Comparing the LEGO Disney 2016 and 2023 Disney Castles

43222 Disney Castle is undoubtedly similar to 71040 The Disney Castle, but there are a few differences between these two LEGO Disney sets. 

Launching on July 1 for VIP members and for everyone on July 4 for £344.99 / $399.99 / €399.99, 43222 Disney Castle releases not even a year after 71040 The Disney Castle retired after six long years on shelves. 

There’s little to no doubting that the two builds share some similarities, though a thorough analysis reveals some key differences that you might want to keep in mind as we near the release date. 

LEGO Disney Castle shape 

This won’t be surprising to read, but the shape of both massive LEGO Disney Castles is almost exactly the same. There are some changes to the height but otherwise there’s only one notable update. In 43222 Disney Castle, exploding fireworks drastically change the profile from that of 71040 The Disney Castle. 

LEGO Disney Castle colour scheme 

The biggest immediate difference between the 2016 and 2023 sets is the colour scheme. While 71040 The Disney Castle featured tan, white, blue and grey, 43222 Disney Castle opts for gold, a lighter nougat, grey and a lighter blue. This might seem strange, but it’s simply replicating the transformation of the Magic Kingdom’s castle in Walt Disney World in 2021.

LEGO Disney Castle size 

The 2023 set measures 80cm tall, 59cm wide and 33cm deep. The original 2016 model was smaller overall at 74cm high, 48cm wide 31cm deep. Looking at the two closely side-by-side, the newer model is noticeably bigger, though not by much. The difference in width is most easily spotted thanks to the extra tower on the right. 

LEGO Disney Castle minifigures 

71040 The Disney Castle included five minifigures – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Tinker Bell. The selection in 43222 Disney Castle is entirely different, focusing on Disney Princesses and Princes instead of Mickey and Friends (and Tinker Bell). The 2023 set includes eight minifigures – Snow White, Prince Florian, Cinderella, Prince Charming, Tiana, Prince Naveen, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. 

LEGO Disney Castle Easter eggs 

We may not know of every reference in the 2023 set just yet, but we can spot a few references that have carried over from 71040 The Disney Castle. These include the Flying Carpet from Aladdin, the spindle from Sleeping Beauty, the Magic Mirror from Snow White and a candelabra for Beauty and the Beast. New additions include a tapestry inspired by Moana and Rapunzels’ painting from Tangled. 

LEGO Disney Castle base 

One of the most interesting differences between 71040 The Disney Castle and 43222 Disney Castle is the massive change to the base that the castle sits on. In 2016, it was a grey base with the suggestion of water. However, the 2023 model switches things up with a decorated grassy hill with some plates for water too. 

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