Coming Soon: Walt Disney Tribute Camera #43230

I don’t typically collect the Disney theme; however, this camera will buck that trend. I was immediately drawn to the design and execution of the build – combining both my love for Lego and movies. It is a display piece that will transcend into the mainstream as it isn’t automatically recognizable as a Lego set. Lego has hit a home run with this 811-piece, five-figure set, which will retail for $99.99 when it hits shelves on September 1st.

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Walt Disney Tribute Camera #43230, 811 pieces, $99.99:

Walt Disney Tribute Camera is a beautiful display piece that will excite movie fans. I adore its authentic recreation, and the wrapped film strip is striking. as an AFOL, I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.

Set features

It’s always nice when sets come with play features that make sense, and this vintage camera is packed with them. First, an opening at the back reveals a drafting table and chair for Walt to sit in. He can stay hidden inside the camera if you like!

The camera has three printed screens showing how Disney’s Old Mill short was produced. Made in 1937 – the short was the first to use Disney’s multipane camera. It’s wonderful how Lego has incorporated such an important moment in film history in this set.

A classic film strip with images from 20 Disney movies is a major feature. While there is no mechanism to see these through the camera, they are visible when wrapped around the model, offering a unique method of paying homage to the Disney legacy.

If you like moving elements, this set has those, too, with a crank and a clapperboard.

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Minifigures

While the model’s attractiveness drew my attention, the minifigure selection with this set is mindblowing. The first-ever Walt Disney minifigure is included, complete with a pen and a printed tile with a Mickey Mouse sketch. Two of his most iconic creations – Mickey and Mini Mouse – are the other two provided minifigures. They’re monochrome characters (similar to the Disney CMF Series 2 figures) representing their earliest iterations.

As well as the minifigures, the set includes two unmistakable animals – Bambi and Dumbo! Neither of these has been produced in Lego before. Their molds are faithful recreations, and both animals will be highly collectible.

In time, the minifigures and animals will be worth more than the retail price of the set.

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Observations

The model is only finished from one angle to keep the part count and thus costs down. From the images, you can see the rear of the build is somewhat unfinished, with the underside of the plate observable. You can see this, too, on the tripod legs. I have no issues with this, as most models are placed on shelves. Adding a few more pieces to clean that up would be easy if desired.

The price point of this is fantastic. While it’s over the standard 10 cents per piece threshold we all hope for, there are large pieces, and the film strip had to be specially made for this set. Additionally, it’s all print pieces and includes five figures (three minifigure and two large animals).

The design of this vintage camera is genius, using the two zeros of the 100 sign to simultaneously look like Mickey Mouse ears and film reels. The 100 sign is also subtle and doesn’t distract from the camera.

The side build for the minifigures is average and doesn’t quite go with the set. I always appreciate having space to put the figures rather than placing them next to it. I wonder if it would have been better to make this at the tripod’s base to have it all in one build. It would have saved pieces and precious shelf space! I do like the mini Mickey camera, though.

I want to end on a positive note, so I’ll mention that the packaging is glorious, and the Disney 100 artwork is something I would hang on my wall.

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I am excited to get this set and may have to preorder it (it would be a Lego first for me) as I expect this one to sell out quickly following release. It is the perfect set for Disney, movie, Lego, and vintage fans. It will look stunning in an office, movie room, or even a teenager’s interest shelf.

Are you planning on picking up the Walt Disney Tribute Camera? If so, why? Let me know in the comments below!