The LEGO Ideas platform has long been a vehicle for fans to bring their dream sets to life, giving them the chance to submit their own concepts for review by the LEGO team. If a submission garners 10,000 supporters, it moves into the official review stage, where LEGO decides whether to turn the fan concept into a mass-produced set. Among the latest contenders to make waves in this arena are two separate submissions based on the Disney animated series “Gravity Falls”, each featuring a build of the iconic Mystery Shack, the central location from the show.

One of these submissions, created by Minibrick Productions, recently gained enough votes to enter the second review round for 2024, marking the second time this project has been considered. Shortly thereafter, a second version of the Mystery Shack designed by mad.bricks achieved the same milestone, making it another contender for a possible LEGO set. This blog will dive into the details of both projects, explore why “Gravity Falls” remains such a beloved show, and discuss the significance of the Mystery Shack in both the series and these LEGO builds.

“Gravity Falls”: A Cult Classic

Before delving into the specifics of the LEGO Ideas sets, it’s worth reflecting on why “Gravity Falls” has inspired not just one, but two community-driven projects. Created by Alex Hirsch, “Gravity Falls” aired on Disney Channel and Disney XD from 2012 to 2016, captivating audiences with its perfect blend of mystery, humor, and heart. The series follows twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they spend their summer in the small, seemingly sleepy town of Gravity Falls, Oregon, with their eccentric Great Uncle Stan (or Grunkle Stan), who runs the Mystery Shack. Throughout the series, the twins uncover paranormal happenings and strange creatures, solving various mysteries along the way.

The show’s popularity lies in its ability to transcend typical children’s programming. It appeals to younger viewers with its vibrant animation and quirky characters, while older audiences are drawn to its clever writing, intricate plot, and deeper emotional undercurrents. Themes of family, growing up, and self-discovery resonate throughout the show, making it a timeless favorite.

At the heart of “Gravity Falls” is the Mystery Shack, a tourist trap filled with oddities and strange artifacts. The Shack is a character in itself, serving as the setting for much of the action and housing some of the show’s biggest secrets. Given its centrality to the narrative and its distinctive look, it’s no surprise that fans would want to see it immortalized as a LEGO set.

Minibrick Productions’ Mystery Shack: A Return to Review

Minibrick Productions’ take on the Mystery Shack is currently in its second round of review, having previously reached 10,000 votes in an earlier round but not making it to production. This version of the Shack is highly detailed, both inside and out. It features the quirky, ramshackle exterior familiar to fans, complete with the neon “Mystery Shack” sign on the roof and the gabled, worn-down aesthetic that gives the building its charm.

What makes this model stand out is the attention to detail inside. The set includes multiple rooms from the show, each painstakingly designed to match the aesthetics and layout seen on-screen. Fans will recognize the living room area with its mismatched furniture, the gift shop where Grunkle Stan sells his bizarre and often nonsensical wares, and even secret rooms like the underground bunker where some of the show’s biggest revelations take place. Dipper’s journal, Mabel’s quirky sweaters, and Stan’s fez are all included in this build, creating an immersive, nostalgic experience for fans of the series.

The build also includes multiple mini-figures of the show’s main characters: Dipper, Mabel, Grunkle Stan, Soos (the lovable handyman), and Wendy (the laid-back teenage employee). Each mini-figure is outfitted in their signature clothing, and accessories like Dipper’s flashlight and Mabel’s grappling hook help to recreate iconic moments from the series.

What makes Minibrick Productions’ version of the Mystery Shack a strong contender for LEGO Ideas is its balance of playability and display value. The set is highly interactive, with removable roof panels allowing easy access to the various rooms, making it perfect for imaginative play. Yet, it’s also aesthetically impressive enough to serve as a display piece for adult fans of the show. This blend of functionality and visual appeal is a hallmark of successful LEGO sets.

Mad.bricks’ Mystery Shack: A Different Take

While Minibrick Productions’ build focuses on intricate detailing, mad.bricks’ version of the Mystery Shack offers a different perspective. While the exterior isn’t as heavily detailed as the Minibrick model, mad.bricks focuses more on the layout and playability of the interior. The inside of the build still embraces the charm of the show’s central hub, including key rooms like the gift shop, living quarters, and Dipper’s attic room.

One feature that sets mad.bricks’ submission apart is the inclusion of the Mystery Shack’s iconic golf cart, which Dipper and Mabel often use to escape from various supernatural threats. This little addition might seem small, but it adds to the set’s playability and captures the adventurous spirit of the show. The cart itself is a perfect example of how mad.bricks balances play with nostalgia. It’s simple but essential for fans who want to recreate the high-energy chases and escapes that pepper the series.

The mad.bricks build also includes a set of mini-figures, much like Minibrick Productions’. Dipper, Mabel, Grunkle Stan, Soos, and Wendy are all present, and each comes with a range of accessories tied to their character traits. While the figures are similar between the two submissions, the differences in design styles and the range of included props give fans two distinct versions of the characters to choose from.

While mad.bricks’ exterior design might not be as intricate as Minibrick Productions’, it offers a more accessible and possibly more affordable option for fans. The emphasis here is on the interactive experience, allowing younger fans and casual LEGO enthusiasts to engage with the set without being overwhelmed by complex building techniques or high piece counts.

The Gravity of Two Builds in Review

Having two separate Mystery Shack builds in the review process for the same theme creates an interesting scenario. Typically, LEGO Ideas does not select multiple projects from the same IP in a single review round, which means that it’s unlikely both of these builds will make it to production. However, there are potential benefits to having both submissions in consideration.

First, the presence of two competing models highlights the strong demand for a “Gravity Falls” LEGO set. The fact that two separate fan projects have reached the 10,000-vote threshold shows that there is significant enthusiasm for a set based on the series. This level of fan engagement might encourage the LEGO team to prioritize the “Gravity Falls” theme in its review process, even if only one of the projects is selected.

Second, having two builds allows LEGO to evaluate which version of the Mystery Shack might best fit their brand and target market. Minibrick Productions’ model is highly detailed and likely appeals to older fans or collectors who value display pieces and intricate builds. Mad.bricks’ version, while simpler, may appeal more to younger builders or those looking for a more accessible playset. Depending on LEGO’s priorities for the Ideas line, either model could be seen as a better fit for their product lineup.

There’s also the possibility that elements from both projects could be combined into a final design. LEGO has done this before, merging fan ideas from multiple submissions to create a set that honors the strengths of each. While it’s rare, it would be a way to take the best aspects of both the Minibrick and mad.bricks builds—such as Minibrick’s attention to detail and mad.bricks’ playability—and create a definitive Mystery Shack set that satisfies fans of all ages.

Why “Gravity Falls” Deserves a LEGO Set

“Gravity Falls” is not just a show; it’s a phenomenon that has maintained a dedicated fanbase long after its final episode aired. The series has been lauded for its clever storytelling, memorable characters, and ability to balance humor with heart. It’s a show that appeals to multiple generations, which is a key factor in its enduring popularity.

A LEGO set based on “Gravity Falls”, specifically the Mystery Shack, taps into this multi-generational appeal. For younger fans who may have discovered the show through streaming services like Disney+, a LEGO set provides a way to engage with the series in a new and interactive way. For older fans who grew up watching the show, it offers a chance to own a piece of nostalgia, a tangible representation of a series that means so much to them.

Moreover, the Mystery Shack is the perfect setting for a LEGO set. It’s quirky, visually distinct, and full of hidden secrets—qualities that align perfectly with the imaginative world of LEGO. From Grunkle Stan’s “mystical” oddities to the journals that drive the show’s deeper mysteries, there’s a wealth of material for LEGO designers to draw from.

A Fan-Driven Path to Production

As both Minibrick Productions’ and mad.bricks’ models move through the LEGO Ideas review process, fans of “Gravity Falls” are eagerly waiting to see if one of these projects will make it to production. Regardless of which model is ultimately chosen, the fact that two different Mystery Shack builds have reached this stage speaks volumes about the love and passion fans have for the series.

A LEGO set based on “Gravity Falls” would not only satisfy the long-standing desires of the show’s fanbase but also introduce a new generation to the magic of the series. Whether it’s through the intricate details of Minibrick Productions’ design or the accessible playability of mad.bricks’ version, the Mystery Shack deserves its place in the LEGO pantheon.

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