Rending of Barbie™ The Dreamhouse Experience in Berlin SUNRISE, FL – On the high heels of Barbie® doll's recent announcement that she's selling her Malibu mansion, the style icon revealed that, for the first time ever, fans worldwide will now be able to literally step inside her world with the Barbie™ The Dreamhouse Experience. Two life-sized houses - complete with pink elevators, a walk-in "glitterizer," an endless closet and a dazzling "diamond" ring display -- will be unveiled during March 2013, one in Berlin, Germany and the other in South Florida at Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the US.
"It is real coup for Sawgrass Mills to get this first-ever global experience, which will only enhance our already successful mix of retail, dining and entertainment concepts," said Luanne Lenberg, VP/General Manager at Sawgrass Mills. "We are confident that the millions of visitors who are already drawn to Sawgrass Mills will be attracted to the unique Barbie™ The Dreamhouse Experience."
The Dreamhouse® has been a fictional Malibu landmark as well as one of the most coveted toy homes for more than four decades. The original Barbie® Dreamhouse® debuted in 1962, providing girls with the backdrop to "play house" with Barbie®. In March, the real life Dreamhouses in Germany and Florida will provide an unprecedented opportunity to interact with Barbie, her friends and family, and truly see what it's like to live her dreamy life. Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology bracelets and LED touch screens, fans can also create their own personalized experiences during the tour – including digitally "trying on" Barbie® doll's fabulous fashions.
"This year, Barbie is inviting fans into her world to explore what they've only played with in doll size," said Lori Pantel, vice president, global marketing for Barbie. "Barbie's life-sized Dreamhouses will provide fans a new way to interact and engage with the Barbie brand while providing a memorable experience."
Inspired by the house in the popular web series, "Barbie™ Life in the Dreamhouse," Barbie™ The Dreamhouse Experience was designed, developed and built by EMS Entertainment, a global leader in the live exhibition community. The Dreamhouse® was built in less than a year, using more than 20 pounds of glitter and 100 gallons of pink paint to decorate the 25,000 square foot location in Berlin and the 10,000 square foot South Florida Dreamhouse, which will be located in The Oasis at Sawgrass Mills joining other popular entertainment venues including the Regal Sawgrass 23 Stadium & IMAX.
"We've paid incredible attention to detail and created a completely interactive experience by using the latest technology to personalize each fan's visit to the Dreamhouse," says Christoph Rahofer, president and CEO of EMS Entertainment. "Together with our partner Mattel, we are building a first of its kind experience for Barbie fans around the world."
Barbie® doll's best friends, family and pets are also featured throughout the experience in unexpected ways with animation, photography and interactive games creating an engaging experience for Barbie® fans of all ages. More than 350 Barbie® dolls and other collector memorabilia will be on display and fans can purchase the Barbie™ Dreamhouse doll and accessories onsite at the Barbie® Dreamhouse® boutiques.
Fans can choose between general admission tickets, starting at US$14.95 and 12 € for children ages three to 12, and several other packages including specials for school groups, families of five, and a VIP Megastar Experience, which includes access to the Barbie® "Fashion Runway" and the "Rockstar Stage." Barbie™ The Dreamhouse Experience is currently scheduled to run through the end of 2013. For more information and pricing, visit www.barbiedreamhouse.com.
