Volks Dolpa - Dolls Party in LA 2017

Would the swap meets happen in people's rooms? --The room sales at the US Dollism were lots of fun...

To go with the sort of theme, I'll have to bring my Cyndy 2...

 

I had the same idea April about bringing my Cyndy! She's definitely one of my contenders for coming along.

 

Oooh--We could have a Cyndy group photo!

 

I'd love a swap/sale meet too. I plan to attend that last workshop at 5pm on Friday (Friday programming for the win). It looks like it ends at 5:45 pm. If the swap meet is going on after that, I'll be there!

Edit: I just noticed the contest theme: "Oath of Silver Coin and Steampunk" What do you think that means? Pirate steampunk? Only Oath dolls wearing steampunk? Hmm....

 

My guess about the swap meet is we will likely meet in the lobby? That's what we did last time. And that way everyone could mingle in a decently sized area vs one hotel room.

@St. James You are so right. I find there isn't a lot of time in the Tea Party itself to socialize. It went by so fast last year. I don't even really think I ate anything even.

It looks like on the schedule that they have a Meet & Greet, so maybe the group will be able to hang out in the room after the workshop is finished? That would be even better! I imagine though we couldn't sell items there though.

@brighnasa I saw that too and was wondering about it as well. My guess would be either a pirate or something steampunk or both combined? Hopefully we'll get a few more details soon.

 

I don't know. Some hotels frown on that. I prefer the lobby just because everyone gets to see each other without having to go hunting over a bunch of floors. With scattered room sales you don't get to interact with other sellers.

 

Agreed - I also would be interested in a swap meet in the lobby. I'm flying in from the east coast and staying at a hotel a few blocks away myself too.

In addition to the Silver Coin dolls you could apply for, there's also supposed to be one-offs, a One-for-All auction doll, and lottery limited SDs and DDs at the sumika shop. One could end up needing to ship several dolls! I think there is a FedEx store in walking distace of the convention center, which is one option I'm considering using, since I know I'm already getting RG Williams and a little YoMidi.

 

Got my confirmation, 83Y, looking forward to it!

Any interest in doing a swap meet the night/evening after the tea party as well? I'm flying in the morning of the Dolpa and have a bunch of stuff I need to sell/trade/give away.

 

Did not a lot of ppl get it? I'm so happy me and my daughter were able to win the lottery.

 

It does seem like a bigger room this time

 

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In the past, any Volks doll would be OK in the costume contests. So probably a pirate/pirate-steampunk theme... (Totally guessing!)

Hotels can frown on swaps in lobbies, too (yes, I've been to meetups that were thrown out of lobbies before! --and it wasn't the only place we've been thrown out of, either! )

But last Dolpa there were a ton of us hanging out in the lobby while the Tea Party was going on--so it's possible that the lobby would be OK. (But maybe running it by the hotel might be good, just in case the swap turns into something kind of obvious/obstructive.)

Yes, I'm sure it's bigger. They just weren't sure how many would want to come last year and couldn't get a larger space, so lots of people couldn't get in. It sounded as if they hoped they might not run the lottery this year (only if there were more people than places), but they DID have to do the lottery so it means some people would be out of luck... it sounds like those were pretty few. And it's possible they might get in if some people find they can't go to the Tea Party after all and don't pay up or withdraw... I hope that's the case... Being left out in the Lobby was OK, but it wouldn't be ideal for people traveling any distance...

 

Got my invoice for the Tea Party and paid it! Feels very official now! I'm counting the days to Dolpa! Hooray!!

I'm very much looking forward to seeing everyone and .... In and Out Burger. Haha

 

My wallet cries, but it'll be worth it in the end.

 

Mine too. I just got the invoice for Williams T^T

 

errrr......just paid up......another Reisner is coming home, a small one.

 

I'm sad that I didn't get into the tea party. I don't want anyone to take this the wrong way but to me it seams that a lot of people that bought dolls where able to get tickets to the tea party. This is just my opinion.

 

@ladydeath2007 I get the disappointment. I didn't get into the tea party last time. I ended up going anyway for the Sumika and the great company though. This year they have Friday programming that is open to everyone, too. If you can make it, you might enjoy going anyway.

 

Can I bring my Souldoll?

 

You can only bring volks dolls to volks events

 

I didn't get in last time. I did this time. Not buying a doll. But I actually wouldn't mind it if those who bought dolls had priority!

 

@ladydeath2007 sorry you missed getting in. You might get lucky if someone cancels or they add some more.

Several of my friends got in - and none of them ordered a doll. I don't think that was a factor.

 

Thanks! Can we still come and buy dolly stuff? Sorry I'm a bjd noob

 

Yep, there will be a store set-up in one of the hotel ballrooms where you can buy all sorts of VOLKS products. They do a lottery to determine who gets to go in first. Last time everyone in line drew a number and then the staff drew a number (let's say 42), so whomever had #42 would be the first person in line with the following numbers lined up after. #41 would be last in line. This is to discourage people camping overnight so they can be first into the store.

 

For anyone looking for airfares to Dolpa, Southwest is having their semi-annual 72-hour sale on air travel right now. It might be worth a look to see if you can save some money on your plane ticket.

 

I'll have to look into that. I haven't had good luck getting large doll boxes through LAX. When the boxes are longer than a carry on bag, it seems like whether you get them on the plane can be a bit random.

 

Adding to what @ladydeath2007 @positivespace has said … The Dolpa itself is free to attend. The Tea Party was the only event that had a cost associated with it. Also, a number of people will likely be hanging out in the lobby either Friday and/or Saturday night and will have an informal swap meet (buy, sell, trade) where it doesn't matter what brand of dolls are there. You just can't have non-Volks dolls in the actual Dolpa areas. I imagine you'll likely just see mostly Volks dolls as people have limited room to bring dolls and it is a Volks event. Volks usually bring a decent assortment of clothing, wigs, shoes, maintenance items, and some special items not found online to buy at the event. You should check out the VolksUSA website for items and prices that they currently carry.

I'm curious if we can place orders through VolksUSA and do a pick up at the Dolpa? Hmm …

 

I actually curious if my Volks doll have a different brand body, can I still bring them?

 

No, your doll needs to be completely legit Volks. I have a lot of hybrids too, so I just swap them onto a Volks body for the event. One time I even borrowed a body from a friend!

 

I can't even bring Yuki because he just has non-Volks feet. I mean, he could put his flat feet on for the occasion, but then he wouldn't really be Yuki. The boys will be holding a cage match wrestling tournament to decide who goes.

 

My husband and I got in, we didn't last time. It was much easier to get in when Volks first started in the U.S. I attended the first event at Volks Mansion and got tickets for every doll party except the last one. It was much harder to get the event dolls before as you had to wait in line get a number and then get in line to purchase dolls. If they ran out of dolls before your number then you're out of luck. It was pretty easy to get a number for FC at the first doll party as most people didn't know what it was and declined a ticket number. We are looking forward to Anaheim.

 

Thank you! ahhh in that way I either should bring my SDs or some of my dd on volks body....need to decide ahhh....

also, even a feet change is not allowed?! wow

 

Made the cut as well for the tea party, and this will be my very first Dolpa -- here in the States, that is.

While we're on the subject, do any of you know if there is a specific dress code for the tea party?

 

As far as we know now, there isn't. Volks advertises the theme as pirate and steampunk and there will be an owner/doll costume contest they say, so that offers the opportunity and encouragement to dress up if you like. Nothing required though so far.

 

You can sorta see what people wore to the last tea party in the Volks After Report: After Report | Dolls Party in LA 2015 | VOLKS USA,Inc. It's overall pretty casual.

 

There were some people who got dressed up and were really lovely. I admire their dedication. I'm most comfortable in a tee and jeans

 

I'm glad I can wear normal clothes to the tea party. I am travelling long distance and visiting Disneyland, I don't want to rent/buy and carry any special costumes in my luggage.

I very much look forward to meeting some of you and your dolls in person after so many years in this online forum.

This is the first time I'm attending a Volks only dolls' convention although I've met Volks in IDEX Florida 3 years ago when I acquired Reisner, Desire for Revenge.

All my resin dolls are Volks purists except for Olivia Morgan (hybrid). I will bring Reisner to the dolpa but I don't have suitable clothes for him. He's still in his original outfit and accessories. Unlike the rest of doll family, Reisner is informal and casual. He will be casually dressed for the event. I don't intend to enter him for the costume contest (if any).

 

I wonder if there will be a 2nd lottery for tea party entry like last time?

 

Could be a second lottery... If the find that not everyone who got in has paid up...

If there is one, it will be after June 30, which is the last day to pay up.

 

Haha, there's me waiting at the back of the line to get into the sumika room, with my goofy-ass orange striped tights. Fun photo memories! I love their after-reports.

I might just bring Kaga, the sassy Yo-SD Megu that was willed to me by our dear departed friend Kellyhime. The onset of Kelly's illness kept her from attending the last LA tea party, so I'd like to bring my little 'goddaughter' as tribute this year.

 

That's an awesome idea @JennyNemesis ! I'm sure Kelly would have appreciate it. Are you bringing Jimmy?

I'm still not sure which doll to bring. I think it will depend if I can find a doll outfit for the costume contest or not. Like everything, it will probably be a last minute decision.

 

I'm going to bring my 3 Yos, my Coco, and my Megu. I will only have so much room in the car since El will have dolls, and I am bringing my FL centaur so I can take photos of her while we are in California (her carrying box takes a lot of room). Plus I am making allowance for things we will be bringing home

 

I sent volks an email on Wednesday, apparently they are still sending out winning emails.

 

I'm jealous of those of you who can bring dolls! I'd love to bring my SD-17 boy, but he's ginormous. I don't have room for him. I am flying to LA and I'm already going to be bringing home RG Williams, one of the Yo-Midis, and a Midi body thanks to the tea party. As it is, I am not sure the best way to bring home RG Williams. I'd rather not pay to ship him, but I'd also rather not get to the airport and risk being told I have to check whatever bag he's in.

 

Yea, if you are getting RG Williams (and others), you might just stick with the ones you are picking up. My suggestion: Make sure you have a SMALL carryon (that can go under the seat in front of you), take apart RG Williams somewhat (head/torso w/arms still attached, legs), pad him with clothes and maybe some bubble wrap, same with the You and midi body - which should fit into your smaller carryon. Ship the three boxes home - the yo and midi boxes might fit inside the Williams box. Pack them anything that you had to take out of the carryon into the shipping box, and ship just the boxes home. You might also keep the paperwork, so that if you freak out the airport scanners, you can show them official paperwork for the dolls.

I have large tote (that 's the size of my 15" laptop), that I usually use as my plane carryon. That way, I don't have to fight for overhead, and now days,, it's pretty useless, as those with pre-boarding usually take most of the space with their suitcases which I think are too big and should have been checked. If it fits underneath the seat, then you don't have to worry about being denied or being forced to check it. bring a head puller and some ribbons with you, so you are prepared. Limit the stuff you would usually have in your carryon - electronics/etc.

Amazon.com: Renwick 15'' Shoulder Navy Tote Bag: Computers & Accessories

this is something like what I use.

 

Hmm, trying to decide who I'll bring.

Ephram for certain, I've taken him to all the events so far that I've been to.

Probably Tsukapyon as well.

Samuel I'd like to bring but it's getting hard to carry at that point rofl.

The F-59 I'm waiting on may or may not arrive in time so that's iffy. Asuna and Kirito probably won't arrive in time so they're out. I'll be picking up two Yo-midis and a midi body at the event so there's that to consider as well.

I'm driving so there's plenty of car space at least lol.

 

Shockingly, I got in and got Willz! I'll be booking my hotel soon. Haha. I'm booking my flight now. I had a ton of miles, so my flight was cheap and I hooked myself up with flight upgrades.

I'll be bringing Prince Buttercup, my One-Off Michele from the first website one-off bonanza; and my ReiTenshi from the store closing party. I might also bring a Kun or two. I can check a bag for free with my airline card, and I have no fear.

Eleniel, I am so excited to see you again! I've been wanting to see a Kei as well, so ohmygoshdoubleyay!

 

I got in. I ordered Williams Yo-sd. Will probably bring my Sdm F-35 boy.

 

Would it even BE a Dolpa without Jimmy? I think not! The life & soul of the party will be there!

 

I don't know who to bring. Maybe someone small. I know I got tired after carrying an SD the last one the entire time.

 

I can't wait to see everybody's dolls and meet new dolly friends! (and maybe a few friendly faces from last year?)
I still can't decide who to bring. It's between my old SD F-07 girl (who I've taken every year), my new WS F-60 (Coco mold), my Kazuya Kujo girl, my F-45 girl, or maybe my sweet dream Nono? Too many choices! Any suggestions? Maybe I'll just grab a wheelbarrow and take them all. Plus I'll be welcoming RG Williams at the Tea Party so he'll be my only boy in my collection of 11 girls! He'll have an instant harem.

 

@baby~mermaid Bring your Coco. We can take photos of your with mine. Twice the fun

 

RE: Thanks, but I think for now, I'll focus on dressing the doll in the garb, and not myself. *laughs* I learned my lesson on that a few doll conventions ago. It took me a while to remind myself that doll conventions are not identical to anime, comic, sci-fi, or steampunk events... especially when a lot of people were dressed in civvies. Then again, there was one doll convention (one that I truly loved going to) that had a cocktail party, and I showed up in my cocktail dress; that was fun. It's not every day I get an opportunity to go to an event that involves a cocktail dress or an evening gown.

RE: *laughs* I think I know exactly what you mean in terms of just wanting to wear regular jeans. Okay, I'll take your word for it, and just wear my regular jeans and a nice top.

RE: Thank you so much. This is very helpful. Yeah, this definitely gives me an idea on what to wear. Thank you all so much.

 

I'm about 95% positive I'll be bringing my Commodore Williams. Of course he's the largest doll in my collection, but as the RG Williams I'm picking up will be his twin (and I've been obsessed with having them both together since they were shown, it feels like dream come true!) it would feel a bit wrong to not bring him to pick up his brother haha. Though if my f-57 FCS comes before I leave he'd be a tempting replacement...

In the past I've had no issues with flying and carrying on my Volks carriers, but it's been a few years and I'm not sure how strict they've become. It would be perfect to take Williams in, and I know I can fit 2 SDs in one carrier so bringing back RG Williams wouldn't be an issue. I'll have to look more into my airline's rules.

I'm really so excited to go to another Volks event. Last LA Dolpa I longingly read everyone's fun stories of the lobby meet ups and Tea Party and deeply regretted not going.

 

@JennyNemesis JIMMY!!! No way would it be a party without that rocking little ReiTenshi! Just don't get lost this time Jimmy. No detours to other states!

I wonder if Volks will bring hand parts again like they did last time? I would really love to see them again but some of the different styles and not just the regular hand parts. I'd love to buy the ones you usually have to order from those forms that comes with the limited dolls - especially those SDGr girl hands! Or even if we could just place an order and have them shipped to us would be great too! I think I'll write to VolksUSA and suggest it. Anyone else want to see anything special at this Dolpa?

 

Haha! Good point!

Ooh! Okay! Sounds like a plan.