Vince Matthews on Digital Disney
Page 2 of 2
Main Street in the Virtual Magic Kingdom
(c) Disney
Virtual Magic Kingdom
With the advent of the Internet, it was just a matter of time until chat rooms
evolved into virtual meeting places but how do you take this concept and make it
something more? Enter Walt Disney’s Parks and Resorts Online, a group that has
led the charge into the electronic frontier with Virtual Magic Kingdom.
An extension of the Disney Theme Parks online, this online only multiplayer game (meaning it’s played over the Internet and with many, many people) is a magical destination that takes attractions from all over the world to build an interactive and truly magical ‘virtual’ park experience. Online users can explore lands themed after real ones in the Disney parks, such as Fantasyland and Adventureland and because it’s a virtual world, players can also build their own virtual space or “room�? here and decorate with virtual furniture and play games or chat with other users.
In addition to the games that users can play on their own, there are five different games in the world itself, from a picture taking expedition on a virtual Jungle Cruise to a Hidden Mickey Quest. Users can also get magic that their characters can use in the world. The neatest thing though is how the VMK team worked to tie the experience back to the parks.
(c) Disney
At both Disneyland and Disney World there are kiosk where you can pick up VMK in-park quest. These quest are simple questionnaires that can only be solved by exploring those areas in the park. Answer the questions correctly and you can win virtual prizes that you can use in the Virtual Magic Kingdom, these include furniture to decorate your virtual room, pins and virtual character clothing. As you play the game you collect points that get you special surprises when you visit a Disney park - like merchandise (Pin collector alert: You can also get exclusive pins by playing VMK and cashing in your virtual points for one of these prizes) or special tour.
Virtual Magic Kingdom is not only a great game and experience, but it’s a way to stay connected to the park long after your visit has ended. To learn more about the Virtual Magic Kingdom, go to www.VMK.com and sign up today. It’s fun, free and family friendly.
Well, that’s about all the time we have for this edition of Digital Disney, plus I think I’m way over on my word count, so tune in again, next time round, I’ll tell you more about VMK and how to make the most of your Virtual Magic Kingdom experience. See you online! .
Discuss It
-- Vince Matthews
-- Posted July 1, 2005