Chuggington Wilson's Wild Ride Deluxe Action Playset by TOMY {Review & Giveaway}

I find myself endlessly fascinated by the way that children are compelled to play with vehicles that move. From small toy cars to larger trucks, boys and girls alike can't seem to stop themselves from turning the wheels and allowing the movement to inspire their imaginations.

For my girls, one such category that sparks their creativity has always been trains. While a train set involves the dexterity and manipulation of the toy train itself, it also allows for the creation and telling of a story to go with the motions (something my talk-nonstop kids are especially good at).

Along with the play features, there's also the challenge of building the track and the way that it can be changed time and time again to suit that day's adventures — the opportunities for creativity are endless! The only thing that can make it better? When a train set entails all of the above but with the added bonus of characters that kids know and love.

That's why we were thrilled to see it all come together with Wilson's Wild Ride Deluxe Action Playset from TOMY.

As we are already fans of all things Chuggington, seeing this new track set from TOMY had us ready to open the box and begin play right away.

Wilson's Wild Ride Deluxe Action Playset contains 41 pieces (based on the Wilson and the Wild Wind Chuggington episode) that come together to form a large, easily-assembled, multilevel track.

From hearing the sounds of rain, wind and thunder to four spiraling levels of tracks to a spinning turntable, kids are able to build and rebuild this set into just about anything that they can imagine.

With the addition of popping construction cones, a rotating sign, and a die-cast Wilson, this construction set is an amazing way to start off or add to an existing Chuggington collection. As it is recommended for ages 3+, I initially wondered how complicated the assembly process would be — and was extremely pleased to find that it was very easy.

Each of the plastic pieces are durably made and I appreciate that they hook together to form a strong, sturdy connection. We have played with other playsets that begin to fall apart if bumped or moved, but TOMY created this one to stand tall without problem.

As there were clear instructions to follow included, it didn't take too long before the girls and I had constructed the twisting and turning track that raised to four levels high. We sat back and couldn't wait to send Wilson zooming down the rails!

At the top of the spiral sits the Storm Maker, a launching area that not only sends trains down the tracks with the press of a lever, but it also includes the sounds of rain, wind and thunder. What young chugger wouldn't be excited to have such a fun way to get in on the action than by controlling their own storm?

As Wilson (and the attached Cargo Car, if desired) are launched and come speeding down the rails, TOMY included two optional unique twists that add extra fun to the set: a rotating sign and popping construction cones.

Both stations are controlled by the red levers that stick onto the track, meaning that when Wilson comes by and triggers them, the sign spins around and around and the cones actually pop up and off of their holder and down to the ground.

Big Sister E and Little Sister B were surprised the first time the cones seemed to jump on their own and couldn't wait to reset them (done by simply pressing the button underneath each cone and setting them in place on top) and see it happen again and again!

For another innovative addition to Wilson's Wild Ride Deluxe Action Playset, the spinning turn table awaits at the bottom to whip around 720 degrees! Both of my girls were easily able to "wind" the turn table to have it ready and waiting and their eyes lit up each time that Wilson shot around in a circle after coming down the tracks!

Big Sister E and Little Sister B have loved the combination of the tracks and the unique additions in this set and the way that the entire thing can be built and rebuilt into many different configurations (the instruction booklet shows four different constructions, but users can also come up with their own).

We've had a great time playing with this set and cheering on Wilson as he zooms around and around — with the open-ended creativity allowed, there's never a dull moment. The way that the pillars elevate the track and that it only takes a tiny push to send our trainee pal riding the rails down to the bottom has brought a smile to our faces time and time again.

From the colorful pieces to the creativity of the building possibilities to the cute details, this set has provided a lot of fun since its arrival. I appreciate that the control mechanisms for each of the parts are not at all complicated (which would cause frustration in younger children), but instead are completed by simply rotating the turn table, pressing down on the construction cones' buttons with nothing more than one finger, or pressing on a single lever to launch Wilson from the Storm Maker.

With the large, brightly-colored pieces proving to attach easily and hold together well, this train set has been a fun way to get everyone involved. Plus, due to the larger size, there is more than enough room for multiple children to play without anyone feeling left out or crowded.

Even better, if you have a previous collection of other die-cast Chuggington sets from TOMY, this set comes with a piece of track that makes them compatible. Your trainee can then reenact scenes from Wilson and the Wild Wind or go ahead and create a Chuggington world all their own!

Retailing for $59.99, Wilson's Wild Ride Deluxe Action Playset is available now on Amazon and will soon be in Target, Walmart and Toys 'R Us stores as well.

Whether the girls are coming up with new ideas for ways to construct the parts or making up tales for the Chuggers, they've gleefully returned to this playset to send Wilson spinning on the tracks time and again. What a great way to incorporate the familiar scenes from this beloved show into interactive toys in their everyday lives!

One person will soon be able to see the creativity and enjoyment that TOMY has provided for Chuggington fans as well, because...

One lucky person will win Wilson's Wild Ride Deluxe Action Playset!

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big thank you to Chuggington for providing a Wilson's Wild Ride Deluxe Action Playset for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.