It was fun while it lasted.
Netcot.com is reporting that Disney will be shutting down the Virtual Magic Kingdom site on May 21, 2008. I haven't logged in to VMK for months now (or maybe even close to a year). It was quite popular in the beginning, especially when there were park tie-ins. Initially, you could actually go to the Magic Kingdom and sign up for a tour of the Magic Kingdom while playing trivia games to earn virtual prices that you can redeem on VMK. That went away rather quickly. Of course, you can do a park quest by answering a series of questions to get more virtual VMK prices. That went away last year, I think, which probably ended any park tie-ins (similar tie-in also occurred at Disneyland). I don't know when they stopped issuing virtual prices when you bought hats or other merchandise at certain stores in the theme parks.
As far as I can tell, they had done a lot of development with the online VMK activities and events. They had certainly added a lot of online quests, special events, and games. They've even opened more "lands", to keep the whole experience new for long-time players.
Still, after a while, it got to be a bit boring, especially for adults. I have no numbers, but I'm guessing there are more kids playing the game routinely than there are adults. And you kinda get tired after being hit on a few times by someone who's only 12! :)
In any case, so long, VMK. I had quite a lot of fun with you.
Zz.
1 comment:
Lots of adults play VMK. You think kids (yours or otherwise) would be able to get enough credits and finish the quests on their own? That would be nice, but usually not possible. Just look at the subject matter everyone is talking about. Yes, there is some talk about school, etc. but there is also talk about work and other extra curricular activities.
Too bad Disney did not ASK anyone if they would pay to play VMK. I know lots that would. They have Toon Town, but that's almost a joke unless you are under 10. Pirates is ok, but you need a decent computer to play. Disney likes to act without any input from those that they affect. Just look at all of the ex-employees at the Disney stores. Do you think they told them that they were closing? nope.
Have a great day!
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