Barbie Dream Fest promised glitter, pink, and empowerment — but for many attendees, the reality felt more like a bargain-bin mirage than a dream come true.

Guests who paid as much as $300 to attend the three-day event March 27-29 at the Broward Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale flooded social media with photos and videos of what they described as sparse, low-budget décor and underwhelming attractions.

“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,” a Mattel spokesperson said in a statement.

Among the most widely shared complaints: balloons still stamped with “Michaels,” a so-called “life-sized dream house” revealed to be a flat cardboard cutout, a silent roller disco, and a pink Volkswagen van roped off from guests.

Their website, which now only directs visitors to a help desk email, once hosted a schedule of 30 activities per day, making the high ticket cost appear more reasonable.

These events included autograph sessions, a guided art experience, Barbie dream flow yoga, a meet-and-greet Marlee Matlin and more.

The backlash quickly gained traction online, with some comparing the event to the infamous Fyre Festival and others likening it to the viral Glasgow debacle, Willy’s Chocolate Experience.

Amid mounting criticism, organizer Mischief Management announced Monday it will issue full refunds to all ticket holders.

“Mischief Management is incredibly grateful to everyone who joined Barbie Dream Fest. We appreciate the passion and engagement from the Barbie community. 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,” a Mischief Management spokesperson said in statement. “Barbie Dream Fest was created as an intimate fan convention designed to foster meaningful connection, inspiration, and closer access to Barbie and her world. We will be providing full refunds to everyone who purchased tickets.”

WPEC-Ch. 12 is a news partner of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.