Harry Potter LEGO:Aragog in the Dark Forest Lean-n-Mean
Written: Dec 03 '02 (Updated Dec 03 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cool giant spider! A web trap that works, and a tree that hides an owl.
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: A sure winner for any young Harry Potter fan who enjoys LEGO!
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| robynkoz's Full Review: LEGO Harry Potter Aragog in the Dark Forest 4727 |
Overview
This 178-piece LEGO set, Harry Potter: Aragog in the Dark Forest, model number 4727, features a giant lego spider (you put it together), a tree with a secret hiding spot, and a web trap on a small green baseplate.
The tree opens with a hinge to expose a spot just the right size to hide a LEGO owl, which is thoughtfully included. The web trap consists of three hinged webs connected together by a string that is pulled by a sliding brick and can be used to trap Ron or Harry or any other unfortunate LEGO minifig or small animal that you may choose.
The box also shows that you can use the pieces to build a Whomping Willow out of the tree parts and spider legs, but the set doesn't provide instructions for this or other alternative structures you can build with it.
What the kids think
This was what my 6yo son wanted most for Chanukah. An obliging uncle found the very last one at a local Toys R Us and became hero for the day.
When he got the set opened, he found it relatively easy to assemble, although he had some trouble with the tree and had to redo part to get it right. He especially likes things that move, and secrets, so the web trap and tree hiding spot were big hits. He is also excited about eventually trying to build the whomping willow, but has not yet broken down the original constructions.
When my boys get LEGO sets, they follow a predictable pattern. First, they build the set according to the instructions, and leave this up to play with for a while. Then they may try some of the alternate suggestions shown on the box or in the accompanying instruction guides. After this, they break it down and add the pieces to the general collection. So, in addition to what the set builds, what it comes with is very important to them.
This set comes with Harry and Ron minifigs, which are pretty boring by now to my thoroughly LEGO-spoiled children. But the giant spider, Aragog, is the big win in this set. It is very exciting and unique, and one can well imagine it playing a role in many LEGO scenes to come.
What Mom Thinks
I like LEGO toys for my children. At first, we were concerned that today's specialty sets would limit our children's creativity (compared to the generic bricks of our youth), but that has not turned out to be the case. Our kids learn to follow directions by building the model the first time, and then engage their creativity with a much more interesting set of LEGO bricks than we could have ever imagined as kids. I do think that the specialty sets are overpriced, but given the excitement they bring, they do make some great gifts.
At under 500 words, this review also qualifies for the Lean-n-Mean write-off. If you think you can write a Very Helpful review in under 666 words, check out the Lean-n-Mean challenge at http://www.epinions.com/content_2977669252
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 20
Type of Toy: Blocks
Age Range of Child: 6 to 8 Years
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Epinions.com ID:
robynkoz
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Location: Vermont
Reviews written: 41
Trusted by: 13 members
About Me:
Mom of three wonderful boys, and a computer scientist in my "spare time" :)
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