Like many little girls, I was enamored with all things Barbie. My collection wasn’t extensive, many were hand me downs but I could care less where the dolls were from. As long as they became mine, I’d take her. My only criteria? Her hair had to be long and in pristine condition.
I remember my older cousin having the now vintage Barbie Dreamhouse with the elevator on the outside of the home. Each time we visited I couldn’t wait to play with it. I’m sure me asking begging if she would pass it down to me over and over and over again, became quite annoying. A girl can dream right?
My two girls are also big Barbie fans even requesting a Barbie Birthday party last year. We considered having Santa delivery a dollhouse last Christmas, but I’m so glad we waited.
Barbie has a new home! With no expense spared, Barbie’s newly renovated Dreamhouse offers three-stories, 6 rooms, two elevators and unmatched “ocean views” of the Malibu coastline. And a remodel wouldn’t be complete without a few luxury details – like pink stainless steel kitchen appliances and a walk-in closet with its own elevator – a first for the fashion icon.
The Big Reveal
We surprised L and E a few weeks ago and they were beyond excited. I think the box alone sent them into hysteria, begging me to assemble that very minute. Note to self – never reveal a toy before bedtime.
After Barbie and her friends officially moved in, the girls have spent hours exploring the new abode. I’m not sure who was more fascinated me or the girls. I have to say the battery operated features are impressive. Barbie humming in the shower, the oven lights up, the “real” blender and the doorbell is beyond adorable.
Assembling Barbie’s Dreamhouse
Overall assembling Barbie’s Dreamhouse was easy and self explanatory with exception of a few areas. I am notorious for NOT reading instructions and trying to figure it out as I go. The larger pieces are deceiving giving the illusion that these can pop right into place in the most obvious area. Not so much… TIP: Keep the box until finished to reference as you go along.
Step One:
Before even considering putting this together, read the instruction manual FIRST and watch the video below. There are 17 steps and you’ll need to go in the order outlined. If I had paid attention to steps 5, 6 and 7, it would have made sense that the columns each have different shapes (see photo above). These shapes match up with specific holes that have the same shape.
It’s not noticeable until you struggle to insert the column. If ANY piece does not easily snap in, do not force it. The piece could break or get stuck.
Step Two:
Installing the main elevator – there are two – is your next mission. The pulley system is tricky all due to the manual not providing any text instructions, just photo demonstrations. And the photos are small and difficult to see (or maybe my eyes are getting bad). WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW and save yourself a great deal of time.
Step Three:
Once the home is assembled, apply the stickers that bring your Barbie Dreamhouse to life! Mattel makes it super easy, just adhere carefully because once in place it’s impossible to reposition without tearing or damaging. This is a nice feature preventing little hands from removing.
Step Four:
Your home comes completely furnished. We used the box to reference placement of the furniture. Most is self explanatory with the exception of home accessories. All the accessories like vases, blow dryer, blender, cutlery, plates, glasses, etc come in separate pouches. If you have kids under the age of 3, I highly recommend hiding and avoid using until they are older.
Many of these pieces secure into different areas throughout the home – concept being they stay in place. I was hoping this would prevent finding Barbie paraphernalia all over our basement, but it does not.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCv-QKewe7M[/youtube]
Barbie’s new Dreamhouse is definitely a step up from the version I coveted as a child. I love having the opportunity to share a toy that brings back such wonderful meaning. I know my girls will enjoy their new toy for many years.
SHOP: The Dreamhouse can be purchased at Walmart and retail stores nationwide, Retail Price (MSRP) is $184.99.
Find more @Barbie.
Did you have a Barbie Dreamhouse growing up? What’s your favorite new feature?
I participated in this sponsored campaign for One2One Network. I received monetary compensation and product to facilitate my post, but all sassy opinions stated are my own.
