You're running out of time to get my all-time favorite Lego Disney set

There's something magical about the Lego Disney Castle. I don't know whether that's because it recreates one of the most photographed buildings in the world or due to it carrying decades of nostalgia in every brick, but it doesn't matter. It's mesmerizing, particularly if you're a fan of the theme parks. Actually, I'd go so far as to call it one of the best Lego sets overall.

Not that there's much time left to enjoy the model. The Lego Disney Castle has just retired at the official Lego store so is only available via third parties while stocks last, and because its inspiration (Walt Disney World's Cinderella castle) has ditched the pink seen here for its more traditional white color scheme, it feels like a wistful time capsule.

Lego Disney Castle features & design

• Almost 5,000 pieces
• 31.5in tall, 23in wide
• Includes eight minifigures

This set is based on the castle as seen in Disney World, Florida when it was painted pink for the resort's 50th anniversary between 2021 and 2026. (It's now reverted back to the classic white.) Made up of almost 5,000 pieces, it's an impressive feat of Lego design that'll draw every eye in a room; it stands at 31.5in (80cm) tall from tip to tail.

This isn't just a facade, either. Turn the model round and you'll be treated to a host of rooms inside that reference numerous Disney movies.

Rather than featuring Mickey Mouse and friends like the previous (and ever so slightly smaller) Lego Disney Castle, this one comes with eight prince and princess minifigures. Cinderella, Prince Charming, Snow White, Prince Florian, Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Rapunzel, and Flynn Ryder make up the roster this time around.

Build

• Takes 10hrs+ depending on experience
• An endurance test
• Fragile, so is hard to move

Despite being a massive kit with an 18+ recommended age rating, I wouldn't say this is a challenging build; it's more of an endurance test. There's nothing overly fiddly to contend with, but it'll take a good chunk of time to finish.

While occasionally monotonous, Lego does a good job of varying things throughout the project too. Plus, it's deeply satisfying to see the structure come together – you're building from the ground up.

Just be aware that this thing is an absolute pain to move. It's more fragile than you'd expect, so I'd recommend having the Disney Castle close by wherever you want to display it.

Design

• Jaw-dropping once finished
• Crammed with references
• You need a lot of space to show it off

To put it simply, this is a stunning model that really does take the breath away once it's finished. For starters, it's massive. Its towers will loom over most – if not all – other Lego sets in your collection, only being outdone by the likes of the Eiffel Tower. In addition, it isn't just a facade; flip it around and you'll find the castle filled with reference-filled rooms. It's a showstopper in the way that Lego Rivendell is, balancing spectacle with intricacy.

Speaking of those rooms, they're crammed with detail. Numerous Disney movies old and new are represented here, from a chamber with Rapunzel's paintings to Cinderella's glass slipper and even Beauty and the Beast's dining table (I wouldn't recommend trying the gray stuff here, because it most certainly won't be delicious). There's a lot to see, so even after you've finished construction it's fun just to cast an eye over the set. You'll probably spot something you forgot was there… like a secret hidden Mickey, which is something Disney Parks fans will get a kick out of.

The downside is that you'll need a lot of room to display this set, never mind real estate to turn it around if you want to show off its interior. I'd definitely break out the tape measure before committing to this build.

Should you buy the Lego Disney Castle #43222?

I adore this set, and it's probably one of my favorite Disney collectibles. It brings back a wealth of happy memories for both the movies and theme parks, so I suspect most diehard fans will fall for it too. While the pink coloring means it may not appeal as much to dedicated Parks fans who prefer the classic white (and I'd recommend anyone wanting the original color to wait, because I wouldn't be surprised if a newer version replaces this one somewhere down the road), it still does justice to an absolute icon.

Want to keep costs down, on the other hand? You can get cheaper, smaller alternatives like the Mini Disney Castle for $39.99 via Lego.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested the Lego Disney Castle #43222

I spent several days building the Lego Disney Castle in shifts, taking notes on the process and any pain points/highlights as I went. I then moved it to a shelf in my house, where it's stood proudly on display ever since.

I first started collecting and building Lego back in the 1990s when I'd create my own spaceships and houses from our box of random pieces. I've also been reviewing and reporting on Lego with GamesRadar+ for the better part of a decade.

For more information on our reviews procedure, don't miss this guide to how we test products.

To see more cool collectibles, be sure to check out the best toys.