Barbie lovers who spent thousands to attend a dream convention for the beloved doll have described their experience as closer to a nightmare than a dream world.
Brenna Miller, 40, and three of her friends came from all over the United States for what they were told would be the “Ultimate Barbie Fan Weekend.”
Having spent at least £1,500 on flights, accommodation and premium tickets to the event, the women had high expectations for Barbie Dream Fest – which was advertised as a “fan-filled weekend with limitless possibilities”.
But the reality was more plastic than fantastic, he said.
Miller told The Sun that he had paid £340 for Dream Pass tickets for the “ultimate experience” as well as taking several days’ holiday for the weekend trip.
“There was a lot of promotion and advertising promising interactive experiences,” he said.
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“It really couldn’t deliver all that – we keep saying it was the most Teemu Barbie convention ever.”
Flying from New York and Albuquerque to Florida, Miller said she and her friends attend conventions for beloved dolls across the country each year.
Along with other curious fans sharing their experiences on social media, he said the event was a “complete failure”.
“There are dozens of people we’ve met at other events who are really upset,” he said.
“I have never experienced anything like this.
“If it was for children aged 10 and under it would be fine – but certainly not at this price… maybe £35.”
Miller said that everything advertised by New York-based events company Mischief Management for Barbie Fest was “exaggerated”.
“There were a lot of posts on social media, a lot of graphics, a lot of speakers and (publicized) celebrities making promotional videos,” he said.
“That was the thing we had to avoid, and it really wasn’t an accurate representation at all.
“It’s a real shame.”
Even with the eye-watering price he paid for his ticket, Miller said the usual amenities — including access to food and special items — were nowhere to be found.
He said, “When you hear ‘Dream Pass’ you expect special features – but there was nothing like that.”
“No first in line for anything, no special seating.
“The swag bag contained literally two random items – a plastic hairbrush and hand sanitizer.”
The superfan also said that the 80s-style disco roller skating rink was “really overhyped” in the ad.
“In the end it was a 20 by 20 pen area that was tied off at the edges with sheets,” he said.
“It was really the ghetto.”
Miller said that other programs she had previously participated in were run by people who “cared about Barbie and the culture”.
“Raising all the money and giving back to the communities where the conventions are held,” he said.
“It seems like this company only cares about the bottom line.”
Major guest speakers, including Serena Williams and two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese, were to appear along with other advocates for diversity and women, with whom fans could take photos at additional cost.
“They were charging £280 for a photo with Serena Williams,” Miller said.
“I’ve never seen this before at a Barbie convention.”
Miller said that the event “could not cater to all demographics”.
“I don’t even think they knew what their Target There was a demographic,” she said.
“There were a lot of little kids there, which is great, but for people who didn’t have kids, there wasn’t anything for us.
“This lifestyle was not for fans.”
He said that while the presenters he saw – including metal designers and writers – “were amazing”, the fun activities and markets advertised were “weak”.
Mattel was reportedly involved in advertising the show but it is unclear whether they had any involvement in the actual event.
Mattel and Mischief management have been contacted for comment.
Online, other event attendees were also upset at the lackluster event.
The convention is being compared to the infamous Fyre Fest and the failed Willy Wonka Experience glasgowOne person said: “This is what you call a cheap celebration”.
“They couldn’t even get a full size barbie house for the kids to go and play in. I think these types of events should be banned forever if they don’t come with at least two or more full size semi trucks full of gear and stuff – otherwise a scam.”
Another quipped: “Expectation: Barbie Land. Reality: An empty warehouse pink “The Fyre Fest vibes are strong with this rug.”
Willy Wonka of Glasgow fails
A Willy Wonka-inspired event in Glasgow hit the headlines last month – but for all the wrong reasons.
The family arrived to an almost empty warehouse after paying £35 for a “unique experience”.
All the children were given were a few Jelly Babies and a cup of lemonade before it was all over in a matter of minutes.
The experience was so bad that children started crying and police were called to the venue as angry parents gathered outside.
Organizer Billy Cool was eventually forced to apologize for the “complete disappointment”, blaming technical difficulties for the chaos.
Hundreds of families had paid to see Willie’s Chocolate Experience, which was scheduled to take place over two days.
But House of Illuminati – the company behind the show – canceled it midway through the first day.
Parents described it as a “scam” – some paid £65 for a family ticket.
Speaking to the programme, Miller said: “You’ve got to laugh or you’ll cry”, but he did not hold Mattel responsible.
“I know Mattel is a more integrity-based company,” she said.
“Recently, when they introduced low-quality products, they issued a public apology and pulled the dolls from the market,” she said.
“I sincerely hope they issue a statement, they care about their collectors.
“Adult collectors are the people who have spent the most (money) with the company – not the stuff you see in toy stores.”
Miller talks about her Barbie collection — which even has its own room in her house along with a separate one Insurance The policy – had a “modest estimated value” of £22,500.
“There are people who have (collections worth) hundreds of thousands of dollars,” he said.
“A friend of mine has insured a temperature-controlled room in her home for £1.5 million.”
Having spent much of her childhood moving around, Miller revealed that although she didn’t have much, “the one thing she followed” was her Barbie dolls.
“[Barbie]has been a part of my life and development as a person, been a part of my evolution. She’s a big part of my core,” Miller explained.
“She was just kind of stuck.
“I grew up with that – when I became an adult, I could afford it so I started buying more expensive things.”
Since their frustrating experience began on Friday, Miller said he and several other attendees had attempted to contact Mattel and Mischief management.
“I tried to contact him, but his phone number continues to be switched off,” he said.
“There are dozens of people who are upset about this.
“We got together and thought let’s try something new. After what we saw, we only spent half a day on the program.”
Miller said that despite it all, there was a silver lining to the costly ordeal.
“I love the people I spend my time with here, my Barbie family,” she said.
