Welcome, dear LEGO® fans! Today we are excited to share with you our impressions of the brand new LEGO set "The Little Mermaid Royal Clamshell" (43225). This set is part of the popular LEGO Disney Theme Series and transports us directly into the magical underwater world of Arielle, the Little Mermaid.
Overview
Before we dive into the details, let's take a quick look at the facts. The set with the LEGO® number 43225 was released in April 2023 and has since been a highlight for Disney and LEGO fans alike. It contains a total of 1808 pieces and thus offers hours of building and playing fun. The recommended building time is about 4 to 5 hours, and the set has the impressive dimensions of 24.4 x 15.4 x 4.7 inch. A real eye-catcher in any collection!
Design and structure
The first thing that strikes us when looking at this set is the stunning design. The idea of using the shell as the central element is simply ingenious. The details and shapes that emerge during construction are impressive. Yes, there are a few small gaps in the design, but given the LEGO® parts available, it's hard to imagine how they could have been filled better.
The backside
An interesting detail that the designers mentioned during the interview is the back of the shell. It is not as elaborately designed as the front, but for good reason. A more comprehensive design would have increased the price of the set significantly. We think it was a wise decision to keep the cost down, since the back is usually out of sight.
A look inside the shell
Let's take a closer look at the magical world inside the shell. A fascinating underwater landscape full of details and surprises unfolds here. The loving design of this part of the set immediately impresses. From the vibrant corals to the gentle sway of the seaweed - the variety of colors and textures is simply stunning.
Attention to detail
In this environment, Ariel and her friends can take a seat and float on their royal thrones. The ability to position and stage the figures as desired opens up countless play possibilities. The attention to detail is also evident in the little fish that seem to glide effortlessly through the water. The transparent elements that adorn them give the scenery a very special depth and dynamism.
The world inside the shell is a visual feast for the senses and immerses us in the fascinating underwater world that Arielle and her friends inhabit. This part of the set is undoubtedly a highlight and adds a magical touch to the overall concept.
The world under water
The environment inside the shell is stunning. The details are superbly designed, from the coral to the seaweed. The different colors and variety of sea creatures make this set a visual delight. We love the creativity that is expressed here.
Ursula's shelter
Ursula's mysterious lair is another highlight of this set. The dark colors and gloomy atmosphere contrast with the colorful world underwater. This part of the set is really impressive and captures the mood perfectly. Ursula's character is also very well realized and her tentacles are eye-catching.
The minifigures
Of course, we can't forget the LEGO® minifigures! There are a total of four minifigures in this set: Ariel, King Triton, Ursula and two of her sisters, Karina and Indira. Each of these figures is detailed and gives life to the set. The different expressions on the faces are a nice detail and allow you to recreate the scenes from the movie.
A few notes
Although we are thrilled with this set, there are a few things we would have liked to see differently. For example, we miss a reference to Prince Eric, an important character in the story. Ursula's Eels are also missing, which would have made the set even more authentic. Still, the positive aspects far outweigh the negative.
Conclusion
Overall, the LEGO® Set "The Little Mermaid Royal Clamshell" (43225) is an impressive masterpiece. The attention to detail and creativity that went into this set is clearly evident. Not only is it a fantastic display piece, but it also offers endless possibilities for role play and creativity. The minifigures are great and the design of the set is simply stunning.
If you're a Disney fan or just love the joy of building and playing with LEGO bricks, this set is definitely worth considering. The quality and fun it offers is worth every penny. Get your own royal shell and dive into the fascinating world of Arielle and her friends!