New doll: Dream Choice DD Dynamite

I got my first Dollfie Dream doll during my recent trip to Japan.

I used Dream Choice service, which means she's assembled-to-order from parts I selected to my liking. Using Volks' own words:

DD Dream Choice is a service limited to Doll Point Akihabara and Doll Point Osaka which allows you to create your own dream character as a DD.

You can select your favorite head, makeup, eyes, and wig from a wide variety of options. Doll Point staff members will begin assembling your chosen model right away, so your order will [be] ready that day at the store.

Why did I get a Dollfie Dream after five years of mainly collecting Smart Dolls?

I feel like many people will ask me this question.

When I was about to buy my first 1/3 scale vinyl doll, I did some research, but Smart Dolls got my initial attention. I liked the sculpting of Smart Dolls' bodies and heads more. Not to mention the overall idea behind the brand, the company (Culture Japan), and the design philosophy of Smart Doll. I still love all of that, however...

There are not many new Smart Dolls released recently that I really would love to get. I own a dozen, and variety and uniqueness are essential to me. I didn't want to get more of the same or similarly looking dolls, so I had to look elsewhere. After 10+ Smart Dolls, even the body sculpt becomes a bit boring.

Currently, DD offers the variety I need to stay excited about the doll collecting and photography hobby.

Another reason is my curiosity about the DD ecosystem. Multiple body variants, general availability of dolls and extra parts, clothes and accessories selection, pricing, licensed/limited dolls, and services like Dream Choice started to sound very interesting as I became more familiar and comfortable with the hobby. I'll write my thoughts on DD in general in a separate post.

Dream Choice impressions

First of all, I was impressed that such a service even exists. I mean, being able to show up at the store, choose any of the body variants and parts, get it built in front of you, and walk out with an assembled-to-order doll after less than one hour, it's all pretty impressive even if it's only available in two stores in Japan.

My experience was really good even though I don't really speak Japanese.

At the beginning of my trip, I went to Doll Point Akihabara and made an appointment for one of the final days of my vacation. I wanted to avoid traveling around with a huge box, and besides, I'd just picked up North from the Mirai Store, and one new doll was more than enough to deal with.

An advance appointment is theoretically not necessary, and you can just walk in if they are not fully booked. But I think it's one customer at a time, and each slot is 1 hour long, so if you don't live in Akiba, I'd recommend booking a date in advance.

On the day of the appointment, I returned to the store, and the fun began.

You sit at the counter and start choosing all parts one by one from the printed catalog: body type, skin color, head and makeup, wig, and eyes. Pretty straightforward.

I've already decided in advance on DD Dynamite in Flesh color, head DC-H-24, and makeup M02, so it was a bit easier. Otherwise, the choice can be overwhelming.

There are sample dolls of different types around, so you can look and decide what you like most. If what you want is not on display, you can ask for samples, and the staff will show you what it would look like. The same goes for eyes and wigs; you can request to try different shapes and colors before you make the final call.

I was unsure about eyes and wigs, so it took a while. For both parts, there are about a dozen designs to choose from, and each design comes in several possible colors (and eyes come in various sizes too).

Some heads, eyes, and wigs are exclusive to Dream Choice, so I thought it makes sense to pick one of those (alternatively, you can choose any standard part that's in stock, but they don't guarantee it will be).

The nice bonus is that you can buy additional DC-exclusive eyes and wigs with your doll. I decided to grab two extra pairs of eyes in different colors (they are also quite inexpensive at 7 USD/pair).

As you review the catalog and pick parts, the staff member notes everything down. Then goes once again through the list of selected parts, confirming your choice for the parts the doll will be assembled from, and any extras.

Once parts are collected, you get to see all parts before the assembly to check if you're fine with everything.

If all is good, they take all parts to build the doll, which is not really a lot, just placing the eyes in the head, and the head on the body. The complete doll is put into a cushioned box and wrapped before you get the final presentation, where she's unveiled just in front of you. It's a bit theatrical, but it's a nice touch!

You can once again inspect the doll, and then she's taken away again to be put into standard packaging with all the remaining parts (wig, underwear) and extras (additional eyes, etc.) You also get a Certificate of Authenticity with your doll's specifications and a very well-made instruction manual.

About prices

The price is slightly higher than standard models. For example, a standard model DD (not DD Dynamite) is 46,800 JPY (~310 EUR or ~335 USD), and DD Dream Choice is 59,800 JPY (~400 EUR or ~430 USD).

For comparison, a standard model Smart Doll is 52,000 JPY, so right between standard DD and custom DC.

It looks different if you want to buy overseas. Of course, Dream Choice is not available at all. Standard model DD is 515 USD on the Volks USA website, and standard model Smart Doll will amount to ~345 EUR or ~375 USD without shipping (or more like ~425 EUR if you live in the EU and have to pay import taxes).

I don't think prices are the deciding factor when it comes to hobbies like that, but it may be another reason why DD is so prevalent in Japan while SmD is more popular overseas. Especially for folks in the US (which is the biggest overseas doll market, I believe), SmD seems less expensive and offers many more standard/frontline models to choose from (although their availability is quite spotty).



If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!