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DollNorth @ AnimeNorth 2015 - Toronto, Canada

Dec 28, 2014

    1. I realize this event doesn't take place until 22-24 May 2015, but tickets go on sale in less than a week (2 January 2015)!

      The official web site for the convention is here: http://www.animenorth.com/live/
      And here is a link to the DollNorth 2015 page.


      Last year's AnimeNorth / DollNorth discussion thread:
      http://www.denofangels.com/forums/showthread.php/618487-Doll-North-Anime-North-2014-Toronto-Canada


      I don't know about anybody else, but I'm already getting a little excited for this event! I really enjoyed myself both at AN and DollNorth last year and I'm really looking forward to going back again this year, catching up with some familiar faces and meeting lots of new friends.

      Anyone else from Atlantic Canada going?
       
    2. I live within the Toronto area, although I don't have a doll yet, but it would be cool to come and take a look at everyone's dolls and see how it works at Doll North! I don't know for sure if I will be going this year, but I have always been curious how it feels to carry dolls around the convention. I'm alittle afraid to do so in later events...
       
    3. Totally going this year. Already started preparing! lol I'm really curious to see what all they do this year. ^^
      [MENTION=67676]CinnamonSwirls[/MENTION] We'd love to see you if you can make it! Most people are super willing to let people hold their dolls. :)
       
    4. Trying my best to get there this year! Working out plans today to see if I can swing it.
       
    5. [MENTION=19137]Tayma-Leigh[/MENTION] Ahh, I feel bad, it sounded like I was assuming I could hold other people's dolls and just walk around with them, haha, but even still that would be very neat to be able to hold a couple of dolls! I am afraid of the thought of carrying my future doll around conventions because it's always so busy, so seeing other doll owners do it would be great.
       
    6. [MENTION=67676]CinnamonSwirls[/MENTION] it's not as scary as you might expect. It is quite busy at the con, but a lot of people are carrying dolls around and most people are very respectful of that and are careful. It's a great time, so if you're able to come and check it out, that'd be awesome!

      I'm already planning my trip to Toronto! I was at AnimeNorth last year and it was so great that I just knew I wanted to come to the event again this year. Right now, I'm trying to decide which of the resin folks will be coming along with me. Last year I lugged one of my big 72cm boys, which I honestly didn't mind doing, but I think this year I'd like to be able to bring more dolls as opposed to one big guy. :)
       
    7. I just bought a ticket so I'm definitely going! Like cinnamonswirls, I also feel anxious bringing a doll along in the convention but I just might bring one along with me/

      It will be my first time going to doll north so I'm really excited to see how it's like :D
       
    8. Does Doll North take place in a separate building or room attached to Anime North? (sorry...you can probably tell I am a newbie) Anyway, regardless I think I will be coming and checking this out most likely on Sunday.
       
    9. [MENTION=62088]kuze[/MENTION] it's great fun, and I think you'll enjoy it!

      [MENTION=67676]CinnamonSwirls[/MENTION], DollNorth is usually held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which isn't too far from the Toronto Convention Centre and International Plaza Hotel where the rest of AnimeNorth is taking place. It's easily within walking distance, though. The con takes place in and around several hotels in that immediate area, but all DollNorth stuff has been in the Crowne Plaza in past years. Last year, it was mostly downstairs in the ballroom/conference room area.
      Sunday is a good day to come because that's when the doll meet is. The marketplace was kind of dead on Sunday last year, though. Saturday was when the marketplace was the busiest.
       
    10. [MENTION=60023]SapphireStargazer[/MENTION] Thanks so much for all the information- I really appreciate all the help ^^ I think I'll be there then!
       
    11. No problem, @CinnamonSwirls! If we manage to connect at the con, you can hold my doll(s). I'm cool with that. :) haha my Gabriel got passed around quite a lot last year. :XD:

      Oh...another thing about the con is that when you pick up your badge at TCC, they'll give you a booklet with the schedule of events for the entire con, so you'll know what's happening, when & where. It'll show what's happening at DollNorth too. Also, keep checking the website because they will periodically update it with news & event information. There's also an announcements mailing list that you can sign up for, if you're interested. :)
       
    12. Yey! I'm totally going again! Hopefully this year I'll be able to stay a little longer :D I was one of the first people to buy the Anime North pass, so you can tell how excited I am!
       
    13. [MENTION=60023]SapphireStargazer[/MENTION] thanks so much- I would love to hold some of your dolls :D I am excited to bring my doll at some point and pass him around like a hot potato. He'll get to feel the love :love
       
    14. [MENTION=51553]Moira_VonHelson[/MENTION] yay! I hope you are able to stay a little longer this year. It was great to meet you in person and I hope we'll be able to connect again this year. :)

      You're welcome, [MENTION=67676]CinnamonSwirls[/MENTION]! The current plan is for me to bring two dolls (I brought two last year), although plans tend to be fluid sometimes. :XD: hehehe dolly love is good! I'm sure lots of people would be happy to love on your boy. ;)
       
    15. [MENTION=67676]CinnamonSwirls[/MENTION] If you get a chance, you should come check out the dolly Masquerade! They haven't released the schedule yet, but it was on Sunday last year around 2-ish. There were some really awesome entries. :)

      I'll most likely be there Saturday and Sunday (not sure about Friday yet) >w<
       
    16. I have no idea what dolls (or doll) to bring. I have so many now >.< I do have a carrying case though that i bought last year at DN.
       
    17. It's official! I'll be there. Now to decide who to bring... Any requests?
       
    18. haha I am in the same boat, @Moira_VonHelson. I have no idea yet who I want to bring with me. I do have lots of carriers, though. :XD: If I can get my purple RS Long/IMPL Star hybrid together in time, I might bring him, but I still haven't really made up my mind.

      That's great news @VitreousSanity13! Asking for requests is a good idea to help you decide who's coming with. :)

      I kind of want to bring dolls that will fit nicely into the photography displays, if they happen to have those again this year. Last year, I found that Tyler (RS Mai) was too small for the Ramen House set and Gabriel was just a little too large for it. I can't imagine travelling without Tyler (he goes everywhere) but maybe this year it'll be someone else's turn to have an adventure. ;)
       
    19. I think I'll only be bringing my MiniFees this year, and leaving my smaller dolls at home... we'll see how that actually plays out once May comes though.
       
    20. [MENTION=19137]Tayma-Leigh[/MENTION] the MNFs will be easy to carry around. I'm always worried about smaller dolls because I'm concerned of losing them. I find 1/4 size dolls are pretty much ideal for transporting anywhere and carrying around because they're big enough to be noticeable but they're also not too heavy. I see 3 MNFs in your sig. Would you bring all 3?


      haha obviously I've been putting way too much thought into DN because last night I got to speculating about possible panels/workshops. Last year they had a panel on "buying your first BJD" (which I went to, even though my first BJD was over 5 years ago lol). Last year I suggested they might want to have a panel called, "So, I've got my first BJD... Now What?" about dolly care and maintenance, restringing, etc. Anyway, last night I was thinking about it and I thought it might also be cool if there was a basic photography workshop/panel and maybe a photo contest. hmm...maybe I should send an email. They did have an email address last year where suggestions could be made.... :3nodding:
       
    21. This is my first year going to Doll North and I want to bring my doll but he's 72cm and I'm worried he'll get too heavy throughout the day. Also, have there been many issues with doll theft in the past?
       
    22. Yep, I think so. I can fit 2 in my carry bag and one to just carry around, so they're pretty easy to bring. :) Makes it easier to try things on too since they're all slightly different sizes.

      The very first year I went (~2008?) they had a photography panel, it would be cool to do that again. I know they were calling for volunteers to run panels, I'm sure they'd love suggestions on what kind to have too!

      There are lots of tables and spots to put dolls down, but yeah, he'll probably get too heavy if you're just carrying him all day. My MNF certainly does. :/

      As far as I know, in the time I've been part of the TO community (~8 years [O.o]) there has not been a single incidence of doll theft. The worst I've heard of was someone accidentally taking home someone else's clothing that they were trying on (ETA: this did not happen at DN) and it was returned at the next meet. Still, it's good to keep an eye on your dolls, or have someone you trust watch them if you need to go somewhere, just in case.
       
    23. [MENTION=19137]Tayma-Leigh[/MENTION] Thanks, I think I have a purse he can sit in so if I bring him I can switch between that and carrying him if I can't put him down.
       
    24. I'm from Saskatchewan and will but heading for my 3rd year to doll north, but 4th year to anime north. I got my pass just waiting for their tables to go on sale.
       
    25. Hi all,

      I'm the coordinator for Doll North 2015 and I'm checking in to confirm I will be sure to check in on this thread as often as I can. Feel free to ask questions and if the community doesn't have an answer I'll do my best to get you one :)

      As for theft we have never had a doll stolen at the event. I once received a report from a vendor that a pair of pants went missing from their Doll Market table back when we were housed in the Sheraton hotel, and I'm just now reading the incident Tayma-Leigh mentioned. We generally recommend bringing dolls you are comfortable carrying around, or a means to carry them around with you. I have seen some awesome carry methods including a really cute basket that one attendee had her dolls sit in, and another set her doll ontop of her camera flash on the camera that was around her neck. It's best to not leave your dolls unattended, and only ask someone you personally know or trust to watch your doll if you need to step away.

      A Doll Babysitting area is something we discussed in the past, a station to drop off dolls monitored by a volunteer where you could pick them up again within a few hours. Unfortunately we do not currently have enough volunteers to offer this, but it is something we've thought about and could potentially offer if there was enough demand and we had the support to run it.

      As for a photography panel I would LOVE to see that return this year. We just need someone to volunteer to lead the panel. I would really love to see the photography event as an interactive workshop where a group travels together with an instructor and they are taught some aspects of photography or features on their camera on the go around the DN event. We have a ton of great lighting and sets that could be used :)

      If you have a friend or know of someone that would be willing to run a photography panel/workshop than please have them contact me on DoA or at our email address: [email protected]
       
    26. Mrf. That sounds like fun. :) Hopefully it's something that can be offered at some point.
       
    27. I am very excited for this year's Doll North
       
    28. Looks like I may not be able to make it this year, I'm planning a trip to Japan in March that will zap my wallet. I'd be too broke for Doll North. I might show up at Anime North without a ticket and just hang around outside. :pout: So sad.



      Redfrost I was also from Saskatchewan. I lived and worked in Saskatoon for 6 years! I miss the snow. I am now in Philadelphia USA. It snowed only for 1 full day and that was it! I miss the consistent deep freeze of Saskatchewan. I know I'm insane to say this but it's true. I spent many happy hours photographing my dolls in the snow. Such good memories.:)
       
    29. Ahh I'm so exited to see there's a thread for this already! I've been talking about it so much to none doll owners it's been driving my family crazy.
      this is going to be my fifth year? Ya I believe 2011 was my first year. It's been great watching Doll North grow :D

      So who is everyone bringing? I'm torn between my Soom Thera, Luts Jamong, or if she comes in on time my Soom Dain. My mother will probably bring her Luts Gretel or Luts Lolly and I haven't discussed with my sister if she's bringing anyone? (Probably not but if she does I'd be surprised if it isn't her Luts Yuz)
       
    30. I will definitely be at Doll North again this year!! It's something I look forward to all year. I think I will be bringing the Doctor and Rose with me, but we'll see!
       
    31. Hello everyone :)

      It's my first time at Doll North...I hear it's a lot bigger than Otakuthon's "Dollfest", which I usually attend. I'm a little nervous, but mostly very excited~

      I'm completely torn on who to bring though...I guess it'll depend on whose faceup I get done between my semester's end and my journey to Anime North lol
       
    32. I really hope you enjoy it! Last year was the first one I really participated in more than just popping in for a little while and it was wonderful. :) If it helps your decision, I would absolutely love to see your Sarang. ^^
       
    33. I'm still torn on going or not. It would be difficult for me because I'll also need a hotel room (and people to split it with, so it's not so bad). So I'm thinking of trying for that Saturday only. What do you guys think the chances are for there still being single-day tickets for sale at the door? The site says it's possible, but I'm not sure how likely.
       
    34. @Tayma-Leigh: Well I do have the most clothes for her (spoiled thing, she is), so maybe >w>

      @MasahtiJade: When I registered (only four days after pre-reg opened) the first slot of passes was already gone and like 1/3 of the hotels were already full. I'm guessing tickets at the door will also be going fast :S
       
    35. :D:D:D!

      If last year is any indication, there won't be any Saturday-only passes left at the door. You might get lucky with Friday or Sunday, I think there were a hundred-ish of each left, but Saturday sold out REALLY fast. :( There are usually a lot of people looking for hotel room shares though if that helps at all. We stayed at the Days Inn last year and there were still rooms left the weekend of AN - pretty cheap too, but a decent walk (10-15 minutes?). :/
       
    36. This will be my eighth year at Anime North, but my first year going to Doll North! I think I'm going to be bringing a Dollfie Dream. Partially because it's Anime North, and partially because vinyl is light. :P I'm mostly interested in buying 1/3 scale props and/or furniture. Is there usually a decent selection there?

      Tickets sold so fast this year! I usually get the group rate, but the lower price tier was almost gone by 7pm on the first day and we couldn't get in touch with a few group members, so we all just bought our own individual tickets because group rate after the first 5000 sold was still more expensive than single rate before the first 5000.
       
    37. Well,I registered for Anime North.Now to find a fight and hotel...:D
      Any recommendation?
       
    38. Not sure about flights (as I'm driving in) but it'd be best to go with the hotels listed on the AN site? I think you get special rates if you register as being part of the event. That's what I did, anyway. And sooner rather than later, as they're booking out fast ^^;
       
    39. I wish i could go this year, but i have no where to stay. I'm mad jealous of everyone going. I hope to see lots of pictures!
       
    40. Aww :( That's too bad. No one around you could share a hotel room with?
       
    41. I have my ticket. Booked my hotel. Found out Thursday that the company I work for is shutting down, guess when... less than two weeks before Anime North! :D Hopefuy I can find a new job before May. I am going to be so bummed if I can't be there this year.
       
    42. I plan on being there, too. I've gone to every Anime North since 2001, and every Doll North since...it started? I think it was in 2007? Anyway, it's been forever. I have no idea who or even if I'm bringing anyone, but I'm staying in the Crowne, so I'll be close. If there's a Marketplace at a convenient time, then I might try to get a table. Otherwise, I'll just shop :)
       
    43. I am going to DollNorth for the first time (after that, Otakuthon's Dollfest -first time too). I haven't gotten a doll yet and I wonder if it's possible to shop for a doll there. Are there any doll companies there? How are the prices? Do you recommend me buying a doll there or order one online? Thanks. :)
       
    44. Glad you got your ticket. :) I really hope you can still make it when May rolls around. <3

      Wow! That's an impressive record. Hope to see you there. :D

      I hope you enjoy it! They haven't announced the sponsors yet, but the last time I went to the market (2013) we had Sadol, Bluefairy, Peakswoods, Batchix, and Luxor Academy selling dolls as well as some second hand sellers. Bird and Lace and Sadol were there last year iirc.

      I know of at least 3 people who got their first doll at DN. :) It's nice because you can get a feel for the doll in real life as opposed to relying on photos, and you also don't have to wait months for them to arrive. :) Prices were almost exactly the same as on the websites without shipping I think, but I can't be sure of that.

      If you find one you like, go for it, otherwise, keep researching and get them online. ^^
       
    45. Ahhh hello fellow Montrealite! While it's also my first time at DollNorth, I'd assume (given my past experiences with Dollfest) that the doll marketplace would also include actual dolls?? Though I could be wrong. Maybe past attendees can fill in more than I can >.> (ED: Oops, looks like someone already did fill in...oh well, all the more to be excited about!)

      Dollfest, however -- or rather, the Otakuthon marketplace itself -- has had a booth selling actually dolls in past years (I believe it's Lysdoll that has the booth?), so if all else fails, you could look there. The prices have always struck me as rather reasonable. Lysdoll does have their doll stock available for order online too, though, if you're impatient. That way you'd have your doll even before both cons :)
       
    46. @Tayma-Leigh Thanks for the tips! It's good to know that the price are reasonable. I'm really excited to meet other BJD owners and BJD in real life! :dance
      @Calico I'm glad you will be attending Dollnorth. Glad to have some info on Dollfest. Hopefully I will be able to get a doll before then... So pump up now!
       
    47. I won't be able to attend but if I have some spare time I may be able to put my few semesters of animation classes to good use. I love working on stop motion projects too. It was one of my favorite parts in my class.
       
    48. Oooh exciting contest news! :)
      I've been at Doll North the last couple of years and I can't wait to head back this year! It's always so fun and it's lovely to see everyone :D
       
    49. I've got my hotel booked and my weekend ticket purchased :) I'm looking forward to popping in to enjoy a bit of Doll North among other things at Anime North this year. The new contest sounds amazingly fun and I cant wait to see the entries! It's a great idea~

      I'm planning to stick to bringing maybe a Teenie Gem or possibly one of my Mini Dollfie Dreams but not sure yet.
       
    50. Depends on the company. First off--the prices are in Canadian, so sometimes they have done an actual conversion from USD to CAD, and sometimes they've kept the price the same, which would make it cheaper. Also, as stated earlier, you don't have to pay shipping. :D

      My girlfriend bought her first doll at Doll North two years ago. It was a full-set and when we priced it out later, it was actually cheaper than buying her online, because we saved shipping and the online version didn't come with boots (which hers did). It really depends on the company and what they've decided to put their prices at, but I haven't seen anything that was unreasonable at con.

      I'm going to agree that it's also nice to see the dolls in person. Sometimes seeing the doll in person instead of online helps you choose a doll you may have otherwise overlooked! :D

      As for me, Doll North staff just had our first general meeting and this year is looking pretty full of fun things! I hope everyone is as excited as I am!!!
       
    51. I'm very excited to go to Anime North and Doll North this year, as I was planning to go last year before I got my first doll but I had to cancel due to exams :'( But this year, I'm going no matter what! I'm buying my tickets soon and I'm already deciding who to bring. I think I'm gonna try to bring all of my boys at some point in the con, as I have 5 and there are 3 days. I just can't wait to do dolly shopping irl (and of course to pick up some anime stuff at the main con ;) ). I'm even thinking of doing a matching cosplay with one of my boys but I don't know what we'll do yet!
       
    52. This will be my first Doll North and I'm pretty excited. :) My question is: does the market place usually have a good selection of clothes to buy? I'm trying to decide whether to buy stuff online or wait and see what I can pick up at the convention.
       
    53. It really depends on what you're looking for and what size you need but there are always people selling clothes! Some of it is secondhand, some is from company reps and some is from artisans so it's definitely worth taking a look! :D If you need adorable mnf girl clothing I know that Tayma-Leigh will be there selling! <3

      Also prices are in CAD instead of USD so you might be able to snag a better deal if you wait to look at clothes in person. :D
       
    54. Oh, cool. Seeing artisan stuff would definitely be neat. I like the idea of being able to see stuff before buying it, so hopefully I'll find a few things.
       
    55. I can't wait for it to come, I gotten my ticket and I might be selling some stuff this year. clothes, wigs I don't use and might sell a couple of dolls. I over crowed will dollies.
      I also hope to find Clothes for my Luts MDF couple.
       
    56. I'm so excited to hear all the announcements for stuff this year. I can barely focus on anything else and it's still 4 months away!
       
    57. Doll Market 2015 info is now available on animenorth.com

      Artisan Vendor Registration will open on Friday February 6, 2015 @ 7:00PM EST
      Please be sure to check out http://www.animenorth.com/live/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=671:doll-market&catid=69:doll-north&Itemid=240 for registration info, and our Vendor lists as they are updated.

      Looking forward to all the great Artists who will join us this year, thank you for your patience to those of you that were waiting for this update.
       
    58. Hmm this will be my 9th year for An. How comfortable is it to bring two dolls? I want to bring my cerisedoll loonette since its rarely seen in person and my new mini dollshe's grant if he comes in time.



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