If you want a quick way to tick off a bunch of parents at once, promise their kids a super cool live-action event with their favorite cartoon character and totally disappoint them with a man in pajamas. Dirt Dog Las Vegas prides itself on serving delicious hot dogs in a family-friendly Sin City environment. It seems someone thought it could drum up a bit more business with a free Bluey event and advertised a special day with the top dog on May 11. But things went differently than planned.
Parents and children alike were extremely disappointed when they went to the event, which was advertised on Facebook to have all kinds of fun activities, including a Bluey meet-and-greet, but it ended up being an employee in a character onesie. Now the establishment is being shredded online for overpromising and underdelivering.
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Dirt Dog made some big promises.
Kids don’t mess around when it comes to Bluey. They are obsessed with the precocious pup, and many jumped at the chance to meet her in person. The original invitation posted on Facebook had more than 3,000 virtual RSVPs.
People were excited to meet Bluey and friends, and being able to do it for free seemed exciting to a lot of people. Dirt Dog’s invitation advertised face painting, crafts, snacks, giveaways, and a chance to meet Bluey and friends. What Bluey-obsessed kid wouldn’t love that?
Maria Hardly was there and tells CafeMom it was disaster. "It was extremely crowded and was very clearly a cash grab at the expense of families interests. [It was] a poorly planned and executed event that left so many children disappointed," she says.
The event was apparently nothing like people expected.
Parents brought their kids to the restaurant hoping for a little Bluey fun and were shocked by what they saw. Pictures circulating online show a man, who reportedly works at Dirt Dog, in a pitiful-looking Bluey onesie that was instantly the butt of jokes.
One parent wrote on the event’s Facebook page, “Temu Bluey costume and decorations from Dollar Tree featured at Dirt Dog Las Vegas Rainbow! Thanks for ruining my 3 year olds day!”
And this person agreed, “When you order your bluey event from Wish.”
The parents were so upset.
People weren’t shy airing their grievances with the restaurant.
“This was a joke and scam advertising to get people to come to their establishment. The man wearing the bluey suit didn’t even wear his hood, THE WHOLE outfit didn’t fit!" one parent wrote. "He sat there with no emotion! There were no games, no face painting, no prizes ..NOTHING! I can’t even tell you how many little children were upset. Why would you do that to kids??! Bluey Day! Was a HUGE let down.”
And so many agreed.
“This was a huge let down !! Had us stand in line and face painting wasn’t even there anymore!" another comment reads."If you’re advirtising with Bluey you gotta go big, otherwise go home!!”
The restaurant attempted damage control.
Dirt Dog posted an apology on Facebook in what appeared to be an attempt to regain customer confidence.
“We are truly sorry this event wasn’t the expected experience! We take pride in putting on community events for you and your family to enjoy. We have staff play out host characters for an added personal touch. We were overwhelmed with the turnout to this event," the post reads. "We will continue to improve on our events so we can ensure nothing like this will happen in the future. We apologize to the families that miss out on what we had to offer. We hope to repair our relationship with all of you.”
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Some defended the restaurant.
Although those who attended appeared overwhelmingly disappointed, some people pointed out in the comments section of the apology post that this was a free event.
"I love when people mob a free event and complain they didn’t get their moneys worth," a Facebooker pointed out. "Next time when they limit the people or charge for tickets for a more elaborate event they will c/omplain then too. People with kids looking for free stuff are the worst.”
At least one person plans to go to Dirt Dog the next time they’re in town, writing, “i legitimately will make a point to visit when we go to vegas . people are trashing this establishment ,they’re wanting a disney level meet and greet at a FREE EVENT!!! that’s wild . our society has lost their minds."
