(Written by William)
It was just a couple of years ago when LEGO released the #43249 LEGO Disney Stitch brickbuilt display statue, so it’s a bit surprising that this year they released the similar #43296 LEGO Disney Stitch & Scrump set. I had a chance to build both sets, so I can compare the two and share my thoughts with you.
It is also interesting that these two sets are very close in price. The 2024 model was priced at $64.99, while this year’s model is $69.99. Is the newer set worth the extra $5? In short, yes. In fact, it is heads and tails above the earlier one. Let’s see why.
LEGO DISNEY STITCH & SCRUMP – ACCESSORIES
In the #43249 LEGO Disney Stitch set, Stitch only got an ice cream cone as an accessory. (I guess you could consider his Hawaiian shirt as a type of accessory, but it was built into his body, so it is not something you can take off.)
In the #43296 LEGO Disney Stitch & Scrump set, we got Scrump to start with. This little rag doll can move its limbs and head for extra posing. Stitch also got a grass skirt. This is something that can be easily removed if you prefer a more classic look for the character. I should note that the skirt does not go completely around Stitch’s body. This does make it a front-facing model only if you want to use the skirt. Finally, Stitch got a ukulele. On a side note, I really like the look of this instrument, even more than the #31156 LEGO Creator Ukulele that was released in 2024.
LEGO DISNEY STITCH VS. STITCH
One factor that might push the older sitting model past this new model is that the older model is larger. This means it fills a space more substantially. Since these are meant to be display pieces, having the quality of size is worth considering.
However, when it comes to posing Stitch, the newer model definitely has a greater range. Not only do you get a wide range of movement with the head and ears, but the mouth has a bit more articulation than its predecessor.
Each of Stitch’s arms has multiple points of motion. There are shoulder joints, elbow joints, and the ability to rotate the wrists. Added to this are the four claws on each hand that can be independently positioned. The older model only allowed one hand to be repositioned in a meaningful way, since the other hand was occupied supporting the weight of the model.
Finally, the major difference is that the older model has a sitting Stitch while the newer one is standing. Both models are restricted to these stances, so neither beats the other out when it comes to variety for how Stitch is presented.
LEGO STITCH & SCRUMP – PARTS, STICKERS AND BUILD
I will admit that the build for both models was very satisfying. There is a great use of interesting building techniques that make both models extremely fun. You get a wide array of slopes in both models to allow more refined sculpting, and in the new model you also get some pretty interesting parts I’ve never seen before.
Along his arms, the new Stitch model features some 2×3 rounded tiles. This is great for smoothing out lines of your creations. Additionally, on the arms, there are much smaller sockets for the large ball-joints. A common ball-joint socket is a modified 2×2 brick with a socket to hold the ball-joint. This model features a 1×2 brick with a pinhole that has the same socket. This piece alone is what accounts for Stitch’s truncated arms without losing the ability to move.
Other parts I like are a new bracket. This is close to a normal 2×2 bracket, but instead of having a 1×2 plate at the top or bottom, the plate is located in the center. This is probably not the first time this part has been seen, but it did catch my eye, just like the clear grill tiles that help make up the strings for the ukulele.
The old model had stickers that made up the Hawaiian pattern for the shirt. In the new model, there are no stickers at all. The button on Scrump, Scrump’s face, the splotching on Stitch’s back, and Stitch’s eyes are all printed elements. This goes a long way in making the newer model feel like a higher-end version of a similar set.
LEGO DISNEY STITCH & SCRUMP – FINAL THOUGHTS
I personally like Stitch. I liked the first model, but I love this new version even more. I kind of prefer the slightly smaller size, which helps punch up the cute factor. And not having to deal with stickers is a major plus.
As an added bonus, the accessories really add to the value of the model. Each element looks great and actually gives builders some play potential. The removable skirt alone gives you the idea that this Stitch is a model you could play dress up with. And the added mobility in the hands and arms gives this model a tremendous amount of ability to express all sorts of emotions.
In conclusion, this is a well-priced set with a superior feeling of quality over the first time we saw a Stitch statue. It is still more of an art piece, but you can play a bit more with the newer version without really giving anything up.
In the video above, I discuss the set in a bit more detail that will hopefully give you an idea as to whether or not you want to have a tropically cute building experience. If you would like to check out the set, it’s available at the LEGO Disney section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? Do you have either or both of the LEGO Stitch sets? Which one do you prefer? Feel free to share your thoughts and own reviews in the comment section below!
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Nice upgrades! And I like the ukulele too. I have the Creator version as well.
Considering the enduring popularity of Lilo & Stitch, and the fact that Lego is certainly not above giving us a new version of a licensed IP set that they’ve done before, this was probably inevitable.
This set wasn’t on my radar, but now I’m considering it. I’m a big fan of the film, and this second set looks much better than the first.
Cute set. I plan to get it for my sister for Christmas. Psst! Don’t tell her! 😀
These are very well done. And no stickers?! That’s a surprise!
I think they only have four prints in total, so the printing cost might have felt motivated, particularly as most of the printed parts are rounded to begin with.