From life size Barbie boxes to pink popcorn, the Barbie Blowout Party at Regalâs Celebration Pointe theater in Gainesville, Florida, was everything I ever imagined it to be and more. On June 20, Fandango announced that they would be hosting an early screening of the movie alongside âa giant blowout party with all the Barbies, and planned choreography, and a bespoke songâ at select theaters across the east coast at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19.Â
Although the real world is finally in reach for the iconic doll, tickets werenât for many looking to get their hands on some. Because of the limited availability released, tickets were selling out faster than some people could check out with some theaters being sold out within 30 minutes after being released.
Not much was shared with event-goers on what to expect at each theater, so it truly was a surprise for those in attendance â unless you were lucky enough to attend CinĂ©polisâ 21+ Movie & A Meal event which included things like a four-course meal and themed cocktails (glitter drinks, anyone?). My experience started with none other than a life-size Barbie box, a pink fringe backdrop, and a Barbie table set up for the ultimate photo opportunity.
After picking up my free movie poster, Regal Barbie-inspired pink popcorn, and a Barbie collectorâs cup, I finally scanned my ticket and was gifted a collectorâs Barbie pin before heading into the theater. Although my theater didnât have the rumored Barbie popcorn buckets, some movie-goers lucked out and hopefully you do, too!
One of my most unpopular opinions is that I genuinely enjoy the trailers before a movie, but I wasnât disappointed last night when we were pleasantly surprised with Barbie Blowout Party sneak peeks like a special listen to Barbie The Album, interactive activities, and QR codes such as the Barbie Selfie Generator and access to the movieâs social toolkit to share exclusive posters, memes, and GIFs.
In an interview with Attitude, Margot Robbie said, âWe wanted Barbie Land to feel incredibly inclusive. And we wanted this film to feel like everyone was welcome.â I can tell you that from my experience, the audience in attendance was the most diverse Iâve ever been a part of, with ages ranging from elementary-aged kids to retirement-aged adults, all of whom were dressed head to toe in their hottest themed attire. From Barbie t-shirts, dresses, and jumpsuits, to full-on themed Barbie and Ken cosplay, the sold out theater wasnât short of Barbie fashion.
Now come on, âget into the box and weâll go back to Barbieland,â because âthe real worldâs not what I thought it was.â