Overview
- Mattel said Monday it is working with Mischief Management to issue full refunds to all ticket buyers.
- Viral posts over the weekend compared the Fort Lauderdale event to Fyre Fest and Glasgow’s Willy Wonka show.
- Attendees reported a cardboard Dream House facade, a small roller rink penned by metal barricades, sparse vendors, poor signage, and panels that were canceled or moved.
- Many paid $72 to more than $400 for passes and some said they spent about $1,000 on travel, then found a “swag bag” that was only a hairbrush and hand sanitizer.
- The episode has intensified scrutiny of big-brand licensing deals, where outside firms run fan events that can damage a franchise if the on-site experience falls short.