Review: 42697 Creative Dollhouse Suitcase
Posted by MeganL,
Have you ever wanted to take a Friends set along with you, but just didn't have the right equipment to do so? Were you ever short one carry-on for a flight, and thought, "I could really use a LEGO suitcase right now?". If you have, you're in luck!
If this intro sounds familiar, you'd be right again, because the Friends designer team has come up with another suitcase - this time it's 42697 Creative Dollhouse Suitcase. It's a larger (and pinker) version of last year's 42672 Creative Beach and Travel Suitcase. Suitcases must be popular with the Friends crowd!
Summary
42697 Creative Dollhouse Suitcase, 355 pieces.
£44.99 / $49.99 / €49.99 | 12.7p, 14.1c, 14.1c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Not much interest for an AFOL, but kids will love this portable dollhouse
- Large carrying suitcase
- Lots of furniture accessories
- Floors snap securely into place
- Suitcase can be closed without damaging builds
- Hinge suitcase allows for portable play
- Large carrying suitcase
- Only two minidolls
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The packaging is a cardboard wrap around said suitcase. Inside the suitcase there are eight numbered bags, eight floor pieces in four different colours, four instruction books, and two rather curled up sticker sheets.
Minidolls
Two minidolls are included in this dollhouse. The ever present Liann, and Nova. Both are wearing outfits we've seen before.
I'm surprised that there are only two minidolls included in the set. For the price point, and even for the number of pieces included, I would expect to see at least one more character.
The completed model
The suitcase is a larger version than last year's. I wish the colour wasn't pink! I much preferred last year's teal as the primary colour for the suitcase. You can barely make out the Friends logo on the side.
The suitcase is closed by a large clasp on the side, and you can see the other half of the suitcase is in the other favourite girl colour, purple. The clasp is quite secure and I think would stand up to travelling well.
As the side view shows, this suitcase is much deeper than last years - deep enough so that the floor pieces can slot in on each side. This allows for the "rooms" to be placed inside and the suitcase will close without damaging any of the builds.
On to the rooms! Each room has 2x4 tiles attached on each end, and that allows the room to slot into place in the suitcase.
Each room has several furniture builds and accessories. The instructions suggest some arrangements, with the idea that the builder will customise as they like.
The hallway features a mirror, umbrella, and a table with some accessories.
The living room shows a rather avant garde lamp, some snacks (I'll take the cake), and a game in progress on the TV. Though I think the real skill would be playing the game with a controller that has no buttons.
Next up is what I think is Liann's bedroom, based on the art table with paint on the side. I think this is the first time that I've seen a Friends bed cover more than one tile, with the accompanying stickers. It looks like there's a portrait of Bubbles the axolotl in progress. Free Bubbles!
The garden has everything that's needed for a day in the sun. A sun lounger, umbrella table with sunscreen and a drink, and a small pool. You know the pool is small because the floatie is almost larger than the pool! A purple butterfly waits on the ground.
The fully stocked eat-in kitchen is all set for breakfast. Our minidolls are enjoying a croissant and a boiled egg for breakfast.
All that food will attract counter surfers.
(Note: counter surfing sloths not included in this set.)
The fridge has drinks and treats in store for later.
Nova's room is next, with another larger bed. As always, she has a computer handy and it looks like she's continuing to work on the art pieces featuring unicorns that we've seen in previous sets.
The garden is quite robust, with flowers growing in one elevated bed and vegetables in another. The flowers have attracted another butterfly! A small shed has all the tools that the Friends will need.
Last but not least, it wouldn't be a Friends house without a bathroom! This one looks a little spartan but all the necessities are there.
Overall thoughts
Clearly, the main attraction for this set is the suitcase. I do like the larger size, as it allows secure placement for all the rooms, but I can see that being detriment as well. The suitcase can be closed, keeping all the builds intact, which is a huge plus. Last year's suitcase was thinner, and that definitely limited the depth of the builds that could be stored. That certainly isn't a problem here.
The furniture builds are fine, and I suspect that children will love being able to take a dollhouse on the go. The suitcase is of a size where it would be easy enough to take as a carry-on on a plane. Because of the spareness of some of the builds, there's plenty of room to add some extra small builds for playing on the go. The hinged design of the suitcase would allow a child to play with it in a lot of places, including on the tray on an airplane.
As for the price, $50 is on the high side, looking at a pure price per parts aspect. I do think for the price they could have added at least one more minidoll. But I think most will be interested in this because of the suitcase. Right now, the set is on 60 day backorder at lego.com, so it must be popular.
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29 comments on this article
Oh no. Poor Liann, trapped in the Big Brother house with Nova for a housemate. This does not bode well.
Bad jokes aside, this is a pretty cool product, but it is too expensive. Maybe if the casing itself had been a bit more usable - maybe if it could have had some space built in for the Animal Crossing window-panes and doors, maybe it could've added some space for a buildable attic. This is good-not-great.
We always struggle to go anywhere with our LEGO so my little ones would likely love this….at a discount. :o)
Ok so - the idea - AMAZING. Playmobil was doing that for ages now with the set 70985! Its also priced like this set! IMO a solid price.
However the lack of STUDS on walls hurts this Lego set the most. That would add some more flair.
The gaps on the floor when you put in plates are also weird.
@Crux said:
"Oh no. Poor Liann, trapped in the Big Brother house with Nova for a housemate. This does not bode well."
Could always be worse, if this was set during the year 200,100, the loser would be disintegrated* (as seen in the 2005 Doctor Who episode 'Bad Wolf'). Too bad the 9th Doctor isn't here to to save them from this fate!
*Not really disintegrated, but teleported. Not spoiling to where and why!
@Murdoch17 said:
" @Crux said:
"Oh no. Poor Liann, trapped in the Big Brother house with Nova for a housemate. This does not bode well."
Could always be worse, if this was set during the year 200,100, the loser would be disintegrated* (as seen in the 2005 Doctor Who episode 'Bad Wolf'). Too bad the 9th Doctor isn't here to to save them from this fate!
*Not really disintegrated, but teleported. Not spoiling to where and why!"
That's Murdoch: refusing to spoil where, why and Who.
@Crux said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @Crux said:
"Oh no. Poor Liann, trapped in the Big Brother house with Nova for a housemate. This does not bode well."
Could always be worse, if this was set during the year 200,100, the loser would be disintegrated* (as seen in the 2005 Doctor Who episode 'Bad Wolf'). Too bad the 9th Doctor isn't here to to save them from this fate!
*Not really disintegrated, but teleported. Not spoiling to where and why!"
That's Murdoch: refusing to spoil where, why and Who."
You made me smile with that comment, and I needed it. Thank you for that!
Just bought this last week. It is my niece’s first system set after graduating from duplo!
As much as I'm not a fan of stickers......dare I say it is a missed opportunity this set doesn't include a lot more? Besides the ones used in the builds, they should have included a whole bunch extra to decorate the suitcase itself, inside and out!
Apart from that, seems like a decent set for the intended audience, and indeed the similar suitcases Playmobil has been making for ages have proven to do pretty well. It does feel pricey and all of the rooms a bit sparse, and definitely could have used a few more figures. Also, how cool would it be if they would seel separate small sets compatible with this, that could replace any of the rooms?
Ever seen an offering from LEGO and have a ~vibe~ that SOMETHING about it is "Mega Bloks from the mid-1900s?"
I think it's the slide-in plates that do it.
@Formendacil said:
"Ever seen an offering from LEGO and have a ~vibe~ that SOMETHING about it is "Mega Bloks from the mid-1900s?"
I think it's the slide-in plates that do it."
I don't think Mega Bloks was around in the 1940s / '50s / '60s? ;-P
Something about this just seems off, though. The individual rooms, the builds just look empty, like, the piece count all went into the floors. It seems weirdly-sparse.
Imagine showing up for your flight with this as your personal item.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @Formendacil said:
"Ever seen an offering from LEGO and have a ~vibe~ that SOMETHING about it is "Mega Bloks from the mid-1900s?"
I think it's the slide-in plates that do it."
I don't think Mega Bloks was around in the 1940s / '50s / '60s? ;-P"
I might've, just possibly, maybe... written mid-1900s instead of mid-1990s.
But is there really any difference?
@Formendacil said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @Formendacil said:
"Ever seen an offering from LEGO and have a ~vibe~ that SOMETHING about it is "Mega Bloks from the mid-1900s?"
I think it's the slide-in plates that do it."
I don't think Mega Bloks was around in the 1940s / '50s / '60s? ;-P"
I might've, just possibly, maybe... written mid-1900s instead of mid-1990s.
But is there really any difference?"
Only about 30 - 50 years (depending).
...But who's counting? ;-P
I wonder if AI designed this.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @Crux said:
"Oh no. Poor Liann, trapped in the Big Brother house with Nova for a housemate. This does not bode well."
Could always be worse, if this was set during the year 200,100, the loser would be disintegrated* (as seen in the 2005 Doctor Who episode 'Bad Wolf'). Too bad the 9th Doctor isn't here to to save them from this fate!
*Not really disintegrated, but teleported. Not spoiling to where and why!"
My Friday night re-watch from the beginning just reached 2005's "Rose."
@kdu2814 said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @Crux said:
"Oh no. Poor Liann, trapped in the Big Brother house with Nova for a housemate. This does not bode well."
Could always be worse, if this was set during the year 200,100, the loser would be disintegrated* (as seen in the 2005 Doctor Who episode 'Bad Wolf'). Too bad the 9th Doctor isn't here to to save them from this fate!
*Not really disintegrated, but teleported. Not spoiling to where and why!"
My Friday night re-watch from the beginning just reached 2005's "Rose." "
Well, then it's good thing I avoided spoiling it!
It seems to me the number of pieces and decor options are a bit low here so I think it would be perfect with an Lego Friends advent calendar added, for decor. Especially at Christmas. Those items would fit perfectly in this set! And that would be a great gift pair at Christmas too. Advent calendar first, then dollhouse Christmas morning!
It seems to me the number of pieces and decor options are a bit low here so I think it would be perfect with a Lego Friends advent calendar added, for decor. Especially at Christmas. Those items would fit perfectly in this set! And that would be a great gift pair at Christmas too. Advent calendar first, then dollhouse Christmas morning!
@JoeysGirl said:
"It seems to me the number of pieces and decor options are a bit low here so I think it would be perfect with a Lego Friends advent calendar added, for decor. Especially at Christmas. Those items would fit perfectly in this set! And that would be a great gift pair at Christmas too. Advent calendar first, then dollhouse Christmas morning!"
Yes. That is just what this windowless, doorless house needs - a murder-penguin spawned in the fathomless reaches of primordial fear.
Poor, poor Liann. I would say we'll miss her, but Dreadflipper will erase her from our collective memory while she spends the rest of eternity screaming.
Is this the largest LEGO piece ever?
I think I would’ve got a kick out of this style of set as a kid. Like a giant customisable Polly Pocket. Not that I’d have ever got one at that price, but that’s unrelated to the amount of time I would’ve spent soberly considering its benefits compared to other toys in the Argos catalogue in the run-up to Christmas and whether it met the standard for being bestowed with my personal highlighter colour.
@Zordboy said:
"Something about this just seems off, though. The individual rooms, the builds just look empty, like, the piece count all went into the floors. It seems weirdly-sparse. "
I think it's the lack of walls, doors, windows and panel pieces usually found in sets that feature different rooms. I was about to ask whether adding these would enhance the overall look and aesthetics of each floor and I think they would, if executed properly.
This set looks like an upgraded version of an advent calendar, where not-so-mini builds are placed here and there but lacks cohesion overall. Nevertheless, the suitcase style is a good concept for other themes. They just need to improve on the design and builds of each "floor" especially if they are going for vignettes. I can see licensed themes like Harry Potter, Disney / Pixar, and the Lord of the Rings benefiting from this style.
Somehow reminds me a little of the LEGO carrying cases from the 80s and 90s.
I think it will be useful for building little scenes and then having place to tidy away without breaking down (my daughter likes making her own builds, but we don't have the shelf space to keep everything). Agree with others price is a bit high so I'll wait for discount. If it had lots of spare pieces it would be worth it, could have given idea for rooms but have had enough extra you could make your own furniture change things out.
The rooms on their own look a little sparse, and builds remind me of an advent calendar. However, far better than the alternative of receiving an empty carry case.
I wouldn't think of this as a "suit case" as much as I would a "dollhouse". It's a lot roomier than any LEGO dollhouse, so it's easier to play with, but has all the opportunities for customization of a LEGO dollhouse. It's like a raised baseplate for the Friends era.
@Crux said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @Crux said:
"Oh no. Poor Liann, trapped in the Big Brother house with Nova for a housemate. This does not bode well."
Could always be worse, if this was set during the year 200,100, the loser would be disintegrated* (as seen in the 2005 Doctor Who episode 'Bad Wolf'). Too bad the 9th Doctor isn't here to to save them from this fate!
*Not really disintegrated, but teleported. Not spoiling to where and why!"
That's Murdoch: refusing to spoil where, why and Who."
I'll spoil it (sorta): Elsewhere, for bad reasons, and someone familiar.
@AustinPowers said:"Somehow reminds me a little of the LEGO carrying cases from the 80s and 90s."
I had similar thoughts, even if those were only designed to hold loose parts, not completed models in a way that said models could be played with.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @Crux said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @Crux said:
"Oh no. Poor Liann, trapped in the Big Brother house with Nova for a housemate. This does not bode well."
Could always be worse, if this was set during the year 200,100, the loser would be disintegrated* (as seen in the 2005 Doctor Who episode 'Bad Wolf'). Too bad the 9th Doctor isn't here to to save them from this fate!
*Not really disintegrated, but teleported. Not spoiling to where and why!"
That's Murdoch: refusing to spoil where, why and Who."
I'll spoil it (sorta): Elsewhere, for bad reasons, and someone familiar.
@AustinPowers said:"Somehow reminds me a little of the LEGO carrying cases from the 80s and 90s."
I had similar thoughts, even if those were only designed to hold loose parts, not completed models in a way that said models could be played with."
HOW VERY DARE YOU AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY.