VMK Central in WDW - Potentially Good News

[bytheblood]

My very close friend just returned from WDW. She redeemed the certificates for the quests.

While my friend was doing the redemption, she asked the lady at the counter why VMK Central was being closed. The lady's response was, "VMK Central is not being 'closed' per se, but it will not be VMK Central as you know it today. I work with the creator, 'Yavn', and there are some major changes coming. We are moving to Tomorrowland in October and will have a whole new feel, look, new quests and products for sale. There are a lot of changes coming to the online game as well. It is very exciting and will change the way you know VMK today."

My friend asked her if these changes will help to eliminate the childish behavior and the lady responded, "I am not authorized to share a lot of information, but I can tell you, rest assured, you will see quite a few changes for the better."


So, having repeated that, I am not 100% sure what it means. We also know that CMs like to say things just to say it and sound smart.
I do hope this means that when I show up to Disney in December, there is a place for me to go and redeem my certificates.

 

[lovethattink]

They have been talking about a move to tomorrowland since the beginning of summer. Guess it will be a wait and see. The HSM stuff and other preteen type merchandise has already been moved there this summer.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I wonder if this is bogus or not. I'm kinda surprised that a CM would flounce around that she works with Yavn. And, if she does, why is she working at WDW? Wouldn't she be working with him and the other gamers?

 

[mtlhddoc2]

I wonder if this is bogus or not. I'm kinda surprised that a CM would flounce around that she works with Yavn. And, if she does, why is she working at WDW? Wouldn't she be working with him and the other gamers?

Ever been to a McDonalds and see the manager working teh register? probably the same type of thing. I have heard rumblings of this sort in my direction as well. That VMK "Central" will not be there, but some kind of a shop will be replacing it... possibly with VMK related toys... (think WebKinz, Funkeys)

 

[Bugdozer]

My very close friend just returned from WDW. She redeemed the certificates for the quests.

While my friend was doing the redemption, she asked the lady at the counter why VMK Central was being closed. The lady's response was, "VMK Central is not being 'closed' per se, but it will not be VMK Central as you know it today. I work with the creator, 'Yavn', and there are some major changes coming. We are moving to Tomorrowland in October and will have a whole new feel, look, new quests and products for sale. There are a lot of changes coming to the online game as well. It is very exciting and will change the way you know VMK today."

My friend asked her if these changes will help to eliminate the childish behavior and the lady responded, "I am not authorized to share a lot of information, but I can tell you, rest assured, you will see quite a few changes for the better."


So, having repeated that, I am not 100% sure what it means. We also know that CMs like to say things just to say it and sound smart.
I do hope this means that when I show up to Disney in December, there is a place for me to go and redeem my certificates.

Hi,

Well as always it is wait and see. I will believe it when I see it. My thoughts are if you look at the store in Space Mountain it is very empty-I wait there a lot when small and Ink ride space mountain. They could easily fit a glass display case/ counter in there and could sell VMK items. Think how great it would be if you could buy VMK Trading cards or shirts, hats pins so on.

I would love to know who said this as in the past all they ever say is we can't give out any information. So it is amazing that they would say something as big as this. What did she mean by works with Yavn hmmm is she a member of the team or just works at VMK central.

As far as changing the VMK as we know it.... We were told that when we saw Yavn and his team in April. "The new build would blow us away this summer". Well summer is almost over sigh and we are still waiting . My gut feels something has to change... they need to make money so perhaps a VMK store is in the works never know mean while when is this big VMK change..SOON that's right VMK's favorite word...how long is soon...

Bug

 

[lovethattink]

Hi,

Well as always it is wait and see. I will believe it when I see it. My thoughts are if you look at the store in Space Mountain it is very empty-I wait there a lot when small and Ink ride space mountain. They could easily fit a glass display case/ counter in there and could sell VMK items. Think how great it would be if you could buy VMK Trading cards or shirts, hats pins so on.

I would love to know who said this as in the past all they ever say is we can't give out any information. So it is amazing that they would say something as big as this. What did she mean by works with Yavn hmmm is she a member of the team or just works at VMK central.

As far as changing the VMK as we know it.... We were told that when we saw Yavn and his team in April. "The new build would blow us away this summer". Well summer is almost over sigh and we are still waiting . My gut feels something has to change... they need to make money so perhaps a VMK store is in the works never know mean while when is this big VMK change..SOON that's right VMK's favorite word...how long is soon...

Bug

This summer there was alot of HSM merchandise and other "preteen" targeted merchandise moved to the store at space mt. The center register island was expanded a bit, as well.

I'd love to see a little vmk shop go in under the old skyway, where a store use to be years ago, by the restrooms.

 

[tofubeast]

I hope some of this is true. Would love to be able to still create a character in the park when I am there in October!!

 

[bytheblood]

I wonder if this is bogus or not. I'm kinda surprised that a CM would flounce around that she works with Yavn. And, if she does, why is she working at WDW? Wouldn't she be working with him and the other gamers?

I see your point, however that is not the context I took that in. The way I thought she meant it (going by my friend's recount of the conversation) was like her directives come from him and his team. But then again, I was not there to discuss with her.

 

[bytheblood]

As far as changing the VMK as we know it.... We were told that when we saw Yavn and his team in April. "The new build would blow us away this summer". Well summer is almost over sigh and we are still waiting . My gut feels something has to change... they need to make money so perhaps a VMK store is in the works never know mean while when is this big VMK change..SOON that's right VMK's favorite word...how long is soon...

Bug

Right on!

 

[bytheblood]

I hope some of this is true. Would love to be able to still create a character in the park when I am there in October!!

Only time will tell. And like I said, CMs love to say things.

Like the CM that told one of our fellow Dissers that the girl who sings during Wishes died 2 days after recording the song. Whatever, she is alive and well.

Or the CM that told me that pool hopping was urged by the resorts to gain potential future guests.

 

[Disney Dreams]

...We also know that CMs like to say things just to say it and sound smart.

...And like I said, CMs love to say things.

Like the CM that told one of our fellow Dissers that the girl who sings during Wishes died 2 days after recording the song. Whatever, she is alive and well.

Or the CM that told me that pool hopping was urged by the resorts to gain potential future guests.

I wish you did not feel the need to continuously put down the CMs as not knowing anything. I don't think CMs like "to say things just to say it and sound smart" as you have said. I think CMs like to be helpful, as that is what they are trained to do and they pass along the information that has been provided to them - which is not always complete or accurate.

Perhaps a CM was told that the girl who sings Wishes had died. And I would believe that the hotels like visitors to gain future guests.

As a former CM in both the Park and the Stores, I strongly request that you attempt to appreciate the position of CMs a little more and realize that maybe, just maybe, they are telling you what they have been told.

As for WDW VMK Central, with the card game that we have a sneak view of and the pin sets that are already out, it would not surprise me if we see mass vmk merchandise at a price point that any can afford available throughout the parks or maybe in 1 VMK shop. Sadly, I think quests and reward cards as we know them however, are gone.

 

[bytheblood]

I wish you did not feel the need to continuously put down the CMs as not knowing anything. I don't think CMs like "to say things just to say it and sound smart" as you have said. I think CMs like to be helpful, as that is what they are trained to do and they pass along the information that has been provided to them - which is not always complete or accurate.

Perhaps a CM was told that the girl who sings Wishes had died. And I would believe that the hotels like visitors to gain future guests.

As a former CM in both the Park and the Stores, I strongly request that you attempt to appreciate the position of CMs a little more and realize that maybe, just maybe, they are telling you what they have been told.

As for WDW VMK Central, with the card game that we have a sneak view of and the pin sets that are already out, it would not surprise me if we see mass vmk merchandise at a price point that any can afford available throughout the parks or maybe in 1 VMK shop. Sadly, I think quests and reward cards as we know them however, are gone.

WOW - you are awfully defensive.

I have been given more false information by CMs at CRO than I have accurate information. If Disney trained their employess consistently, myself and others would not hold this opinion.

If my posts offend you so badly for stating my opinions-based-upon-experience, you should add me to your ignore list. And do not read the theme park forums, because there is a lot of that there as well.

 

[Berry Princess]

Well considering that we have been told these things were never meant to be part of the parks for so long (yea right ) and that a CM is saying this....well we know how that goes. As has been said they usually don't have info like that to give out. The fact that she said she works with Yavn would have been the big whistle blower on it for me being a load of you know what.

My friend asked her if these changes will help to eliminate the childish behavior and the lady responded, "I am not authorized to share a lot of information, but I can tell you, rest assured, you will see quite a few changes for the better."

Plus that is another thing. Of course she wasn't authorized she doesn't have the info. I am betting she may not have even known what your friend was talking about......unless they get tons asking that all the time (which wouldn't surprise me). It seems like a nice answer to get out of answering more things there are no answers too. And obviously everything no matter what is a wait and see with game. As it is with lots of games...such as the word "soon" is famous I think in EVERY online game. I do think most of us (if not all here) agree that selling stuff like trading cards with some codes in them and whatever else would be cool and would probably be a decent money maker for the game. No matter what I think that we have see what pops up with Yavn's newsletter and obviously even then things don't happen when said. Yet again typical at times of online games. I do hope we see something though again in the parks..and not just WDW but Disneyland too. Really how hard would it be to add in some trading card packs in whatever spots or near register and shirts and such in the stores? Spread it out throughout the theme parks.

 

[bytheblood]

Plus that is another thing. Of course she wasn't authorized she doesn't have the info.

You know what, that thought did cross my mind as well.

I would not imagine somebody would really refer to 'Yavn' as 'Yavn' either, but I did not get the feeling she meant a relationship in that form...but who knows what she meant?

Anyhow, it means nothing until it comes to fruition, right?

 

[Berry Princess]

WOW - you are awfully defensive.

I have been given more false information by CMs at CRO than I have accurate information. If Disney trained their employess consistently, myself and others would not hold this opinion.

If my posts offend you so badly for stating my opinions-based-upon-experience, you should add me to your ignore list. And do not read the theme park forums, because there is a lot of that there as well.

Well said!! I know how the turnover rate at Disneyland has been and the kinds they have sunk to hiring as of late and all I have seen and heard more and more is misinformation give cause these CMs don't care. Yes there are wonderful CMs out there but sadly its not like it used to be. I appreciate those that do the job right and have come across many wonderful CMs in all my days spent at Disneyland but it seems to be more and more giving info they don't know and never happens or direct them to somewhere wrong for a bathroom or tell someone no smoking in the parks when the smoking section is not to far off. If a CM deserves to be praised I will 100% give it and have in the past many times. I have also had to complain a few times as well over the many years (thankfully not much) but they were major complaints that needed to be done. I have tons of respect for the CMs that deserve it and never ever would I go to the park and treat any (not matter if they are good or bad ones) with disrespect. JM 2 cents

 

[Berry Princess]

You know what, that thought did cross my mind as well.

I would not imagine somebody would really refer to 'Yavn' as 'Yavn' either, but I did not get the feeling she meant a relationship in that form...but who knows what she meant?

Anyhow, it means nothing until it comes to fruition, right?

Excactly!

 

[pezter]

I was also at VMK Central today and talked to a cast member and she said that at the end of September they will not be allowed to give out any cards left over. They have been told they will need to be mailed to corporate. I hope the first post is correct but we will have to wait and see.

 

[Adventuredaz]

I was also just at VMK Central in WDW last week and the CM stated about closing saying it was not supposed to be long term only for the 50th celebration and that while they discused moving it to tomorrowland it did not pan out. They have obviously sold it to the cast as not a bad thing as they are attemping to do with us - she says she will work in another store on main street.

I think the final word is the most recent word by Yavn. It will be closing and not relocating - certainly not soon. I found a lot of the equipment not in the best working order and this isn't suprising after about 2 years. I Think they feel it is not necessary to have it since they are not going to do quests as they have.

I am not sure what the future will be but from the last two months in the game and out of the game it is clear there are changes majorly effecting the game occuring and on the way.

 

[Disney Dreams]

WOW - you are awfully defensive.

Please watch your personal attacks against me. There is no need for that and it is a board violation.

My comments were very carefully kept strictly to your comments about CMs, not YOU. Please stick to the topic, not the author.

I am not defensive, I am tired of reading comments from ppl such as yourself saying that CMs don't know what they are talking about. CMs pass along information they are told. If they are told wrong, that is not their fault.

I have been given more false information by CMs at CRO than I have accurate information. If Disney trained their employess consistently, myself and others would not hold this opinion.

I can't comment on CRO, but I can tell you Disney provides an incredible level of training to their cast members, such that they are viewed everywhere by corporations and business professionals as a model company when it comes to employee training.

If my posts offend you so badly for stating my opinions-based-upon-experience, you should add me to your ignore list. And do not read the theme park forums, because there is a lot of that there as well.

Your posts don't offend me. I enjoy reading people's opinions. I just notice that you are very harsh on CMs and was politely asking you to realize such.

 

[bytheblood]

Well said!! I know how the turnover rate at Disneyland has been and the kinds they have sunk to hiring as of late and all I have seen and heard more and more is misinformation give cause these CMs don't care. Yes there are wonderful CMs out there but sadly its not like it used to be. I appreciate those that do the job right and have come across many wonderful CMs in all my days spent at Disneyland but it seems to be more and more giving info they don't know and never happens or direct them to somewhere wrong for a bathroom or tell someone no smoking in the parks when the smoking section is not to far off. If a CM deserves to be praised I will 100% give it and have in the past many times. I have also had to complain a few times as well over the many years (thankfully not much) but they were major complaints that needed to be done. I have tons of respect for the CMs that deserve it and never ever would I go to the park and treat any (not matter if they are good or bad ones) with disrespect. JM 2 cents

That is very true. CMs do not have the easiest job in the world and there are quite a few that are great. When I call CRO and get an amazing CM, I write WDW Guest Services about it. Same thing when I visit the parks.

I know without asking they are not paid what they are worth. If I had to deal with obnoxious rude people who acted like they were raised in a barn, I would go crazy on them.

However, I stand by what I said, all CMs do not give out accurate information. I could care less if they think the information is true or not. False information is false information.

When somebody forwards me an email, I look it up at snopes.com or urbanlegends.com, etc before forwarding it on. If I have nothing to back it up I do not forward it and if I make a statement like I posted, I state what I did above, it may not be true. The CM who said this may have some inside scoop or may be sharing some made up stuff. I do not see why it is anything to get wound up over.