Review: 40657 Dream Village
Posted by CapnRex101,
The well-remembered Elves theme has certainly influenced DREAMZzz, particularly with 71459 Stable of Dream Creatures and 40657 Dream Village. The colourful buildings featured in this set are immediately reminiscent of 41185 Magic Rescue from the Goblin Village.
That similarity definitely bodes well and the three provided Dreamlings look adorable, much like their miniature buildings! Additionally, the price of £25.99, $29.99 or €29.99 seems quite reasonable and the set includes some unexpected features.
Summary
40657 Dream Village, 434 pieces.
£25.99 / $29.99 / €29.99 | 6.0p/6.9c/6.9c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
40657 Dream Village is a unique and delightful addition to the DREAMZzz range
- Charming buildings
- Fun Dreamling figures
- Great companion for other sets
- Gaps in combined building
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
40657 Dream Village is unique within the DREAMZzz theme for several reasons, including the absence of any Dream Chasers. Jayden is provided instead and wears his unicorn-patterned pyjamas, which are presumably influenced by 43106 Unicorn DJ BeatBox given the lavender and purple colours.
The double-sided head is interesting, featuring old-fashioned braces and a suitably sleepy face, as well as a neutral expression. I like the black hair element too, especially because this piece has generally been restricted to bigger and more expensive sets recently. No accessories are shown with this minifigure in the instruction manual, but there are plenty of accessories to find across the set.
Three diminutive Dreamlings populate their village. The figures are only available in three new sets and those included here are dressed for certain roles, starting with the Dreamling Wizard. Naturally, this resident of the Dream World features a blue wizard's hat and a beard, resembling Majisto from the Castle theme.
A classic chef's hat identifies the Dreamling Baker, while the Dreamling Blacksmith features another bushy beard and long hair. All three figures include the same aqua head, adorned with metallic gold spots and huge eyebrows. Their bodies are aqua too, matching the Dreamlings in other DREAMZzz sets.
The body element is brilliantly designed, matching the proportions of the teddy bear developed for the Collectable Minifigures range, but offering more useful connection points. In addition to the anti-stud underneath and minifigure head on top, the arms can wrap around anything with the diameter of a standard bar, such as the wand, whisk and hammer supplied to these figures.
The Completed Model
Buildings are included for each Dreamling and the largest belongs to the wizard. This model is very reminiscent of those in 41185 Magic Rescue from the Goblin Village, particularly given the curved shape of the roof. The scattered pink and lavender tiles are superb and I love the dormer window, making good use of a flame yellowish orange 3x6x1 windscreen.
Flame yellowish orange is repeated on the ground floor, where the door is also very similar to those in 41185 Magic Rescue from the Goblin Village. This is too small for minifigures, but the Dreamlings fit nicely, even wearing large hats. The level of detail here is remarkable and avoids relying too much on stickers, although a couple provide finishing touches on the windows and sign.
The interior is cramped, but there is still enough space for a cauldron and a wand clipped to the wall on the ground level. Some potion ingredients and two frogs are found above, including an uncommon magenta version. Ideally, there would be a fireplace to match the chimney outside, but space is obviously at a premium.
The neighbouring bakery incorporates a windmill, which is appropriate given the baker's need for flour. The blades can rotate and I like their bright light yellow colour, maintaining the vibrant exterior from the wizard's shop. Otherwise, this model exhibits a more traditional combination of aqua and reddish brown pieces, evoking timber-framed wattle and daub buildings.
Baked goods are served through a window immediately beneath the windmill blades, which is potentially disconcerting for customers. However, I like the croissant sign over the window and the columns located on either side look splendid. Identical wooden columns appear on all three buildings, featuring flame yellowish orange, aqua and pearl gold accent colours, respectively.
A table and clips for accessories are found inside, similar to the wizard's shop. The bed on the upper level was a pleasant surprise though and is designed specifically for tiny Dreamlings, as shown below. This is a clever use of the available space, although there is again no fireplace or oven to link to the stone chimney outside.
The blacksmith is the smallest of the three buildings, although this model looks as attractive as the others. White masonry bricks provide some texture and the pearl gold highlights across the roof are appealing, complimenting the equipment on display underneath. Suitably, the weapons forged here are compatible with Dreamlings, as well as minifigure visitors to the Dream World.
Finally, this model does include a fireplace, alongside an anvil. Like the tables in the other two buildings, the anvil incorporates a 1x2 rounded brick with vertical bars. Both these and the 1x1 round tiles with vertical bars on the roof are required when reconfiguring the models, which are designed to be arranged in multiple ways.
DREAMZzz sets always include alternative models, but this example is unusual. Rather than having to disassemble part of the original design, the above buildings split, so you can quickly combine them into one larger structure. Various options are possible, but the instruction manual shows the below configuration, which reaches a height of 14cm.
This option is certainly welcome and I like the idea, but the execution leaves something to be desired. Placing the roof of the blacksmith at ground level, presumably becoming a terrace, is particularly odd. However, no other options are really available, as the roof sections from either the bakery or wizard's shop would look worse.
I find the other side more effective, combining the ground floors from the wizard's shop and the blacksmith with the baker's windmill. Even the lime green base for the blacksmith works better than I expected, doubling as a balcony. I think the absence of plants outside the blacksmith is helpful in this regard.
The difference in height between the two halves of this building is problematic though, as the bed behind the windmill is exposed. I can easily envisage the Dreamlings sleeping in outdoor bedrooms, at least until the emergence of the evil Nightmare King, but its position still appears awkward to me.
In addition to the separate and combined buildings, the instruction manual suggests alternative combinations with other sets. I think this might explain the peculiar set number, which is out of sequence with the wider DREAMZzz range. Perhaps this was once intended as a promotional companion to other sets. Regardless, the combinations are fun and I was particularly surprised by the integration with 71461 Fantastical Tree House.
Overall
LEGO Elves was an amazing theme and 40657 Dream Village feels like a true successor. The style of these buildings is noticeably similar to many Elves sets, while the peaceful setting also feels pleasingly familiar. Moreover, the variety of Dreamlings provided is great and I appreciate the differing characters of their shops, which look marvellous when grouped together.
Prices have become a consistent problem this year, even more so than normal. However, in this case, I think £25.99, $29.99 or €29.99 represents good value. The buildings and their residents are small, but offer much the same play and display value as larger equivalents would. On that basis, I would certainly recommend this set.
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42 comments on this article
Would have been amazing if this windmill set was the one to bring back goats.
I don't know what to tell you, I just love the crap out of this theme, very much including this set. Anxiously awaiting the review of the literal flagship of wave 1!
You know,I didn't think of the elves resemblance with this set before,but I see it now.
These remind me a bit of my sisters Polly Pockets.
I like the modularity of these, I didn't know they would fit on the bus not to mention the tree! Also, you could just clip the three little houses all next to each other.
This is one of the ones I was most interested in- I have been dying for an original high fantasy theme ever since the phenomenal 2008 castle theme. This does not disappoint except for one thing- I can’t find it in stores! Every other set in the line I’ve been able to find (though the treehouse is a bit rarer than the others) but so far I haven’t seen this one at all
@dimc said:
"Would have been amazing if this windmill set was the one to bring back goats. "
Keep dreaming;)
@Jraptor said:
"This is one of the ones I was most interested in- I have been dying for an original high fantasy theme ever since the phenomenal 2008 castle theme. This does not disappoint except for one thing- I can’t find it in stores! Every other set in the line I’ve been able to find (though the treehouse is a bit rarer than the others) but so far I haven’t seen this one at all"
It's a Lego Store exclusive so you won't find it at any other retailer.
@watcher21 said:
" @dimc said:
"Would have been amazing if this windmill set was the one to bring back goats. "
Keep dreaming;)"
I think this Aerosmith quote is appropriate for this wish: "Dream on, Dream on, Dream until your dream comes true!" ;-)
@Jraptor said:
"This is one of the ones I was most interested in- I have been dying for an original high fantasy theme ever since the phenomenal 2008 castle theme. This does not disappoint except for one thing- I can’t find it in stores! Every other set in the line I’ve been able to find (though the treehouse is a bit rarer than the others) but so far I haven’t seen this one at all"
The set number being a 40xxx when the rest of the theme is a 71xxx [except the polybag] could suggest this is retail limited in some manner. Either exclusive to a specific store chain, or possible LEGO LEGO.com only?
I'm going to Legoland NY tomorrow for my birthday.
I'm buying every single DreamZzz set.
Rarely has a set spoken so directly to me.
>Best set of wave
>Is not available everywhere
Jeez. Lego, what are you doing?
@watcher21 said:
" @dimc said:
"Would have been amazing if this windmill set was the one to bring back goats. "
Keep dreaming;)"
To be honest, I don't much care. I think people just want goats because they are rare. I wouldn't mind having some, but I'd rather have the money so I could buy stuff I want more. I would laugh if they made a new goat and it was in a cheap set like this.
Lovely little set indeed.
Is that windmill white and brown? Could just be illusory or a white-balance thing, but it looks like the walls are a very pale aqua shade. In fact, the walls do look different to the white ice-cream/smoke on the top of the chimney.
@Joefish said:
"Is that windmill white and brown? Could just be illusory or a white-balance thing, but it looks like the walls are a very pale aqua shade. In fact, the walls do look different to the white ice-cream/smoke on the top of the chimney."
Sorry, the walls are indeed aqua. The review has been corrected.
@watcher21 said:
" @dimc said:
"Would have been amazing if this windmill set was the one to bring back goats. "
Keep dreaming;)"
From what I've heard there'll be a medieval market set in 2024 which may actually include a goat. Not confirmed, though.
@PhantomBricks said:
" @Jraptor said:
"This is one of the ones I was most interested in- I have been dying for an original high fantasy theme ever since the phenomenal 2008 castle theme. This does not disappoint except for one thing- I can’t find it in stores! Every other set in the line I’ve been able to find (though the treehouse is a bit rarer than the others) but so far I haven’t seen this one at all"
It's a Lego Store exclusive so you won't find it at any other retailer. "
It depends on the region, I guess,, because I saw it in a toy store yesterday. At a modest discount even.
The price being quite good certainly must have to do with the fact it's an exclusive.
At least when compared to the other "mid"-ranged sets of this theme being all between €38-63.
I do like how this set can be combined with the larger sets as well.
This would also easily fit to go with older fantasy Castle themes, even Nexo Knights, which did have villages in media, but never in brick form, or perhaps in a City/Friends Castle Fair.
The Lego Store I got this from had a sticker on the display that said 'Lego Store Exclusive' so I guess you can only get this from Lego itself, which explains the different set number.
Mildly disappointed the blacksmith's shop didn't bring back https://brickset.com/parts/4624993/adventure-acc-pack-1 The weapons' smaller size would be perfect accessories for the Dreamlings, but they've been in two minifig-scale sets, 6918 and 9473, so wouldn't look too out-of scale there.
@darthnorman: You'd need to modify the bakery and/or the blacksmith's shop to do that, because the wizard's tower is the only one that includes a https://brickset.com/parts/design-77808 on the side, rather than the back.
I really like the Dreamzzz vehicles as they cross nicely between being a playset for 8 year olds and a totally bonkers build for older folks, but this set is very firmly the former. Not for me.
The Bakery looks made of mint and chocolate!
@dimc said:
" @watcher21 said:
" @dimc said:
"Would have been amazing if this windmill set was the one to bring back goats. "
Keep dreaming;)"
To be honest, I don't much care. I think people just want goats because they are rare. I wouldn't mind having some, but I'd rather have the money so I could buy stuff I want more. I would laugh if they made a new goat and it was in a cheap set like this. "
See I really really like all the one timer animal molds they’re accumulating in city and all. I got the farm set that was an insane 4+ overpriced underdetailed barn with the baby cows and the baby pigs and extra woolly sheep. I got the mammoth and the saber tooth cat that were frozen in ice. Got the otters, seal, baby seal. The lions, cubs, elephant.
Camels and ostriches.
Every animal from the cmfs.
Anglerfish. rays. Hammerheads. Swordfish. Maybe the big old hare. Definitely reindeer.
Now I do have 3 goats I bricklinked before the goat insanity. Like while the set was still out. I’m sure under $10/pc
I mean I feel like this is playmobil mentality. Because they’re not building experiences to have these one piece chunky animals but
The “ooh they’ve done another dedicated animal I want that” … I can see why if the goat’s what someone doesn’t have of all the animals with the modern design language, it’d be someone’s grail
And especially as they were very sparse on animal variety until a few years ago where it picked up like crazy. And really everything else from that time - cows pigs chickens horses has had plenty of repeats. And In the post goat era even things that have High repeatability - lions for instance - people know to strike when it’s offered.
Goats were the harbinger of animal limited edition status so they’re kinda singular in how there wasn’t any knowing beyond being lucky enough to pick them up before it was known or not
@joedapoboy said:
"(...) I mean I feel like this is playmobil mentality. Because they’re not building experiences to have these one piece chunky animals (...)"
This. Absolutely this. I never thought I'd be one of those grouchy anti-specialised-mould types, but here I am, shaking my fist at clouds & one-piece dinosaurs.
76208: these are the pinnacle of goats.
This would've been a great GWP.
Oh well, picked up the 71461: Fantastical Tree House at Costco for $80. I think I need this set because those houses look great on the tree.
*Smurfs theme song intensifies*
So if the dreamlings normally live in the dreamworld... where do they go when they're asleep?
@SDlgo9 said:
"So if the dreamlings normally live in the dreamworld... where do they go when they're asleep?"
Into the Inner Dreamworld, which has it's own creatures who sleep / dream, and so on and so on.
It's a bit like Inception. Do you REALLY want to know how deep the rabbit hole goes? I don't think you do... it might give you the King of all Nightmares!
Definately giving me elves vibes from the first look at it! The goblin village was an iconic elves set for me and i love seeing some sets nowadays taking inspiration from that awesome theme.
Oh those are meant to be braces? Somehow I thought they were weird cat whiskers or something.
I had intended to skip this set but I might change my mind knowing now that it integrates with other sets. Thanks again for the review.
@TeriXeri said:
"The price being quite good certainly must have to do with the fact it's an exclusive.
At least when compared to the other "mid"-ranged sets of this theme being all between €38-63.
I do like how this set can be combined with the larger sets as well.
This would also easily fit to go with older fantasy Castle themes, even Nexo Knights, which did have villages in media, but never in brick form, or perhaps in a City/Friends Castle Fair."
Interesting, I wonder if Target might have it then. I haven't looked at any store's Lego selection since my surgery, but I remembered it being some form of exclusive in the U.S.
@NotProfessorWhymzi said:
"so a baker, a blacksmith, and a wizard walk into a bar..."
Must be a pretty low bar.
In the wizard house, there is space for a fireplace, where the red potion-bottle with the green cap is. For example, a grey 1x2x2 window frame with a 2x1 cheese slope on top would do the trick.
Am I the only one who thinks the dreamlings are missing hands and have to grasp objects under their arms because they have no other way of holding things?
@Murdoch17 said:
" @watcher21 said:
" @dimc said:
"Would have been amazing if this windmill set was the one to bring back goats. "
Keep dreaming;)"
I think this Aerosmith quote is appropriate for this wish: "Dream on, Dream on, Dream until your dream comes true!" ;-)"
Oh, sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter, and sing for the tear
Sing it with me, if it's just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away
Thanks for the review and this song that will be stuck in my head for today. ;-)
This is a great set, a theme within a theme with a visitor from Lego City.
So if someone just wants to collect Dreamlings and build their own village this would be good start.
In that case a Dreamling figures pack like 6702 from yesteryears would be nice.
Maybe combine it with some Grimspawn and Albert.
But I guess that's the old way. :-)
@GenericLegoFan said:
"You know,I didn't think of the elves resemblance with this set before,but I see it now."
When this set was announced, I immediately thought of 41185, the Goblin Village, especially in the construction and design of the roofs and doors. You can see several other overlaps with Elves: 71459 feels like Elves architecture, and 71461 looks like a remix of 41196. The bats take a big cue from Noctura, although to be fair, there's only so many ways you can do Lego bats.
( @Jraptor, I daresay Lego Elves is the missing "high fantasy" theme you're looking for, I think.)
This was my purchase day 1 (there was the nice promo bag that went with it, the little spider sleeping chair + Bunchu and Zblob). This set blew my mind. I love the modularity, price is for once not terrible, the lack of a villain was covered by the little promo poly bag (just wish they had at least one nightmare knight) and they look great separated, combined or added to the tree - that's my next purchase I guess - until I pull the trigger on the huge shark ship.
@Zander said:
"Am I the only one who thinks the dreamlings are missing hands and have to grasp objects under their arms because they have no other way of holding things?"
No, I thought that too. I guess they have really good...armpit strength?
Can you say "DreamZZZ's Version of the Smurfs Village"? ;) ;)
Oh, helpful point about the Treehouse integrations (I hadn't been aware of that yet). These modules combine so beautifully with the Stables and Treehouse. I love tie-ins!
I personally think the minifig is ugly. I dont understand those black lines. They look like whiskers or the fig is wearing a gag ??
Feels almost strange to say in this year, but the price seems okay - even without a discount. Nice set and helpful review - thanks! :)