A Fort Lauderdale event billed as the ultimate Barbie fan experience has sparked complaints and refund demands after attendees say it failed to deliver on promises of immersive attractions. The Barbie Dream Fest at the Broward Convention Center from March 27 to March 29 featured cardboard displays instead of the elaborate installations advertised to families who paid more than $200 for tickets.
“I feel like this is like the best representation of the weekend, that the inflatable is deflated,” said attendee Cherry Bonbon, who traveled from Orlando. “Dreamhouse is made of cardboard. The ’80s disco rink… there’s no music, there’s no lights.”
Devon Kirby, a South Florida mom and content creator behind the Mom Approved Miami page who was invited to moderate a panel at the event, described the experience as underwhelming. “We were all told it was going to be the Barbie Dream House. It was going to be a spectacular, interactive dream house, and it was a cardboard cutout and a VW wagon with some astroturf on the floor,” Kirby said.
The event promoted appearances from big names including Serena Williams and Angel Reese, but some guests pulled out according to attendees. Kirby noted additional problems with basic amenities at the convention center venue. “I spoke to a few moms that were looking even just for water or snacks, because there was just one small concession stand that was filled with people because no one else had anywhere to go,” she said.
Despite the disappointments, some attendees tried to make the best of the situation. “So this event right now is definitely people trying to make the best of it… bless them,” Bonbon said. The event was marketed with the tagline “Don’t let your dreams be dreams at Barbie Dream Fest,” promising unforgettable and immersive activations for fans.
Kirby expressed particular disappointment given her enthusiasm for the Barbie brand. “Honestly, I was very underwhelmed, and I was very disappointed, because I love Barbie. I’m a huge fan. My daughter is a huge fan, and we were so looking forward to it being this incredible, immersive experience,” she said. The event has gone viral on social media, with attendees sharing images and videos of the sparse displays and deflated attractions that failed to meet expectations for families who invested significant money in tickets.