Dollism Plus US Sep 19-21, 2014, presented by Dollheart, Den of Angels & Mint on Card

I know at Doll Show in Japan they do allow small children because I have seen them there and I could have sworn AreeElf brought one of her young daughters to a NY Dolpa in the past. Perhaps if we do allow children there could also be an area that is 18 or 21+ for those who don't feel comfortable around small children.

Personally, my feeling is parents will control their children in the dealer's room if it is clear that if something goes wrong, that parent is paying for the item. I think teens/tweens traveling in a group with one adult supervising them are more a danger than a single pre-schooler with their parent keeping a close eye on them.

 

On flying with dolls, I've only done it a couple of times. I pack them in my carry-on and only carry 2-3 as that's all that I would want to manage handling anyways. Since it's a carry-on, I manage the handling and don't have to worry about it. One caveat is that smaller flights may have rules such as "all bags with rollers must be gate-checked" and even some larger flights will require all roller bags to be checked if you're in the last or next-to-last group, so I'd stay with a backpack/duffel bag because of that.

On under 13, I have mixed feelings on that because it honestly depends on the child and the supervisor. I cringe at the thought of a generic grabby hands type child running around. But on the other hand, I think of kids like Baakay's (who aren't exactly kids any more but I've known them since they were) and they've always been very into anime/dolls/etc and very well-behaved at cons and stuff. I would hate for children like that to be excluded because of the children who aren't well behaved (due to either their own fault or their parents). What may be a good compromise is that for pre-teens, they must be accompanied by an adult in a 1:1 manner and if they are found repeatedly without supervision or causing issues, both the adult and the child memberships will be revoked.

 

I would hope that most parents have taught their children how to act around their own dolls, so there won't be any issues. I've been to many cons and it's not the young children that I have an issue with, it's the 13-18 year olds running around without any parents/legal guardians. They seem to not care about other peoples property, are mostly loud and down right obnoxious. I think it's that age range that really needs the most supervision, because I've seen too much of drop the teens off and pick them up later, without caring what they are up to.

 

I dunno who to bring. Mine are mostly "Seen one, seen them all."

 

I'd personally would love to see your Wolfrik, Rynn. I have always wanted to see a Chrom in person.

 

With or without paws?

 

With! My Hati would love to see the kind of wolf she will be one day.

 

Ok, gives me a reason to finish him up then!

 

I think since DoA is a 13+ forum, it would be a bit mean if the event was 16+ or 18+, because younger people wouldn't be able to attend and it's going to be such a great event it would be a shame for them to miss out because of age. I do think that minors should be accompanied by an adult though. It'd be scary to think of a 13 year old flying cross country or internationally to attend a con by themselves, even if they are mature and responsible for their age!

I've decided Gwenllian is coming with me (SD13 Rose in my avatar,) but I don't know whether to bring another doll or just keep to one. SDs are heavy and I wouldn't want to saddle my boyfriend with looking after a doll if I got too tired of carrying both!

I'm so used to looking at that frog I think of it as me as well

A frog, Saint Michael and a BJD walk into a bar...

 

Oh goodness I don't think I even want to start thinking about who I would take yet. There is still good over a year before I need to consider this and who knows who will be here and who will go in that time >3>

As for numbers though I'd at least want to bring 3 or so if I could manage. I'd say it'd be more of a "sitting down" convention in the long run with so many dolls, especially SDs that just get heavier and heavier the longer you hold them!!! Though, I'll be one to make a post before the convention seeing if anyone has someone specific they'd want to see anyway. It's always more exciting to see dolls in person you only get the change to admire online *3*

 

In response to the kids thing, I think the most fair solution would be both adult only and kid friendly spaces for the younger attendees as well as parental guidance requirements for all teenagers as well as small children.

Since all of my dolls are pretty small now, I could probably bring all of them lol I've only ever traveled to doll things with my Volks dolls, though my Peroth did sort of sneak along to a NY Dolpa as a head in my purse.

And Jenny, you make me blush. I really would love to see you and *crosses fingers* Rainey again.

 

When I fly cross-country for an event, I prefer to carry a maximum of 2 dolls... one big + one little (SD16/SD17 + SDC/SD10), or two mediums (SD13s). The longer you schlep, the more each ounce on your back seems like a kilo. However, when I go to Volks events I do also bring Jimmy the Rei-Tenshi, who is the size of a large fava bean, so he doesn't even count as an ounce for schlepping. (Jimmy is a bigtime social mover & shaker, moreso than I am, so he demands to be brought to his fanbase regularly. xD)

My lumbar is groaning just to think of carrying my Chalco with his ten-ton hooves all the way to upstate NY. Jeebus that doll is heavy. And oh, the EIDs.... ;;^^ But I have a year & a half to think about who should come... this will be the first non-exclusively-Volks event I've flown to, so I've got all kinds of choices to make!

 

LOL! I totally want to see where this is going.^^^^

And you know I totally forgot that this is a 13+ forum until you mentioned that ^^;;
That's a really good point! Well since I only have a few dolls I don't have to worry as
much yet...But I do hope to get a few more before next year comes so I'm not completely
safe myself >< Aww why do I have to love SDs so much, their sooo heavy! lol

 

rkold- If my son were to come, of course our children could play together!

I also forgot the forum is 13+. So it makes sense for the event to be 13+ as well. I am hoping that my son will be able to stay back in California with grandma, but if it doesn't work out then we might have to bring him. Thankfully, there are 2 of us, and only one of him. I'm just a little nervous because my son does has special needs and the con might be too much for him to bear and so meltdowns will make everyone unhappy. We do have over a year to plan and who knows what the situation will be then!

 

Who to bring.... That is always a tough question. I know I will bring Ducky, as she is my favorite. And she is little. But since I don't know who I will have when the time comes (curse my fickle nature), I will decide who else goes right before I leave to get on the plane.

 

I'm not sure which of my dolls I'll bring yet, either... I'm hesitant about bringing my SD girl with me most places, to be honest. Although, by the time of the convention I'll have a PukiPuki or two, so those will *definitely* come with me.

 

^ Just bring whomever jumps into the bag first. In my house, the boys usually decide this via cage-match elimination-round wrestling. ^^

 

LOL! That's amusing, JennyNemesis&#8203;! XD But that's a good idea, too... hmm...

 

Can I come over and watch? Please?

 

Me too! I'd pay good money to see that! LOL

 

I want to see the photo shoot of that!

I wonder if there'll be a policy on off-topic bjd's? I was thinking I might bring my Hujoo Sara (along with one or two other minis) since she's a bit lighter and less expensive so I worry less about damaging her, but she's off-topic here.

 

Well considering it is an open convention (anyone including non members can come) I do not see them policing the gates for off topic dolls. Every bjd should be able to come along (at least I hope so!).

I will be hard to pick who all I will bring with, but I know that I will be bringing along my first doll for sure.

I do hope I can hijack some of my friends into going to save money on gas and hotel. If not then I might take the train and have a rent a car meet me at the station.

 

ha ha oh I don't even want to think about who I would bring yet! I'll do it like, three days before the convention XD
Or even later than that (I had a stowaway the last time I went to BJDC that sneaked in the day before I left).

 

*snickers* We definitely need pictures next time!

I've only got three completely dolls to choose from (well four but flower power DZ boy isn't leaving this house for anything) and one doesn't even have a face-up. Hopefully by next September he will.

 

hehe I know we have that con :3 I guess I am jelly of this upcoming one in NY because they are bringing in some big names and really cool distributors :0
I hope BJDC Texas gets more peeps like that this year :3 mehhhbeehh XD

 

I'll probably bring my Leviathan for sure

 

I hope there's not a policy about off-topic BJDs... I'm already planning to bring my Hujoo Berry, Hujoo Wings, and 23cm Obitsu, all of which are off-topic. My real dilemma is whether or not to bring my one resin SD girl...

 

I can bring tinies. I might bring my Skoll, Kenyon too. Maybe Draken too. I dunno who else, lol.

 

Mint on Card posted on their wall about Off-Topic dolls:

So OT BJDs will be allowed in, though the focus of the con (dealers, events, etc) will be dolls of the strung, resin variety. No one wants to be standing at the doors doing bag searches for Pullips or Hujoo. We just don't care. :P

 

Awesome, thanks Armeleia! I figured that was the case but thought I'd ask. It's too early to truly decide but she's already on the short list of dolls to bring! People seem to enjoy seeing her, too, which is nice.

It just occurred to me that since this is in Fall of 2014, there'll be tax returns between then and now. I think I know what my tax money next year will be going toward! And that makes it VERY likely that I'll be able to go! I'm hoping to not only go but be able to purchase a doll (or two?) and some clothes and stuff there, so I'm going to try and save up a bunch.

 

You guys! Okay, okay, come next September I'll get the Nemesis Palace Smackdown aired on pay-per-view.

 

This here *points up*
As much as I have tried planning before, it doesn't work out for me anyway XD; Pretty sure it'll be the night before the flight before I choose.

 

If i can manage to go I would be driving (I guess itd be 2-3 days drive)
but I like being able to have my car available to me ><;
and I want to bring all my dolls with me~ lol


CathyM: I would LOVE to see your Pele in person~

 

You bring Eir, I'll bring Pele and Cari. Chibi love

 

You are so right! Add that fact to the savings plan I had hammered out and I will be unstoppable!

 

Oh yes! I forgot about that! Woo boy!!

 

Lol! Would the officers wear uniforms and be called the Dollism Police?
They have to wear hats, since 90% of fancy boy clothing includes hats
(*cough* Dollheart *cough)

 

Oh wow! This is very exciting. My friend was just talking about how she wished should could attend one of the overseas Dollisms, and then I saw this event! I just spoke to the Hubby, and I am definitely going and then meeting up with him for a vacation!!!

I am really excited about meeting so many people in person and everyone's dollies more than anything!

Yes, the question is who to bring...

 

i think that these are pictures from a previous Dollism: http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/26191/Dollism+Plus.html

 

I'm already angst-filled about bringing things to Dollism, and I'm terrified by what I'll have to bring back from Dollism. Of course I also hope there's large items there for me to grabby-hands at, LOLOL!

CAT! OMG, you are going to be there properly, yes?!?!?! OMG, who are you bringing to the con? I am so excited, yay!

I would adore driving...but I see it's 40 hours, and that's a lot of time in a small vehicle. I have a load of time to think about this, but I'm already being told that my little Rosen Lied Queenie is going, LOL!

.hlp

 

Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!! I love furniture a little too much and this was one of my first thoughts! And clothes! Lots of clothes!!
I'm already drooling thinking about the accessories! Just for fun I should give myself a budget closer to the con time just to see how quickly
I exceed that said budget goal. We all know it's going to happen, lol! XD

 

I'd LOVE to see the giant people-size Obitsus! And I'd love to see the 65cm Obitsus, too - those aren't available on Parabox or Junkyspot or anything like that...

 

I also would prefer a 13+ doll convention. And definitely with adult supervision for ages 13-18. I'm really not comfortable with the idea of small children around expensive dolls. No matter how well behaved/well supervised the child is, all it takes is half a second of a curious grab and a doll is on the floor. Maybe a separate playroom for young children?

 

heidipay: We are talking about going. We are 7 hours away (really probably at least 9 or 10 with driving and 'wait' time) by train. We are already figuring that we could bring three dolls between the two of us and lots of fun stuff .

We are waiting to hear what hotel room and dealer space costs. We would definitely want to attend any evening dinner that they might have.

It would be fabulous to see you again! &#9829;

 

I would actually say chaperones for those between 13-16 years, since 18 is a legal adult and 17 nearly so. (Also kind of basing that on my own experiences growing up - my parents would have probably let me go, as long as I was with a group, when I was 17.)

The hard part about requiring chaperones, especially for collectors on the older end of the spectrum, who may be mature and savvy enough to not need supervision, is that some of them may not have supportive parents or relatives who would take the weekend to accompany their teen.

Chaperone could be defined as any adult (possibly another collector) who would take responsibility in case of a problem, but I'm not sure many people would want to take on that responsibility. (And many parents might not be comfortable with that either, if they haven't met the person their sending their kids off with.)

Maybe there could be some sort of legal release - "My teen can travel and attend Dollism alone. I, the parent/guardian/adult, am still responsible for their conduct."

 

It'll take me roughly 13 hours to drive, but not that much time flying. I'd have to rent a car, but I could carry more, I think.

 

I have the perfect solution for things purchased at the convention. I will be flying, so luggage is very restricted by size and weight. Instead of fretting over how to tote it back, I'll be shipping any purchases to my work. Less expensive than overweight luggage fees by far.

 

So excited about this!!

 

I'm just bringing an empty duffel or totebag that folds up in my suitcase on the way there, gets filled with goodies at the con, then checked into luggage on the way back. (My credit-card was issued by United, so as long as I use that card to buy my United tix, they waive the first-bag luggage fee, which is tres sweet. ^^)

Or, I may just bring a bigger suitcase than needed for my clothes, fly there half-empty, then cram all those expanding pockets fulla goodies.

 

I'm planning on flying. It's not really much more expensive than the train or driving (although the more people in the car the cheaper it is... and the less room for luggage there is!) and one and a half hours vs. about 13 hours? No question. I waffled a bit at first, but then realized that's a full DAY traveling - a day I could be working and earning money, or a vacation day I could use at another time. That makes driving even less cost-effective for me. If it was less than 6 or 7 hours I probably would drive, but 13 is just too much for me!

I typically travel carry-on only whenever possible, but for this I think I'll have dolls (possibly unstrung) in my carryon with only a change of clothes or two of my own in there (used as padding!), and the rest of my stuff in a bigger-than-I-really-need checked bag. On the way back I'll have to just put whatever fits wherever it fits, but will try to get expensive/breakable stuff in the carry-on. On one of the last flights I checked a bag on I watched out the airplane window as the luggage was loaded, and my suitcase was spiked like a football so hard it bounced a couple times on the conveyor belt. My metal glasses case was dented and twisted and the mirror in there was broken when I got to my destination! In fact, every time I've checked a bag I've had SOMETHING in there broken, no matter how well-wrapped and padded it was.

 

So excited. Sign me up

 

Amy, 13 hours is for me...you live roughly 2 hours away so 11 for you. Still, it'll be expensive for me no matter what. Plane ticket, car rental (If I can get one), room...plus I'd only lose around $50 for a day off work, after taxes. I don't get vacation days but at least I'd have a car there! Last convention I went to alone, I had no car...and the hotel was so far away from anything. Thank god it had a resturant, else I wouldn't have been able to eat for 3 days! Or would have to call a taxi...

 

i'm happy it's not that far away for me!!!!

 

True - the train is 13 hours from Charlotte but that always takes longer than driving. It's still a lost day (and stuck in the car with my sister and brother-in-law who want to go to Niagara Falls? No fun!). I think we'll be able to plan better once we know an actual location... then we'll be able to tell if there's decent transport or if a car rental is needed, and if so whether it's needed the whole time or just for a day or two.

 

Are there other owners in your area that you could catch a ride with?

 

None that I know of are going. SC's owners are kinda scattered about.

 

If for some reason we DO end up driving you're welcome to come up our way and jump in with us - but I'm really, really hoping to fly. If the costs of flying double by then or something we'll likely drive, but it's relatively cheap that time this year so yeah, hoping to fly!