The mini-figure itself may have debuted in the LEGO line back in the late 70’s but as popular as the characters have been, it wouldn’t be until 2010 when fans would see the release of the first set of blind bags. This first wave included characters such as a cheerleader, a zombie, a ninja, and even a caveman. Since then there have been eighteen different waves of mini figures but that doesn’t mean necessarily that there are only that many waves. In 2012 LEGO released their Team GB Olympic Series, a set of nine figures to commemorate the Olympic Games and since then, there have frequently been variants that don’t necessarily fit within the current collection of mini-figures.
In 2016 LEGO released their first wave of Disney mini-figures. This included characters like Buzz Lightyear, Aladdin, Maleficent, Alice, Mickey and even Stitch and they have become a highly sought-after collectible particularly for those looking for a complete set. LEGO has since done other variant such as to promote their LEGO Batman, Ninjago, and LEGO Movie 2 as well as the new Harry Potter collection and while the expectation was that series nineteen would finally be announced, LEGO had other, surprise plans. That came in the form of a second collection of Disney mini figures.
The second wave of Disney mini figures brings with it plenty of familiar faces. Some of them act as a counterpart to the existing line, others are seeing their way to LEGO for the first time, while still others are variations of classics. There are eighteen total figures in the line which is usually the standard total found in most of the sets. Having helped my daughter complete three different sets of mini figs since she started collecting, it didn’t take us long to complete the set by me using the bag feel technique. This is something she has debated and calls “cheating” until there’s a particular figure she wants and then it’s apparently acceptable.
Both Mickey and Minnie are a part of the collection although these are based off the original Steamboat Willie short which introduced them both to the world. Mickey comes with a stern wheel for his accessory while Minnie has a life preserver and it should also be noted that these two figures are not the same as those found in the Steamboat Willie LEGO Ideas set. Prior to the release of this set the live action Aladdin was just around the corner so it’s perhaps no coincidence that Jafar and Jasmine are included in the collection. Jafar includes his serpent staff (sorry, no Iago) and Jasmine has a white dove. Sticking with the princess theme, both Elsa and Anna are part of the series. Elsa has a large, crystal blue snowflake and Anna has a lantern. Also, the princess minifigs in the line, as well as any other female characters, are done in the classic style. They aren’t the versions that you might find in the other Disney princess lines which are similar to the Friends sets.
Chip and Dale make their first appearance as LEGO mini figures. These are the traditional versions, not the re imagined characters seen in Rescue Rangers. Chip comes with an acorn he’s harvested and his buddy Dale has a bag, presumably to horde their collection in. Sticking with traditional Disney characters you’ll find Uncle Scrooge along with his nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie. As you might expect, Scrooge not only has his trademark top hat and cane but also his number one dime. The nephews meanwhile seem to be up to their usual hijinks. Louie has a flashlight, Dewey has a slingshot, and Huey come with the Junior Woodchucks guidebook.
Pixar isn’t left behind either and two faces from The Incredibles are a part of the collection. Frozone comes with icicles that can be launched and Edna Mode has a bag as well as a mug. Two mini figures that many have been waiting for, Jack Skellington and Sally, are also part of the second wave. Jack has a package as well as snowflakes that can be put inside of held and as you’d expect, Sally has a bit of deadly nightshade. Lastly, both Hercules and Hades are included in the set. Hercules has a sword and shield and Hades includes two bits of fire he can hold. These are obviously the two figures I found the most disappointing and while Hades does look rather cool in his LEGO form, I feel there are plenty of other options that could have been done. Miguel and Hector, Merida, Joy and Sadness, or even Winnie the Pooh and Tigger.
When the mini figures first launched I noticed they sold out quickly at every location I found them at. A Target down the street from where I live had them stocked one morning and by the next day there was no trace of them. The WalMart close to my home also hasn’t had them on shelves since the first day they received them. Obviously, this wave is a big hit not just with LEGO fans but also Disney fans. The Disney license presents a huge amount of opportunity so it’s likely another wave will be seen at some point in the future. All I ask is for three hitchhiking ghosts to be included as well as possibly a duck who happens to be the terror that flaps in the night. I don’t believe that’s asking too much. That aside though, this is another collection of mini figures worth tracking down even if you’re not a LEGO collector but really, really love anything Disney.
Mike is the resident reviewer for Couponing to Disney and his own site Underland Online. He has a young daughter and is obsessed with Haunted Mansion and all things Disney. You can read Mike’s complete bio here.