core, I must agree with the above sentiments.

I have walked the same earth when Walt did. I grew up watching the Wonderful World of Disney (next in color - anybody remember those days?) each Sunday night. I remember waiting for that program with great anticipation so that I could hear Walt and see what new marvels he had created. I remember my first trip to Disneyland in 1967 - well before a lot of you were even born. I remember the tears flowing when I heard that Walt Disney had passed away. I remember a world BEFORE WDW!(that amazes my girls to no end). Disney is part of my blood and will always be.

I was fortunate to be part of the Walt Disney Company even for a brief moment when I worked for the Stores and they still belonged to Disney. Up until then I guess I viewed Disney with rose-colored glasses. But I soon realized no matter what we imagine Disney to be, it is a business nonetheless and as such, it needs to be profitable to continue, to survive. Knowing this, my devotion for Disney has never wavered.

I remember the days when the company was not doing so well. I remember my stock going down the toilet almost to the point of no value whatsoever. I also remember "glory" days when the company could do no wrong.

But everything, every aspect of life must adapt. We live in tough times. The price of gas is at an unbelievable $4 a gal in some areas - who would have thought. Food prices, home prices, airfare, college, etc. all on the rise. Tough times lie ahead. But I know, even if for a brief moment, I can revisit my happy place and put all my cares away. Nobody can take that away from me or the feeling i get, like I have dipped myself in a fountain of youth, if only for a moment and I am young again, with no cares.

Yes, I am deeply upset that VMK is closing - mostly because of the good friends I have come to make in the game. But I take comfort knowing that our friendships will continue even after the closing - we have become that good of friends. I can only look back and thank VMK; for it wasn't for VMK, I would have never met these wonderful awesome people.

I may not always like the decision, but do we ever like everything that a business, company or even life may throw at us?

The Magic is still there - we just have to sometimes look deep for it, but rest assured it is still there. I still believe and will always believe.:wizard:

Disney will always be a part of my life...............

[qruthie]

I'm not sure if I'm even loyal to Disney but I know my Disney spending habits have been decreasing every time Disney has taken a perk away from me. I spend significantly less on Disney products now. My family likes to take more non-Disney vacations.

My Disney spending increased when VMK came along. My family took an unplanned vacation to WDW so we could do the in-park quests and get the cards for purchasing certain items, having fun at the WDW parks was an added benefit. I bought enough of the pin and card sets to end up with four complete sets and extras. I bought Disney movies I wouldn't have bought just so I could redeem the codes for VMK prizes. I spent about $10,000 on a vacation so I could be at Sea's and Out's wedding.

All of that extra spending will end when VMK does.

Will my Disney spending end? No. My July visit to WDW is still on! I'm sure I'll visit WDW again after that. I'm not sure how VMK's closing will impact my vacation spending habits. I'm guessing I'll be less likely to make impulse purchases. I'm definitely less motivated to go out of my way to buy Disney products in general.

That said, I had considered visiting WDW for the VMK closing to be with some of my VMK friends in person. However, Fly:hippie: and I have decided to visit Universal Studios for VMK's closing. We will be spending six days at the Hard Rock Hotel and enjoying the parks there. Translation for Disney executives - I have chosen to spend my money at Universal Studios as a direct result of the decision to close VMK.

[seaturtledude]

No flames here. I understand that it isn't generating revenue. My beef is that they're pulling the plug without ever having even tried to make it profitable. They're just giving up on it for no good reason...at least, not one that they've seen fit to share with us. If they were honest about why they're closing VMK instead of hiding behind the "promotion" excuse, that might help. As it is, they're tossing aside this entire community that they created for no readily apparent reason, and that smacks very heavily of not caring at all. If VMK absolutely must (and I mean MUST) be closed, fine...but I can see about a billion ways in which it could have been handled better as far as the public goes.

I've figured out where my blah-ness about Disney stems from with all this. Disney is something that I associate with innocence, and I gain my own innocence back when I watch their movies and, especially, when I visit the parks. That innocence, joy and carefree feeling of "Disney will take care of us!" makes me feel like a kid, and is what brings me back again and again. However, in order for innocence to be present, there must be trust. I don't have that anymore. Disney will NOT take care of us. They're showing that very clearly, and I'm really not sure I can ever get back that trust and innocent feeling. If not, I might as well go just about anywhere else.

I agree with you - Disney could have found ways to make it profitable.

[aliceblue]

I still love Disney as a whole. But I've also had my eyes wide opened about them for a very long time. Some of their business practices I don't like nad never have. But, you still have to take the bad with the good. Overall, the company still makes good family entertainment.My feelings as well. As much as I love Disney, I've always stepped back a little bit from the pixie dust because in the end they are a business, just like anyone else. What has happened with VMK will insure that I keep reality very firmly in front of me.I'm very happy now that I never got around to buying more of the pirate pins for their codes. I was getting ready to buy some when the announcement was made. I don't collect pins and the ones I do have are just sitting in a box. I seriously doubt they'll be worth much on the second market for a very long time since so many were bought.My extra pirate pins got me started with pin trading and collecting. Yes, even more money for Disney, but at least I am getting something real for my money, and discovering a whole new community of fellow traders. The fact that I'm already well into this new hobby has helped me to deal with the loss of VMK a little better than I would have otherwise.Problem is they just do not understand what they created and the harm they are doing. To me that is where the pixie dust died. I wish so much one of the big bosses would get it.As it is, they're tossing aside this entire community that they created for no readily apparent reason, and that smacks very heavily of not caring at all.I think they bit off way more than they could chew. They have a lot to learn about the nature of online communities.Disney is something that I associate with innocence, and I gain my own innocence back when I watch their movies and, especially, when I visit the parks. That innocence, joy and carefree feeling of "Disney will take care of us!" makes me feel like a kid, and is what brings me back again and again. However, in order for innocence to be present, there must be trust. I don't have that anymore. Disney will NOT take care of us. They're showing that very clearly, and I'm really not sure I can ever get back that trust and innocent feeling. If not, I might as well go just about anywhere else.It may hurt, but this may keep us in the future from seeing more in what Disney has to offer than is actually there.I still love the Mouse. But when I go to Disney the innocense is gone.And the constant saying of if you can dream it then you can do it just a lie now.

On May 22nd 2008 will be known as they day that faith trust and pixie dust died.With the gentlest of intentions, let me just say that Disney is in the business of spouting emotional catchphrases that play on everyone's real beliefs and values. We already know in our heart what is good, what is true, what is beautiful, and that is not going to change. Perhaps we can concentrate on creating something significant in our lives from what that "magic" truly symbolizes.There’s life beyond Disney, that is for sure.

That being said, when it comes to the “complete package,” I think families find it at Disney Parks. Disney has the market-share it does because of the experiences that it offers its Guests; even those cynical about the company know that a Disney experience is unlike any other theme park or resort experience, anywhere.Exactly. It is not perfect, but it is still an oasis in the midst of a lot of un-family-friendly culture.

I will try to take it for the best parts, without making more out of it than is reasonably healthy.

[Kasiks]

I am just curious as to why Celebration made you seek out other theme parks. :confused3
Because I did not like that project and WDW made me a theme parks fanatic but I only saw by WDW until before I heard of Celebration, I am the kind when I dont like something to look for alternatives and that is what happened

[steamboatpete]

With the kids' leading the decisionmaking process, we are cancelling our 2009 Disney cruise and getting our $1,000 deposit back. We will instead take a couple of Royal Caribbean cruises. Given the disenchantment that the VMK closure has caused, it's no longer worth the extra ducats to go with Disney.

[Pirate-Emery]

My relationship with Disney is always rocky...

The two of us will bounce back, I know it.

[poohluv2u]

Although my heart is aching right now with Disney closing VMK, and I don't especially feel in the mood for buying any Disney products, I don't expect that it will make me less inclined to visit the Parks, or buy merchandise in the future. We have a Disney cruise and a WDW visit planned for September and that will remain unchanged.

I know Disney thinks that we will all just migrate to one of their other online games, BUT I can say whole-heartedly that; that will NOT be happening with this girl. When they are showing so little respect for the community that we have already created in VMK, why on earth would I trust them by moving to another one of their game 'promotions' ... and pay for the privilege??? :confused: :headache: :mad:
No, my dollars will not be lining the WDIG's pockets - that's for sure!!!

[Jasonbobdude]

My hitlist:

1. Jetix - Ruined Toon Disney
2. High School Musical - Ruined Disney Channel
3. WDIG - Not worth keeping around if VMK closes

[FunkyMonkey]

Honestly, I still feel the Disney magic when going to the parks. Im terribly upset VMK is closing, and when we pass through Main Street, I get this stabbing pain in my stomach. But I'll always feel the Disney magic, and my loyalty to Disney will stay the same as always.

[cyre]

Nope. Have a trip planned to Disneyland. Note on my signature where I live. Very big trip for me. Not cancelling a trip i have been looking forward to for a very long time just because of this...


heh plus i can't very well get my money back on my airfare anyways

[poohluv2u]

Nope. Have a trip planned to Disneyland. Note on my signature where I live. Very big trip for me. Not cancelling a trip i have been looking forward to for a very long time just because of this...


heh plus i can't very well get my money back on my airfare anyways

Cyre that's too funny that you are flying from Boca Raton. While we were visiting WDW one time we drove to Boca just to eat at the Cheesecake Factory, then drove back to Orlando. popcorn::

[BriarRosie]

I had a Disney Cruise booked next year. I cancelled that trip and booked it with Princess Cruise Lines instead.

So has my loyalty changed? Yeah, but only after theirs did.

That's a shame, because I feel the Disney Cruise was probably one of the best cruises I've ever taken...and the one with the most "kid free" spaces compared to other cruise lines. (I like kids, but I don't care to be around them 24/7.)

My feelings toward Disney haven't changed. Yes, I bought VMK pins, too, lots of them. But I'm a casual pin collector/trader, and I'm sure I'll do some pin trades with the duplicates.

I am not letting VMK's closing affect the way I deal with Disney. I wouldn't have bought DVC in 2002 otherwise.

I'm happy to have met so many wonderful people in VMK. And yes, I will be losing contact with a lot of people. But I am thankful there are quite a few people from my friends list who are on the DIS.

[cteddiesgirl]

When WDW opened in 1971, there was one theme park and three resorts. If things hadn’t changed since then, WDW wouldn’t be what it is today. In order to move in a positive direction, controversial decisions had to be made and other things had to be sacrificed. That’s why I’m excited every time Disney makes a change; I have great memories from the past and an anticipation for the future.

That's my opinion.

Huge difference. They didn't shut down the Magic Kingdom at WDW. They added to WDW.

They are not adding to VMK. They are shutting it down. They want to progress and move forward, fine. Then add to VMK. Don't shut it down.

I understand the monetary aspects. But there are a lot of things that can be done where they can make a lot of money from VMK. But are they doing those things? No. They are just taking it offline and forget the thousands of people that have built a community within it.

[Scodaddy]

I'm not even meaning to make a threatening stand - I'm not trying to hold my US Dollars out as ransom for Disney if they don't comply with my demands-

But the reality is, that I will be far more hesitant to share my paycheck with anyone flying the Disney banner.

I don't even know what the right words are for what I feel.

I'm sure some of my feelings about this are childish and juvenile and spoiled.

I have loved being friend or adversary to many of you in the Pirates game, but more, I have loved playing online with my wife to get credits to buy cool stuff to trade to my kids.

I have loved playing pirates with my sons to see who has the 'mad skills'.
I have loved building rides with my seven year old ( he build the most righteous stuff!!)
I have loved my 4 year old daughter changing the outfit on my avater (DR-Jones) when I'm not looking or am afk.

My wife and I created an account for my 18 month old son in Feb when we were at DLR. He'll never get to enjoy it.

My point is that Disney markets Magic. And Innocence (seen the adds where the Mom is a child in the store window reflection?). Magic is not sold to reasonable and logical consumers. Buying magic is an emotionally driven transaction.

The Magic has been tainted for me now. The natural result of my disappointment (again, not really the right word) is that I will not be excited to part with my cash to by magic from a merchant who reserves the right to take it away and stomp on it when the decide the business model prescribes it (remember the last scenes of the POTC at world's end - 'It was good business' - apparently this is not a good enough reason in the movie, but it's different 'in real')

Sorry about the rant.. my loyalty will absolutely be effected.

Note to Disney - I've looked at you job postings and know that someone out there is assigned to monitor the community sites. You'd be fools to not know what your customers are saying.

If there is a good answer to replacing VMK, you need to let us know. Penguin, Toons and Pirates are not satisfactory answers. You should know that from your own marketing / product positioning information, if not from your customers' feedback.

Jones out.

[EvlQueen]

This letter was already posted on another thread, but it sums up my answer to the question. I received no reply, btw, canned or otherwise:

Hi Mr. Iger,

This is certainly not my first email or letter, and I'm not sure if you or anyone else is reading them anyway, but I have been plagued by a thought that won't go away. I know that you have already heard countless times how VMK is not just an online game, that it's a community, and that it has caused thousands of people to come together to enjoy everything they love about Disney, and just talk to people they now consider good friends. I know you have heard all about how we plan trips just with VMK activities in mind. I know that you already know how much good VMK has done for people (children and adults) with social skills issues and Asperger's, and people who are sick or recovering and couldn't get out of the house. The message we are getting about your reaction to these things is that "it was just a promotion."

We don't care how it started (and btw Day 1 people like me don't recall a word ever being said in the beginning about this being a promotion, and it sure hasn't come up until now), all we know is that we love it dearly. The same way we love other Disney things (characters, parks, movies) in a way that all non-Disney types think is a little weird. And now you just want to suddenly take it away, in spite of the outpouring of sentiments like that ones I just expressed, and with no clear reason why.

That's mean. Just cold hearted and downright mean. We were told point blank just a few months ago that it wasn't going anywhere. So here is my nagging thought: if VMK goes away, it's going to take my Disney magic with it. So without VMK I'm not renewing my annual passes, I'm not buying anymore stuff, and it's not for spite. It's because you will have stolen my innocent joy, the kind the grown ups love the most, about Disney. I will know that it's just a corporation; it's not magic. I feel betrayed, and sad, and angry. And I know you don't need my little family's passholder money. I know we are a drop in the bucket even at 4 or 5 trips a year. But if VMK is gone, I will never, ever, ever feel the same way about Disney again. And that is a great loss, maybe not for Disney, but for me. And I am not alone. I don't think you can understand it Mr. Iger, but I'm begging you to try.

Sincerely,
Laura B. Carper

[VMK_Mouse]

The Magic has been tainted for me now. The natural result of my disappointment (again, not really the right word) is that I will not be excited to part with my cash to by magic from a merchant who reserves the right to take it away and stomp on it when the decide the business model prescribes it (remember the last scenes of the POTC at world's end - 'It was good business' - apparently this is not a good enough reason in the movie, but it's different 'in real')



That was one of the points I made in my response as well. Disney lures us with words like "magic", "experience", "special" and "dreams".....they want our money but reserve the right to pull it all back when they want. :upsidedow

[EvlQueen]

That was one of the points I made in my response as well. Disney lures us with words like "magic", "experience", "special" and "dreams".....they want our money but reserve the right to pull it all back when they want. :upsidedow

AND the simple fact is, once you've been lied to about something that's important to you, it's very difficult to trust again.

[BriarRosie]

AND the simple fact is, once you've been lied to about something that's important to you, it's very difficult to trust again.


You're making a business decision sound emotional. I don't think Disney made this decision lightly, nor do I think they did this to alienate anyone. That's just the unfortunate result of the decision.

I still would love Disney to bring back Horizons, but I realize that ain't happening. I feel the same way about VMK.

[ecsarabians]

Even after all our pleating to please not close it. I have dreamed of taking my kids to disneyworld for the last couple years. In fact that is how I came to find out about vmk. I was on Ebay and saw the dream give away. I really wanted to win that trip to Disneyworld. I entered all the contests.
Bush Gardens is now on the agenda. I have no desire to go to disneyworld now, or to take my kids. I really think it would be heartbreaking seeing all the vmk places in real. Too sad.

PrincessAveri

[EvlQueen]

You're making a business decision sound emotional. I don't think Disney made this decision lightly, nor do I think they did this to alienate anyone. That's just the unfortunate result of the decision.

I still would love Disney to bring back Horizons, but I realize that ain't happening. I feel the same way about VMK.



Are you kidding me?! Of course it's emotional! To quote Scodaddy:
"Disney markets Magic. And Innocence. Magic is not sold to reasonable and logical consumers. Buying magic is an emotionally driven transaction."

They LIED to us about VMK going away. Just months ago!! Did they do that with Horizons? They have never given as straight answer about this "business decision". Who shuts down something with such a loyal fan base as VMK without a reasonable explanation at least. If their contract with sulake ran out (or whatever) tell us the truth!

Disney appeals to the most basic core of emotion; the desire to belong to something wonderful, feel safe, and treasure the joy and awe that usually only comes with childhood. That's what VMK represented to a lot of people. You don't think that's emotional?

[VMK_Mouse]

AND the simple fact is, once you've been lied to about something that's important to you, it's very difficult to trust again.



Yes, that is pretty much where I stand and the way I feel right now. I am not so upset about Disney closing VMK as I am them taking people's money by selling items in the parks and then when they are ready to call it quits they label it a promotion.

I saw a lot of kids in WDW buying these pins with their own money. I would see them ask their mom and dad for their souvenir money to buy vmk codes. Small kids, too. :sad1:

I do not know if you have seen the pins but nobody in their right mind would purchase those in high volume for the pin alone. You did not even know what pin you were getting when you made the purchase. People who purchased them bought them for VMK codes. For Disney Corporation to sell items and then tell you, "hey sucker, now we are taking them away since we made some profit on them", is a very poor way to conduct business. If they intended for VMK to honestly be a promotion only, the boxes should have been labeled as that.

The DMRs that people cashed in for virtual items should have been labeled as promotional. When I looked at what I could have recieved for all my DMRs, I looked like him ----------> :eek: I would have been able to get gifts for several people using my rewards plus things my kid really wanted. Many movies I bought so that my kid could get all of those items. I actually bought movies I would not have purchased otherwise.

I feel like they sold me something and now they are making me give it back without a refund.
Some people may have money to throw around and really not care, but I am not one of those people. I am not a frivolous spender and when I buy something, I purchase it for longevity.

[paloma91]

Well, here is my two cents. I am here on a limited budget. Won't go into alot of details here about it. I WAS planning and saving to take the family to disneyland this summer, sacrificing alot to do it. I was buying instead of renting disney movies for the points. Now, I will not be doing either. When I do buy movies they will be second hand and it will be a long time to come before we venture into disneyland

[Mintz]

The only Disney games I play are Club Penguin and VMK. No more Club Penguin since Saint. Patricks Day and after VMK's closing they won't close CP down but playing CP is boring compared to VMK so its an end to all virtual online games for me.
My dad was thinking of taking me to Florida for a week next summer and we could spend some days in WDW, and some in Universal. I don't mind that but if he offers Disneyland I'm passing that for Universal..I would have love to go if there was a VMK central or quests at least. We went a few months ago and it was fun but there is are too many little kid rides and I'm more of a roller costar person..so Universal it is. Although I like Splash Mountain and Space Mountain and all those rides. And the Nemo Submarine ride was pretty cool. So was California Screamin', oh my..it is Soo beautiful at night to ride on that, the sky is dark but lighted with all the lights in the city and in the amusement parks. They play a radio while you're in the ride and its fun to listen and look and scream at the same time. WDW has lots to do there so sure. I am surprised that they're closing VMK and the only thing that makes me mad is them all in it for the money or so. So I will not buy any souveneirs in WDW. Maybe some keychain. Not really much but hey it was a good three years so I'm happy.

[Fonna]

You're making a business decision sound emotional. I don't think Disney made this decision lightly, nor do I think they did this to alienate anyone. That's just the unfortunate result of the decision.

I still would love Disney to bring back Horizons, but I realize that ain't happening. I feel the same way about VMK.

You are kidding right? UH, it's DISNEY!! All emotion, all the time~

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/fonna25/wushjdsg.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/fonna25/dreams2.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i94/fonna25/dreams.jpg

I am sorry Horizons closed for you but they didn't close an ENTIRE park. Idk how you even compare the two.

[BriarRosie]

You are kidding right? UH, it's DISNEY!! All emotion, all the time~

I am sorry Horizons closed for you but they didn't close an ENTIRE park. Idk how you even compare the two.[/CENTER]

I can compare the two because closing VMK and closing Horizons were both business decisions.

People were emotional about Mr. Toad's closing at WDW. They staged protests for that, too. But Mr. Toad still closed. It was also a business decision.

Yes, I know they replaced it with Pooh. VMK is being replaced by other games that are different in scope. Do I agree with both changes? Absolutely not. But I still realized that both were business decisions.

[Beherenow]

I can already say that I have not purchased Disney toys and clothing because the desire to have them in my life has changed. The elation that I used to feel from the sight of Disney items is no longer there. Disney items just remind me that something I really enjoyed is going away because of a Disney decision. That happiness is now replaced with sadness and ill-feeling in my stomach. Our next trip to Florida will be to Universal Studios not WDW.

[Fonna]

I can compare the two because closing VMK and closing Horizons were both business decisions.

People were emotional about Mr. Toad's closing at WDW. They staged protests for that, too. But Mr. Toad still closed. It was also a business decision.

Yes, I know they replaced it with Pooh. VMK is being replaced by other games that are different in scope. Do I agree with both changes? Absolutely not. But I still realized that both were business decisions.

Again the point is they did not close the park down and leave you with NOTHING in any way comparable.

[BriarRosie]

Again the point is they did not close the park down and leave you with NOTHING in any way comparable.

I make the comparison that VMK isn't to be compared to a park, but rather an attraction. VMK should be compared to Club Penguin, ToonTown Online, POTC Online, and the new Cars and Pixie Hollow stuff coming soon.

It's hard not to compare VMK to a theme park, but in the grand scheme of things, it's just a game among all the other games produced by the DIG to the Powers That Be.

[dr_zero]

Coke made a business decision to quit making the original coke and it cost them customers took their money elsewhere.
So I think there is nothing wrong with folks wanting to pull their money and spend it somewhere else.

Sometimes in business you carry a certain item that might not be your best seller or your #1 money maker because it attracts the consumer, who in turn spend more money on other items.
Its done everyday and Disney can do this with VMK they can expand it and add ways to even make some money back with more cross promotions etc etc

Calling something a Business decision is a way of isolating the company from the consumer who are not figures on paper but living breathing souls who also have wallets.

Big companies forget we are real people not just some statistic or target audience or demographic and especially Disney who used to be geared toward the family they should know better than any!

So Disney sit there in your corporate tower and make your business decision or you can come down to the park level and meet your consumer like Walt did and see how things really are, sadly I already know your answer. :mad:

[Fonna]

I make the comparison that MK isn't to be compared to a park, but rather an attraction. MK should be compared to Club Penguin, Downtown On line, PO TC On line, and the new Cars and Pixie Hollow stuff coming soon.

It's hard not to compare MK to a theme park, but in the grand scheme of things, it's just a game among all the other games produced by the DIG to the Powers That Be.

I have tried to understand your opinion, to which you certainly are entitled, but i digress it is lost on me. I guess there just some of us that have come to care A LOT more for VMK and our friends there than to be able to just say - OH WELL, on to other games.
Shame on me I suppose for holding Disney to a higher standard and thinking they actually cared for more than my purse!
Glad you can go on t allow Disney to keep its hand in your wallet while caring nothing for you or your family. Sorry but that sounds like a very one sided business association to me. But good luck to you.

[VMK_Mouse]

I have tried to understand your opinion, to which you certainly are entitled, but i digress it is lost on me. I guess there just some of us that have come to care A LOT more for VMK and our friends there than to be able to just say - OH WELL, on to other games.
Shame on me I suppose for holding Disney to a higher standard and thinking they actually cared for more than my purse!
Glad you can go on t allow Disney to keep its hand in your wallet while caring nothing for you or your family. Sorry but that sounds like a very one sided business association to me. But good luck to you.




**claps loudly** :hug:

[CelebrationNM]

A business decision means that, after weighing costs and benefits, the company felt it was good for both their bottom line and future ability to serve customers. (A company wants to perform well so it can continue to grow and grow and make new things, so the fact that Disney wants to grow doesn’t mean it wants to take money and run!) There are a limited amount of resources available with which to operate and develop projects, so I think of it as WDIG reinvesting resources into something else that (they believe) will better serve their wide audience.

Reading through this thread I realized how much trust and value people place in the Disney brand, which I think it really good because there are lots of reasons to have this kind of trust. If you want to let this change that for you, that’s certainly your choice. It’s your right to hold a corporation to whatever expectations you want to, but a company like Disney has a lot of people to please, and it can’t please all of them with every single decision. This was a single decision in a place where hundreds of decisions are made every day. The world of Disney doesn’t revolve around VMK or its players; we’re just a small segment of Disney’s audience and I think it’s over-reacting to take this decision so personally or as an indication that Disney doesn’t care. The end of VMK could very well make way for new games that will please Disney’s audiences to an even greater extent and actually make the Disney brand stronger.

When I visit the parks and resorts and see smiles on the faces of kids and their families, I have no doubt that this is a company full of people that care very much about the emotional experience of their guests and provides opportunities for a connection on an emotional level… Disney does it better than anybody else, anywhere. I think the best of Disney is yet to come, and I’m looking forward to it.

I wish VMK wasn't closing too, because I enjoy playing it. But, I am looking forward to seeing what's on the horizon and continuing to enjoy everything Disney has to offer, be it in theaters, on teleivison, at Parks and Resorts, and beyond.

[qruthie]

I agree that closing VMK is a business decision but given my experiences in the corporate world, I have no reason to believe the decision to close VMK was well thought out. I'm not saying it wasn't, Disney executives could have spent months discussing the risks and benefits of closing VMK but I think it's not likely they expended much effort on the decision. I definitely will not blindly back Disney and assume they put any quality time into the decision. My gut based on my experience in the corporate world says the decision went something like this: VMK is a line item on someone's budget and that someone was told to cut overhead expenses. On paper, VMK shows up as overhead so it got the ax.

I've seen the inner workings of companies and how they make their decisions. I've worked directly with people making bigger decisions than whether or not to close VMK. I have experienced the ramifications of those business decisions. I doubt the Disney corporation operates in a significantly different manner. Here's a real example of a business decision made by another large company about my job.

I was working on project Mumble (details changed so as not to violate any employee agreements I signed) which was critical for the company to comply with a specific industry standard. The company advertised itself as complying with that standard and was required by contract to do so, especially those all important government contracts. The company would lose most of its business if it didn't comply with the standard. I was the only person working on the project and was doing it quite well. Nobody else was trained to work on the project, nobody was available to take over my work, the company had a head count freeze (so someone would not be able to transfer into my position) and the company had a hiring freeze (so they couldn't hire anyone to replace me). We were a group of about 10 people and on the budget, we were 100% overhead for a 100% overhead organization. The organization got the orders to cut their headcount by 10%. Those orders were passed directly to my group (a questionable business practice in itself), we had to cut our headcount by 10%. Now it would seem that the obvious business decision would be to keep qruthie employed and working on this project as that would ensure the company would comply to the standard which was critical for them to do if they wanted to stay in business. But the decision about my job was not based on any of the above information.

Here's how it went down. Each person in my group (or should I say, each position in my group?) was funded by a different part of the organization. It wasn't up to our manager to decide who would go. Our performance on the job didn't matter. The importance of a particular project didn't matter. The business decision depended on which positions were funded and which weren't. In the end Fred (name changed) who sat a few cubicles over from me decided to fund my position from his budget so I got to keep my job.

I think they made the right business decision. However, I didn't like the way that business decision was made so I decided to leave that position for something more secure. :)

[EvlQueen]

A business decision means that, after weighing costs and benefits, the company felt it was good for both their bottom line and future ability to serve customers.

The world of Disney doesn’t revolve around VMK or its players; we’re just a small segment of Disney’s audience and I think it’s over-reacting to take this decision so personally or as an indication that Disney doesn’t care.

Please help me to understand these statements in the context that Disney LIED to and manipulated us!!!

In September they said, Don't worry, VMK Central closing doesn't mean a thing. We were sad to see it go, but we tried to get over it. Sorry, folks, no Christmas quest either (oh did you book your trip with that in mind?), but here's a shiny Mickey TV to prove that we aren't closing. Have you seen our beautiful pirate pins? Hey, check out this cool magic you can get with your Disney Movie points! Cut to April 7th: Oh, did we fail to mention that after all the money you spent on virtual items, that this was just a promotion? Sorry! We feel your pain!

The point is that if we hadn't been so manipulated we would all just be dealing with the sadness of losing VMK. The reason that the trust is gone is not just because of the loss of VMK; it's because Disney had no trouble jerking us around while taking away something we loved.

5/7/08 Still waiting for your response CelebrationNM....

[Berry Princess]

Haven't read all the posts here but this will not change anything with how I feel about Disney. I grew up about 45-60 minutes from Disneyland. We would go at least 2 times a year. One I moved closer (about 20 minutes from it now) we have been annual passholders since my oldest was 3 yrs old. That was 7yrs ago. We buy the movies we like and merchandise we like when we can. My youngest is crazy about Playhouse Disney. She adores Pooh and Mickey and has a blast at 19 months going to the park and seeing them. We have taken the oldest since he was 2, the middle one since he was 2 months old and the princess since she was 1 month old. Heck I remember when the Disney Channel first started and how great it was. While now I feel only Playhouse Disney is the only good stuff on it since its nothing like it used to be. Things change though. I understand that they are a company and they have to make money. Its the way the world is with ALL companies of any size. They have people to pay, things to maintain, etc, etc. I can understand why lots are hurt by this though. But for me nothing will change with how I feel about Disney. They have done things I don't like at times too (putting Jack Sparrow in the POTC is one of them and the possible change to Small World will be another if it happens, Disney Channel not playing any classic stuff like they used to) but it has always been and always will be a HUGE part of my life and my families lives. And the magic for me is always there when I see my kids watching the Disney movies or in the parks having fun. Its such a big part of us that we do Mother's Day there every year and my MIL and SIL come as well. I think no matter what each of our opinions/feelings are about it there is no wrong. We each have a right to them no matter which way they go. :grouphug:

[queenj]

yes, sadly vmk closing has greatly affected my views on disney. i will walk into a disney store (yes i know disney doens not own them) and i walk out empty handed because i feel...... betrayed. i always look for flower (the skunk in bambi) because my last name is flowers. i go thru target and look at the disney toys but cant buy them because right now i am upsat sad and going on angry. when i lived in cali and drove to DL and did the quests i was NEVER told it was a promotion (ok ok ok put the shotgun down) and i spent way to much on virtual items only to have it shut down. i have my "flat" made but cant print it cause i dunno how to hook my laptop to the printer. while i do want to go on a disney cruise, i wonder if i book a cruise if it too will get canceled as a promotion. i can see in with the new and out with the old but ...if it ain't broke DON'T FIX IT! i too am from new england and try as hard as i can i can't do the pirate arrr pirate: either but.....
so yes my views are ..... jaded right now and i hope to get the love back but right now disney is on my "naughty" list and santa will not be nice to naughty disney.
just my opinion tho.....................

[Halloweenqueen]

Please help me to understand these statements in the context that Disney LIED to and manipulated us!!!

In September they said, Don't worry, VMK Central closing doesn't mean a thing. We were sad to see it go, but we tried to get over it. Sorry, folks, no Christmas quest either (oh did you book your trip with that in mind?), but here's a shiny Mickey TV to prove that we aren't closing. Have you seen our beautiful pirate pins? Hey, check out this cool magic you can get with your Disney Movie points! Cut to April 7th: Oh, did we fail to mention that after all the money you spent on virtual items, that this was just a promotion? Sorry! We feel your pain!

The point is that if we hadn't been so manipulated we would all just be dealing with the sadness of losing VMK. The reason that the trust is gone is not just because of the loss of VMK; it's because Disney had no trouble jerking us around while taking away something we loved.

My thoughts exactly! My kids spent birthday money/allowances on VMK pins, codes, and movies to increase out reward points. At no time were we told these things would be worthless, in fact they reassured us multiple times that VMK was here to stay!

We are seriously thinking of canceling our trip in November. The kids just don't feel the magic after this mess.

Yes, it was a business decision, but I think it has more to do with a contract for the future games than the end of a promotion.

Imagine if you bought something and only used it a couple of times and Disney flipped a switch to make your "shirt, toy, or pin" to disappear?

[Dreamytime]

I know that my loyalty toward Disney's online games changed yesterday with the new Terms of Use.


All information, materials, functions and other content (including Submissions, as defined in Section 3, entitled "SUBMISSIONS") ("Content") contained on WDIG Sites are our copyrighted property or the copyrighted property of our licensors or licensees. All trademarks, service marks, trade names, and trade dress are proprietary to us and/or our licensors or licensees. We may change the WDIG Sites or delete Content or features at any time, in any way, for any or no reason.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
WE MAY TERMINATE YOUR FURTHER ACCESS TO WDIG SITES OR CHANGE THE WDIG SITES OR DELETE CONTENT OR FEATURES IN ANY WAY, AT ANY TIME AND FOR ANY REASON OR NO REASON.

Which to me says, don't get too invested because the rug can be pulled out from under you at any time for any reason.

To them we are just pixels and will never be more than that. They do not see the people behind the pixels and probably never truly will.

[redshoe]

I don't know why people are implying that we are somehow irrational because we're getting "emotional" about a "business decision." Disney for years has capitalized on the emotions of families. Those lines were completely blurred a long time ago. Disney put themselves in this position. They set themselves up to be held to these standards. Their schtick for years has been how much they care about the family, and how everything is about "the magic." Granted, they are a company that must make money, but they've done a bang-up job of creating the illusion that it isn't entirely about the almighty dollar. That's how they earned the trust of many of us, and believe me, that effort was a conscious one. And now we're just supposed to put aside everything THEY created, and not call them on it when they make a cold, calculated decision that leaves so many adults and children out in the cold with nothing to show for their time spent, their friendships, their reward points and their pin money?

Business decision? Sorry, no...Disney can't have it both ways. You better believe I'm emotional about this.

Yet again, I'd probably feel better about it if there were some effort being made to take care of us. Maybe if they'd pulled the pins from the parks so that we couldn't waste our money on them. Maybe if they'd not offered VMK items through Movie Rewards. Maybe if they'd started working on a sort of VMK 2.0 when they figured out that VMK itself was going to go away. Maybe if they showed a sincere effort to make VMK profitable before axing it altogether.

Maybe, maybe, maybe.

[Bugdozer]

Hi,

I have so many mixed emotions about all of this. VMK is close to our hearts as you all know. It was there when Ink and I needed it to get through life altering events. It brought a wonderful real life friend into our life and many many countless other friends and acquaintances. We love Disney. Inks and my favorite times in life are when we are at the parks. We just got back Sunday from our first ever trip to Disneyland. It was beautiful, amazing and I loved every moment there with my son- he is all ready asking when can we go back. We will not stop going to the parks. Ink informed me that this year makes 10 years since his first WDW trip. We have been going to the parks long before VMK and will be going long after.

What this has done to me is that I will NEVER join another online game again. I just can't do it. I put my heart and soul into this "game" for almost 3 years and I can not do that again just to have it ripped from me. I am encouraging slinkyman to also not get involved again with another online world. There is just no accountability yet for these companies that own these worlds.

If I knew back in the beginning what I know today would i still have joined? Yes! as VMK has brought many wonderful people into our lives and much joy to us. But as they say- been there done that and not doing it again-there is no replacement for VMK.

I hope somewhere out there someone high up heres the sobs that will be coming from this house on May 21 when VMK closes as 3 players here are hit with the reality that this is the end- but in the end they will not hear the sobs after all we are nothing but a promotion...


Bug

[BriarRosie]

Hi,

I have so many mixed emotions about all of this. VMK is close to our hearts as you all know. It was there when Ink and I needed it to get through life altering events. It brought a wonderful real life friend into our life and many many countless other friends and acquaintances. We love Disney. Inks and my favorite times in life are when we are at the parks. We just got back Sunday from our first ever trip to Disneyland. It was beautiful, amazing and I loved every moment there with my son- he is all ready asking when can we go back. We will not stop going to the parks. Ink informed me that this year makes 10 years since his first WDW trip. We have been going to the parks long before VMK and will be going long after.

What this has done to me is that I will NEVER join another online game again. I just can't do it. I put my heart and soul into this "game" for almost 3 years and I can not do that again just to have it ripped from me. I am encouraging slinkyman to also not get involved again with another online world. There is just no accountability yet for these companies that own these worlds.

If I knew back in the beginning what I know today would i still have joined? Yes! as VMK has brought many wonderful people into our lives and much joy to us. But as they say- been there done that and not doing it again-there is no replacement for VMK.

I hope somewhere out there someone high up heres the sobs that will be coming from this house on May 21 when VMK closes as 3 players here are hit with the reality that this is the end- but in the end they will not hear the sobs after all we are nothing but a promotion...


Bug

I think you understood what I was trying to say. My feelings are mixed. On the one hand, I'll always go to the parks. And on the other hand, I poured a lot of myself into VMK over the past three years, as well. And like you, I don't want to join another online game because of the terms of VMK's demise.

[Disney Dreams]

What this has done to me is that I will NEVER join another online game again. I just can't do it. I put my heart and soul into this "game" for almost 3 years and I can not do that again just to have it ripped from me. I am encouraging slinkyman to also not get involved again with another online world. There is just no accountability yet for these companies that own these worlds.

I was having this EXACT discussion with my husband last night when I said goodbye to Hula and found myself crying.

VMK was my very first experience with truly connecting with people through an online game or community, short of a dachshund message board. I NEVER thought I would form connections with others through VMK. I NEVER EVER EVER thought I would meet any of those people in real life. I NEVER thought I would look forward to discussions with people I "met" in such a game, would turn to some of them for life advice, or would share a relationship so similar to that which I have with my "real" friends.

I struggled with realigning my thought process that these people were indeed real friends, friends that I would turn to during very difficult times and celebrate with during amazing high points.

I told "hub.by" last night, if it ever dawned on me that they (Disney) would pull it all away from me with a 30 day notice, I'm not sure I ever would have gotten involved.

The rooms I have built are expressions of my creativity, my dreams, and are in a way, mini-accomplishments. They are projects I am proud of creating. The friends I have made ARE real, they are just not face-to-face. The games I have excelled in are skills and those that I struggle in are challenges I continue to try to conquer. To lose all of that due to a decision some executive who has no clue (or care) about the Real Jegrezo's life, is painful.

Am I glad I had these opportunities and made these amazing friendships? Of course! Would I have signed on if I had realized that it really would end? Sad to say, probably not. I would not give up those friendships and experiences for anything on Earth in retrospect, but 2.5 years ago, I didn't know they were there... nor did I realize in the virtual world, just how much pain and loss can come with the flip of a switch.

As I venture into finding other online worlds that can somehow provide me with some form of the stress relief factor that VMK offers me, I have found myself cautious about forming connections with other players - unless I know I can contact them in other ways. The pain when you are FORCED to say goodbye, is just too much.

[EvlQueen]

I don't know why people are implying that we are somehow irrational because we're getting "emotional" about a "business decision." Disney for years has capitalized on the emotions of families. Those lines were completely blurred a long time ago. Disney put themselves in this position. They set themselves up to be held to these standards. Their schtick for years has been how much they care about the family, and how everything is about "the magic." Granted, they are a company that must make money, but they've done a bang-up job of creating the illusion that it isn't entirely about the almighty dollar. That's how they earned the trust of many of us, and believe me, that effort was a conscious one. And now we're just supposed to put aside everything THEY created, and not call them on it when they make a cold, calculated decision that leaves so many adults and children out in the cold with nothing to show for their time spent, their friendships, their reward points and their pin money?

Business decision? Sorry, no...Disney can't have it both ways. You better believe I'm emotional about this.

Yet again, I'd probably feel better about it if there were some effort being made to take care of us. Maybe if they'd pulled the pins from the parks so that we couldn't waste our money on them. Maybe if they'd not offered VMK items through Movie Rewards. Maybe if they'd started working on a sort of VMK 2.0 when they figured out that VMK itself was going to go away. Maybe if they showed a sincere effort to make VMK profitable before axing it altogether.

Maybe, maybe, maybe.

Well said redshoe. I find it VERY interesting that those who are so quick to defend Disney and who are so wise to understand their "business decision" never address the issue of HOW VMK was put to death, and how Disney broke our hearts. They never address the way we (and our children) were manipulated and used up until the very last minute (our time, our money, our enthusiasm). They never address why we should continue to trust a company who would treat us this way with no apology. You know who you are. Care to comment??

[VMK_Mouse]

Well said redshoe. I find it VERY interesting that those who are so quick to defend Disney and who are so wise to understand their "business decision" never address the issue of HOW VMK was put to death, and how Disney broke our hearts. They never address the way we (and our children) were manipulated and used up until the very last minute (our time, our money, our enthusiasm). They never address why we should continue to trust a company who would treat us this way with no apology. You know who you are. Care to comment??

While biting my lip I have though the same about some of those comments as well. Perhaps some of the comments come from Disney employees in hiding. :upsidedow

[snowgracefulstone]

While biting my lip I have though the same about some of those comments as well. Perhaps some of the comments come from Disney employees in hiding. :upsidedow

If they are, they want to be careful, they may find themselves out of a job without any warning or apology the next time Disney makes an "unemotional business decision" ;)

[VMK_Mouse]

If they are, they want to be careful, they may find themselves out of a job without any warning or apology the next time Disney makes an "unemotional business decision" ;)


You are correct my dearest snow! I am sure they are a statistic, a number on paper whose paycheck can be cut-off very easily. ;)

[snowgracefulstone]

You are correct my dearest snow! I am sure they are a statistic, a number on paper whose paycheck can be cut-off very easily. ;)

Hopefully their will be someone around to fight for them when this happens......or not :)

[TLinden16]

VMK closing does not change my feelings about Disney at all. In the next 16 months, I’ll probably be spending about 20 nights at a Disney resort (maybe even more), and eight nights on Disney cruises. VMK closing is not going to change my travel and spending habits. I’ve been a fan of Disney for as long as I can remember. I’ve been visiting Disney parks for 25 years. Disney movies, music, and books have always been a part of my life.

Disney brings a lot of joy into my life, and it’s not something that I would be willing to give up just because some online game is closing. The magic is still there for me, and I can’t imagine it ever going away. It rejuvenates me and excites me. It’s a part of each and every day of my life, with or without VMK.

It’s the rainy afternoon spent watching “Enchanted,” “The Goofy Movie,” and “Hunchback of Notre Dame” for the 20th time, and I knowing that I can still sing along, smile, and enjoy every second.

It’s in the hours upon hours of Disney music stored in my iPod that I listen to at work, while I commute, or when I’m doing housework. It’s the way I can just start singing songs from movies or attractions, and it makes me smile and recall how much I enjoyed a movie or an attraction.

It’s the way I can ride Expedition Everest 15 times in an hour and a half, and still want to go on it more and more. And still smile like a child, and scream with my arms flailing in the air.

It’s in the way I can go to the parks, and skip through puddles eating a Dole Whip, and feel like I’m a kid, and forgot the complications and issues in my life.

It’s knowing that when I am looking for something to watch on TV, I can count on the Disney Channel to have good quality, wholesome shows without excessive violence and adult themes for me to watch.

Disney continues to provide quality entertainment for kids and adults to enjoy, and as long at they continue to do that, the magic will still be there for me.

I totally agree with Briar--VMK closing is ultimately a business decision. Disney is ultimately a corporation that has to answer to their shareholders (which I’m one--I own over 100 shares of Disney stock), and they have a responsibility to those shareholders to be fiscally sound. VMK is not a profitable venture for them.

And you can’t really compare Disney closing VMK to closing down a park. As Briar said, it’s more of an attraction than a park, and probably an A-ticket attraction at that. If it was a park, we’d be paying $70 a day to enter ;) Attractions open and close at the parks all the time. When one closes, it just means something new is coming along. Maybe it will be a hit, maybe it won't be, but life gets boring very fast if you don't have new things come into it.

And in the scheme of things while 50,000 or so VMK players may seem like a lot, in the big picture it’s really not that big in the entertainment world. Compare that to the 8 or 10 million viewers who watch Hannah Montana. “Enchanted” grossed over $338 million dollars world wide, so if the movies cost say $10 a pop for a ticket, you’re talking about 33 million people seeing that movie.

Which group of people would you be catering to if you had a corporation? Why should Disney pour money into something that attracts 50,000 when they have other online communities that have a lot more active users?

The number of people who boycott Disney because VMK is closing is not going to have a big enough impact to affect Disney’s bottom line to make a difference here. I think that the number of people willing to forgo trips, and buying Disney products because VMK is closing is going to be so miniscule that it won’t even be noticeable.

[TLinden16]

Oh, and just as an addition to my previous post, the community will still be alive after VMK. The people who we have met, and who have become a part of our lives will still be there when VMK closes. I know I have made some excellent friends through VMK who I honestly feel will be a part of my life for the rest of my life.

I don't need to have an avatar sitting in a chair to communicate with the friends I've made through VMK. I don't need magic pins to enjoy the company of my friends.

The overall collective community is not what matters here. It is the smaller groups of friends that we have each taken from VMK that really matter. If the friends you have made through VMK are truly your friends, they will find a way to communicate with you and keep in touch with you after the game closes.

[aliceblue]

I really hope that in the midst of all this, we can allow for differences in our personal reactions to the closing of VMK. I have seen some replies here that border on being accusatory, and that saddens me.

We are all trying to process this in the way that best helps us to cope.

[BriarRosie]

Well said redshoe. I find it VERY interesting that those who are so quick to defend Disney and who are so wise to understand their "business decision" never address the issue of HOW VMK was put to death, and how Disney broke our hearts. They never address the way we (and our children) were manipulated and used up until the very last minute (our time, our money, our enthusiasm). They never address why we should continue to trust a company who would treat us this way with no apology. You know who you are. Care to comment??

I find it very interesting that you just joined the DIS and wish to troll a bit. Whatever.

I think it could have been much worse. They could have closed VMK without any notice whatsoever. VMK isn't the entire Disney company. It's just a fraction of what I liked about Disney as a whole. If you or anyone else making general accusations don't like Disney after this, fine. You'll all be fewer people standing in line for Soarin'. :laughing:

I'm grateful for the time I've had playing VMK. I'm not about to vilify it now because I feel it cheapens it.

[BriarRosie]

Oh, and just as an addition to my previous post, the community will still be alive after VMK. The people who we have met, and who have become a part of our lives will still be there when VMK closes. I know I have made some excellent friends through VMK who I honestly feel will be a part of my life for the rest of my life.

I don't need to have an avatar sitting in a chair to communicate with the friends I've made through VMK. I don't need magic pins to enjoy the company of my friends.

The overall collective community is not what matters here. It is the smaller groups of friends that we have each taken from VMK that really matter. If the friends you have made through VMK are truly your friends, they will find a way to communicate with you and keep in touch with you after the game closes.

That's what many of us were saying all along.

VMK isn't the magic. The friends we've made in VMK...that's the true magic. :hug:

VMK is going away, but I'll still have the friends I've made. Sadly, some of them I will lose contact with. I'm grateful that many of my friends are here on the DIS.

Edit to add: You know, I might actually pick up the cross-stitch project I haven't worked on in let's see....about 3 years! ROFL!

[EvlQueen]

Sigh. Where do I start? Well, first of all let me say that no one needs to sell me on Disney. I was sold long ago. I've been a passholder for many years, and have taken multiple trips a year to WDW since my daughter was 3 (she's 11). Had I not been such a fiercely loyal Disney fan, I would not have been so "emotional". I felt the magic. My license plate reads "Evl Qn". My post this morning was angry and I should have done better; but my point was simply that in their quest to defend Disney against any criticism, many pointed the finger at the ones who were feeling hurt, and with condescension and ridicule lectured us about the business decision Disney had to make. No one, including me, questioned that it was a business decision. We certainly didn’t agree with it, but that wasn’t the main point. We questioned the way Disney allowed us to believe that VMK was going strong (they lied, alright?), and allowed us to spend our money on something that was going to be worthless. We felt so gullible. That is just not a feeling we ever associated with Disney. They always made us feel safe. It hurt - a lot. When someone you trust punches you it hurts much more than if it were a stranger. We have a right to feel angry about being manipulated. Some may not love VMK like we do; that's okay! But please don't tell us not to have an emotional reaction because it was just business. And don’t defend them so blindly that you can’t see the hurt of others.

[DenverVal]

My gut based on my experience in the corporate world says the decision went something like this: VMK is a line item on someone's budget and that someone was told to cut overhead expenses. On paper, VMK shows up as overhead so it got the ax. This was my first thought when DD told me the news. I don't think VMK was very important to corporate from the beginning. I bought the 2005 yearbook, and not only was VMK not mentioned as one of the 50th anniversary celebration items, it was not mentioned anywhere at all - I searched the book from cover to cover looking specifically for it.

I think they made the decision and then made up a story in true "CYA" fashion. I think they never expected it to be as successful as it was, and its success caused them to require more monetary investment in equipment, technology, and staff, and their operation was pure cost with negligible income. Of course people booked trips to do in-park quests and to search for the real pins and to get their "free" Everest photo - we did! It was icing on the cake. But the budget folks can't really prove that this income was directly due to VMK. So sure, I get that. I still feel betrayed. I didn't lose interest; this was taken away from me. I never felt such intense disappointment about any attraction that closed at any Disney resort on either coast as I feel about the closure of VMK.

The rooms I have built are expressions of my creativity, my dreams, and are in a way, mini-accomplishments. They are projects I am proud of creating. The friends I have made ARE real, they are just not face-to-face. The games I have excelled in are skills and those that I struggle in are challenges I continue to try to conquer. To lose all of that due to a decision some executive who has no clue (or care) about the Real Jegrezo's life, is painful. I wholeheartedly agree. My rooms are my masterpieces. I have a screenshot of one of yours. I loved it that much! The Rainbow Connection (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2176739540037552939BRYCJg)

I have no interest in any of their offerings. I won't be subscribing to ToonTown or Pirates or Fairies. It isn't what I'm looking for. I live far from either park, and cutting off my virtual Disneyland fix will not make my trips to Disney any more frequent. Quite the opposite. Out of sight, out of mind. Sorry, Mickey.

This from a Disney fanatic.

[aengus]

I thought why it closed has been answered. I thought Wadsworth (finally) made a very candid statement.

We didn't scale. I don't see the point in arguing that anymore.

I have to admit I find it hard to believe you have NO ill feelings at all.

I pointed out it won't change my theme park behavior, I can differentiate between different Disney departments.

did you both join pirates or toontown?

[DenverVal]

Are you speaking to me?

I must have missed some crucial bit of information. Which post is Wadsworth's? Link please.

I have very hard feelings about VMK closing. My post was simply an expression of my feelings, not an argument. I have no plans to join pirates. I hated that game. Toontown has been done to death in my house and I wasn't interested in it then or now. Fireworks would be a different story.

[disvaclub92]

This was my first thought when DD told me the news. I don't think VMK was very important to corporate from the beginning. I bought the 2005 yearbook, and not only was VMK not mentioned as one of the 50th anniversary celebration items, it was not mentioned anywhere at all - I searched the book from cover to cover looking specifically for it.

I think they made the decision and then made up a story in true "CYA" fashion.

I agree they did. All articles written around VMK from the beginning said it was being "rolled out" during the 50th celebration promotion. But as we all know it promoted more that just the 50th celebration. To me, it was a promotion tool that could have performed well for Disney if they utilized it in a fashion like we see Webkinz and now the Beta Buildabear.

But as you will see from the article below, some things just make me shake my head from senior management.

The article is here.

http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-fiw-disney22-2008may22,0,7430876.story

In addition, I will bump up a post to comments we made in regards to this article. Still in shock that someone would admit to spending large dollars and not having a business model.:confused3

[aengus]

Are you speaking to me?

I must have missed some crucial bit of information. Which post is Wadsworth's? Link please.

I have very hard feelings about VMK closing. My post was simply an expression of my feelings, not an argument. I have no plans to join pirates. I hated that game. Toontown has been done to death in my house and I wasn't interested in it then or now. Fireworks would be a different story.

sorry for the confusion, I was not speaking to you ;)

I was SCREAMING at my two friends rolls and briar :rotfl:

[mtblujeans]

I spent money on Disney products just to get a VMK code....some of which I still had not used when VMK disappeared....I will NEVER do that again! :headache: I will forgo the promotions and gimics in future.

[DenverVal]

The article is here.

http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-fiw-disney22-2008may22,0,7430876.story

In addition, I will bump up a post to comments we made in regards to this article. Still in shock that someone would admit to spending large dollars and not having a business model.:confused3Thank you very much for the link. I will pass it on to my real-world friends who joined me in VMK.

They're very mistaken if they think I will "migrate". Why in heaven's name would I want to play among pixies? I think I'll go back to quilting.

[disvaclub92]

Thank you very much for the link. I will pass it on to my real-world friends who joined me in VMK.

They're very mistaken if they think I will "migrate". Why in heaven's name would I want to play among pixies? I think I'll go back to quilting.

I actually was a pixie for about an hour. :lmao: Yes, please do share this. I don't feel many got to see this article, based on it only having 10 comments.

[DenverVal]

Sounds like it really was a blast! :rotfl:

The article is already on its way.

[aengus]

Sounds like it really was a blast! :rotfl:

The article is already on its way.


sorry dude you dont scale :rotfl:

[RedScorch]

I am so livid and disappointed with Disney I wrote the following letter to them. I am going to keep sending it to them until I get a response.
------

Dear Disney:

The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Internet Group are becoming liars and thieves instead of magic makers. “Why?” you ask. . You steal our money and our Disney Movie Rewards, for one big scam. You sold us, got us hooked on a genius online community based on your theme parks, and now you dismiss everyone that invested LOYAL dollars, time, and energy to making a great community. A prime example: Disney Movie Rewards. It cost 550 reward points to obtain a red Stitch Helmet for VMK. At an average of $20.00 a movie, 5 movies, roughly equals $100.00. Add the remaining needed points by attending a movie, tickets worth 50 points. Here movies are $12.00. So it costs $112.42 (postage included) to get a virtual prize for VMK.

True Disney fans who took the tours and read all the literature, know Virtual Magic Kingdom was meant for longer than the 50th Celebration. At least it was sold that way in the theme parks. You put ads in all of the literature, music CD’s, Disney Adventure Magazine, Disney Vacation Club newsletter, Stock holder’s report, Disney Movie Rewards, and tons of other places. Why do this to people, if it was a “temporary” promotion, did we not see any such disclaimers or reminders when redeeming points, if you weren’t trying to defraud the public. Also, it is cheaper in points (200points) to get a 1 month subscription to Toontown Online via DMR than get the Stitch Helmet. Interesting isn’t it?

When working for Radio Disney, our Promotions Director always said, “It took 50 years to build the Disney Brand. If there is a problem, take care of it. You will not be the person that ruins the wholesome family Disney image.” Well, obviously the Walt Disney Internet Group needs to take those words to heart, because the Walt Disney Internet Group is successful at destroying people’s belief in magic, dreams, and a safe online environment, by closing their online theme park, Virtual Magic Kingdom.
While destroying dreams, why not just close down Disneyland and Walt Disney World too? Purchase Universal Studios, and then give everyone that had a season pass to those two parks, a free one month pass to Universal Studios, to try to appease them, and hook them into an inferior idea.

Disney people may be fanatical because we love the brand more than some of the people working at Disney, but we are not stupid. We know what we want. Some of us won’t play pirates because it is violent. Toontown is boring after a while and who the heck wants to be a penguin at Club Penguin. As for your other online communities, like Pixie Hallow, that too is monotonous. You close the best franchise Disney has ever owned. I don’t want to be a pirate, a toon, a pixie, or a penguin. I want to be a person. I want to be me.

Disney is so out of touch with their audience. As a stockholder, stakeholder in Disney Vacation Club real estate, Disney loyalist, former cast member, and someone who cares about children, it infuriates me that you are harming the Disney brand for thousands of young minds and their parents. This very well could be my final straw with this company, as I have only been 25 years loyal. I have plenty of years loyalty left, but loyalty is a two way street, Walt Disney Company, and the Walt Disney Internet Group.

We invested thousands of dollars to play this game by booking vacations, purchasing extra items at the parks, magazines, and movies. Although it was a “free” product, we spent more money per year on this game, than your paid subscribers with your pay to play franchises. Most companies are adding “free” online communities to their brands, not taking them away. For example, Build A Bear Workshop, Coca Cola, Webkins, and TY, to name a few.

The Walt Disney Company and the Walt Disney Internet Group really need to read some of the blogs, watch some of the youtube.com videos and media sites that have covered the closing of VMK. It is not good press.

Thank you for infuriating me. As a young adult, I figure I am going to be saving myself over a $500,000.00 dollars over my lifetime, by not continuing to purchase your products. My future children will not learn Disney brand loyalty from me, as I did from my parents, so that will be more loss of revenue dollars gone. And I am just ONE of the many.

As a customer service oriented professional, I expect a response to this letter, that is not the typical “promotion” explanation story, or the template form response. Be honest with your guests. I do expect my free 30 day membership to Toontown and Pirates, even though I don’t expect to use it.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
VMK Redscorch

[anya.sparrow]

Well, I think I heard the fireworks from Disneyland last night.

Can't always hear them, and I can't swear that it was Disneyland last night.

But I think they were D-land. And they just made me mad that VMK had closed. For me, Disney magic has included VMK for the past couple of years.

So, yeah, my feelings about Disney have changed. Hopefully I will get beyond the stage where I want to type four letter words *in this space*. :rotfl:

[RedScorch]

A business decision means that, after weighing costs and benefits, the company felt it was good for both their bottom line and future ability to serve customers. (A company wants to perform well so it can continue to grow and grow and make new things, so the fact that Disney wants to grow doesn’t mean it wants to take money and run!) There are a limited amount of resources available with which to operate and develop projects, so I think of it as WDIG reinvesting resources into something else that (they believe) will better serve their wide audience.

Reading through this thread I realized how much trust and value people place in the Disney brand, which I think it really good because there are lots of reasons to have this kind of trust. If you want to let this change that for you, that’s certainly your choice. It’s your right to hold a corporation to whatever expectations you want to, but a company like Disney has a lot of people to please, and it can’t please all of them with every single decision. This was a single decision in a place where hundreds of decisions are made every day. The world of Disney doesn’t revolve around VMK or its players; we’re just a small segment of Disney’s audience and I think it’s over-reacting to take this decision so personally or as an indication that Disney doesn’t care. The end of VMK could very well make way for new games that will please Disney’s audiences to an even greater extent and actually make the Disney brand stronger.

When I visit the parks and resorts and see smiles on the faces of kids and their families, I have no doubt that this is a company full of people that care very much about the emotional experience of their guests and provides opportunities for a connection on an emotional level… Disney does it better than anybody else, anywhere. I think the best of Disney is yet to come, and I’m looking forward to it.

I wish VMK wasn't closing too, because I enjoy playing it. But, I am looking forward to seeing what's on the horizon and continuing to enjoy everything Disney has to offer, be it in theaters, on teleivison, at Parks and Resorts, and beyond.




Disney's sign of not caring is actually not responding to their guests. That is the major sign of detachment from their guests. As former cast member, their entire behavior is appalling. I think the VMK move is the straw that broke the camel's back on a lot of Disney loyalist who have seen the down turn of the Disney Brand for years. Disney needs to get back to common sense, common courtesy and their common guest service standards. Oh wait! If it was common, everyone would have it .

[swarlock]

At least some people are making an effort to let go of WMK in one way or another and not be imprisoned by the memories.

Even though it's gone I'm not so bitter to think that The Disney Brand or any franchise will cater and bend their backs for only me.

When some of the attractions closed down at Disney World I didn't stop going to the parks or going to the movies.

Whether we like it or not, change is going to happen and the best thing anyone can do is prepare for it to reduce the shock.