And out of nowhere, the Lego group have announced 10508 El Dorado fortress: a reimagining of the classic 1234 from 1989. This set will be released on 4thJuly 2023 (VIPs; 7th July for others), has 2508 pieces and comes with 8 mini figures, along with a monkey (but perhaps not the classic monkey we nostalgically long for, but rather the 2022 version) as well as a small boat for the Imperials. It is priced at $aud329.99/$USD 214.99/€214.99/£189.99.

The fort can open up for classic play experiences after the kids have gone to bed, and can be closed up to help keep the living room table tidy. In its open configuration, the model measures over 10.5 in. (27 cm) high, 27.5 in. (70 cm) wide and 9.5 in. (24 cm) deep.

Here’s the press release:

The LEGO Group today announces the return of one of its most popular themes, with the launch of the new LEGO® Icons Eldorado Fortress set which is based on the original LEGO Pirates theme.

The highly anticipated return of the Pirates theme is in response to high demand from LEGO fans, after it topped the charts in a recent 90th anniversary vote on the LEGO Ideas platform.

Also known as Governor’s Fort Sabre, the Eldorado Fortress was a LEGO Pirates set based on Imperial Forts from the Golden Age of the piracy era and the original set was unveiled in 1989. The new 2509 piece set is highly detailed and features the fortress and working port, a jail, a working crane, trap doors, plus an imperial ship and small pirate rowboat. In addition, the set comes with six soldier minifigures and two pirate minifigures – plus a cheeky monkey.

I love the way the new set captures so many details of the original, including the ramp on the previously moulded baseplate, now paved!

The addition of the ship also brings back feelings of the Caribbean Clipper, although it is a bit smaller than the original version. [Edit: Actually the ship from the Imperial Trading Post]

Certainly, if you own the 2020 LEGO IDEAS set Pirates of Baraccuda Bay, this will be the sort of set that holds some appeal to you.

I am a little disappointed to see that the original monkey design (last seen in 2017’s Ninjago Skybound, albeit in bright orange and pearl silver) has moved on, to be replaced by the single piece element that debuted in LEGO CITY back in 2021.

this set certainly will certainly bring the nostalgic vibes to people who were a little young for the Galaxy Explorer, or the Yellow Castle, but remember the age of pirates, which is certainly where everything changed in LEGO Story Telling!

You can check out the page on LEGO.com right here…(affiliate link)

I’d love to know what you think of this reimagined set from the late 80’s. Is this the nature of set you would like to see LEGO continuing to produce on an annual basis? Why not leave your comments below. You can keep up to date with the Rambling Brick on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr (or just sign up for our mailing list) and find some extra content on Instagram and TikTok. And feel free to share this post with your friends who might be interested… Until Next Time,

Play well!