Volks NYC Dolpa 4, July 25 and 26th 2009 -updated, postponed.- FDQ Shizu

If I were to fly into NYC, I'd pick Newark (NJ) or JFK next time. Last year, I flew into LaGuardia and it was during those nasty storms in the midwest region. Our flight was delayed several times over and after 4+ hours of waiting, the flight was finally canceled. LaGuardia is smaller than Newark and JFK and it closes by a certain time, 11 PM I recall. They have you make arrangements to leave the premises when your flight is delayed/canceled. Since it was hard to get a new flight home (couldn't get a flight for another 2 days and I have kids, mind you), we rented a car and drove 16+ hours home. So lesson learned: go to a larger airport where you have more possibilities of finding alternative flights home!

 

For those of us who are from out of state, mind filling us in a little bit more on public (free) parking? Who knew it existed in NYC!

I am also thinking of driving to a bus/train station just outside the city, and then catching mass transit in to the city. Any suggestions?

 

I've never seen free parking in NYC. You might be able to avoid a meter on Sunday but it's either that or Pay by the hour/day lots/garages and metered street parking.

 

To:

And

There is free parking in NYC you just need to know where to look and get lucky. First, to be fair, I want to state there is a lot of free parking outside Manhattan. ^^; My aunt use to live in Queens and while sometimes we had to park a block or 3 away from her apartment complex, there was always free parking.

The FIT building Dolpa was held in in the past was on 27th-28th Street and 7th Avenue. I found a lot of free parking in Chelsea around 24-26th Street and 10th and 9th Avenue. It is a bit of a walk for some people, but it's hard to beat free parking to me! I don't think you can park overnight and again I got there around 8 am on Sat and Sun and that helped a lot. (Maybe it was 8:30 on Sun?) There were more spaces open on Sunday and I do have a relatively small car and can parallel park between two cars.

I think because that part of Chelsea is mostly residential there are fewer meters and limited parking hours, just some of the overnight hours.

Now things could have changed since June 08, I don't drive into Manhattan so often, but if it was held at FIT and I was driving that would be where I would look.

I can't speak about Jersey and their commuter parking because I don't live in Jersey and have never used their public transportation. ^^; I know they have park and ride lots and they have stations. Some might be convenient to hotels in Jersey which would presumably have lower room rates.

I live north of NYC so I can mostly talk about how parking works in Westchester County. On week days it can be a challenge to park at the train stations because they're used by lots of commuters, but on week ends you can park pretty much anywhere. Most lots do charge something on week ends, (Mine is $6 for 18 hours of parking+trainfare) it depends on the station. Many ask you to pay BEFORE you catch the train. I would imagine with the recession some of the hotels might have special rates, even more than NYC because they're not as touristy. Some of the hotels might offer free parking you can use and then walk to a train station or have a shuttle to one.

Many hotels in the NY area do charge for parking, I think hotels in Manhattan tend to charge a sizable amount.

Some municipalities allow you to park on residential streets for free overnight and others do not.

I'm so excited by the prospect of another Dolpa!

 

My concern is finding an affordable place to stay while I'm in New York. I remember going to Boston, and I thought their hotel prices were outrageous... until I found this nice little complex for $99 a night with a kitchen.

rkold, what would you suggest for anyone who's on a low budget in terms of hotel expenses and the like? Any places come to mind?

 

My suggestion would to shop around hotel rates. None of the hotels near FIT were what I would consider reasonably priced, but you can find cheaper hotels in Manhattan if you look. You're just going to have to take the subway, which really...isn't that bad.

 

Uhh sorry, I've never stayed in a hotel in NYC. ^^;;; I would just look around, sometimes airlines offer specials with your airfare. FIT happens to be in a particularly expensive area for hotels. I personally like commuting in and out from the 'burbs and it is easy enough. Most burbs are on a train line. But if you're say flying into JFK I would not suggest staying in NJ unless you know someone there vs. if you're flying into Newark I would not suggest staying on Long Island or in Westchester, as some areas are more convenient to the different airports. Newark is a great airport, but for me personally it is very inconvenient so I always use JFK or LGA.

I would think the Recession is actually a positive when it comes to trying to get a hotel room since fewer people are traveling.

Some cities are just expensive to visit. I thought San Francisco had sort of expensive hotel rooms when I was pricing it out, though London was hands down the worst place I've ever been price vs. quality-wise for hotels. ^^;

 

Does anybody know of any park and rides where it would be safe to leave a car for a week? My friends and I were planning on dropping the car off somewhere and taking the subway in and walking or taking the subway for the rest of our stay. I don't feel like driving in the city, I get road rage just driving in downtown Atlanta so NYC is probably not such a good idea...

 

SailorLimaBean - I didn't talk to many people last year, but I do remember you were the first person I talked to! I fell in love with your gorgeous F-13 in the hallway waiting to enter! I would love to sit with you^^

riversoblood - Oh no, it wasn't stolen at the event. I should have clarified. It didn't even happen in New York. I was staying with my family in Delaware and it got stolen when I came home from Dolpa.

Cammy - I want to sit with you or talk with you more this year! I only really got to say hi once last year =) Plus I want to see your little Hana^^

 

I'm curious about this, too. I mean, I'm sure it isn't as awful as the movies and stuff, but I just want to make sure!

 

Yay! Another Dolpa!

I had such fun, when I wasn't crazy overheated. oy, what weather. When we hear a firm date, we will all know when to expect a hot-even-for-the-city-in-July weekend.

And I will call my friend in NJ & secure crash space, walk the block & a half to the bus, and take the bus into Port Authority. That's convenient to quite a lot of NYC on foot (NYC is a great city to walk in (in coolish weather)), and has subway stops right under it for the rest of the city.
Speaking of which, I need a Met Museum trip soonish . . . .[/plots]

I am already so excited to see everyone!
dollswest, I especially look forward to meeting you, you hard-working knitting genius, you.

Ann in CT

 

To all who are looking for free parking in New York City, READ THE SIGNS. If you don't see one/understand what it says DO NOT PARK THERE. You will get towed, or ticketed, and it will cost you a great deal more than if you had put your car in a garage. Also for all you drivers, it's not so bad driving here, you just have to get used to the amount of traffic. The first time I ever drove here (I am from NY but I was living in Los Angeles, and I learned to drive there.) I was white knuckled on the steering wheel. My ex was with me and his advice was, unless you are moving over, don't look left, don't look right, just look straight ahead and don't get too close but don't get too far back either if you are driving in traffic. After driving here for 20 plus years it is amazing to me how few accidents there are considering the amount of traffic. Oh, my last note. Taxis will cut you off/tailgate / stop dead in front of you with no warning. There is nothing you can do, outside of the obvious cursing and swearing.

 

Definitely true. I've been IN the taxi when they do those things....white-knuckled in the back seat!
.

 

In the Pt. Pleasent NJ station, the parking lot for the train station is right next to a police station. It doesn't get much better than that.

 

RE: Okay, I'll take your advice, and see if I can get an airline ticket to La Guardia. As for hotels and the like... hmm... there's bound to be a complex that I can find for a reasonable price. I think it's just a matter of going through every nook and cranny.

But, yeah, I agree with you in terms of finding a reasonably priced hotel in San Francisco. I've lived in SF my entire life, and every time a friend of mine visits, they would sing the same song about hotels being so expensive. *shakes head*

 

Oh that sounds great! I'll make a note of that and find out exactly where it is so I can leave the car there.

 

I know that if I go I'll be going home at night and then coming back in the morning (these things last 2 days, right?) I just can't afford transportation there, hotel stay, convention fees AND a limited doll (which yes, I totally would want to get).

It is sort of early to make definitive plans, but I'm wondering if others around the Central Connecticut area might be interested in car-pooling there? We could share gas & parking costs and wouldn't have to worry so much about having to navigate using public transportation. Unless taking the train is that much more economical?

I've also actually never been to NY city (other than driving through)... so the idea of going with other people really appeals to me.

 

I loved going to NY last year. But I was so hoping that they would have it in a cooler month than June. Why can't they do Chicago or somewhere colder for July.

 

this sounds fantastic, I'll have to order a little something from volks soon or something to get a card just in case I can make it.

 

Hahaha Actually someone else recommended LGA. ^^;;; I just said if you're not staying in NYC itself some of the airports are more difficult to get to some suburbs, since there is not always good public transportation without a lot of transfers. i.e. if you're hoping to stay in NJ fly into Newark. I personally never use Newark since I live far from it and the GWB can be super dicey in terms of traffic.

I usually do JFK to SFO because I almost always fly United because I have status on them and once you get status it behooves you to keep it. ^^;; The airlines really do treat you better when you have it, i.e. they do a better job of making sure if your flight is canceled you are put on the next flight, you get different luggage limits, you get better seats, and I sometimes get upgrades to business class. :3 I also like direct flights, and the United PS flights have a plug for your laptops in Economy and the Business class on those flights is really nice! I'm flying United Business JFK to SFO on the 11th before I transfer to my International flight. ^^;;

My sister in SFO adores Virgin America, but she doesn't have status on any airline. XD;; If you have status with a particular airline I would recommend that one or if you're hoping to build up miles on an airline use that one.

There are cheaper places to stay in Manhattan, my Mom said a friend stayed in a Ramada near a subway station, but I am not sure if there are cheaper places walking distance to FIT, if that makes sense.

 

Gosh am I the only person that was not bothered by the weather last year at Dolpa time? I thought it was great and I even spent time waiting underground for trains! (the trains were air-conditioned of course) Coming from S.F., I still find it novel to eat outdoors, and even to walk around comfortably in a tank top, lol. I was more worried about the temp in the FIT meeting hall - it turned out fine, and was not nearly as frigid as the first year.

Yes, the hotel rates in S.F. are high - but puhleeze do not compare them with Manhattan!!! Add another 30-100% unless you don't mind staying in a roach hotel, bed bugs aside....and more than likely, the room will be smaller too. Theres always hostel type accomodations for you younger ones who don't mind bunking several to a room and sharing a bathroom - seems to be the cheapest way to go. I may be staying uptown at dorms to save funds - the Gershwin, which is close to FIT, will run about $180-200 a night with all taxes and its not a luxury hotel by any means, though it does have its charms.

Alex

 

Actually, I liked the weather. :P I found FIT still too cold. I had to go outside to try and warm up since it was so cold!

SF hotels are costly. I'm not saying they're as expensive as NY ones, but they're not close to cheap and *I* thought they were quite expensive when I needed to find one to stay in and I must admit someone from the Bay Area ought to be use to higher prices since they live in an expensive area as well.

The secret to NY hotels is to commute from outside Manhattan :P or to just not stay in Chelsea/Midtown.

 

Living in an expensive place like S.F. doesn't protect you from the sticker shock of a hotel in Manhattan - some of us live in rent-controlled apartments! You can find cheaper accomodations in S.F., and a dodgy neighborhood can be right next to a much swankier one - its always best to ask a local. I wanted to stay at the Library hotel the last time I was in NYC but at $400 plus a night it was out of my price range - it didn't even look like an expensive hotel, just an interesting one....
But any suggestions out there for a decent hotel, in Manhattan, thats less than $180 a night? I guess I should be asking after they post the actual location of the Dolpa....

Alex

 

Chicago in July can be just as bad as NYC in July! LOL!

 

They'd have to do it in Maine or something for it to be cooler. (although Boston would be nice...its on the coast at least)

 

As far as location goes, the Hotel Pennsylvania is right across the street from Penn Station and MSG and usually has very reasonable rates. I think a standard double there is around $130 a night and since they're a very touristy hotel thanks to their location, they often have specials.

 

Wow seems like the last one just ended. XD Man I hope I can pull some funds together to make the most of this year.
I WILL come home with new a doll. *shakes fist at the volks logo*

 

I will probably go as long as it isn't the same week of Comic Con. Though if its mid-July I guess there is a fair chance it will be the same week

 

Dude seriously need to get their info!

I am so excitted. I know I can deffinately attend. I will be back from Scotland, by then. (going to tattoo over there)

However some quite nifty news, I will be tattooing in Newark the week before Dolpa. So people who want me to do a tattoo for them let me know asap. Wicked and Stella *HINT*

Hopefully I will be lucky enough to get my shot at a One off again like my precious Jun. I would love an Anais, but you never know.

So who wants to rub my volks tattoo for good luck. Haha

 

I do!

 

That sounds like a great rate - am going to check out their website.
Is Penn station close to FIT?
Alex

 

RE: Oh, I believe you about Manhattan being far more expensive than San Francisco. Heck, even Boston is much more expensive than San Francisco. They wanted somewhere between $230-$250 a night for hotel rooms... and they were at convention rates, too. I was just lucky to find a complex for a lot less when I was in Boston. *shrugs* I think SF is at third place when it comes to expensive places in the U.S. to visit, but that would be an educated guess.

Getting back on topic here, yeah, I'm gonna have to plan my strategy on how to get around Dolpa in New York. I know it's gonna be hot and humid during the month of July; no question. I'm gonna have to do the best I can to plan my trip, so I can enjoy Dolpa, and do a little sightseeing in the process. There is one place I want to go, before I head back home, and that is to see the most beautiful woman (besides my mother) in our country.

 

I was just wondering if any of you guys know if Sheraton 4 points was close to the FIT area?

 

If that's the one on 23rd it's right around the corner.

 

Thank you! I was looking at that one and there's supposed to be another one opening on March 26th that's in the midtown area, the address is 326 West 40th Street. Would that be closer?

 

Not really closer, but close enough. The 23rd st one is really right around the corner and like 1/2 a block up to FIT (ya know, if the're holding it there this year). I've been in it (I werk next door) and it's a nice looking place.

 

Araignette, thank you so much again!

 

No problem, glad to help. I will say this tho, if it isn't going to be held at FIT, then 40th is possibly closer to Times sq and just about every subway connection. Just a FYI.

 

This will be the year I go, I swear it! /determination

I'm glad I don't have to worry about lodging, but my big concern instead would be parking @__@;;

My doll is a hybrid, but she's a Volks hybrid- Dollfie Dream body, SD13 Head. I bought the dollfie dream complete and brand new from a doll store in Florida who was acting as a "bridge" to Volks. The store I got her from lost their ability to sell Volks dolls now.. I hope that doesn't reflect negatively on me in any way And the SD13 head was bought from someone here on the forum and they were the second(?) owner.. /overthinking this?

I might not bring dolls at all actually, seeing as it's in the city @__@;; Can never be too careful there.

But anyway, I will be going! /that determination again

 

Zuka Engel - your doll is all Volks, it's fine to bring her! Don't worry, a lot of us have purchased Volks dolls that didn't come directly from the company. I have a few from Yahoo Japan Auctions XD.

Anyways, I would love to go but I doubt I'll have the funds for it. But if there's any way I can make it, I will take the chance! I don't want to go another year without a Dolpa. I had so much fun in 2007 at the LA Dolpa and was so sad we didn't get another one last year :/.

 

I've had the pleasure of attending the three previous Dolpas held in NYC and have a few points I'd like to make that I hope will help:

1.) Show some respect to the company that is giving this Dolpa, and the co-sponsor FDQ Magazine. Please bring only your VOLKS DOLLS, or doll bodies with VOLKS HEADS to this event. If you don't have a Volks doll, but want to attend, do so, but leave the showing and playing with your non-Volks doll for another time, or save them for one of the off-Dolpa site meet-ups during sure to happen during that weekend. Also Volks doesn't track where, or from whom, you got your Volks doll, so don't stress about that, they're just happy to see us loving the dolls they make.

2.) I don't remember NYC being any hotter than DC is in July, and possibly its even less humid. That said, drink lots of water and wear light weight clothing, and you'll survive.

3.) If I can find a Manhattan hotel for under $100 a night, I consider that a good deal. NYC hotel rooms are expensive and often small, but it this case, size shouldn't really matter since you'll hardly be in your room except to sleep if you're doing Dolpa right. Consider using Mapquest or Google Maps to get an idea of the location of FIT in relation to a possible hotel.

4.) A party is what you make it, so please come to Dolpa ready to have fun. Don't sit by yourself, not talking to your table mates, or checking out everyone's dolls, you'll miss out making new friends and what fun is that?

5.) Taking your doll around with you can be a lot of fun, just think about how you're going to carry it beforehand. Yes, NYC is a big city, but no more dangerous than anywhere else, as long as you practice common sense, and maturity. Don't leave your valuables laying around. Don't flash your cash when you're out and about. Have an idea of where you're going, and act like it. If just keep your wits about you, you should be fine.

JMHO people, take it or leave it. I'm posting this because we seem to cover the same ground over and over while anticipating this Dolpa every year.

Juli DC

 

I'm confused. I have been trying to keep up with this thread but it is moving fast.
Did they confirm that Dolpa 4 will be held at FIT?
OH! And did folks want me to bring clothing for room sales again this year? I have time to plan now.

 

I was just on the Volks USA site shopping for wigs, and no extra news yet.
I really wish they'd have more information available so I can figure out if I can go or not. Some of us are on the fence, Volks!

 

No confirmation on location yet (ARGH!!!!). And PLEASE bring clothes! You have my vote of interest!!! (And maybe some more of those fab messenger bags, too!)

:: hugs ::

 

YoSD clothes!!!!

 

I hope Volks offers YOs at the Dolpa. That's what I'm saving my pennies for anyway.

 

For the people who've attended before, are you assigned seats at tables? Like if I didn't bring my fiancee as a guest and he attended as a member (since he also has his own card) could we sit next to each other in events and such? Sorry about the newbie questions.

 

No assigned tables. Just grab a seat wherever you can squeeze in. Most people spend very little time sitting down unless someone is talking, so..there are always free chairs. lol

 

You got it ladies. I'll plan to bring clothing in as many sizes as I am able since I am not planning any cons this season. I'll just make Dolpa my suedo-con this year. lol

Oh I hope so too! I would love another Yo in the house! Ohhh pleeeeaazzze Volks make a YoSD TONY or KURUMI!!!

 

I just hope it's not the new YOs that were posted in the YO thread. I don't like either of them. ;~;

 

YoSD...Williams or Tan Scarface Cecile.

I say no more. XD

 

Bring clothes! Please!

 

LOL Stella. I'll bring clothes for sure.
Somebody in the Yo thread said the new girl looks like a tiny Pearl. So true! I like her.

 

I think she looks more like a Dollmore Asha. Not my taste at all.

 

I especially love the dresses you made for the SD16... I was waiting for payday to buy one and I check back the next day and all of them were gone!

 

I'll make note of that Essie. Feel free to PM me if there was one in particular you wanted. I might have more available.

 

Just throwing it out there -- I was at Volks' last event and noticed all the one-offs and display dolls are now wired. I imagine an alarm would go off if the wire was disturbed.





I hope the word can be spread about this to discourage any thefts like last year.

 

WOW. While it is sad that they can't trust simply displaying them anymore, it is good to see them take precautions. I would HATE to hear of another theft like last year.

 

That makes me sad. People are so terrible. But all it takes is one person to mess things up for everyone else.

I think I've figured out which dolls I'm bringing with me to NY. ^_^
Locutus (SD13 Irvin), Charlie (DD Saber Alter), and I might bring Yukito (SDC Miko). Does everyone else know who they're bringing with them?

I really hope they announce some finalized details soon. I'd like to start making plans for the hotel and train tickets.

 

Some stuff came up and I guess I won't be able to go...

Oh well, maybe next when I'm graduated or something... I hope everyone has fun, though!

And that's totally sad about Volks having to wire the dolls now... but it'd be completely terrible of something happened like it did last time. Just awful...