Volks Doll Party LA 2024 - September 7-8th

Yes, I'm so excited! I'm looking forward to going as it'll also be my first Dolpa event. Any advice on attending one and what to expect is welcome.

 

I am debating between this and Resin Rose. Leaning toward Dolpa, as I have been on a Volks kick lately.

 

Oh my goodness I am so excited for this! As long as I get the money together and can figure out flights etc., I plan on attending!

 

Does anyone have any predictions for this years Dolpa?
I feel like they usually have some sort of big collaboration drop or something.

Also are Satogaeri services usually available at the US events?

 

Dates have been announced! September 7-8 at the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach.

https://twitter.com/volksusa/status/1781384560053547023?s=46&t=LpCuooNV9jFvNds0ZsUBYw

 

Hopefully it won't be over 100deg outside this time!
The hardest part is always deciding which doll to bring to the tea party.

 

So excited about this! Hopefully they get tea party information up soon!

 

Welp. Booked our room and we'll see what the price difference is once they've gotten the convention block worked out.
I wonder if some folks will pass this time since it's not near Disney? Makes me think there isn't another collab to be announced this time, then.
I'm betting they'll have more Icons, since they've had them since their intro, and maybe some leftover SDGr Williams.

 

I'm interested in going and glad to have the dates now. Before committing to a flight across the country though I'm waiting to see what the theme is going to be, just to give that extra little push to make a booking if it's something that strongly appeals.

 

It's hard to believe it's been five years since the last one. I can't wait to see what dolls Volks will bring this time.

 

Definitely going! Probably not gonna book till a little later.

 

I knooow! I was just thinking this, 5 years!

I'm excited to see more details roll out. I'm debating on getting my flight now or wait until later or until the event schedule is posted. If I remember the last time, the first day activities didn't start until evening. I'll wait until the room block opens for the hotel. The stressful part for me is hoping I win the lottery for Tea Party entry. I am really curious of the theme this time, and of course really looking forward to seeing all you Doll Friends again

I was looking at the hotel location and there appears to be a pretty decent mall across the street!

 

So so excited to finally get the dates!!! I think I'm going to fly in the day before and fly home day after so 3 nights total. Gotta figure out what size suitcase I have that i can use as a carry on that will fit an SD or two lol

 

This is exciting news! I wonder if there will be a Dolpa preorder doll in addition to the lotteries. I'll definitely try to go

 

Exciting!! I knew I was going the INSTANT they announced it, so my tickets and room are all booked now that we have firm dates.
I wonder if how strict they'll be about non-Volks dolls in the venue...2019's rules were QUITE strict, but apparently the recent Dolpas in Japan allowed hybrids, even, you just couldn't participate in the Volks-specific contests or photo areas. My two most recognizable dolls are BOTH non-Volks, so I'm gonna have to either try recreating them with Volks parts or in non-doll form...do you think they'd let a plushie of my Rafayeh in?

 

i reserved a flight and room! this is my first proper doll event, aside from some small meetups over a decade ago. i just jumped back in with a focus on sdm’s so its exciting timing!

 

I'm looking forward to attending and hoping that the tea party lotto will be kind to me!

 

I already blocked some time off for this event. The interesting thing for me will be getting there and finding somewhere affordable to stay. I somehow doubt I will pull it off and may not end up going, but we'll see!

 

Thanks for the tip! It's been a hot minute since I've done a convention so I didn't quite think of that. I'll look into it!

 

Am I right that the lottery will be held for Tea Party only and everybody who is interested in the event can book the room and the flight now? Will Volks open registration for the all participants?

 

There's a good chance there will be an official room block for the event that might have a discounted rate. I think I'm going to wait to see if I get into the Tea Party before deciding if I'll attend or not. Someone can correct me, but I don't believe the host hotel ever sells out if you decide to wait.

 

Thank you. Your plan sounds good. I want to attend Tea Party too.

 

That's my plan as well. I just hope they do the lottery soon-I don't want to be locked into flights and such and not be able to attend the tea party. I've always wanted to go!

I have three outfits to start planning, too, since I don't know which of my three volks dolls are coming with me

 

Looks like the schedule needed for logistics on the attendee side has been posted, and thankfully decisions can be made quite soon.

A. Dolpa LA 5 Pre-Reg: $20 ($30 at the door), open entry; May 17 - Aug 16.
B. Dolpa Tea Party Lottery entries accepted May 17 - May 31.
C. Announcement and Payment window for Tea Party Winners ($100 self, $160 self+companion) June 7 - June 14.

Room block rate is coming up at $199/ night, plus $20/night self-parking...

No specific theme or other event information just yet though.

 

It's been 5 years and I don't remember- could tea party +1s enter for oneoffs? I want to say they couldn't, but there's a massive gap in my memory.
Still, I'd rather go as a +1 without being able to enter the lotto than not be able to go at all if that's the case. Fingers crossed that everyone who wants to go gets in!

 

I’m pretty sure plus ones couldn’t enter. At least that’s what my memory is telling me right now.

Anyways … super excited to see this email! I too hope everyone who wants in can get in.

 

You are right; the +1 could not enter for tea party one-offs. The second disallowed thing was that they also could not pre-order the tea party limited dolls for themselves (only the original winner could do both of those things). The +1 could, however, participate in the raffle for prizes and everything else about the tea party.

It's a bit of a hard call what the best strategy is as a result, and it'll probably be different for each person's circumstances. The companion ticket got you the benefits of all-or-nothing entry as a couple and a $40 discount over 2 individual memberships, but at the cost of only one of those people being able to pre order dolls and enter for the event one-offs. Either way you slice it it's a risk - no guarantee that two people will both get in with the higher cost option, versus lower cumulative odds of a one-off and possibly fewer preorder dolls with the lower cost option.

For someone coming from across the country, I lean towards the companion option for the guarantee of being able to share the experience as a couple. But depending on what the preorder dolls are revealed to be, that could potentially change. Last time I went, they were RG Williams and the suite of Silver Coin YoMidis; I bought what I could but I wish we could have bought second copies of some as a family! That was the only unfortunate part of the way we chose to play it using the self+1 ticket. (I ended up winning the one-off I wanted most and bringing specifically her home was part of the reason I flew all the way there to try, so an extra entry turned out not to be necessary, but that was only through sheer luck).

I would be willing to pay full price for full rights for two people if there were a way to guarantee both got in or both did not, like the best feature of the companion ticket. Alas, Volks has not offered such an option in the past (and it sounds like it's the same this year from what little we know so far).

 

Ahh, sorry if I implied I didn't want to do so! I just like bringing along a doll whenever I travel (they're comforting little travel buddies for me), and I was wondering specifically BECAUSE I didn't want to break any rules, written or otherwise. This is my first big event outside of the few meetups I've had with my local group, so I'm really geeking out over who'd get to come with and share those memories.
I think I'm overthinking it though - since the tea party is strictly Volks only, I'll apply for that lottery and decide who to bring when I find out the results. If I win, it's my Icon for sure, and if not...my dragon will be perfectly content hanging out in the hotel room, as long as we venture out for pictures outside the event at some point during the trip!

 

Looking at the costs and my budget... there's no way I can do this. Maybe next time around.

 

@Holo's Apple Tree That's what I seemed to recall too! I assume it'll be roughly the same this time as well.
I think the best strategy is for everyone that's interested in going to enter for themselves just to see if you get in. If you lose the lotto but still want to go, there's still the option of a friend letting you hop on as a +1. That's how my friends and I are planning on doing it. It's pretty likely that not all of us will want whatever's on preorder/lottery, so it'll hopefully work out.

 

@Astro I don't think that strategy would work though, as you have to specify in advance at the time of lottery entry whether you are choosing self or self+1. I figure that Volks probably factors headcount versus room capacity into which parties get selected and who doesn't. Solo winners can't add on a +1 after the fact.

 

Oh dear. In that case, I hope everyone makes it in

 

Me too. BUT there is the last-resort option of asking the Volks staff day-of if there are any vacancies just after the line has cleared and all attendees have checked in to the tea party. If there are any no-shows from the invite list, of course Volks will sell you a ticket on the spot and let you in. (at least they did in 2017, so I think no one who wanted in actually went without).

The obvious downside thereof is no preorder dolls that way since the preorder period would have long passed, but all other perks of an invite were available. It's not the ideal case, but if you're local and / or going to Dolpa LA regardless of initial tea party status then you can absolutely ask at the door when it comes time.

 

Yes, the lottery occurs because of the limited capacity of the room and the amount of food provided, etc. So, I kinda urge anyone traveling with a non-doll collector to the event, who doesn't need that person for support during that particular event, to consider only putting in for yourself for the Tea Party and let as many collectors and fans attend as possible.

Also, for anyone curious, here's the event policies from 2019, which will probably be very similar for this year: Event Policies | Dolls Party in LA 4 2019 | VOLKS USA, Inc.
#8 specifically addresses bringing non-Volks dolls.

I've felt in the past, that some people come not quite realizing that it's not really like a general convention or doll show. It's much more of an intimate event for fans of the brand in particular. That doesn't mean you can't come and have fun with other doll collectors and shop the dealer room and Sumika shops if you don't own Volks, but it's really a specifically Volks-centric event.

 

I just tried to reason myself out of being interested saying my favorite doll is an SD16 and there's no way I'm lugging her all the way to California.
And then I remembered my second favorite doll is a DSD and I would actually be willing to lug her on a plane .... I may be doomed.

 

Does this include doll wigs? I'm so excited to attend my first Dolpa and want to bring one of my girls, my favourite DD right now is wearing a non volks wig, should I buy her a new one to swap out for the event?

 

@Heartplace That stipulation doesn't pertain to doll clothes and accessories. Only the doll itself need be from Volks.

 

I'm excited about the prospect of going as well after so many years since the last.

Im holding out a bit longer however because I'd like to know who's going to be on pre order this year and if I can attend the tea party or not.

I live on the other side of the country and my mom and I both collect. It's a bit expensive for both of us to fly over, attend, and get a room for no guarantee it will be worth the while.

When we did go last time it was like a dream come true for me. I got my beautiful pink house ladies and won my Oscar, the Doll I had been willing to fly across the country for desperately hoping to win.

I also am hoping they have the renewal service again this year. I've got some old boys I'd love to get a make over for.

Volks Treats it's con goers very well. If you have the time and means to I'd encourage everyone that can go to attend!

 

Glad Volks was able to expand the Room Block today! We'd booked a bigger room earlier, but the discount is significant so we switched. We'll just have to hang out by the pool instead of on a balcony, I guess.

 

Checking through my emails but not seeing it - has there been any mention about what time the event starts on the 7th and what time it closes on the 8th? Trying to check on flight timings...

 

@Turynn Not yet. I'm expecting a theme and tentative schedule reveal this weekend when registration officially opens.

 

I'm trying to remember when Volks announced the Pink House lottery in 2019. I'd think they would have whichever dolls/outfits, if they are going to have a pre-order/lottery, announced prior to the tea party lottery.
I'm sick so everything is a phlegmy blur.

 

I’m guessing it will be Oath of the Silver Coin and whatever dolls go to Tokyo Bay cruise will be LA Dolpa as well.

 

Are they planning on having a cruise this year?

 

Yes. In the Fall. I think November? I’d have to dig up the announcement.

 

Is anyone else running into a booking error when trying to book a room at the hotel? I wanted to arrive the day prior to get a bit settled and poke around in the area.

 

Do we know when tickets go on sale today?

 

When they announced it was 1pm cst, so I'd assume we should get an email in an hour.

 

Tickets are up now!

 

Oh, too bad! Thus far no theming information was actually revealed along with the start of registration; looks like I guessed wrong about that. We do know a little bit about the schedule now though.

Sep 7 (Sat):
TBD, but presumably prior to the below - Dollfie workshops.
3p - Tea Party doors Open
4p-6:30p - Tea Party event

Sep 8 (Sun):
TBD - Main event: doll lotteries, sumika shop, doll doctor

Those things all run concurrently over the course of 5ish hours during the day. Not mentioned yet, but presumably based on years past there will be an auction doll for @beamlette to win (unless she chooses to break her streak!), various Dolpa games, dealers' list, and preorder dolls for the tea party.

They do mention something about a "Grand Ball" in the tea party description on the main page, but that could be a copy / paste leftover from Dolpa LA 2019.

Interestingly, the Tea Party ticket grants entry to Dolpa as well, which is something I wasn't expecting. What is not quite clear though is whether the Tea Party self+1 ticket grants entry to Dolpa for both self & +1 as well. You'd think it should, but there's a mention on the page about it being a ticket for a single person only. Though that could be copy/paste from the single person ticket version...

 

Looks like entry badge is not included for companion option

Dolls Party in LA 5 | VOLKS USA, INC.

Admission Ticket

• Type: Pre-Reservation
• Yourself: $100.00
• Yourself & Companion: $160.00
• Included "Entry Badge - Dolpa in LA 5"

Contents

1. Special Stage Show
2. VOLKS Stage Raffle
3. Dollfie® & Owners' Contests
4. Food & Drink, etc.

Special Offers for Attendees

• Lottery Entry for Memorial One-Off Model

• This offer is not available for the attendees with the "Companion Ticket".