Amusement Park Roller Coaster

We just finished this set and holy cow it's involved. Kids love it but beware, it's going to take a WHILE to put this bad boy together. The batteries on the coaster don't last terribly long, but try as I might I couldn't get the kids to turn them off when they were done, so I'm not blaming Lego or the batteries, just nature of the beast. more less

It's Friday night and the amusement park is the place to be. The big, blue, four-seater roller coaster is all the rage and the LEGO Friends don't mind waiting in line to get their thrills. It also has a light-up brick in the front car, illuminating the fun to a whole new level as the coaster glides along the track. Once they're done with that, they'll get to the tower of doom, which you wind up and let go as it spins out of control. It has two carriages for two thrill seeking mini-dolls. Finally, slow things down with a nice relaxing ride on the giant ferris wheel to take in the sights of the Amusement Park. This playset has it all--rides, fun, food stations, and even light-up bricks. more less

The main drawback is the roller coaster track; it is a very simplified design not suited to the AFOL looking for a challenge. You may have also noticed that LEGO has moved away from this older wheel and track system with sets like #10261 Roller Coaster, and there is good reason for this. The new type of track is compatible with power functions, making it a better option for most adult fans. more less

All in all, that was a really fun set to build. It is full of surprises from beginning to end. It has neat pieces, but it makes me want to build a theme park of my own, using this one as a structure, rather than put away the pieces like I usually do. It is a big set with a price tag that goes along with it, but I highly recommend splurging if you have anything to celebrate, it is well worth it. more less

To evaluate the set on the roller coaster alone (going only by the name), many would likely be disappointed. However, I think when you take into account everything that is included in the set - I think it would be a very good choice as a Christmas present. more less