VMK Central Closing in Disneyland New Update Yavn Speaks!!

[Berry Princess]

I agree.

Disneyland usually is way too crowded anyways. They don't need to draw in visitors with VMK quests. They do like to get visitors to spend more on merchandise while they are there. Maybe that will increase the cards with purchase.
However, when we went last year to Disneyland (first time in 15 years), we were new to vmk. I was surprised at how many Cast Members knew absolutely nothing about VMK. Even at the stores that gave out cards for merchandise purchases, I usually had to ask more than one store clerk to find the Cast Member that knew about it. As important as VMK is to us, I got the distinct impression it was very, very minor to Disney. And short lived, which proved to be right. @!$*!
If they go to a monthly fee, I will probably have to stop playing. However, I'ld be very depressed. But just couldn't justify it for a young-at-heart but old-in-years to play what was essentially a game started for kids. I would pay a one time fee, like to buy a set-up CD. And I would happily pay money to buy cute Disney stuff that just happened to come with a VMK card.

As to why Yavn's explaination is a little bare, it makes me think of when I have had to explain something to someone I didn't agree with. "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." I suspect he and his team might be wanting some of the drinks we've been mentioning in this thread.

I won't get into this to much here since its not really about the game but the reason for the CMs being that way and not knowing is the way employment has been at the parks the last few years. There are so many new CMs at times that have no clue about anything and might want to know but haven't learned yet. Then you have the ones that just don't care and don't want to really work. Thankfully most CMs I have ever come across are really nice and friendly and care. They will find out info for you and such. I'm sorry you ran into so many that were that way. And the ones I always came across at VMK central were always very nice and friendly. I never had problems with them. I am betting those CMs end up working on Nemo.
Which I forgot to add they threw in that little bit of info about the Nemo subs coming soon in the email I got back from them. Talk about trying to push someone to the parks. I'd be interested to see if others that emailed on this have gotten the same email in return as well. The assuming you are canceling vacation plans (when its not mentioned at all) and then telling you you shouldn't cancel cause the Nemo subs are coming.

 

[poohluv2u]

When DD read Yavn's announcement to me last night my first thought was how people here were going to take it. I see I was right. I only read through the first three pages of posts and I have to say I am saddened by some of the posts. Maybe it wasn't the intent of some of the posters, but I feel as if pure hatred is being spewed towards me and my fellow WDW-goers.

I don't think anyone here is mad at people who go to WDW. People
are just commenting on the fact that the reason given for closing
VMK in Disneyland, applies just as much to WDW, yet they get to keep
questing and we don't.

 

[Berry Princess]

Hmm, I thought I read that all of it would close. But on closely examining the newsletter, it's not so clear: Although putting the booth permanently inside Innoventions certainly would have drummed up more interest in the computer stations, I'm sort of glad they never did that. There's only so many times a person can take that Tom Morrow spiel.....

Oh I totally agree. We had gone in there way back when it first opened that and never again have gone in. LOL

 

[PrincessDonnaT]

There's only so many times a person can take that Tom Morrow spiel.....

ROFL...I hear ya on that one.

 

[silvrstrfx]

LOL Janomi!!
Your right, it doesn't sound good at all!!
But you know we will all still meet up and have a great time! We could drag chairs over to the spot and have pasta and pretend we are at the VMK kiosk still! I'll bring extra cards, we'll do a Cazalet quest and I'll hand them out to the winners....voila'....a good time had by all!

Bring all our flats, too, and still act way nerdy?

Although vmk was not the reason why I bought my AP, it did add that extra incentive haha. Still I am glad that it was because of VMK I was converted to Disney and found so many wonderful friends Ok, not so happy about the conversion but yay on friends!

This turn of events is still incredibly lame though --- especially with such short notice! Even for locals! It's not as if everyone has the free time or resources to go to the park on a weekly basis. I feel so bad for players who had planned their summer trips in advance, months ahead of time, and looked forward to the vmk quests only to get... this.

 

[Berry Princess]

When DD read Yavn's announcement to me last night my first thought was how people here were going to take it. I see I was right. I only read through the first three pages of posts and I have to say I am saddened by some of the posts. Maybe it wasn't the intent of some of the posters, but I feel as if pure hatred is being spewed towards me and my fellow WDW-goers.

I don't think anyone here is mad at people who go to WDW. People
are just commenting on the fact that the reason given for closing
VMK in Disneyland, applies just as much to WDW, yet they get to keep
questing and we don't.

Exactly. I am not mad at anyone that goes to WDW. I just have seen how over the many years Disney (as a company) has treated Disneyland compared to WDW. It has not been good for the most part (depending on who was in charge). Has nothing to do with those that go to either park. I don't have a desire to spend thousands of dollars on WDW when I have Disneyland in my "backyard" though.

And btw, from what I have seen with the quests, WDW has had things that were only there and not here in DL.

 

[aeryn]

OK my bad, I was thinking they were taking out all of VMK there, not just a small kiosk

That was my impression as well, Roxane. I never did understand why they left the kiosk out in the elements and had everything else indoors. The one time I've been to DL I did go to the Innoventions area, and while cool, would definitely not want to have to listen to that lame Tom Morrow spiel every time. Innoventions in Epcot at WDW, btw, is just as lame and deserted.

 

[mking624]

Don't blame it on Yavn, he's simply doing his job.

But see, being that Yavn is a part of this...an integral part of this...I believe he should be held accountable as well, unless he actually explains that he had absolutely nothing to do with the decision. And until that happens, then I believe he does bear some responsibility for decisions that affect VMK being how much "in power" he is with that game. And we've seen this happen on his personal blog, "promises" that were made that weren't followed through in the timeline he gave with no explanation except to get mad at those who were getting mad at him. Now I'm not talking about personal attacks, and I wouldn't stoop to that level. But I don't think there's anything wrong with holding a VMK staff member accountable for what is going on in VMK. That's part of his job as well. It's nothing against him personally, and it's not an attack on him. It's just recognizing that hey, if they want this to continue being successful, they need to step up to the plate. JMO.

Maybe it wasn't the intent of some of the posters, but I feel as if pure hatred is being spewed towards me and my fellow WDW-goers.

DH and I go to WDW every year and I've never been to DLR...I don't feel any hatred being spewed towards WDW-goers. DLR-goers are rightfully upset. If the situation was reversed, WDW people would be rightfully upset. The situation is ridiculously unfair. I'm upset for DLR people. Bottom line is that it's not right that DLR people are having their things taken away while people who go to WDW still get to enjoy it. And this is coming from someone who has never stepped in the gates of DLR and only goes to WDW. I don't feel any hatred at all....just frustration and anger towards the powers that be.

 

[LittleWoodenHead]

As a DL AP holder, I was absolutely sickened by this announcement. So this morning I called Disneyland.

I had a heartfelt conversation with a wonderfully sympathetic Cast Member (who was very familiar with VMK, btw). I was told the "official reason" they were given as to why the Kiosk was closing and the Quests were ending was because there wasn't enough "guest interest" to financially support their continued operation.

I expressed my honest doubt that this was the real reason, as -- based upon my own anecdotal experience -- the VMK Quest Kiosk at DL was always well-attended by guests, as opposed to VMK Central in WDW (which was virtually empty the couple times I went there). The CM agreed, saying that had been their own impression, too.

I speculated that perhaps the opening of the new Finding Nemo Subs had a part in this decision for some unknown reason. (For those of you who don't know, the VMK Kiosk is located within spitting distance of the Nemo entrance.) Because the Kiosk closing is happening so suddenly -- and is occuring immediately before the Nemo Subs open -- I had to wonder at a connection between these two events.

The CM didn't know of a connection, but agreed with my contention that -- if more "guest interest" in VMK is really required -- what better way to accomplish this than to have the VMK Kiosk open right next to the hottest ride of the summer??? The Kiosk has been sitting in front of Innoventions without the benefit of a huge amount of foot traffic for a long time. It makes no sense to shut it down when it will suddenly be in a high-profile position. If, that is, the Powers-That-Be truly wanted more "guest interest."

I told the CM that this whole thing was being handled abysmally: The suddenness of it; the fact they weren't being given real, logical reasons; etc. I also said that it sent out a negative message to us Disneyland fans. VMK was created for the 50th, after all. So why should our Park (which is Walt's Park) be treated in this way?

Finally, without mentioning DIS by name, I told the CM that there were a lot of people online who were upset at this development. The CM said that they had already received A LOT of calls about it -- far more than were expected, apparently -- and encouraged me to tell my friends to CALL AND MAKE YOUR FEELINGS KNOWN!!! I was assured that all comments and responses would be compiled and forwarded to the appropriate parties.

THE NUMBER IS (714) 781-7290. You know what to do.

 

[Alvern_Boy]

As a DL AP holder, I was absolutely sickened by this announcement. So this morning I called Disneyland.

I had a heartfelt conversation with a wonderfully sympathetic Cast Member (who was very familiar with VMK, btw). I was told the "official reason" they were given as to why the Kiosk was closing and the Quests were ending was because there wasn't enough "guest interest" to financially support their continued operation.

I expressed my honest doubt that this was the real reason, as -- based upon my own anecdotal experience -- the VMK Quest Kiosk at DL was always well-attended by guests, as opposed to VMK Central in WDW (which was virtually empty the couple times I went there). The CM agreed, saying that had been their own impression, too.

I speculated that perhaps the opening of the new Finding Nemo Subs had a part in this decision for some unknown reason. (For those of you who don't know, the VMK Kiosk is located within spitting distance of the Nemo entrance.) Because the Kiosk closing is happening so suddenly -- and is occuring immediately before the Nemo Subs open -- I had to wonder at a connection between these two events.

The CM didn't know of a connection, but agreed with my contention that -- if more "guest interest" in VMK is really required -- what better way to accomplish this than to have the VMK Kiosk open right next to the hottest ride of the summer??? The Kiosk has been sitting in front of Innoventions without the benefit of a huge amount of foot traffic for a long time. It makes no sense to shut it down when it will suddenly be in a high-profile position. If, that is, the Powers-That-Be truly wanted more "guest interest."

I told the CM that this whole thing was being handled abysmally: The suddenness of it; the fact they weren't being given real, logical reasons; etc. I also said that it sent out a negative message to us Disneyland fans. VMK was created for the 50th, after all. So why should our Park (which is Walt's Park) be treated in this way?

Finally, without mentioning DIS by name, I told the CM that there were a lot of people online who were upset at this development. The CM said that they had already received A LOT of calls about it -- far more than were expected, apparently -- and encouraged me to tell my friends to CALL AND MAKE YOUR FEELINGS KNOWN!!! I was assured that all comments and responses would be compiled and forwarded to the appropriate parties.

THE NUMBER IS (714) 781-7290. You know what to do.

Hey Little,

Do you mind if I post this on a different site? Because there's the same type of thread on the site, and I think this is some useful information.

Thanks!

 

[threeboysmom]

Hugs to all of you DL-goers.

I am in shock that they would end the quests so suddenly. And unfortunately, I'm sure WDW will soon follow suit.

 

[Resident_Pixie]

THE NUMBER IS (714) 781-7290. You know what to do.

Bless You!

Now, just as soon as I can form coherent sentences regarding this subject(without swear words interjected), I will be calling.

The excuse that it wasn't popular rings false in my ears. Why then were they constantly running out of quests as well as cards if no one was visiting the kiosk?

 

[Lady Boadicea]

Yay!!! Where do I sign up???
lady

LOL Janomi!!
Your right, it doesn't sound good at all!!
But you know we will all still meet up and have a great time! We could drag chairs over to the spot and have pasta and pretend we are at the VMK kiosk still! I'll bring extra cards, we'll do a Cazalet quest and I'll hand them out to the winners....voila'....a good time had by all!

 

[LittleWoodenHead]

Hey Little,

Do you mind if I post this on a different site? Because there's the same type of thread on the site, and I think this is some useful information.

Thanks!

Be my guest.

Maybe, just maybe, there is the possibility of a reprieve if enough responses are received.

We can dream, can't we? After all, it's the Year of a Million of 'em. Maybe this one can be ours.

 

[steamboatpete]

Bless You!

Now, just as soon as I can form coherent sentences regarding this subject(without swear words interjected), I will be calling.

The excuse that it wasn't popular rings false in my ears. Why then were they constantly running out of quests as well as cards if no one was visiting the kiosk?

It rings false in my ears, too. If they want more guest action, try eliminating the print-at-home quests and put them all outside the kiosks. So many people showed up wondering where to get that tomorrowland quest we turned in, or the holiday quest, etc. But again, I'm not really complaining. Less Disney and more of other things in life will do me some good.

 

[Lady Boadicea]

I just got off the phone with a very nice man in Guest communications. I tried the first phone number that was posted here on the board and was given a different Number
(714-781-4669 Option 0).
I talked to a very nice man that documented my concerns and told me that all concerns were given to everyone up the line including the president of Disney. He was very nice and listened to me without interruption. I even read him the newsletter. He said that perhaps something better will become of them closing VMK central and that a lot of times they do have other things planned but don't disclose the information right away (meaning Disney in general, not VMK specifically). But that he would pass my concerns along.
He also mentioned that the more calls they get regarding the closing of VMK centeral the more likely the chance that our concerns will be addressed.
If you are a AP holder, or just love VMK I encourage you to call. He did ask for my name and address so please be prepared to give out that information if you call.
If this is an issue of them thinking there is not enough interest in VMK then we need to prove them wrong.

Lady

 

[Bugdozer]

Hi,


My friend TravisSch ran into QA_EonWrangler in Town Square. He asked him some questions and got some screen shots. He is not registered here but said I could post them for you all to see. He has them on another site. here they are :

Bug

 

[Berry Princess]

As a DL AP holder, I was absolutely sickened by this announcement. So this morning I called Disneyland.

I had a heartfelt conversation with a wonderfully sympathetic Cast Member (who was very familiar with VMK, btw). I was told the "official reason" they were given as to why the Kiosk was closing and the Quests were ending was because there wasn't enough "guest interest" to financially support their continued operation.

I expressed my honest doubt that this was the real reason, as -- based upon my own anecdotal experience -- the VMK Quest Kiosk at DL was always well-attended by guests, as opposed to VMK Central in WDW (which was virtually empty the couple times I went there). The CM agreed, saying that had been their own impression, too.

I speculated that perhaps the opening of the new Finding Nemo Subs had a part in this decision for some unknown reason. (For those of you who don't know, the VMK Kiosk is located within spitting distance of the Nemo entrance.) Because the Kiosk closing is happening so suddenly -- and is occuring immediately before the Nemo Subs open -- I had to wonder at a connection between these two events.

The CM didn't know of a connection, but agreed with my contention that -- if more "guest interest" in VMK is really required -- what better way to accomplish this than to have the VMK Kiosk open right next to the hottest ride of the summer??? The Kiosk has been sitting in front of Innoventions without the benefit of a huge amount of foot traffic for a long time. It makes no sense to shut it down when it will suddenly be in a high-profile position. If, that is, the Powers-That-Be truly wanted more "guest interest.".

We go to DL ALOT since we are APers as well and I beg to differ about the foot traffic right in that area. Every time we have gone over the last couple of years they have had ALOT near there. Its not far from food places, Space Mtn, Autopia, and depending on which way you go into Tomorrowland you will pass by it and you can NOT miss it. LOL I don't believe there is a connection between the game and Nemo. From everything I have been reading with Nemo and how the line will end up going...well that small kiosk will not get in the way since it will go out the other way past the side of the Matterhorn off towards Fantasyland and then up towards Small World if it gets that long. There is no way to move that kiosk somewhere near the subs. There is just no room for it. But as I said they really were pushing the subs in the email I got in return. I am glad you did get a nice CM that knew what VMK was and listened to you. I know not all will get that when they call. And you are right about the guest interest. They could have handed out a card at the ride for a bit of time to all those boarding or getting off that was something Nemo for the VMK game which could have had info on the game and to visit the kiosk at DL before they left. BUT since its not a money maker thing why bother. And really of course there isn't enough "financial" support for the game from guests when they isn't really anything pointing for them to buy right there or given info out on what they could buy to get a card. Not everyone is going to know the info we all do about the few stores you can get a card in. And obviously that whole thing is just an excuse for the CMs to tell those that call. When the pins have been stocked didn't they sell out? I didn't buy any since it wasn't really something I wanted but they seem to be a big hit. I think DL's mistake if they were expecting "money" from the game is that they created it to be free.
Thanks for posting that number for us. I will be making my call tomorrow morning after I drop the oldest at school.

 

[Berry Princess]

Hi,


My friend TravisSch ran into QA_EonWrangler in Town Square. He asked him some questions and got some screen shots. He is not registered here but said I could post them for you all to see. He has them on another site. here they are :
Bug

Wonder if QA_EonWrangler has been to Disneyland at all? That is so not true that it not alot of people would go to VMK Central. Those of us that go enough to DL have all said we have always seen lines. Heck the last time we went there was a line there we wanted in so I could turn the lastest quests in. And it got longer as while we waited our turn. It was never dead over there. I wish these people that keep saying that would go there and see for themselves that it isn't. Reminds me of all those higher ups/suits that have over the years claimed whatever about Disneyland and why whatever was to be changed/removed when they don't ever step their foot in the park. I really would love to know though how many of those that work under VMK have gone to Disneyland and seen the lines. It can be pretty long at times and just like a ride it can be a short one but either way its a line and there is always one over there. Anyway, thanks for posting that Bug.

 

[Bugdozer]

Wonder if QA_EonWrangler has been to Disneyland at all? That is so not true that it not alot of people would go to VMK Central. Those of us that go enough to DL have all said we have always seen lines. Heck the last time we went there was a line there we wanted in so I could turn the lastest quests in. And it got longer as while we waited our turn. It was never dead over there. I wish these people that keep saying that would go there and see for themselves that it isn't. Reminds me of all those higher ups/suits that have over the years claimed whatever about Disneyland and why whatever was to be changed/removed when they don't ever step their foot in the park. I really would love to know though how many of those that work under VMK have gone to Disneyland and seen the lines. It can be pretty long at times and just like a ride it can be a short one but either way its a line and there is always one over there. Anyway, thanks for posting that Bug.

Hi,

I will let you know that they go a lot. Disneyland is close to VMK headquarters and they go to that park more then they go to WDW. I am wondering if they ever counted or kept track of real numbers of foot traffic. I know when I have been at VMK Central in WDW is is always busy.

Bug