VIDEO A Barbie festival refunds customers after wave of complaints: “Is that all? Did I miss something?”

Mattel, the owner of the Barbie brand, has announced that all those who purchased tickets to the Barbie Dream Fest in Florida at the weekend will receive full refunds after customers complained about the lackluster event, the BBC reported.

“Join us for three days of glamour, nostalgia and dreamy energy, created for Barbie fans of every generation,” organizers announced, promising “unforgettable experiences.”

However, visitors, who paid up to $450 for tickets, said the event did not live up to expectations.

Michael Gorey, who came to the event from Ohio on vacation with his wife and daughters, told the Times that when he entered the venue he thought, “Is this it? Did I miss something?”

Others expressed their displeasure on social media.

“'Life-size Barbie Dreamhouse' is a cheap backdrop with a picnic table on artificial grass,” wrote one Reddit user.

Some Barbie fans paid nearly $500 for a weekend “Dream Pass” to “Barbie Dream Fest,” which promised an '80s roller rink, a Barbie Dreamhouse photo op and more — but some say the experience wasn't quite the dream they hoped for. pic.twitter.com/mHcLd3zGTk

— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 30, 2026

“There were empty halls, maybe 14 vendors”

Hell Hotel, a burlesque performance group that attended the event, told the BBC they were “expecting a lot more”. According to the group, ads on social media featured young women in their 20s and 30s, but in reality many of the experiences at the festival had height restrictions and were “for children as young as eight”.

“There were empty halls, maybe 14 vendors,” Hell Hotel said.

Mischief Management, the company that created the Barbie Dream Fest, however, told the BBC that it appreciated the “passion and involvement of the Barbie community”.

“Barbie Dream Fest was created as an intimate fan convention designed to promote meaningful connection, inspiration and closer access to Barbie and her world. We will be offering full refunds to all who purchased tickets,” the company said.

A one-day ticket cost $72 for adults and $33 for children.

PHOTO: Erin Cadigan | Dreamstime.com