Mattel has promised full refunds for a Barbie Dream Fest that promised to be the “ultimate” weekend in Barbieland, but turned out to be a “nightmare”.

Ticketholders paid from $US69-$449 ($A101-$655) for the three-day event in Florida that promoted interactive shows, performances and exhibits.

“Join us for three days of glam, nostalgia, and dream-big energy made for Barbie fans of every generation,” declared the event promotions, marketing to all ages.

But attendees shared their dismay after turning up to a largely empty, garishly-lit concrete warehouse, with a sparse array of lacklustre pink exhibits.

The Barbie roller rink was meant to be a glittering party for all ages. Photo: Alexandria Dougan

The promised glittering party at a rollerskating rink was a “small square” mostly for small children.

What was meant to be an interactive Barbie Dreamhouse looked like a one-dimensional cardboard cutout propped up against a wall.

“This was honestly so insulting to arrive after paying almost $80 for it to be soooo underwhelming with the lack of effort in decorations and nothing entertaining to do for anyone. Truly a scam,” posted one attendee on Instagram.

One Reddit user wrote: “WE GOT WONKA’D!” in reference to a shockingly sparse Willy’s Chocolate Experience event in Glasgow that went viral in 2024.

Barbie’s Dreamhouse was billed as an interactive experience. Photo: Reddit ConsiderationFun7511

A ‘Bridgerton Ball’ in 2024 also failed miserably and subsequently went viral for all the wrong reasons in Detroit.

Alexandria Dougan told People the Barbie event was empty and no music was playing when she walked in.

“The first things you saw were the ‘80s skating rink and the bike event. The rink was metal bars and a tiny disco ball. No music, no theme,” she said.

“The Barbie Dreamhouse was a cut-out cardboard box with a pink blanket in front, a couple chairs and a VW bus that you couldn’t even go in.”

A spokesperson for Mattel, Barbie’s parent company, said it was working with the event organisers Mischief Management to refund tickets to everyone.

“We want every fan experience to be an excellent one.”

One of the exhibits dotted through the warehouse. Photo: Brenda Miller

Mischief Management said it was “incredibly grateful” to everyone who joined Barbie Dream Fest.

“Bringing fans together — alongside Barbie role models, designers, partners, and global icons who embody the true spirit of Barbie — was at the heart of this event,” it said.

“Barbie Dream Fest was created as an intimate fan convention designed to foster meaningful connection, inspiration, and closer access to Barbie and her world.”