The organizer of a Barbie event in Florida has issued refunds after attendees’ photos were mocked on social media — and it’s a pretty unflattering comparison.
Barbie Dream Fest in Fort Lauderdale promised an interactive dream house, roller-skating party, fashion show, workshops and more, with tickets ranging from $69 (£52) to $449 (£340).
But it hasn’t lived up to some fans’ expectations, with the series of attractions – providing shots of pink in an otherwise drab-looking convention center – being compared to an infamous Willy Wonka event in Glasgow.
That disastrous dedication to one of literature’s most recognizable characters also led to a refund being issued. Even the children had tears in their eyes. and the police were also called.
There was no such intervention in Fort Lauderdale, but one Barbie fan said on social media: “We got Wonka’d!”
A spokesperson for Barbie owner Mattel acknowledged the backlash after some attendees told Sky’s US partner network nbc news Of their experience.
Willy’s Chocolate Experience from 2024. Photos: Stuart Sinclair
‘Not as capable as Barbie’
Brenna Miller, who paid nearly $500 (£379) for a VIP, three-day “Dream Pass”, said the advertised dream home was nothing more than a 10-foot-tall cardboard cutout.
The roller-skating “rink”, he said, was originally an “animal pen” with sheets labeled “Roller Disco”. He said it accommodated only children, while promotional material suggested adults could participate.
“It was not Barbie’s caliber at all,” she said.
Brenna Miller was not impressed with the trading prices. Photo: AP
Alexandria Dougan, 33, attended with her sister and niece, who was celebrating her seventh birthday.
Each adult spent $70 (£53) for a day’s stay and $30 (£23) for his niece, but they all left after about an hour.
Ms Dougan said the “huge” hall was too large for the number of performances. Her niece was unable to experience the bike course because the bicycles available were too small. All the big ones were broken.
“There should have been some kind of monitoring of events or backup plan to make sure that what you posted on social media is the same, because that’s not what it was,” he told NBC.
What have the organizers said?
In a statement to NBC News, a Mattel spokesperson said that the program was “created by Mischief Management, which licensed the Barbie brand from Mattel”.
“We are working with Mischief management to manage the response from attendees and are issuing full refunds to everyone who purchased tickets,” he said.
“We want every fan to have an excellent experience.”
Mischief management confirmed that it would provide full refunds and thanked those who participated.
“Mischief Management is incredibly grateful to everyone who attended Barbie Dream Fest,” the statement said.
“Bringing fans together – with Barbie role models, designers, partners and global icons who embody the true spirit of Barbie – was at the heart of the event.
“Barbie Dream Fest was created as an intimate fan convention designed to foster meaningful connection, inspiration and closer access to Barbie and her world.”
