The “Barbie” movie rolls into theaters (on pink roller skates, we presume) on July 21, 2023.
Finally, lifelong Barbie fans and Barbie-obsessed children alike will have the chance to see Barbie, Ken and all of their friends come to life. As excited as we are for this cinematic masterpiece, we are equally thrilled that there are real-life experiences where we can join Barbie in her carefree world of pink corvettes and dreamhouses.
We may never have her impeccable fashion sense or impressive multi-hyphen career. However, we can step into her mile-high plastic heels at these three Barbie-themed experiences across the U.S.
The Malibu Barbie Cafe
Have you ever thought to yourself, “What does Barbie like to eat for lunch?” You’ll find the answer at the Malibu Barbie Cafe. This immersive pop-up cafe is now serving Barbie-themed dishes in New York and will open in Chicago on July 5, 2023. Both locations are currently showing availability through mid-September.
Pricing for the Malibu Barbie Cafe varies based on the date and time. However, your ticket includes a 90-minute table reservation and your choice of one entree and one side item. Additional appetizers, drinks and desserts are available for purchase, as is Barbie-themed merchandise. Menu items include Malibu Barbie-inspired fare like a Beachside Breakfast Burrito, a West Coast Wedge Salad and a Think Pink Margarita.
During your visit, you can snap photos inside a life-size Barbie box and at the Chicago location, you can pay an additional fee to rent roller skates and try out your best moves on the roller rink.
World of Barbie
Play out your childhood Barbie fantasies in real life at the World of Barbie experience in Santa Monica, California. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Tour Barbie’s iconic dreamhouse, take a spin in her decked-out camper van and “try on” some of Barbie’s most popular careers by stepping inside life-size Barbie boxes and themed spaces inspired by Barbie’s talents as a musician, astronaut, scientist, athlete and all-around scene-stealer.
Related: ‘World of Barbie’ experience making US debut this spring in Los Angeles
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World of Barbie tickets start at $34.50 for adults and $25.50 for children ages 1 to 12. Discounts are available for students, first responders, guests ages 65 and older and military members. For an additional fee, you can customize an outfit for your own Barbie from the “Build It Barbie” doll closet or have your hair professionally styled in one of Barbie’s many iconic hairstyles.
The Trixie Motel
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COLBY KIRKPATRICK/THE POINTS GUY
Trixie Mattel is many things – a singer, actor, drag queen, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” season 3 and owner of the Trixie Motel in Palm Springs, California.
The Trixie Motel is a bona fide pink paradise, with pink rafts floating in the pool, pink paint on almost any wall that can be painted, cheeky pink decor and over-the-top themed suites that you will not for one second mistake for the run-of-the-mill rooms at most hotel chains.
Related: Atomic Bombshells and Yeehaw Cowgirls: My stay at the drag queen-owned Trixie Motel in Palm Springs
For the ultimate Barbie experience, we recommend the Malibu Barbara Room. However, if you fancy yourself more of a cowgirl Barbie or astronaut Barbie, The Trixie Motel has a room for you, too. The motel has three rooms, three suites and a honeymoon suite. Prices start at around $400 per night, plus taxes and fees.
Bottom line
Life in plastic may be fantastic, but we prefer the real thing. At these three Barbie-inspired destinations, you don’t have to settle for playing pretend. You can live out your wildest Barbie dreams and get even more excited about the “Barbie” movie.
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