Volks Doll Party LA 2024 - September 7-8th

LOL! Earlier this year I sent an email to Volks USA, hinting that an SD17 boy would be very welcome for this year's charity auction. After the great success of the one-off Ludo at the December 2023 Dolpa, I'm hoping they see the light.

 

It was the same in 2019. And unless my memory is completely crap (not unlikely) the +1 could also get into the Dolpa without buying an additional entry badge.

I'm both sad and relieved that there's no pre-order doll this time.

 

No worries, the text you colored just means that +1s aren't allowed to enter for SD One-Off Models during the tea party lottery, even though the original invitee is able. There is some delay time built in for Volks to check the entries against the guest list and vet the entries each one-off received.

Ah, I hope your memory is accurate - that's what we hope to have happen! Last time I went was 2017, before there was a general attendance charge to be concerned about at all.

I don't think the info we see today means there are no preorder dolls necessarily; rather just that the bare minimum information is trickling out to allow people to start registering.

Oh that's an interesting point that they very well might take into consideration if he can fit the upcoming theme Volks is planning (whatever it shall be). We don't see SD17s as the Dolpa auction doll much at all do we.

 

That could certainly be the case, (my wallet hopes not lol) but I thought when Volks had pre-order dolls the last two times they were announced and up the same time as the Tea Party registrations. I vaguely remember in 2017 some people who didn't make it into the Tea Party wondering if Volks had prioritized attendees who had also put in for RG Williams.

And the Pink House girls are linked on the Registration page for 2019, but of course they could have been added later.
Tea Party | Dolls Party in LA 4 2019 | VOLKS USA, Inc.

 

Entered! Fingers crossed for the tea party~! I was hoping we would see the return of the trade in service! Or FCS! Well ... I guess there is still time!

 

I really, really, really, REALLY hope they'll have Satogaeri service available. I have a one-off in my own name that desperately needs peeling and a repaint and I can't have that done anywhere except LA Dolpa

I put in my tea party entry, I'm really hoping to go to that too! I've never done Satogaeri at LA Dolpa before, but I seem to recall it was FCFS on the main day and not the tea party day. Does anyone happen to remember?

 

Yep, I did Satogaeri at LA Dolpa 2019, and you grabbed a number on the main day and waited in line for a dollfie doctor to become available!

Good luck to everyone in the tea party lottery! I put in my entry, and I'm hoping I get to go this time since I lost in 2019 The 2017 tea party was so much fun, and I've been dying to go back!

 

Entered the Lottery anyway. We'll see what happens

 

@Constance Thanks so much! Here's to hoping they bring it back for this year's Dolpa!

 

Guys , if someone can explain this thing, plz? Cuz I am confused with my next step.. Question. If I enter to tea party and my boyfriend as well for two people each, and both of as win, can we cancel or do not paying for one winner? Or, if enter for one person each of as, and I don’t win, but my boyfriend did, can I go under his name with his ID in hands? Or, if win for two person , but second person can’t be present for some reason, can I use for my other friend this spot? I really not sure which steps more better. Thanks in advance

 

@Kykycik Any strategy that involves cancelling something or attending under someone else's name is no-good. This will only effectively be a lottery if signups exceed the room capacity, so entering for extra people is counterproductive for both you and Volks.

Enter for Self+1 if you want to spend less, get guaranteed both-or-nothing entry, and don't mind having only one collective entry for One-Offs. Enter for two Self-onlys if you are okay with spending more, okay with maybe only one getting in, and want to have two collective entries for One-Offs.

 

Thanks a lot for answering!! I did already for my self, under my name only for now. So, for now I still have my husband to increased my chance for winning. If he win under his name, but skip event, can I still go as secondary person under his name? That in case I I don’t win under my name for self only. About one-off I am not sure at all, if there no only one head headmold which I interested. If there no Ernest, others not interested , with him I probably try to catch him)) if that will be possible)

 

Out of curiosity, for Satogaeri services at LA/NY Dolpas, will they work on dolls that aren't registered to you? I'm wondering if it's possible to bring in my 2008 Tohya for some revitalization ;v;

Aside from that, I'm looking forward to learning the theme, so that I can start planning which of my other SD boys to bring!

 

No, this would not be accepted as stated in the Terms and Conditions of the Tea Party registration.


I put in my entry hoping for the best and that we all have good luck getting in.

 

Oh.. I see( sounds sad for me, but anyway thanks for all explanations and help)))

 

Yes. Limited/standard models don't need paperwork for Satogaeri, at least for service Japan. It's only FCS and one-offs that they're particular about the paperwork.

 

I remember them doing the 'easier' stuff - restringing, kips, some adjustment. I do recall them mentioning that some of the more serious work they did not ship the tools for/took too much time. Keep in mind, go right away to get your slot (they fill up fast), and if you want restringing/kips make sure you purchase/have the string/kips/etc with you. Otherwise they'll adjust the string you have.

I have restrung dolls - it's hard. But my word - those volk satogaeri guys are just AWESOME, they had my doll standing on her own and steady. They know the exact tension and have it down to a science.

 

Did they? I have been trying - and kept being told 'no rooms available'

 

@elf-ears They did, the block just filled up quickly.

 

Regarding the room block, I wouldn't be surprised if some rooms become available again once the tea party lottery results come out! I imagine some folks will cancel if they lose the lottery

 

It's been really long since I've been active with BJD since I've been busy with cat / other things but I really wanted to go to this event, entered my lottery for tea party hoping to go and be more active with BJD again I remember missing out on the 2019 one and regretting it a lot!

Do we have to stay at that exact hotel to be at the event? I booked a cheaper place that's nearby hoping to save money for more doll stuff lol

 

I had booked a room the moment the dates were posted, and then when Volks expanded the room block just called the hotel and had them change my reservation. The hotel is not sold out, so worst case is you'll be spending extra $$, but if you mention at the time of booking that you'd like the Volks room block they can let Volks know that there is additional demand.

 

OMG, my fiance just said we'll see if I can go! AHH! I mean, I had already entered the lottery as is but still! Ho boy, I'm spending money on nothing else until dolpa. I have a SDC Miko who needs SO MUCH LOVE!

 

I really, really hope Volks announces they will do the trade in service this year

 

How does the trade in service work? I've never been to a Doll Party before, so I'm trying to learn what all the events and features are >.<

 

Here's information from 2019 when they did it: Trade Exchange Service | Dolls Party in LA 4 2019 | VOLKS USA, Inc.

 

Thank you! I hope they do offer a similar service this time as well then

 

I hope they offer the service again too. I uh... might have lost a wrist joint down the drain for my SDC boy... >.> He has a sculpy wrist right now... I don't know if they'll do it or not since I don't have the part. But he also has a hand and a foot that needs exchanging due to breaks he had before I got him.

 

I wish we knew what the releases are or the theme. It's a hard choice go do the lottery in case I win and don't like anything/can't go since if have to book flights and everything.
But ever since deeply regretting not going last time because of my need for RG Williams, maybe I should take that chance. I don't know how likely they'd release him again but it would be a fun time anyway I'm sure.
Once I decide what doll I'd bring.

 

I'm surprised that we're down to the wire now for Tea Party applications but don't have any more information than we did at the middle of the month when they first opened. In years past there's been a reasonably full value proposition out there (theme, preorders, some or all of the one-offs, contests) by the time registration was solicited so you would have a good idea of what you're buying by entering. This year it's left quite ambiguous as the window is closing.

This mostly makes a difference for folks who would have to travel a long distance to get there and thus need to be able to justify it. I'm still game for going if they extend the window and announce something interesting.

@reaperofleaves RG Williams was two times ago in 2017, unless they offered reprints in 2019 which I forget. Both years had a lot more info out there at registration! We knew when applying that he would be one of the preorder dolls, as well as the YoMidi Silver Coins and could act accordingly. Pick-ups only at the event gave all the justification needed to make the trip!

 

Angela and Sophie (Pink House) were 2019's preorder dolls

 

I'm so nervous now! I really hope that I get in, I've been wanting to go to one of these for so long! And if I'm coming all the way from WI, I want the full experience.

 

Right! Wrong year! My friend flew in to get him that year so I mixed it up. Yeah if it was Pink House (though I like the clothing brand) or just girls in general and we knew at this point I wouldn't have wanted to go since I'm coming from Canada.
But yeah I am surprised about the lack of information at this stage so I guess we'll see!

 

I’m getting antsy too as the lottery announcement grows closer, and with no clue about the line-up. I really hope they bring the anniversary Dear SD, and tan one-offs! I’m ready to take home a new doll or two.

 

Looks like I didn't get into LA Dolpa I'm praying somehow it changes but to say I'm crushed right now is an understatement

 

I just got my invite confirmation for the party can't wait to go anyone else win the lottery Last time I didn't win the tea party so glad I got in this time.

 

I just got my confirmation !!! I cant wait to meet new people and get some goodies !!!

 

I got in! Yay!
Now to go shop flights.

 

I got my invitation to the tea party!!!! My first one ever!! I'm so excited and delighted! Now I'm wondering who to bring and how to dress them... and myself!

 

Yay I got in! Really looking forward to this! Time to iron out the details — hotel and flight. And decide which doll to bring?

 

I got in too! Do you think they’re still going through the list? My friend didn’t get an email…

 

I have a feeling it's being manually done. I've yet to receive an email either saying yes or no.

 

The website said emails will go out between the 7th - 14th!

 

I got in!! Yaaaaaaay!!!

 

Congrats to all who got in! I'm hoping/coping that I receive an email at some point

 

I'm surprised I got in. I sent my entry right at the deadline because I mistakenly thought it ended at midnight, and my confirmation came after so I wasn't sure it'd be accepted.

 

We're in! Now the hardest part: deciding which doll actually gets to attend the tea.

 

I'm also in! I've been on cloud 9 since I got the email Last LA Dolpa was right after I'd graduated from university and couldn't find a job/right before the pandemic so I'm beyond thrilled I finally get to go to a Dolpa. Now the planning starts!

 

Well I guess I didn't get in then if all the emails have gone out.

I'm really disappointed since that's what I was deciding to place the entire trip on. Oh well, guess I'll have more money for a new doll now to console me.

There's always next time though.

 

I won the tea party lotto, but most of my friends didn't T_T
I'm really excited to attend, but it is bittersweet. I hope I'll get to see a bunch of people on Sunday at least.

 

I woke up this morning and realized I have SO MUCH STUFF to make. Like clothes and wigs and stuff. Oh man is this summer going to be busy with the crafting.

 

I got the impression that emails are going out over the next few days, is that not the case? Are people actually getting rejection emails or just not getting emails yet? It seems wild that so many people didn't get in.

 

They only send "yes you got in" emails.
If you didn't get in, then nothing.

However, after the payment deadline passes, a few more might get in.

I didn't get in. I am bummed. First time I have failed the lottery in years for the teaparty. I wonder how many entries there were?

 

Basically this. All of this. The way Volks usually runs thier raffles, Not getting in, wondering how many people actually entered, if the size of the venue has anything to do with it and the small still existent spark of hope that I might just get an invitation late.

I doubt it though.

It just bums me out because I can't really justify flying from pa to Cali, getting a room and attending and then possibly not win anything. At least with the tea party I'd feel like I got something out of it even if I didn't take anyone home with me.

And my poor Alain needs the renewal service very badly. Poor guy is so yellow he rivals a banana,

Also sad I can't make mine and my guys costumes this year - that was super fun last time!

Oh well. Hope everyone that got in has a completely wonderful time with whatever themes and things Volks has planned for you all.

 

I also haven't received anything, so am assuming I didn't get into the tea party this time.

I may still come down for Sunday, though that'll depend on what dolls they bring.

 

No tea party win for me either! I'll still be at the event since I'm rooming with a friend from out of state who also didn't win tea party entry. I guess we'll have a mini party in our room instead!

 

Seems like I skip tea party. I don’t received anything. Whoever they said till June 14th.. something have experience to receive email from them after first days of announcement lottery results? Like, 3-4th or last day of announcement ? Still thought do I still have chance till 14th of June?((((

 

Y'all should just bring your most stunning doll and have a meetup right outside the door.

 

I didn't get in but it sounds like a lot of people didn't get in. I wonder if Volks would consider expanding the room for more participants.

 

I usually never win any lotteries from Volks, im so surprised to have gotten into the tea party! It’s going to be my first tea party at an LA Dolpa! Im so excited! I would love to know what the theme of the dolpa will be, I wonder why volks haven’t released the theme yet