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

I am so sad about that, but thank goodness they will be able to catch someone if they try to do such a terrible thing again.

 

I'm bringing both of my YOs, Lilly (Tanpopo) and Alia (Kanon).

 

I might be a little brave and bring Lanie (one-off Madoka from LA Dolpa) on SD16 body so she can be adjusted. I swapped Pearl's body with Madoka so I now have my Pearl on SD13. I usually just bring MSD or Yo-SD when I go to events for ease and lighter to haul.

 

OMG YAYZ! Another NYC Dolpa! Hopefully I can make it! I don't have anything planned for July, so unless something major comes up, I should be good to go.

I've stayed at a friend's apartment for the last two Dolpas, and will probably do that again, but for reference for anyone else, my husband and I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Chelsea on a weekend trip to the city. If the Dolpa ends up at FIT again, this is a good, reasonably priced, hotel, within walking distance. It's on W.29th, btw 7th and 8th. FIT is 27th and 7th. Nothing fancy, but more than adequate.

 

I still think that whoever took those dolls last year wasn't anyone who really knew anything about them. I think they just saw the pretty, assumed it was valuable and snatched. And considering which dolls were taken kinda leaves hints towards the kind of person they might be. I'm glad they are taking extra care this time. I think leaving the dolls unattended in a public space was a bad move on their part.
But enough of that!

I...will be taking my same two boys..as I have no one else XD My SwD Lucas and My School C android. If i'm lucky and things work out I may have an FCS boy with me...but the odds are against me saving/ordering/recieving one in time. ;p I just hope they offer Sch A head this time for classes! I needs me one!
(p.s has volks ever offered Sato FCS at a dolpa? *do want*)

 

I'm really hoping I can go this year. I went to LA Dolpa and it was such a blast! I need to ban myself from shopping in the marketplace so I have money to go >.>

 

How sad, but it seems a necessary precaution now.

 

You know, in this day and age, you can just never be too careful. It's sad that all it takes is one person to ruin things for others, but at the same time, it also teaches people to stay on their toes should anything happen.

I mean, I'm not saying the same thing happened in Japan, but does anyone remember that Dolpa 15 party in Tokyo that happened a couple of years ago? In that footage, there were people that were trying to grab the dolls before making their purchases, and the retailers were shouting, "please don't touch the merchandise", so yeah, it could be a number of things, and not necessarily the incident that happened at last year's Doll's Party in N.Y.C. *shrugs*

 

If they have them, I'd definitely be there by any way possible


I know I will bring a Yo with me for sure. But I am not sure how I can transport one of my big boys. I do have a carrier but I think SD13 Carrier is too big to count as a carry on. Or will the airline people over look that??

 

I believe an SD13 carrier is okay as a carryon. I was able to take mine on the plane :3

 

Well, it could count as your personal item. IE: Book bag, instrument, purse, ect.

 

SD13 carrier bags are fine
I've only gotten weird looks during security, but no other problems.

 

Be careful of the long carriers. I have had American Airlines tell me that the carriers are too long to meet their carry on luggage restrictions. I had to repack everything to get on. I think it just depends on whoever is manning the gate.

 

Depends on the type of carrier you use. The short doll carrier bags (like the Dollmore double-carriers) fit the airline regulations perfectly, so they're no trouble. But I've had my long one (Volks) rejected at two airports, which was enough that I never use it when getting on the plane. Instead, I behead my kids, pack the bodies in my regular rolling carryon, and carry their heads in my purse.

 

I'll most likely be attending again this year. :3 Actually having a job this time means it's easily affordable for me... especially if I plan ahead (unlike last year)! Despite my own theft scare I'll be bringing my two mini guys again... and possibly another (non-Volks) dolls for the after-parties at hotels and such. I'm excited for this year's Dolpa and can't wait for what they'll have in store for us.

 

For SD13, I have Luts Carrier which I know is a little longer than the regulation. I had no problem with MSD carrier last time. I think this is a good idea. I will definitely look into this method.

Thank you ALL very much for giving me idea.

 

Seconding the beheading and then putting in a rolling suitcase. Last year, I got two SD13 boys, two SD girls, and three YoSDs into my small rolling suitcase very comfortably this way. And because it rolled, transporting them did not tire the arms and was quite easy.

 

Though I do not recommend trying it, I did sneak an SD17 Reisner onto the plane in a Volks carrier by packing him in the overhead behind someone else's laptop bag.

 

I took my Volks carrier on two American Airlines flights last year with no trouble at all. I did have to explain to the man who x-rayed the bag what was in there.

 

RE: I had to explain to the TSA lady at LAX about what was in my bag because their x-rays didn't pick up on the resin. Some airports aren't equipped with the newest x-rays, and as a result, our dolls can't be viewed because of the density of the resin. So, yeah, it depends where you fly out of. I flew out of SFO, SEA, and BOS without any problems last year.

 

I've flown with one of my big boys in a violin case that I converted to a carrier on American Airlines several times between Chicago & Minneapolis with no problems.

I think now, though, they're tightening up on the size restriction because so many people are trying not to check anything (since most airlines charge a fee to check baggage now). >.<

 

I believe flying with your BJDs can be a roll of the dice with anything SD sized or larger depending upon your bag and whatnot. I nearly did not get Madoka home at LAX flying on American Airlines at LA Dolpa. Whenever I flew with my MSD and/or Yo-SD sized dolls in tow, it has never been an issue at all.

 

Oh I remember when you won that Madoka at that Dolpa (lucky you!) and then later read how you had some trouble getting onto the plane but eventually made it on O.K. How nerve wracking that must've been!:0 Glad it did work out though.

I really like the idea of putting the head molds into a purse since the head is the most important part of the doll and placing the body in a carry-on bag. That's such a great idea. I would certainly feel a lot better knowing that the head (s) are close to me without having to worry about the whole flight; not that I fly very often but on the off chance that I ever do, it's good to have this advice.

 

Aw I like that idea too...but my SwD Lucas' head is a bi*** to get on and off, and I dont like touching his face too much...*pout* Aw well...I don't have to fly...but in case I go to LA in the future I'll have to keep this in mind. Though usually my "purse" bag is filled with books and my DS. XD

 

I've flown to Japan with one SD, one MSD, and three yo sized dolls a few weeks ago and had no problems. I carried the dolls in the Dollmore double carrier which I placed in the overhead compartment. I wrapped all the dolls heads in bubble wrap to protect their face ups from any damage in case the carrier shifted during the flight.

 

RE: Yeah, it seems like LAX is where the problem is. That's the only airport where the TSA lady wanted to suspect my bag when I brought my four kids. Ohhhh, they're very tight with security there, and their x-ray machines aren't up to date.

Hopefully, we won't run into any problems should we fly out of either La Guardia, Newark, or JFK when we go to Dolpa in New York this year. *crosses fingers*

 

I think if you're putting your dolls in a carry-on, it's a good bet to just be prepared for your bag to get extra explored no matter what the airport. It's a little puzzling to have this oddly shaped mass (or masses) to be chilling out in carry-on. I've never not had to assure a security officer that it's just a doll... and then I get a look like I'm absolutely bonkers.

 

We flew into/out of JFK for the dolpa last year. I'd say security there is pretty careful. I just had my doll in a regular carry-on. After x-raying her, security pulled us aside so they could open the bag and inspect her. They wiped her down, I assume, to test for drugs.

 

Last year I also offered out of towners the option of sending any large dolls they won/purchased home with me and I would ship them to them from my studio in CT. I drive to NYC for the event and have more than enough room in the car. I have a tiny little post office less then a mile from my house too, so I really don't mind helping if needed. AND most everyone knows where I live. lol

 

How kind of you!

I'll bet you were a breath of relief to all of the people who won big dolls and were scared to take them onto planes!

 

Actually Missie, I was surprised a lot of people were brave and dragged them along on planes & trains. lol

 

I think I would be too scared to trust the airport people handling my doll, and having a carry-on is soooooo difficult to keep up with!

 

Actually, as long as you don't take too much, a carry-on isn't too bad. I mean, it's only a weekend. How much stuff do you need? (I'm trying to convince myself of this, too. :p) I am trying very hard to not take too much this year. The train wasn't too bad because they don't check your bags at all. I was able to keep my doll carrier by my feet the whole time so I was able to keep an eye on them at all times. (LOTS of leg room on the trains. ^_^)

 

I've flown several times with doll carries, bus trips, and train trips. If you pack smart then it is nothing. I've been able to pack two SD and one MSD in the Volks SD13 carrier. They count as a personal item.

So looking forward to this! My fiancee and I moved up our wedding date to August 1st, so this Dolpa is going to be my bachelorette party with my best galfriend! Then, it is off to the married life for me.

 

I have flown once with a Volks SD carrier at my feet. I flew from LAX to DC and back without a problem.
I have also flown international (Japan to LA) with a Volks SD sized box that was inside the big white bag (I didn't want my box demolished in the airport or in the overhead compartment)- they counted it as a carry-on and I placed it in the overhead compartment on top of all the suitcases. No one seemed to care that my carry-on was about 26"x6"x20" of course the only thing in the bag was the box (that had doll clothes and pillows- my doll was in my other carry-on) Although I did get plenty of stares from fellow passengers and strange mumbles about my carry-on.

 

Went I left from LGA last year....my dolls got an extra scan....and they peeked in the bag....LOL.
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I've flown the past two NYC Dolpas. I've used a small rolling carry-on for an SD16, SD 17 and MSD size doll....plus my purse/tote. Then check-in one big bag with everything else.
.

 

And busses, don't forget about those of us who have to sit with our carriers between our knees for fear of dolly mishandling . If I had to fly I'd probably only bring my Yo so I could carry swag home with me I had to pay $40 to check two bags when coming home from my family's at Christmas, it's outrageous. The size restrictions were not good for my packing skills, and I would be concerned about a larger carrier meeting them. I'd check with the airline you're flying before, just in case.

 

Didn't use my doll carriers just in case there would be any question about carry-on size.
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I didn't have too much trouble getting my Kurumi in her box safely home from my moms. They did make me put her in the overhead bin, but I had her VERY carefully packed so I wasn't worried. (Plus I made sure she was on top). The screening lady was funny, though. She asked if Kurumi was one of those big Bratz dolls. My poor doll still hasn't recovered from the insult. But one way or another, she's flying with me to this Dolpa!

 

O_O I understand that they're not that common, but really? A bratz doll? Is that the only dolls American's are exposed to? I'm sorry but the comparison is so far reaching it's confusing.

That said I bet your Kurumi is adorable and loveable so she shouldn't be worried about other's ignorance, haha.

 

RE: Being searched never worried me, but then again, why should we be worried if we don't have anything to hide? When I was pulled aside by the TSA lady at LAX, she was amazed at the quality of each doll that I was carrying, even though she was checking them.

Anyway, getting back on topic of this thread, in terms of the cocktail party, it's usually a dress up event? In other words, a really nice dress, possibly a nice suit for the guys...?

 

OMG! I laughed so hard about that, and I told my husband and he got all huffy. He's like, "They don't even LOOK like Bratz dolls! Stupid uneducated woman!". XD

What did you DO when she asked that?

 

I've gone to the last two NYC Dolpas. Some wore dresses and suits....others wore neat jeans,skirts, tops and shirts.

If FIT is the venue again, one has to be ready to either roast or freeze....LOL.
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Dress ranges wildly--there's an actual picture up in Toppi's blog that shows what some folks wear. There will be some gorgeous J fashion there (BTSSB, H.Naoto, etc.), but no evening wear. A guy could certainly wear a suit if he wished to (I've seen a few at the event), but keep in mind that NY in July is going to be topping 95 degrees.

 

I hate being searched! Besides having been pulled over once and having my luggage thoroughly searched and swabbed, the delay made me miss my plane!!!! It was just part of a bad trip going to Vancouver that day....
Are you referring to the dress of the dolls or the people?
Dinner wear ranged the gamut from jpop wear and designer dresses to jeans and tees and sneakers. The few males wearing suits tended to be working with Volks. Yes, depending on what time of day the meal or class was, some people complained about melting on their walk from their hotel to FIT, then freezing at the FIT room itself. I packed a sweater just in case, after the first NY Dolpa. You don't notice it after awhile, really, as you're swept up by the Dolpa excitement....
Alex

 

As far as what to wear goes, I would suggest to plan on layers. Outside NYC was hot as Heck and inside was very cool. I would wear something short sleeved/sleevless and bring a hoodie/sweater for indoors. You have to remember, you get really worked up walking around outdoors, but inside you are sitting for long periods so you do cool off quite a bit. I wasn't freezing but I was cool and I'm not a skinny guy. lol It takes a lot to cool me down and not much to heat me up. Summer in the City is a nightmare for me any way I slice it, but you get so wrapped up in the event you forget to care.
The only thing I hate is seeing photos after the event with me having a horrible hair day. LOL

For the afternoon tea etc some dressed up a lot, others wore t-shirts and jeans. I wore jeans but they were brand new and wore a dress shirt over my t-shirt so I could button it up if need be. I think this year I'm going to do some pre-event shopping just for me. Something I rarely do for the humans in the house.

 

Ohh, good to know about the temperature diff between inside and outside. Guess I should tie a sweater around my waist for when I arrive. Any word on the exact date yet?
(Oh, and for those who asked about what I told the idiot who asked if my Kurumi was a big Bratz doll - I very sweetly informed her that she was a BJD from Japan, and that it would cost around $2000 dollars to replace her, so to please be very careful with her. After a horrified,"OH MY GOODNESS", there was no more commentary from the security woman.

 

I hope there are YO-SDs this year. I want another so bad. I really don't like the new one but I'm sure if I get her I can trade her on the marketplace for a Linn or a Papi. My YO army is not yet complete!

 

I hope they offer SwD/Sch A this year. I need one bad! >o< And it would be lovely if they offered Sato FCS too, but I know thats unlikely. XD

 

I'd love to see School C, I don't know what I'd do with a spare SD head though. Sato FCS would be nice, I really don't have any Sato plans but I'd sure love to look. XD

 

I'm another one hoping for some Yo's...I can't have just one lol

 

I'd love if School D showed up for this Dolpa. Or the white-skin School A. I really love Volks' white skin!

As for an LE, I will always wish for more MSDs but I know I won't get one. It seems like Volks is moving away from that line, at least when it comes to LEs.

 

I'm all excited for this years NYC Dolpa. I was going to skip the NYC one this year but they didn't have the one in LA so I really want to go to this one. My MSD needs a visit to the doctor... *sigh*

 

Wtf is School D?! Have I missed something?!

and i dun wanna have to choose between NS and WS Sch A

 

School D was released at the Tokyo Disneyland Owner's Appreciation Event a few weeks ago in February:

 

Hey, as long as we're dreaming big, I'm gonna dream for School D! My Heath could use a sibling :P

 

Aww! Dang! I wish I could go but I'm still in school T-T

 

Izayoi- Thanks for sharing! I had no idea a new School head had been released either. School D is adorable! Totally don't need another head though...

Any one wish they sold bodies to go along with the heads at the event? I kinda wish they'd just set up shot and pull out all the stops. I'm sure almost everything would be sold.

 

chai_fiend, they do offer bodies for sale, but only if you're taking a workshop class, and you have to purchase them ahead of time, just like with the heads. And they're rather pricey, too. ^^; Here's the link to last year's Workshop info.