Barbie enthusiasts are in for a treat as they prepare to step into the world of their beloved plastic icon, now turned feminist symbol.
The highly-anticipated Barbie Beach House is set to open its doors as a thrilling attraction within the upcoming Mattel Adventure Park, slated to open later this year. Drawing inspiration from Greta Gerwig’s life-sized version of Barbie’s iconic dream house featured in the film, the theme park will house a vibrant pink property large enough for visitors to explore.
While Mattel has remained relatively tight-lipped about the attraction, they promise an experience that seamlessly blends state-of-the-art technology with a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The Barbie Beach House will introduce the “Barbie Dream Closet personalised shopping experience,” employing hologram technology to bring Barbie to life. Visitors can also relax on the Barbie Beach Rooftop while sipping signature beverages.
The adventure continues with an innovative Flying Theatre adjacent to the Barbie Beach House, boasting a world-class dome screen and 8K projection, taking guests on a journey from Malibu to Brooklyn.
Last August, Mattel announced plans for the Mattel Adventure Park, set to become Arizona’s first fully themed indoor/outdoor amusement park and scheduled to open in 2024. Covering a vast 9-acre area, the majority of which is indoors, the park will operate year-round. In addition to the Barbie Dream House, several other iconic Mattel toys have provided inspiration for various attractions within the park.
Thrill-seekers can challenge themselves on the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker, a ride that climbs an astonishing 84 feet into the air, or experience the exhilarating double-looping Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer, complete with a double loop and two corkscrews. Masters of the Universe enthusiasts can engage in epic battles within a colossal 4,500 square-foot laser tag arena fashioned after the iconic Castle Grayskull fortress. For families and little adventurers, the Thomas & Friends: World of Sodor offers seven family-friendly experiential attractions and rides, including dedicated indoor play areas for train enthusiasts.
The release of the highly successful Barbie film in 2023 revitalised interest in the iconic figurine while sparking discussions about gender equality. Ryan Gosling, who portrayed Ken in the film, received an Academy Award nomination, while lead actress Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig were notably absent from the nomination list.
This oversight prompted criticism and accusations of sexism and misogyny within the industry. Many supporters of the film argued that the Academy’s failure to recognize its female star and director, despite the movie’s clear feminist themes, highlighted issues of gender bias in the entertainment industry.
