Volks NYC Dolpa, June 19-20th, 2010.

since its NYC i'm thinking i can get some cheap Jet Blue airfare from Chicago .

 

Cabs can be expensive, but I'm not sure how much luggage a pedi-cab can handle! They sure do troll for business, though --

 

I have been planning my entire summer vacation schedule around this. Luckly we were already planning to go to New York around that time.

Can't wait to see what limiteds they will have this year! And I get to see all the pretty dolls and buy things and yay. What kinds of displays and stuff do they usually have?

 

Jet Blue is awesome.

If you're going to take the train/subway, get maps and study them in advance. And you might want to take a cab to and from the hotel at least, or check if your hotel can arrange for a cab to pick you up from the airport-they'll at least know you'll have luggage, and where the hotel is. Especially if you have a bunch of dolls and stuff; I really wouldn't want to be dragging them through the crowded train stations and up and down the stairs.

 

:

I cannot wait! I went the year before and had a complete blast! There is just no better feeling than thanking (in person/ face to face) the President of the company that created your doll and having him compliment the way you have your doll styled. Mr. Shigeta is lovely and so is his entire family. I did not even buy a doll last year but I had an amazing time anyway! The food is good and the company is even better!!!

 

I'll be my fourth NY Dolpa. Time to start thinking about hotel reservations and whether or not I am going to splurge and take the train in or torture myself and drive.

I'm making no doll plans until we get word of what the limited is going to be. Most of the FCS I want are Sato only heads, but I've been wanting a sunlight F33 boy for a while.

I'm also hoping I continue my winning streak. Last dolpa, it was a Tsukasa postcard. I am firmly telling myself that this time it's going to actually be Tsukasa.

 

Just so you know... If there's a Tsukasa there... We'll be competing for him. (All in good-natured fun, of course. )

Tsukasa....

 

lol, i've only been to the Halloween party in LA (i won 2nd place in a contest - but sadly no dolls or items!) ... since we are dreaming of winning dolls, i'm crossing my fingers for a one-off Luna!

well a girl can dream, right?

 

I plan to go this year. Probably be my only Dolpa in like, ever. My sister was going to come along, but her company just announced that it was merging, so... not.

Still debating on the FDQ subscription. The past history of their exclusives didn't appeal to me, but I will actually be there this year, so... argh.

 

Absolutely!! In that case I dream of a one-off Ryoya
All in all though, even without winning dollies I'm sure it will be a blast!

 

I doubt I have enough milage on my frequent flier miles to get my ticket just yet. And on the other hand, until I figure my finances out, I don't think I'll be able to feasibly go.

BUT, I am very determined to go... Soo, to help fuel my fire, I can only hope that I'm not alone in the following request (I will be making a physical comment at the LA Sumika to help this along)...

Dear Volks,
Since we here in the States were not able to have the NYC DolPa last year, and if it is possible, please offer SD17 Genji, SD16 Ami, and at least one Graffiti Boy at this NYC DolPa as a Limited or as a One-Off please. Oh! And please AT LEAST one SDC boy or girl (if a girl, preferably Renee)!!1 Thank you for your time and consideration. =^3^=

Your loyal fan and customer,
Dibei-Chan

 

I would like to respectfully submit my wish list:
SD Shinku- not as a one off, but instead as a re-release with enough for every person who wants one to get one.

That is it. That is my dream and I could ask nothing more of Volks

Now, back down to reality, I wonder what they will release as a limited! I would love a mini boy or girl

 

I'm really not sure what I'd want from this Dolpa!

A new girl (SD10 or 13) would be awesome, but so would a re-release of certain dolls...Miruku, Lorina, or... I don't even know!

I don't think I'll make any plans until they let us know what the dolls will be. Is there any info on when they'll tell us?

 

I am coming with my sister and I am really hoping for a mini boy!!! *fingers crossed*

 

Does NYC dolpa release the items that are in the kyoto one or totally different? I'm confused @_@

 

NYC Dolpa is a completely different event with new releases.

 

Dumb question: How do you register for Dolpa? I assume there is a limit on how many people can attend. Wondering how it works...

 

Stupid question: Does one register for this event, or just show up?

 

There is registration for admission for this event as like other Dolpas. In other US Dolpas held under FDQ, it is often required for one to have a VolksUSA membership and/or FDQ magazine subscription in order to pay for their ticket in. We do not know if this will apply to this year. These details will be revealed when they are ready. When the registration time window and deadline are announced by VolksUSA, it will be posted here.

 

Oh so very excited! My fourth Dolpa too, at the last one I got some amazing outfits.

 

I think I might actually get to go to this one! The dates don't conflict with anything on my schedule, amazing!

 

Yay! Hopefully this one won't be cancelled >_<;;
So excited to see more updates from Volks!

 

ooo Volks please release an unbelievably cute sd girl for me!

 

I don't think anyone has started a Find A Carpool/Flight/Travel Buddy/Roommate thread for this yet... But should we wait until after the lottery is announced? =o_O=

 

I think I'd love to see a Sweet Dream Kun.....or maybe not...I can't by any dolls this summer!!! *hides wallet*


Although, I still think a sweet dream Kun would be beyond marvelous...

 

Woohoo! The thread is open again!
I have my room booked, do you? I'm usually at the Gershwin, but not this year baby. I'm at the Sheraton Four Points around the corner 2 blocks away. No bad hair for me this year Volks! I'm going in full Mad Hatter gear. *dance*

 

I have a stupid question too: If you were traveling with someone that did not have a VolksUSA account or a subscription to the magazine, would they be allowed to accompany you into the event? I may be going to NYC this summer, and I want to attend this, but I can't go in without my mom ^^;

 

Volks has previously allowed attendees to bring a guest. The guest must also be registered in advance.
Short answer: probably.

Ann in CT

 

Huzzah for this thread's official grand re-opening!

Fireflytrance: in the past, lots of folks have stayed at the Gershwin Hotel, which has some spaces at very reasonable (especially for NYC!) rates. It's been sort of like a post-Dolpa Dolpa in the lobby over there sometimes, from what I've heard. (There was an attempt by a passerby to run away with a BJD in the past - she was apprehended by a mob of irate Super Dollfie fans, IIRC . . . )

Wickedstitchery - You in full Mad Hatter gear? Full-on awesomeness!

~Bruce

 

*shyly raises newbie hand*
So what exactly goes on at a dolpa? I gather there are limited goodies for sale, but is it like a con or like a promotional in-store event or what?

 

Yes Sir Bruce~ I'm planning on dressing Yuki (Kurumi) as Alice, Elijah (Ryu) as the March Hare and myself as the Hatter. I've already got my hat. Get your tea cups ready.

It's usually a tea party/luncheon with buffet along with exclusive clothing/accessories, one-off dolls, limited event only dolls, lots of chatting, photo taking and general doll fan fun, face up and/or body stringing classes and of coarse, the ever popular lottery! Attendees may go home with free clothing, shoes, glass eyes, books or even dolls! I've had so much fun every time and seriously missed it last year.

 

More than likely Volks will allow your mom to attend as your guest as long as you register her in advance when you sign up to go. I think guests attend at a similar event rate too.

 

Soooo...I was a total dork and bought an adorable dress to wear to the Dolpa tonight lol! I am really excited about going. All I need to do now that I have planned my wardrobe, is figure out which girl to bring and what to dress her in!

 

My problem is I now how to make all of my dolls fit into a suitcase, but I feel like such a table hog with the whole crew and yet I want all of them there...

I know my Michele is coming since the dream doll has go to, and I FINALLY have my own Shirou after spending years looking longingly at JennyNemesis's Sora. I also think I might be clubbed if I leave my Maki girl at home, and I would love to show her to Volks and see what they think about her.

 

YaY... I'm sooo excited... last year was supposed to be my first year. This time i'm even more excited to FINALLY get to go.

I have to talk to the locals at the next meetup and see if we can revive the plan from last year... which was to all take the train up on the same day and overwhelm the lounge car with our own pre and post dollpa parties!

As for where to stay... NYC is expensive, but I heard that in the main hotel you don't get a decent night's sleep and have to share a bathroom?!? I think i'll look around for something else.

 

I love the idea about overwhelming the lounge car. ^_^ Hopefully our group of Pittsburghers will end up doing the same thing. I'm really excited about the trip to/from NY, too.

When I went to NY Dolpa 3, I stayed with 3 others at the Chelsea Savoy. It was a little further away, but there were places to eat nearby and it was essentially like a normal hotel. Two double beds and its own bathroom.

 

So, I was looking at hotels and I found several that limited the room to 2 people per room. I was kind of surprised by this myself having traveled quite a bit with my family we usually stay 3 or more per room. I would like to room with my 2 friends, so there would be 3 of us. Anyone know of any decent and relatively close hotels that allow 3 people per room? I must be looking at the wrong sites or something lol.

 

NabeeRain, they "don't allow" more than 2 people, but speaking from experience, they're not likely to kick you out or anything like that if you do have 3 or 4 or 5 people in one room... Just put up the "do not disturb sign" and clean up thoroughly before you check out to be safe.

Source: I've broken this rule tons of times for conventions, and never gotten any flak for it. Room parties, however...

 

While you can always go the route of stuffing as many people in one room as possible, there are actually hotels that offer 3-single bed rooms in the area. I'm going to be staying with two friends during Dolpa, and we've already booked one of these rooms at the Wolcott. I've never stayed there, but it had lots of good reviews, and isn't too much further away than the Gershwin is, which is where I've stayed the last 3 times I've been to NYC. (The Gershwin does have dorm-style rooms where several people share one bathroom, but it also has regular rooms as well. It's a funky hotel, but I've always had decent experiences there.) I think one of the others I found that had rooms with 3 beds in it was the Comfort Inn Chelsea. Rooms are booked really quickly in NYC hotels though, so these might not be available anymore.

I actually booked my room back in November, after we first learned the dates of the dolpa. I know it can be hard to find rooms closer to the actual event. I'd suggest using a site like Expedia or Orbitz, and then cross-checking rates at the hotel's actual site, since they often have better prices and availability listed.

 

Thank you gloombox and thesaraghina!

I want us to each have our own bed (though I do not mind a roll away bed, I still want my own bed), but having a room by myself sounds lonely. I am liking the Wolcott! Hopefully we will be able to find a place before anything books up ^_^

 

How do you register for Volks membership?

 

When you make a purchase of anything through any of Volks' websites, or in person from their store locations, you are given a membership card. If you shopped online, the card is usually packed in with your first purchase. At least that's how it worked for me five years ago. If you've made a purchase through Volks in the past five years and don't have a membership card, contact their Customer Service and ask for one. Unless you attend as another member's guest, you'll most likely need to have a member number if you wish to enter any lotteries, or order a Full Choice System doll. Hope this info helps you, and see you in the Big Apple this Summer!

Juli DC

 

I've stayed at the Wolcott a couple of times in the past and it was always fine, and quite comfortable for multiple roommates too. The Gershwin is okay, but I find the front desk staff has always been lacking in both professionalism and manners. But if you like your surroundings to be "artsy" and love using the Museum of Sex as your landmark...as in " If you've passed the Museum of Sex then you've gone too far."...then this could be the perfect hotel for you. LOL! Seriously though, I'm not meaning to knock the Gershwin too hard, it is pretty close to FIT and we all stayed there the first year because their rates where super low while the underwent a renovation.

Actually if you name the bargain hotel in Manhattan, I've probably stayed there, and I can't think of any that I'd classify as horrible. Then again my experience has taught me that I'm hardly in the room anyway, so I always think why not splurge where it matters...like on the dolls? Oooooh I can't wait! Must fling much more bling, and save up some Dolpa dollars, or it's dining at Grays Papaya for me every night I'm there...and no Mojitos which makes Juli so sad!

 

I did a search on Hotels.com, since I'm on a shoe string budget (at least from now until after June starts up) and don't mind the hostel experience, and have found the Chelsea Star Hotel & Hostel as the cheapest nearby "place to lay my (and my doll's) head" at $30/night.

They do have a lot of complimentary amenities, which includes free internet as well as safe-deposit box available at the front desk (for those worried about their resin lovelies). Oh, btw, Hotels.com doesn't charge cancellation fees.

I'm not too sure about the flight just yet though.

 

Woot! Hotel is booked! I am so excited

Now to sit and wait for more information from Volks and plan my girls wardrobe

 

I booked our room at the Sheraton Four Points around the corner from FIT and paid in advance. They only allowed 2 people per room, but the fee was cheaper if you booked and paid in advance. We decided to come in super early on Saturday morning and only stay Saturday night to save money, but we only live 2 hours outside the city.
I've stayed at the Gershwin the past two Dolpas and it is a great hotel with street parking right on the same block. Very easy check in/out, nice staff and cool little rooms. It's only my second choice hotel due to the walk to FIT. I decided to be closer this year because I hate getting dressed up and looking cute only to walk the 5-6 blocks to FIT in the Summer heat and arrive sweaty and exhausted. :P

 

eee i have to get a chance to put the gold tattoos on my fcs doll before the dolpa event.

 

In case if anyone is looking around the more old school way, I found a decent list of nearby accommodations here on FIT's site.

 

It still works that way--that's how I got my card in November. =)

 

I'm thinking of attending, but I'm not entirely sure yet. I'm sure I have a Volks membership card somewhere, but do you need to register for the Dolpa? Or do you just show up with your card in hand? I'm also curious what the schedule is usually like- what time do events start and when it ends on Sunday- just so I can plan when to arrive... :3

 

You register ahead of time, and the schedule of events will be posted. If you watch this thread you will certainly be updated on all of that, and more.

 

Is the Sheraton Four Points hotel the closest to the event? Also which street is the hotel on, I keep finding 3 Four Points hotels. T.T
I'm such a New York noob.

 

Woohoo! It sounds like everyone will have enough time to really plan ahead this year. I am buying my first house this month, so I may not be able to spend like I hoped. But I will have enough time to save up a little to really enjoy myself.

 

I'm so excited!! I probably won't be able to afford anything, but it'll still be fun!

I might be on crutches though (hip surgery)...if that's the case I'm not so sure I'll be able to bring a doll I'd originally planned on bringing my SD16 Madoka

 

So are the dates final now, or are they still 'tentative'?

(I ain't buyin' airfare till they're sure. Sympathetically remembering last year's batch of people who were stuck taking New York vacations anyway.)

Call me passive-aggressive, but I've come to look forward to spewing a little attitude back at the Gershwin's desk-clerks. They think they can outbitch me? Pffft.

 

Quick Gershwin question for those who have stayed there as I cannot find it on their site, do they place holds on your card when you make a reservation?

 

You know, I can't remember offhand? I don't THINK they do. But don't hold me to it, ask 'em for sure.