A Fort Lauderdale event is going viral for all the wrong reasons.

What was supposed to be the ultimate Barbie Dream Fest at the Broward Convention Center was more like a disaster, according to attendees. Now, complaints are piling up along with calls for refunds. One local mom said she left disappointed.

“I feel like this is like the best representation of the weekend, that the inflatable is deflated,” attendee Cherry Bonbon said. “Dreamhouse is made of cardboard …. The ’80s disco rink… there’s no music, there’s no lights.”

The Fort Lauderdale Barbie Dream Fest from March 27 to March 29 was sold as the ultimate fan experience, with unforgettable and immersive activations.

“So this event right now is definitely people trying to make the best of it… bless them,” Bonbon said.

It was unforgettable, just not the way people expected, according to Bonbon, who traveled from Orlando.

“Don’t let your dreams be dreams at Barbie Dream Fest,” she said.

For many, life in plastic wasn’t so fantastic. Some families paid more than $200 for tickets.

“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,” said Devon Kirby, a South Florida mom and content creator behind the Mom Approved Miami page.

Kirby was even invited to moderate a panel at the event.

“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 also promoted appearances from big names, including Serena Williams and Angel Reese, but some guests pulled out.

“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,” Kirby said.

Attendees pointed out underwhelming décor and outdated merchandise.

“These are the magnets that say 2024, and these are the posters that say 2024,” Bonbon noted.

There was also a lack of activities.

“I saw a few kids crying and sitting down because there was nothing for them to do,” Kirby said.

NBC6 reached out to the event coordinator, Mischief Management, and received a statement from a spokesperson and Mattel that reads in part: “Barbie Dream Fest was created by Mischief Management, which licensed the Barbie brand from Mattel. We are working with Mischief Management, who are managing attendee feedback and issuing full refunds to everyone who purchased tickets. We want every fan experience to be an excellent one.”

As for Bonbon, she says she’s still waiting on her swag bag.

“So apparently they’ll be mailed to us… we’re really crossing our fingers,” she said.

Mischief Management says all guests received an email stating their refund will be automatically credited back to their original form of payment.