One of the first LEGO® 4+ sets to be released this year is yet another Frozen Ice Palace. But this time, Elsa’s icy abode has installed a mini roller coaster, and it includes several characters from Disney’s animated phenomenon. As a 4+ set, the build utilises unique Starter ‘Bricks’, printed elements, and offers an easy-to-build experience that introduces younger fans to LEGO building. Here’s a look at the newly released Elsa’s Ice Castle & Snow Rose Adventure set.
Product Details
Set Name: Elsa’s Ice Castle & Snow Ride Adventure | Set Number: 43281 | Pieces: 216 | Theme: Disney’s Frozen/4+
Number of Bags: Bags x 5 | Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Sticker: n/a | Mini-dolls: Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Bruni & 3 x Snowies
RRP: £44.99/49.99€/$49.99/79.99AUD/64.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & LEGO retailers
The 4+ sets have become well known for their use of unique elements dubbed Starter Bricks. This set doesn’t offer anything too interesting in terms of the special bricks. There’s only a baseplate with a curved edge and the two frames used in the construction of the mini castle. But some of the set’s other elements are a little more useful. These include several transparent blue bricks, especially the sloped roof tiles, which have only appeared in a handful of sets. The rarest elements are the carts used for the snow ride.
The build is split across two main sections: the small ice castle and a roller coaster track which circles it. As this is a 4+ set, neither of them is overly detailed, but they do have other fun play features, especially the snow ride. This uses several pieces of white coaster track, which carry a trio of coaster carts. These have room to seat the set’s various characters. Elsa’s castle has been represented in several different LEGO sets, and whilst this isn’t the most detailed version, it still looks notably icy thanks to the use of those aforementioned transparent elements. Along with the castle and snow ride, there are several smaller accessories to build, which expand the playability of the set.
The set includes two mini-dolls, sisters Elsa and Anna. Both have appeared in other sets and are based on their appearance in the first Frozen film. The mini-dolls are great representations of the character’s animated design. I did find the rubbery hair pieces a little difficult to apply, but this is often an issue with mini-dolls. Olaf joins Anna and Elsa. This character has had several redesigns over the years, and the current one first appeared in 2021. This uses a unique head and body, which is by far better than earlier takes on the beloved character. Elemental salamander, Bruni, makes his second appearance in a set. The set also includes a trio of Snowiest, each just a printed sphere for their adorable faces.
Although aimed at younger builders and therefore not a challenging build, the set is interesting for adult builders thanks to some unique or rare elements, along with a couple of interesting printed pieces. Set 43281: Elsa’s Ice Castle & Snow Ride Adventure is available now.
