I hope you’ve been saving your muggle money, because the massive 6020 piece LEGO Hogwarts Castle set is now available in a preview sale for LEGO VIPs online and in-store if you’re lucky enough to live near a LEGO Brand Retail Store.
Read my thoughts on the set if you haven’t already!
The official public release date for the set is 1 September, but as it’s free to sign-up for a LEGO VIP account, there’s really no need to wait till the
- LEGO 71043 Hogwarts Castle – US$399.99 [US]
- LEGO 71043 Hogwarts Castle – AU$649.99 [AUS]
- LEGO 71043 Hogwarts Castle – GBP£349.99 [UK]
- LEGO 71043 Hogwarts Castle – CAD$499.99 [CAN]
- LEGO 71043 Hogwarts Castle– €399.99 [EU]
This is quite possibly the LEGO set of the year, and demand for the set will be astronomical, especially heading into the Christmas season. We’ve seen regular Harry Potter sets sell out or go on back-order on release day.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this set sells out immediately, so best be quick if you don’t want to miss out.
For Aussies, do note that the set will be released locally in most major retailers in September.
If you want a more detailed look at the set and hear from the designers who worked on bringing the second biggest LEGO set ever to life, be sure to watch the designer video which gives you a much better sense of the scale and complexity of the set!
Good luck trying to find space to display this bad boy.
In my reveal post, a whopping 50% of you voted to say that you’d definitely be buying this set.
Are you going to be picking one up or going to wait? As this is quite a substantial purchase, I’ll be holding off on buying this immediately, and opting to wait for it to arrive locally and snag it at a 20% discount if possible.
David says
While this is indeed an impressive set, I am finding that some of the tiles are not fitting correctly without a bit of assistance from a Dremel device. Anyone else having such problems?
Jay says
Oh, that’s really interesting. How do they not fit in well?
David says
I’ll send a deailed reply when I return home in a week.
Mike says
I have no interest in Harry potter per se but this looks excellent – however I just laid down the cash to get two Chiron’s (one to build and one as an investment) so at $650 this is one I’ll have to pass on.
Btw, did you see the video that Jangbricks did where he said he thought the set had illegal connections on the bridge? Will be interested to see what other people think when they build it.
Jay says
Ah nice! I was very tempted by the Chiron to go alongside the Porsche, but am still waiting on a really good sale for it.
No I didn’t watch his video! I try not to watch/read reviews of sets that I’m planning to build/review as it can sometimes influence how I view the set, but I’ll be sure to keep that in mind when I eventually get this set!
Michael says
I’ve already ordered it! I’ve ogled a number of expensive sets over the years (Ninjago City, Disney Castle), but my gut always twinged when it came time to buy.
Not this time! Can’t wait until it shows up.
Mark says
You can still get Ninjago City, and honestly, you won’t regret it. One of the most fun builds I’ve done in a long time. So many little features from start to finish, it’s not too complex, but still one of my favourite builds ever.
Jay says
Nice one! I’m saving up maybe as a Christmas treat 🙂
Roger says
Hi Jay,
We just happened to be by our Lego store here in Toronto a month ago and they were offering reserve spots on the VIP presales for a small deposit. Yes this is hugely expensive but it is being bought with a year’s worth of saved birthday and Christmas money.
It’s interesting how Lego has changed. Growing up in the 70’s I think my most exotic element as a turntable. Or a hinge. Maybe the boat that would float in your tub.
At any rate my son and I learned about the Hogwarts Castle first on your blog so thanks for informing us!
Cheers
Roger
Jay says
Haha that’s terrific, I hope you enjoy the set. This is definitely something special.
I remember the early 90s for me as well – I don’t think I ever had a “large” set growing up, and is just a sign of the change in LEGO’s focus to cater to adults. Let me know how you find the set once it’s been built!
Christian says
What would be better: waiting for double VIP points, or getting this (if lucky enough) for 20%/25% off at Myer?
Mark says
Definitely better if you can get it discounted at Myer…although I doubt they’ll include this one in % off sales for quite some time. Double VIP points is equivalent to 10% of the value of the set. Plus you don’t get the benefit until you make another purchase at LEGO shop@home. Plus you have to spend over $200 to avoid shipping charges. You also have to factor in if your bank charges overseas transaction fees on LEGO shop@ home purchases. I’m with one of the ‘big 4’ and can confirm they do.
Jay says
Go with ING! No overseas transaction fees!
Jay says
Yeah, best to just wait for a discount, unless you absolutely have to get it now. Double points could be tempting, especially if there’s a good Gift with Purchase.
Mark says
Is it confirmed it’s getting wider distribution here in September? If so, that’s great news. It seems very unusual for a D2C set to get a general release the same month of its debut.
Jack says
And the reason why the Millenium Falcon costs double the price, and yet only has a 1000 more pieces is….
Not a crazy HP fan so this is a pass. It just doesn’t really appeal to me, + I’m still saving for the UCS Falcon!!!
Jay says
Fair enough! It’s a really specific audience. I envy people that can afford both!
Joseph says
Because Disney don’t own Harry Potter
shea says
It’s because this set has many, many tiny pieces, so the price-per-piece ratio is quite low.