Hi All,
I was moved by your video. I hope it does something to motivate and further the cause to save VMK! I also put in my efforts by sending this letter to news agencies, Oprah, and others. I hope we can stand together and make the difference.
Dear Sirs,
I have been very upset and wanted to share the sentiments of thousands of Virtual Magic Kingdom players. The closing of VMK gates on May 21, 2008, impacts the lives of many people. I woke in the night thinking of the many people that depend on VMK for their entertainment and communication to the world. I began playing with my daughter to make sure it was safe and not violent. We had such a great time experiencing
Disneyland together. We then told my mother, who lives in a distant state, to try and visit with us. We have 3 generations of Disney fans spending time together. After I began playing, I discovered that there are many retired, ill, and shut-in type people that play together. This is their way of escaping loneliness. They will never be able to visit a Disney park, but have the opportunity to make friends and experience the magic of Disney. Further, after our kids go to sleep there are groups of adults who spend time together. They share their disappointment, joys, problems, and anything else that builds friendships. I know of women who are dying of cancer, lung issues, depression, grieving from deaths in their families, children arrested, and the list goes on. One friend commented that she would not have made it through her illness without meeting new friends to encourage her on VMK. Another friend explained that she had people to share her grief after her husband died. We listen and pray for each other. We have built an encouraging group of friends that will be lost forever.
I am disappointed that such a large corporation that prides its self on providing dreams to all could shut its doors when so many people need this escape. I believe Walt Disney would have looked at the benefits to others and would have decided to continue for the sakes of many. He wanted everyone to experience the magic of Disneyland. The magic that VMK provides is much larger than virtual stuff, but it nourishes relationships and human compassion. I have watched the children of all ages comment on how they are experiencing great loss. They are losing friendship, entertainment, a place to be creative, an escape from harsh realities, but more importantly, a way to reach out and touch the lives of others.
I know VMK creators have commented that the game was intended for a short promotional time, but when something is successful, why stop what is working for so many. If it is a financial issue, charge a fee. A fee would be lots cheaper than therapy for some I am sure. They have explained that Disney continues to move toward innovations. But look at what the current VMK is doing for the futures of many. This saddens me that they cannot create other sites to promote their future endeavors, and leave VMK as it is.
I am asking for you to look into this and see what you can do to further the cause of many who need VMK for varied reasons. It is not just a game, but a place where people of all walks of life can be creative, be nurtured, escape, and share themselves in a safe and fun way. You may think this is just a game or not that important in the big picture of life, however I have discovered how important this it to children as well as adults in different situations. Helping others comes in many forms. I hope I can help people from ages 7 to 70s with my plea to stop the closing of VMK.
Thank you for your consideration on this issue.
VMK melts the hearts of so many. Your post touched me. Amazing how we all pull together in this crisis to save our game.
Great video Aengus! 
Aengus 
