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Bookswithtea
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| Posted: Jan 22 2009 at 11:52am | IP Logged
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If you've been, did you love it? Was it worth it? What did you do? How long did you spend there? How much $$ did you spend there (I have three girls)? 
Also, two of my girls have VF dolls instead of AG. Would it be weird for them to bring them?
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mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and  due 9/10
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guitarnan
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| Posted: Jan 22 2009 at 12:12pm | IP Logged
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We went to the L.A. store on a weekday, right when it opened. I gave my dd a choice between eating there and having more money to spend (she took the money). Setting a budget/spending limit helps tremendously.
We stayed for quite a while, looking at everything...it was fun! It wasn't crowded, which was nice.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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LisaD
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| Posted: Jan 22 2009 at 12:34pm | IP Logged
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I took my dd to the store in L.A. last year. She used her own money to buy an outfit for her doll. I paid to have her doll's hair done and we had lunch. The lunch was really, really good! My advice is to look at the website, it will have prices for everything, and decide on your budget.
We spent about 2 1/2 hours there, including lunch. AG Place in L.A. is in a neat outdoor shopping mall, so we walked around looking there a bit, too.
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MaryM
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Like Lisa, I paid to have the hair done for one doll. My daughter had her own money for outfits/accessories she wanted to buy. We had wanted to do the lunch or tea, but we didn't reserve a spot enough in advance and they were sold out by the time we knew which day we would be there. You need at least a few days notice and more for weekends or special events. We spent a couple hours there - well actually we went twice in the same day (long story ). It was a lot more crowded during the day - when we went in the evening there was no waiting for the hair styling - definitely less hectic. We were there on a weekday but it was during spring break so probably more crowded than if you can go during the school year. This was the LA store also - kind of funny that's the one all three of us have been to so far. 
Regarding VF dolls, I think it would be fine to take them along if they wanted, though I know they won't do the hair of dolls not AG.
My daughter loved it and I well, just couldn't believe how much money people were spending  .
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Mary M. in Denver
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PDyer
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We visited the Michigan Avenue, Chicago store on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
We didn't last long. It was insanely crowded, but really, what could we expect?
We went in with a budget, and that helped our girlie keep her wishes in perspective. 
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Patty
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Mamamoon
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we have been to the LA store a couple of times. i highly recommend it. it is always a high point of our trips down south. setting your budget/limit, beforehand is the way to go.
lisa
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Bookswithtea
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Well, it sounds like its lots of fun. I will check the web site to see what there is to do, and continue to muse on it. We are going through Chicago on a vacation this year so that's what inspired me to ask.
I wonder if other girls bring their "other dolls" or if it would look weird. I could always tell them to leave them at home...
Thanks, ladies
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mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and due 9/10
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Carole N.
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We took a trip to the Chicago store with several other mothers/daughters. We spent the year studying each of the different dolls and went in late August for a long weekend.
We took the train from Newton, Kansas. It was a fun experience. We saw the play, had brunch at the cafe (it was wonderful ... they served my dd heart-shaped pancakes). And of course, shopped. We also did some other events in the Chicago area, because we were there for a few days. It was a wonderful time. My dd was 10 at the time and had just received her American Girl doll for her birthday.
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Waverley
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There is an AG store in the Twin Cities now and I took one of my girls. We were there about 2 hours (1 1/2 longer than I wished) but I just followed her around and let her look. We didn't buy anything. She knew this in advance and was OK with it.
I agree that you need to make reservations in advance. It's easy to do though.
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Angi
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We have been to the store in Chicago, before it moved. We are also going again in July. My mom buys each of my daughters and AG doll for their 6th b-day. She flies in to Chicago, we meet at the store. She buys the doll and that dolls accessories. She also buys an outfit the doll for each of my daughters that tags along (Bitty Baby doll clothes). I buy pay for the tea.
We have a lovely day and ride the train home.
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Bookswithtea
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This sounds like so much fun. We have at least 3 bitty babies here...now I'm wishing they still played with them because I think I would love that section of the store...my last two have been boys! 
I did look at what was available to do. So much! So now I guess I just need to figure out what we can afford.
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mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and due 9/10
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Matilda
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We have been on two occasions. The first was a total surprise for my oldest daughter and our first introduction to the Am Girl world. She picked out a doll and then we went for brunch in the cafe. She is my pink lover and was in pink girlie Heaven! They had loaner dolls that my youngest daughter could choose from so that she could have a doll at the table too. When we went back for her birthday, she didn't want to eat there because the food wasn't what she expected.
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4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: Am Girl Store questions...
