Welcome to the Playmobil Playroom, where we occasionally take a peek inside those impressive blue boxes and see what treasures await within. Sometimes we’ll have step-by-step photos walking you through assembly, maybe we’ll discuss and review a particular set or theme, or maybe we’ll have an unboxing video.

The Playmobil Magic theme is a relatively new expansion for the brand. As we were building the set highlighted in this post, we wondered what made the set “magic.” There’s a crystal that lights up (batteries required), and one of the figure’s dresses changes color with temperature (like my beloved childhood Freezy Freakies gloves), but nothing here shouted “Magic!” to us.

Turns out, there is a “magical” (i.e., augmented reality) component to some sets in this line. Check out this video to see what I mean. Like LEGO’s new Hidden Side sets and Crayola’s Color Alive line of coloring books, you can use a mobile app to bring various components “to life.” Basically, you’re using a phone to make gems sparkle or little animals bounce around.

Strangely, though, the Crystal Palace – Playmobil Magic’s largest set – doesn’t seem to have an AR component. At least not that we could find. There’s a QR code on the box that directs to Playmobil’s website, but that’s about it. Other sets in this line include various princesses (that apparently DO have AR features), mermaid cove, pearl shell nightlight, sleigh with royal couple, and a very cool winter phoenix, among others.

But it’s the Crystal Palace young fans of Frozen will covet. It’s the closest thing to Elsa’s ice castle (from the original movie) you’ll find among Playmobil’s offerings. Pair this with the Yeti and pretend it’s Marshmallow.

Specs:

• Product Number: 9469
• Number of Pieces: 266 pieces
• Number of figures: 3 adults (2 female, 1 male)

Ease of Build:

On a scale of 1-5, this set is as close to a 5 as they come. It’s a more complicated build that most sets, and many of the pieces don’t click together super easily. It requires a bit of force, and because of the design of the palace, it’s easy to destroy the entire thing if you push too hard. We’d recommend an adult or older child help assemble this one.

I’ve also mentioned this in the past, but Playmobil gets tricky with their piece count. This set has 266 pieces, which is a LOT. But many of those pieces snap together to make something fairly small. This chair, for instance? It’s 6 separate pieces.

Coolest Features:

• The glass(?) peacock. It’s just a small decorative piece, but it’s hella cute.
• The stairs around the outside of the palace. Both of my kids remarked that it’s a SUPER dangerous design, and no one could climb the stairs in real life, but hey – they’re fun.
• The… dungeon? beneath the palace. I’m not sure what else it’s supposed to be. It’s an icy, snowy cave beneath the palace, and it has a door. What else would it be?
• The light-up crystal. It can either be solid white or rotating colors. (You need 2 AAA batteries; not included.)

Playability:

Magic is one of Playmobil’s sets that’s very clearly marketed to girls (along with Princess, Fairies, and Dollhouse). It’s obviously not ONLY for girls, though. Even though my son wasn’t much interested in helping to build this one, he’s more than happy to play with the finished set.

My kids have constructed an expansive city (that they’ve named Townsville) with LEGO and Playmobil pieces, so anything that provides unique people, animals, or pieces is most welcome. I’m not sure how long the Crystal Palace will remain in one piece – many of the smaller accessories and doodads have already been distributed to Townsville – but that’s the beauty of physical toys like this. Kids can let their imaginations run wild.

Kid Verdict:

Neither of my kids is a fan of “princesses and fairies,” and both of them are beyond the original Frozen (though they both enjoyed Frozen 2), but they still give this set two thumbs up. It has a lot of fun features, cool accessories, new furniture, and the design of the palace is just awesome.

(Disclosure: This Playmobil set was provided free of charge for review purposes. All opinions remain our own.)