LEGO Disney 41160 Ariel’s Seaside Castle review

Should LEGO Disney 41160 Ariel’s Seaside Castle become part of your world?

Price: £21.99 / $24.99 / €24.99  Pieces: 115  Available: Now

Someone at the LEGO Group must really love The Little Mermaid. Eight LEGO sets have been inspired by Ariel – more than any other Disney princess. Mermaids are clearly here to stay, this time around aimed at a younger audience. Is 41160 Ariel’s Seaside Castle a piece of flotsam or a sparkling sea gem?

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Many of the 4+ LEGO sets feel oversimplified to the point where they hardly constitute as LEGO models at all, but thankfully 41160 Ariel’s Seaside Castle isn’t one of those, and there is plenty of brick clicking fun to be had for young fans.

The castle has two very simple storeys and by incorporating ocean-themed motifs on a few of the pieces, it is actually quite nicely detailed. Including a slide certainly adds to the fun and it’s hard to resist whooshing down not only Ariel but her animal companions too. Max’s kennel is a little odd looking – for some reason it’s on an island, and the tree is too straight to be natural, but these are only minor issues.

Ariel’s rowing boat is reminiscent of the one used for her romantic evening with Prince Eric when Sebastian attempts to make the couple kiss. It’s a bit pink, but the fish-scale printing on the upholstery is a nice touch. All the “thingamabobs” inside the chest definitely feel like parts of Ariel’s collection and add to the playability of the set.

From mermaid to bride, Ariel has had many incarnations, but the one in 41160 Ariel’s Seaside Castle is unique. Her dress has an astounding amount of printed detail all based around the sea, like seashells on her bodice and starfish on the skirt.

41160 Ariel’s Seaside Castle is a great introduction to LEGO Disney but for £21.99 it could have been improved by the inclusion of just one more mini-doll character, whether it was Eric or one of Ariel’s mermaid sisters.

This product was provided for review by the LEGO Group.

41160 Ariel’s Seaside Castle is available now at shop.lego.com. You can help support Brick Fanatics’ work by using our affiliate links.

 

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