I recently visited the World of Barbie experience in Mississauga, across from Square One Shopping Centre.
For those of you who don't know, I am a huge Barbie fan, some would even call it an obsession, with over 100 dolls and accessories in my collection. When I heard this was coming to the area this summer, I was beyond excited and bought tickets the first day they went on sale.
Naturally, I purchased the VIP tickets for the opening weekend. With VIP tickets, you can go to the exhibit anytime during the day of your scheduled visit, as opposed to a certain timeslot.
This is the first stop of the North American tour, which will be heading to other cities like New York City and Chicago later this fall.
Inside is set up like Barbie's Dream House. From her large pink camper van designed by West Coast Customs, to her deep floor to ceiling walk-in closet with shoes in every colour. I was in heaven.
In one part of the exhibit, you see the transformation of Barbie over the years. Since her launch in 1959 by creator Ruth Handler, Barbie has dabbled in various careers from fashion model to doctor, and from astronaut to firefighter. She has always been a true inspiration for me, and as I tell all my friends and family: Barbie is more than just a doll, she is a lifestyle.
Enclosed in a glass display case show the various vehicles Barbie has driven and the Dream Houses she's lived in.
There are plenty of photo opportunities in the exhibit. My favourite was posing in the six different lifesized Barbie boxes.
There are other interactive activities perfect for kids: like Barbie's Pool, filled with balls that you plunge into via the big pink slide or the music studio where you can record a song with a microphone, guitar or drums.
Upon exiting there is a gift shop of Barbie merchandise from dolls to bags to t-shirts.
Guests can also purchase their own customized doll kit with a special 'World of Barbie' box and bag to go with it.
The dolls are ones you can find at Walmart or Toys R Us, but I had to have the 'World of Barbie' merchandise so I purchased the custom kit with the doll included.
Here is a video of my experience at World of Barbie.
The experience will be here all summer. You can purchase tickets online here.
Natasha Philpott is a reporter/editor at our sister site, BradfordToday.
