It looks like some folks are just plain lucky. After spotting the upcoming LEGO Ideas Tree House (21318) at a Belgian toy store, it looks like this set has found its way in US shores. LEGO fan and AFOLs of Facebook member Michael Bradford shared video footage that shows this set and other forthcoming sets on store shelves of the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Grapevine, Texas.
As you can see from the images that he shared over social media, Michael bought the said set right off the shelf and has even posted his receipt as proof of purchase in case LEGO Men in Black cries foul for this early reveal. If you recall from my previous post, the LEGO Ideas Tree House (21318) is expected to be officially released to the general public in August, with an early VIP release of sometime this month. Towards the end of Michael’s 12-second video, it can be noticed that the recently announced LEGO Creator Expert Harley-Davidson Fatboy (10269) is also on display and for sale beside the Tree House, given the fact that this next LEGO Creator Expert set is still due for an early VIP release on July 17.
The LEGO Ideas Tree House (21318) is expected to retail for $199.99 USD and comes in at 3,036 pieces utilizing a handful of new LEGO leaf elements made from renewable botanical sources. This new set is the next LEGO Ideas set to be made available to LEGO fans following the release of the LEGO Ideas Flintstones (21316) and Steamboat Willie (21317), both of which are now available both in-store and online. Keep your radars open for LEGO’s official press release and images of the LEGO Ideas Tree House which will be out soon.
Wait, wait, wait just a second there!!! I had thought that only because Stitch was part of an existing license/partnership that THAT is why he wasn’t approved for a LEGO Ideas set! And here I see that future approved sets (I’m looking at you, “Steamboat Willie”) are ALSO from the same aforementioned partnership. Like, what gives!? Why approve one and not the other? Just when you think you know what LEGO may be looking for when considering future Ideas sets, they break their own rules. :/
To stay on-topic, that treehouse is beautiful!! I always ask myself: “How DO they make/come up with those wonderful toys/ideas!? I am always in awe over what is made into a LEGO Ideas set.