Once Upon a Time Playset – Mattel

Company: Mattel

Release date: 1992+

Size: +/- 16cm

Main distribution: Europe / America

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Once Upon a Time Playset series are a bunch of Disney-themed, large playsets existing out of compacts with small figures, similar to Polly Pocket or the Disney Tiny Collection, but huge. Smaller versions were also made, called Once Upon a Time Locket.

12 playsets were made of various Disney films;
– Aladdin (Film)
– Aladdin (Film) [2nd edition]
– Aladdin (TV Series)
– Beauty and the Beast
– Cinderella (blue)
– Cinderella (pink)
– Pinocchio
– Pocahontas
– Sleeping Beauty
– Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
– The Lion King
– Toontown (Mickey & Friends)

I got 2/12.

Aladdin (Film) [2nd edition]
Release date: 1993

The exterior is golden coloured and has a relief of the palace of Agrabah on both sides, although the back doesn’t show the main entrance door. On the back along the bases of the pillars it reads in raised font: ©DISNEY, ©MATTEL,INC. 1992, CHINA.

The inside displays 2 areas, one the left the Cave of Wonders (blue colouring) and on the right the Palace of Agrabah. There’s a divider in the middle that acts as a door. One the left there is a panel that can be moved upwards to reveal the Genie, and the divider displays the entrance to the Cave of Wonders. On the right there’s 2 holes to attach the Magic Carpet too. The divider looks like a palace door.

The set comes with 3 figures; Aladdin as Prince Ali, Jasmine in purple dress and the Sultan.
They all have ©DISNEY ©MATTEL, INC. 1993 CHINA on their backs along the bottom of their clothing.

This set comes with new collectable figures (hence the 1993 on the figures but 1992 on the case). The first edition comes with Aladdin with Abu, Jasmine in her trademark blue outfit and Jafar. The Cave of Wonders also has red colours.

Cinderella
Release date: 1992

The exterior is light blue coloured and has a relief of the carriage on both sides. On the back along the base it reads in raised font: ©DISNEY, ©MATTEL,INC. 1992, CHINA. A pink version is also available.

The inside displays 2 areas, one the left the kitchen Cinderella is working in and on the right the Palace. There’s a divider in the middle. One the left there are 3 reliefs of spoons, mice and cat (which is missing from mine), and the divider displays the Stepmother locking the door. On the right there’s 4 reliefs of the glass slipper, birds and the dog. The divider has a clock that can be turned, and a panel with a carriage that can be moved sideways. Pulling the panel down reveals the animals as the magic has worn off. This panel is also missing from mine.

The set comes with 3 figures; Fairy Godmother, Cinderella and Prince Charming.
They all have ©DISNEY ©MATTEL, INC. 1992 CHINA on them; under the base of the Prince and inside the dresses of the ladies.

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While looking out for more Disney Tiny Collection sets I came across this Cinderella set. I had never seen this compact before and it was very cheap, so I bought it. I was surprised how huge it was (compared to what I was expecting). Looking further into it I found these Once Upon a Time Playsets. I never realised my lockets had bigger sets!

I also found my set wasn’t complete. Luckily the figures were present (usually the hardest to find), so I’ll probably end up finding a new case for it someday. I have kept an eye out since for these for cheap and found Aladdin as well. It even came with a Genie from Bullyland!

I probably won’t try and collect them all, I prefer smaller things, but I think they are great for the nieces and nephews to play with. So if I do come across a cheap set, I’ll likely buy it. I’m definitely on the hunt for the Lion King one though, because it’s Lion King so of course I will!

If you like Disney, little scenes and cute playsets, these are great for you.
They can be expensive though, especially complete.
If you like smaller toys, these won’t be for you.

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Got any more details / information you think I should add? Or did I get something wrong? Do you own any of the Once Upon a Time Playsets? Which one is your fav? Do you agree or disagree with my findings? Let me know in the comments below!