Volks Dolls Party in LA 4 [7-8 Sept. 2019] (After Report is up!)

You're welcome for the info! Everyone's going to have different travel strategies, so by reading enough different viewpoints you can find what you want to try to use for yourself. Good luck. Air travel's a beast these days.

To answer your question, unless something changes, I am not planning to go to LA 4 myself. Since I've had the luxury of doing all the Dolpa games and workshops many times before, I can only justify the cross-country travel expenses if I want the guaranteed preorder dolls. So I decided when those were announced. Everything else in the Dolpa, fun as it is, is luck-based, so it's much better served if you aren't depending on those outcomes to determine the worth of your trip because you already got preorders you liked or did other experiences that were new to you. Pink House isn't for me, so I gotta pass.

VolksUSA really outdid themselves last time for LA3, and LA4 looks like it'll be as good or better from the info we have thus far. Anyone who does go and is hyped about the theme is going to have a blast. Last time for LA3 the theme was steampunk + pirate along with Oath of Silver Coin, which just really pushed all the right buttons for me.. So for anyone who feels that same way about LA4's theme of grand ball along with Pink House, you're in for a treat.

Aside: I was amused and pleased to see Sylvie used in the banner of today's Hotel Block e-mail. She's still the Dolpa LA's mascot, or at least one of them! If Volks is still proud of her then I'm glad because they rightly ought to be. Sylvie sits right here nearby the computer these days, so I had to show her her picture. That beloved little rascal wanted to add my monitor to her treasure hoard as proof of her worldwide infamy, as if it were a "wanted for grand larceny on the high seas - with elegance" poster. It doesn't work that way, Sylvie!

 

i can’t help but wonder if volks is sending more ‘book now’ advertisements for the tea party because registration numbers are lower than they thought! that said, it is a super long entry period and i expect there will be a mad dash of people applying right before entries close.

or maybe they just planned for a crazy number of people and aren’t even close to max capacity!! this is what i am hoping is happening because my partner and i chose to only apply once for a companion ticket/angela pre-order.

since the pink house girls are also pre order dolls for the atami event, volks is surely set up to produce a fairly large quantity of them. i expect that the number of sophie/angela pre-orders is not going to be an issue for the company.

so here is hoping that everyone gets into the tea party! only a few more weeks until we find out !

 

I wish i could go this year! But I can’t swing flying from Texas this year. Though the next time they do dolpa la I should be living in north cal so maybe then!

@Holo's Apple Tree your description of Sylvie is so cute. The most lovely theif ever.

 

2017 was a preorder for Oath of the Silver Coin Midi's and the newly released romantic glance Williams. That's 5 dolls available vs the 2 Pink House. Plus! Williams, that is a popular model and a SD17 boy which is not offered. I can see why people are not thrilled.

 

There are usually a couple tenshi given out per Dolpa. For LA, the tenshi were part of the door prizes awarded during the tea party, so you had to be in the tea party to have a shot. Everyone was handed a raffle ticket upon entry to the room (whether Yourself or Companion), and then a long list of prizes were raffled off one by one. This was separate from the one-off lottery, which was held later in the tea party, and Companions were not eligible for that one. But Companions were elgible for the tenshi and other door prizes. If I recall, last time they even had a scarface tenshi to go with the scarface Cecil story from Silver Coin.

For comparison's sake, at Japanese Dolpas, the tenshi are part of the prize pool from the bingo game, which is the last thing of the day each time around 4pm. So, you have to stay the whole time (or leave for lunch and come back) in order to have a shot during Tokyo Dolpa.

With the friends meetup, first time to CA, and first time to a Dolpa, there's a ton of content to make the trip worth it for you already, regardless of lottery results once you're there. That's the way to do it!

Be sure to play each Dolpa game at least once while you're there. They do cost a small amount of extra money, and the prize you get may be worth way more or way less than what you pay in, but that's part of the fun and experience you would be sad if you missed out on.

 

Has anyone already booked a hotel room at the con hotel and wouldn't mind me joining in, or anyone still looking to book? I really want to stay at the con hotel but I cant afford the price for 3 nights (checking in September 6, check out on the 9th) by myself. I am 100% going and I can book the hotel and you can pay me or whatever works best for you!

Also adding on to what others have said. I am not feeling those girls being released for La Dolpa, they're pretty but just not super special to me, I'm only buying a doll at Dolpa if it's a special boy.

 

@Kittywolf13 sophie and angela are sd graffiti girls!

 

That's a good point about the Dolpa games. Yes, you do need cash for them, and it will cost usually $5 or $10 per play depending on the game. You can use credit cards if you want to for everything else at Dolpa (sumika shop, dolls you win), but the games are cash only paid to the Volks employee running the game. I totally forgot to mention that important part!

Actually, LA4 is supposed to have a dealers' market this time too, where people other than Volks (who applied for spots in advance) can sell their items. I suppose each vendor can determine individually whether they'll take credit cards or not, so there is a possibility cash could be needed for more than the Dolpa games this year. It's probably a small matter as I figure most of the dealers will accept cards, but I believe there are ATMs nearby if it becomes an issue day-of.

 

Hi everyone. Are we all in a "pending state" until they get enough entries?

 

@Isenn I think so, at a minimum until May 27 when the registration submission window closes. I think they said lottery results for the tea party would come out a few weeks after that.

 

The anticipation for the tea party results is getting me all antsy. I hope all those who reserved are accepted!

 

@Seditionary , same! they said early june for results ...... so any day now .........

did you enter for any of the pink house collaboration models?

 

@c4tbus , I entered for Sdgr Sophie for another member here who cannot attend the event themselves. I love both girls! I’m kind of regretting not entering for Angela for myself. I’m sure there will be a one off at the Dolpa that I’d love to try and bring home. To be fair to my current resin crew though, I’d love to pick up some clothing, shoes, and wigs that I’ve had my eyes on.

 

Ack same, I'm all excited. I plan on going to the show one way or another, I've never been to Dolpa before. But it would be lovely to get to go to the tea party! Good luck everybody!! ^ ^

 

@Seditionary , that is really nice of you! i hope that you win and that person can get their sophie! i entered for angela, but getting her would definitely limit the shopping budget for my current dolls .......... i hope that there are one offs that strike your fancy and mother sd smiles down on you !!!

@shirotsuki , earlier in this thread someone mentioned that at the 2017 tea party, everyone who showed up wound up getting let in!

 

I got the email on Dolpa in LA 4 update but no notification email about the lottery...
It says "The lottery period for "Tea Party" attendees has passed"
Does that mean those who didn't receive any email didn't get in...?
Do people get any notification if they didn't get into tea party?

 

I don't think so. Whenever there's a lottery, they usually say, "The lottery period is now closed" on their Facebook before the winning emails are sent. They are probably just clarifying that these badges aren't related to the Tea Party so there isn't any confusion.
So don't worry!
Hopefully they will send them this week though. . . .

 

I also think there would be a wave of posts saying they've got in... Having no posts so far, I think we haven't received any confirmations yet.

 

XD Thanks for the reassurance, I wonder if those who didn't get into the tea part in the past received any email notification about not getting in or it's just gonna be like no contact lol!

 

So just to clarify, if we entered the tea party lottery, do those tea party tickets come with the badges? Should we wait on buying badges for the tea party results in that case? Sorry for the silly questions! First timer.

 

If I remember correctly wasn’t the Dolpa free to attend in 2017? Only the tea party attendees who won the lottery entry had to pay a fee?

It makes sense though. Just like any con, you have to pay for a pass.

 

I was surprised too to see the $26 USD Dolpa badge but I guess it's to cover expenses.

We do get a few panels, Sumika shop, games, a chance at some DearSD/SDMidi coordinates and DD Best selection plus all the satogaeri services (especially the trade in service!) that have never been offered before. And this year, there will be a dealer room. I'm sure it's not going to be as extensive as the Japanese dolpas but I think this Dolpa is shaping up to be the most they have ever offered. But I get it, it's a personal choice on the value. And it's a big jump from $0 to $26 (plus all the travel costs). For me, I am more interested in meeting and hanging out with fellow hobbyists and the atmosphere of the event rather than shopping so for me, the cost is worth it. But I get it, it's totally a personal decision.

 

I feel like the event is more for nearby locals to attend, for those that have lots of travel cost it's probably better if it's someone who haven't experienced a similar event in the past or really wanted the pre-order dolls/clothes. I've never had the chance to go to previous Volks' Doll Party so I've been so excited for this one despite the extra cost and no interest in the 2 pre-order dolls compared to previous years. I do wish they could've updated more information about the lottery models for both the tea part and just the normal badge entry so those who wanted to see those dolls or want a chance at lottery won't miss out. Even just having more information on the vendors going might pique more interest I think.

 

dropping in during this time of anxiety about tea party results and discussion of entrance prices to let yall know .......

there is a meetup being planned by @Sticks-Ara for the friday before dolpa!

link to the thread here!!

it will be at the big downtown disney starbucks. just making sure everybody here knows about it!

 

Has Volks released anything about possible coordinate model dolls that might be available for lottery entry at the Dolpa?
I have no interest in the two ‘pink ladies’, but I’m hoping for possibly a cute boy coordinate model or two. Maybe some more of those tan skinned Dollfie Dreams, or hope of hopes, a tan skinned DD boy!
Does anyone remember when they posted photos of the Dear SDs and Coordinate models that were going to be available at 2017 Dolpa? Like how close to the Dolpa, or approx what month prior that Volks posted the preview photos? I can’t remember, and I haven’t a clue how or where to search for that info.
I’m starting to get excited!
I can’t wait to see if my friend and I got into the Tea Party, and to see what other dolls might be offered! Lol, I’m going to be a basket case by the time the Dolpa actually gets here!

 

2017 Volks LA first day of event was Sept. 1st.

May 1st they posted the limited dolls that could be pre-ordered.
Dolls Party in LA 2017 | VOLKS USA,Inc.

July 28th they posted the Dear Sd and SDM coordinate models etc you could buy from lottery.
but they preview some earlier at San Diego Comic Con.
Dolls Party in LA 2017 | VOLKS USA,Inc.

Plus other limited items.
Dolls Party in LA 2017 | VOLKS USA,Inc.
Dolls Party in LA 2017 | VOLKS USA,Inc.

Aug. 24th they posted the One offs.
Dolls Party in LA 2017 | VOLKS USA,Inc.

 

Thanks Ginarolo!

 

Just received conformation email from Volks! I got in for LA Dolpa!!
This will be my 3rd Dolpa in the US, last time I attended Volks US Dolpa was back at 2009 (if I remember correctly)
Can't wait to attend the event again! So excited!!

 

Also got a notification, but only for the "Yourself" ticket I put in for, but not including the "Yourself and Companion" ticket I also applied for. (Three of us wanted to go together).

 

My tea party application was chosen!!! I entered for myself. I wanted to choose a yourself and companion ticket, but did not commit to that entry since my sister was still unsure if she could go at the time.

I’m so excited!!!

 

Just got into the Tea Party as well. Looking forward to it!

 

Actually I was going to say "Tea party " instead of "Dolpa", typo due to over excitement
Congrats to everyone who got in!!

 

Hmm....we will probably be on a reservation list and then have to show our ID’s to accept our badge’s. I loved the masquerade masks that were given at random to attendees. Anyone think we will be lucky enough to receive a parasol in our little swag bag with badge this time? Those maybe available for purchase separately at the event. I saw a few photos of those, so I was not sure.

 

I got in too! And I won the dress that I put in for as well.

 

ahhhh! i got in too!

so amped up! now rip wallet.....

 

Congrats to everyone who got in! I really wish there was a similar event here in Europe *maybe one day*
I´m glad that you get to know right away that you will be able to bring home one of the girls ...after all the disappointing click wars and lotteries recently, it´s nice to see dolls being guaranteed as long as you get the ticket - at least it seems way less stressful.

 

No emails or any notifications so that means I didn't get in I guess ;_;

 

I got into the Tea party too! Tried clicking the link in the email, but there doesn't seem to be anything up yet as far as payment goes. (unless I'm missing something )

Edit: nevermind. I figured it out.

 

Got my email confirming me for the Tea Party. Paid up and all set!

Now, I should PROBABLY get on figuring out flights eventually...

 

Ok, ticket and companion ticket paid for. Now, time to figure out which doll to bring.

 

Looks like in keeping with the 2015 Dolpa, spouse got in and I didn't.

So...he'll be texting me pics of one-offs while I'm at Disneyland?

 

Lol, we both got in with companion ticket packages, so if someone would like to use my companion ticket, let me know.

Meant to ask, anyone who has paid for their self and companion ticket, did you have to give the name of your companion when you paid?

 

I was holding off getting too excited and involved in the collective excitement and discussion until I got my tea party confirmation email ... and I got one tonight! So now it’s really happening and I can be excited about it. Congratulations to everyone else who got in.

 

Remember last time, there was a second chance to get in after the initial invitees all paid up (because some people will have found that they can't go after all). At least that's how I remember it. (Although I admit I have a terrible memory!)

Also--everyone who showed up at the Dolpa and were not paid up guests still managed to pay and get in (or so I heard!).

So all is not lost!

Volks has tried to reserve enough room to allow most everyone in. They can't always guarantee space, so they do this lottery system. Hopefully it will work out so that most everyone will get in. Good luck to those who don't get an invite this round!

(I got in... I went to check after reading this thread.)

 

Just curious, do we know what the theme is for this year’s Dolpa?
I’ve looked on the Dolpa site, but if it listed the theme anywhere, then I totally missed it, lol.

 

I guess I didn't get in? If everyone got their emails at the same time that's the most likely. I would be coming from B.C. in Canada so I'm not sure if it's still worth going without a tea party ticket. I really wish they would show what other dolls would be available because then I could easily make up my mind. Still weighing the options as it is, though I would like to bring my Midi Reisner with me if I went.

 

Hi @JRyu, I think I read somewhere that the theme is "Grand Ball". I could be mistaken, though. I can't find where I read that. Let me dig and I will post later.

 

Ok, here is a link to the announcement where it states that the theme is "Grand Ball"
Tea Party | Dolls Party in LA 4 2019 | VOLKS USA, Inc.

Look for #2 section on that page.

 

No email for me about tea party, so I guess I didn't get picked this round. I had applied for a yourself plus companion ticket.

 

I wish they'd just cancel the ticket immediately for those that didn't get in so I know for sure that I didn't get in and can stop thinking about it since the order status of the ticket keeps saying pending despite not getting email. XD Does it take a long time for them to change that status or they just don't bother with it...