Fans were unhappy with the lacklustre vibe at the Barbie Dream Fest. Photo / Brenna Miller
Fans were unhappy with the lacklustre vibe at the Barbie Dream Fest. Photo / Brenna Miller
A Barbie-themed fan festival is facing backlash, with attendees calling it underwhelming and their tickets refunded after it was judged “the Willy Wonka experience with pink paint”.
Fans of the iconic doll have been left disappointed beyond their pink dreams after what promised to be a lavishthemed three-day event proved anything but.
Devotees had flown in from all across the United States to attend the event in Fort Lauderdale, forking out between US$72-$US452 ($125-$788) for an adult ticket.
It was billed as “a three-day celebration of the empowerment, passion and creativity that is at the heart of Barbie and the fans who love her”.
But when the fans arrived at the Broward County Convention Centre in Florida, they found a cavernous hall with a black ceiling, grey concrete floor and sparsely arranged stalls.
Attendee and Barbie superfan Brenna Miller was scathing.
“Barbie Dream Fest ought to be ashamed at what they are calling the ‘ultimate fan weekend’,” she posted on social media.
“People are not happy! This is the Willy Wonka experience with pink paint. Barbie would not approved [sic]. I honestly cannot believe Mattel put their name on this.”
Miller told the Sun the reality was more plastic than fantastic after she flew to the event with three friends, spending at least US$2000 on flights, accommodation and premium tickets.
“There was a lot of hype and advertising, promising interactive experiences,” Miller said.
“It really didn’t deliver that at all – we keep saying it was the most Temu Barbie convention we’ve ever been to.”
According to the Barbie Dream Fest website, fans could meet tennis superstar Serena Williams, attend creative workshops and strap on roller skates for the “80s Disco Roller Rink”.
“They were charging US$373 for a photo with Serena Williams,” Miller said. “I’ve never seen that before at a Barbie convention.”
Fans will be offered refunds after Barbie's parent company got involved. Photo / Brenna Miller
The Barbie Reddit page was flooded with negative reviews.
“This event sucks. Barely any vendors or activities. The “80’s roller disco” is a 20x40 foot square of concrete in the middle of the marketplace with no decorations or anything to make it special,” said a user.
Now attendees are in line for refunds after Barbie’s parent company Mattel stepped in.
Fans will be getting a refund after the event. Photo / Mother_Question_3317/Reddit
“Barbie Dream Fest was created by Mischief Management, which licensed the Barbie brand from Mattel,” the company said in a statement.
“We are working with Mischief Management, who are managing attendee feedback and issuing full refunds to everyone who purchased tickets.
