Barbie is a doll that’s been around since 1959, and everyone knows her name. Now the iconic feminine doll is back in the spotlight due to the massive success of Warner Bros. 2023 Barbie movie. She’s one of the few globally recognized characters not owned by the Walt Disney Company, but that’s not for lack of trying. As Intellectual Property of the toy company Mattel, Barbie has been licensed out to Disney a few times, most notably for its Toy Story film franchise. But in 1994, Walt Disney World’s EPCOT tried to do more with Barbie.
In 1994, Walt Disney World threw a magical but nearly forgotten experience celebrating the Barbie doll’s 35th anniversary. The “birthday party” was released on a VHS tape showing Barbie and her friends debuting new 1994 fashion in the live Barbie Show at EPCOT. It’s equal parts advertising for EPCOT and Mattel.
Here’s part of the description on the box,
WOW! It’s time to get ready for the Barbie Stage Show, Lisa and Stephanie will take you backstage where you’ll experience everything from set building to hair styling. What’s more, you’ll actually see Barbie and her friends dancing and singing in great costumes in an exciting sneak peek of the new show.
You’ll love every action-packed minute! Happy Birthday Barbie!
That’s right, Barbie was a full-out Disney Parks character for a little while in 1994. The Magical World of Barbie lasted from January 1994 to May 11, 1995, in the American Adventure Pavilion of the World Showcase. While the plot of the show is not super clear, Barbie seems to travel the world with new outfits to match each destination.
While Barbie and Disney obviously didn’t create a box office hit like Greta Gerwig and Warner Bros Pictures, it’s still an interesting watch. I wonder what Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling would think of this Barbie and Ken…
Check it out here!