Disney Protest May 10th, outside Disneyland

[OneLittleSpark]

Good luck to everyone going! Those of us who can't make it are rooting for you! I wish I could be there with you... although... it's only a ten hour flight away...

 

[aengus]

Good luck peeps! Take it to them

 

[MomsGoneGoofy]

I was reading the vmkkidsunite site and it looks very organized and impressive. Good Luck to you all

Wish our family could be there to help, we will be cheering you on from the East Coast.

Would love to see some pics posted after if possible.

 

[cteddiesgirl]

Good luck to everyone going!

If I had the money to fly out there, I'd be there in a heartbeat.

 

[Belle1997]

Excellent site. Extremely well organized. I did sent in comments yesterday hope you got them. (From Littlebelle) Wishing you all the greatest of success

 

[bowlofcereal]

We just made the Associated Press:

Players protest closing of Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom
By RYAN NAKASHIMA AP Business Writer
Article Launched: 05/09/2008 01:48:32 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES—OMG! VMK is going away.

A group that has invested three years in playing a free online game called Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom is upset that the house that made Mickey Mouse is pulling the plug on the world.

The game, launched in the summer of 2005 to promote the 50th anniversary of Disneyland, attracted thousands of fans who created more than 1 million avatars who trade virtual items and play games to earn credits.

On Saturday morning, members of the group plan to protest the game's shuttering around the entrance to Disneyland in Anaheim. The game is set to close on May 21 at 10 p.m. Pacific time.

"I've put three years of my life into this," said Andrew Lawson, a 16-year-old from Sun City, Calif.

Lawson said he plays the game 20 hours a week and has developed friendships with other players that can't be replaced elsewhere.

According to VMK.com rules, players are not allowed to reveal their real identities, e-mail addresses or phone numbers as a safety measure—rules enforced by staff monitors. The game is only open when moderated, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific time.

Scott Lawson, Andrew's father, said his family stayed at the Disneyland Resort three times, spending about $2,000 each time, to obtain a virtual hat based on Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" series.

"We're saddened and upset at how Disney handled this whole thing," said the 45-year-old traveling salesman.

Walt Disney Co. spokesman John Spelich, a vice president in the Walt Disney Internet Group, said the company decided to close the site because it was promotional and he encouraged players to go to other Disney virtual worlds.

DisneyFairies.com had nearly 6 million avatars created in its "Pixie Hollow" game, while Disney's "ToonTown Online" had more than 20 million, the company said.

Combined with "Pirates of the Caribbean Online" and "Club Penguin," more than 40 million avatars have been created in other Disney worlds. Portions of each site were free.

"You'd rather do anything in the world than disappoint a guest," Spelich said. "But in this particular instance, this promotional site is going to come to an end. We have invited those players who like features of VMK to sample the other ways we're offering to engage with Disney online."

 

[<3 Sunset <3]

Good Luck Tomorrow

 

[Disney Dreams]

AP coverage... excellent work! Once the AP gets something - it's everywhere! Just ran a search to find the actual article. It's already on sites of papers from CA to Alabama, and that's just in about an hour. Tomorrow will be a great thing for the cause.

..."...We have invited those players who like features of VMK to sample the other ways we're offering to engage with Disney online."

Well, Mr Spelich... please show me where in these other games I can build and create and let the amazing things in my imagination come to life. I have not found it in ANY of your other games. Also, please explain to me why I should invest 3 years of my life forming new friendships that will disappear when you decide to end the ga - errr, promotion. By the way, the word you are missing is: COMMUNITY.

 

[thesupersmartguy]

Good luck tomorrow everyone. I will be there in spirit.

 

[lisuhut]

Hi
Good luck everybody,all us people in the uk will be with you in spirit and mind.

 

[NedsTJ]

Good luck tomorrow!
In the words of the immortal Miracle Max: "Have fun storming the castle!"

 

[MagicMontey]

I am so proud of those who will be taking a stand tomorrow. I believe it only takes one person to make a difference and tomorrow I believe the people walking in this well organized protest will be making history. I wish I could be there along side all of you wearing my "save VMK" t-shirt and green flips. My best wishes to all of those who are making the trip. Thank you for getting our voice out there! Have fun and take lots of photos

For those of us who cannot make the trip to Disneyland tomorrow let's show our support on VMK by walking in the Esplanade at the same time the protest is happining in the real park.

You might also want to be watching TV for news as local and national broadcasters have stated that they will be covering the event.

This is a quote directly from the protest site:

"Those wishing to show their support are ask to join us "virtually" in the VMK Esplanade from the opening of the game at 7:00AM until 11:00AM. Please wear black and face away (backs turned) from the entrance in protest. Please be respectful and not block other players.
Remember that mentioning third-party sites or giving personal information is against VMK rules.

Ongoing Support
We ask players visiting VMK Castle Forecourt to stand on Walt's side during closing ceremonies to show your ongoing support."

 

[snowgracefulstone]

Just wanted to take a second to thank those attending the protest tomorrow!! I cant be there physically but will be there in heart and mind, and will be taking part in the protest on VMK at the same time. Just a reminder to everyone taking part in the online protest, once ur in the Esplanade, if u need to go afk...dont forget to put ur friends list up!!! I have a feeling if we get booted for inactivity, it could be kinda difficult to get back in a room, lol. Good luck everyone and i will see u tomorrow!!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

This is a quote directly from the protest site:

"Those wishing to show their support are ask to join us "virtually" in the VMK Esplanade from the opening of the game at 7:00AM until 11:00AM. Please wear black and face away (backs turned) from the entrance in protest. Please be respectful and not block other players.
Remember that mentioning third-party sites or giving personal information is against VMK rules.

Ongoing Support
We ask players visiting VMK Castle Forecourt to stand on Walt's side during closing ceremonies to show your ongoing support."

Oh, thank you for posting this! I was wondering if there might be a corresponding protest in-game, but last time I tried to look at their website it was down. I'll be there if I can get into the room!

 

[cowboys_girl]

I want to thank those who are going to be at DLR tomorrow as well. I would be there but my husband isn't to keen on me driving down there stupid early in the morning to be there on time, I'd have to leave home at like 2:00am. That or stay up all night and risk falling asleep on the way ,LOL. Seeing as I just started working again I don't think I would make it, I'm tired now. So those that will be there thank you, I will try to join online if there is an open instance.

-Stacey

 

[Jasonbobdude]

Well, Mr Spelich... please show me where in these other games I can build and create and let the amazing things in my imagination come to life. I have not found it in ANY of your other games. Also, please explain to me why I should invest 3 years of my life forming new friendships that will disappear when you decide to end the ga - errr, promotion. By the way, the word you are missing is: COMMUNITY.

Mr. Spelich, please show ME a good reason why I should pay for any of those other games. They just aren't worth it. Plus, what if you suddenly decide you don't want to keep those games, either?

 

[Horse]

Good luck to everyone who will go tomorrow. The rest of us will be there is spirit. Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to be there.

 

[HARRYRABBIT]

Thank You,
To all who are attending today. The rest of us will all be there in spirit with you. Hopefully this will get some kind of positive response from Disney for VMK to stay open. GOOD LUCK !!!!! WOOT !!!!!

 

[Imagineer_Tech]

Show them we won't leave our game!!!

 

[seaturtledude]

Good luck everyone .