About 18 months ago, Rob Vangansewinkel’s Ideas submission based on a capsule toy vending machine was accepted. Today the final model has been revealed, and it is sure to excite many members of the broader LEGO community.
While the Vending machine is the primary build, fans are more likely to be distracted by the 16 minifigures encapsulated within. This set will be released on the 1st of June to LEGO Insiders and has a retail price of $AUD249.99 / €169.99 / £ 149.99 / $ 179.99.
The road to release…
Shortly after the submission was accepted, the LEGO Ideas team ran a poll for a recolour of the Classic Spaceman, as well as a choice of new Castle Faction. I speculated last year that we might see the Turquoise spaceman, after a hint in closing scenes of LEGO Dreamzzz season 2.
After this speculation, I was even more excited when we were told that a teal spaceman would be part of the lineup, at the Fan Media Days late September last year – a few weeks after my previous prediction.
The Ideas team also revealed that the Kraken Knights would be joining the model.
But were these reveals part of a double fake?
The Minifigures
So, this vending machine comes with a whooping 16 minifigures. It’s almost like a collection of CMF’s with guaranteed doubles of your favorites! Lets take a closer look:
Spacemen
Not only do we have the Teal Spaceman, we also receive the Warm Gold version: what an unexpected delight. two to play with , and two to put into our multicoloured spaceman displays! Along with the classic space gun and walkie talkie, they also come with a spanner, coffee cup and donut. I’ll leave you to speculate about their respective roles…
Castle
While Kraken Knights were revealed at Fan media days, we also have two Griffin Knights present in the set. If we consider figures included in upcoming creator set, we now have four new factions of knights appearing between now and September! I love the new shield designs, as well as the armour prints.
I do wonder if the knights will be as much fun, if we haven’t heard some of the mythology behind them?
Pirates
We have some new prints for our pirate figures, along with the traditional pirate map, and flintlock. I love the gold trimmed white coat!
Paradisa
Back in the 90’s, Paradisa brought us resort life, in a light pink world. We have a new crop top singlet, with the theme’s iconic pal tree logo. Our Paradisians come with icecream, cocktail glasses, a parrot and camera.
Fabuland Cosplay
If minifigures were fans of Fabuland, how would they dress up? Probably like this, animal costume heads, along with a hoodie proclaiming their fandom. Sure – it’s not actual Fabuland, but we have been spoiled this year with references in Ninjago, and the LEGO house set. And now these!
Sigfigs
We also have 2 regular humans included. One is the fan who submitted the idea to LEGO Ideas, and I am uncertain as to who the other figure is set to represent. Probably one of the LEGO Ideas team – what an awesome torso to own. Perhaps it shall be revealed soon. I love the microscale version of the vending machine, along with the coin that he is carrying.
Overall, these figures will appeal to any ageing fan of LEGO , whether their preferred era is 70s, 80s or 90s. Castle fans can also relish the fact that there are a multitude of new factions this year. Couple that with the functioning mechanism included, and I can see this set flying off the shelves, when it goes on sale in June.
Here is the official Press release:
20th May 2025: The LEGO Group has announced the launch of the LEGO® Ideas Minifigure Vending Machine set; a retro-inspired building set that brings a blast from the past to life in brick form. Designed for adults who love vintage style, creative design, and classic LEGO charm, this buildable vending machine is a conversation-starting display piece.
With 1,343 pieces, this collectible set invites fans to take a trip down memory lane. Simply insert the included LEGO coin, turn the handle, and release one of 16 colorful capsules, each containing bricks to build a minifigure. Each figure is a delightful surprise, featuring nostalgic themes like Castle, Paradisa, and Fabuland, as well as Classic Space explorers and even the LEGO Ideas Fan Designer who uploaded the product idea to http://www.ideas.LEGO.com
This functional brick-built vending machine enhances the excitement of the blind bag concept, captivating audiences with the thrill of discovery. It offers dedicated collectors exclusive, nostalgic minifigures while providing an engaging building experience, making it an ideal gift for both passionate enthusiasts and casual builders.
The LEGO Ideas Minifigure Vending Machine set was submitted by Belgium-based Fan Designer, Rob Vangansewinkel, as part of the LEGO Ideas programme. LEGO Ideas allows fans to submit product ideas, which are then voted for by the community before being considered to be made into a real LEGO set. Talking about his design, Rob said, “As a kid, I had a real vending machine at home and loved it – so the idea of creating a working LEGO brick version that dispenses minifigures just clicked. I started with a digital version of the model and posted it on LEGO Ideas. But I wasn’t sure if the dispensing mechanism would really work, so I spent about two months testing and refining the design with actual LEGO bricks. I even took apart my old vending machine to understand the mechanics and make it work, and I’m so proud of the final product”.
The set blends clever LEGO building techniques with a true-to-life vending mechanism, complete with a satisfying click as you turn the knob. Builders can enjoy recreating every detail of this miniature machine, from its rounded glass-top styling to its playful functionality. Its immersive building experience combines retro charm with nostalgic appeal – perfect for display in any home or office setting.
The LEGO Ideas Minifigure Vending Machine set is available for LEGO Insiders early access from 1st June 2025, and for all from 6th June via LEGO.com/MinifigureVendingMachine and LEGO Stores, priced at $AUD 250 / € 169.99 / £ 149.99 / $ 179.99.
I love the final look of this machine, and am somewhat astounded that there are so many great minifigures included. This feels like a set of minifigures that would be on brand for a major anniversary celebration: Space, Castle, Pirates, Paradisa, and Fabuland in the one set??? I fear I won’t be able to help myself.
Oh, and it is also a vending machine!
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Until Next Time,
Play Well!
