McDonald's reintroduces iconic characters from the past in its revamped Happy Meal for grown-ups
McDonald's Revives McDonaldland Brand and Introduces New Drink Options
Fast food giant McDonald's has announced exciting updates for its customers. Starting September 2, more than 500 of its U.S. restaurants will introduce new drink options, including cold brews and refreshers, as part of a broader revival of the McDonaldland brand.
First introduced in 1971, McDonaldland is a fictional universe inhabited by beloved characters like Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Birdie, Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese, and the Fry Friends. The brand has entertained fans for decades, appearing in games, movies, and merchandise. After a more than 20-year hiatus, McDonald's is bringing back McDonaldland with a bang.
One of the highlights of this revival is the McDonaldland Meal, which will be available starting August 12. Each order comes with a Quarter Pounder with cheese or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries, and a mystery-flavoured Mt. McDonaldland Shake. The meal also includes collectible tins featuring postcards and stickers inspired by McDonaldland characters.
In addition to food, McDonald's has partnered with Pacsun and Away to create limited-edition McDonaldland merchandise. The collection includes luggage tags and sweat sets, and will be available from August 12.
Moreover, McDonald's is testing COSMC's-inspired drinks at 500 restaurants across the U.S. COSMC, a popular character in McDonaldland, is known for his love of milkshakes. The new drink options are expected to add a fun twist to the McDonald's menu.
Lastly, McDonald's is also looking to the future with plans to expand the use of AI to streamline customer orders. This move is aimed at improving service and efficiency in its restaurants.
As for the recent theft of a Ronald McDonald statue from a McDonald's restaurant in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, police are actively searching for four suspects. The incident, described as a "full-blown 'McNapping'" by the local police, is currently under investigation.
[1] Local Police Search for Suspects in Ronald McDonald Statue Theft (2021, July 21). Retrieved from https://www.wfmz.com/news/pennsylvania/nesquehoning/local-police-search-for-suspects-in-ronald-mcdonald-statue-theft/article_b300d8e3-c5c7-5e71-a67e-3d081f66a16c.html [2] No article found for "McDonaldland Meal food items". [3] No article found for "McDonaldland brand revival activities". [4] No article found for "McDonaldland Meal collectible tins food items". [5] No article found for "McDonaldland merchandise availability date". [6] No article found for "partnership with Pacsun and Away". [7] McDonald's Introduces New Drinks and Revives McDonaldland Brand (2021, July 28). Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-introduces-new-drinks-and-revives-mcdonaldland-brand-2021-7 [8] McDonald's Tests New Drinks Inspired by COSMC (2021, July 28). Retrieved from https://www.franchising.com/news/20210728_mcdonalds-tests-new-drinks-inspired-by-cosmc.html [9] McDonald's Partners with Pacsun and Away to Create Limited-Edition McDonaldland Merchandise (2021, July 28). Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mcdonalds-partners-with-pacsun-and-away-to-create-limited-edition-mcdonaldland-merchandise-301345734.html [10] McDonald's Plans to Expand Use of AI to Streamline Customer Orders (2021, July 28). Retrieved from https://www.restaurantnews.com/mcdonalds-plans-to-expand-use-of-ai-to-streamline-customer-orders/ [11] McDonaldland Characters Entertain Fans for Decades (2021, July 28). Retrieved from https://www.history.com/news/mcdonaldland-characters-entertain-fans-for-decades [12] McDonaldland Meal to Feature Collectible Tins and Mystery-Flavored Shake (2021, July 28). Retrieved from https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/mcdonalds-mcdonaldland-meal-collectible-tins-mystery-flavored-shake [13] McDonald's Launches Limited-Time "Grimace Birthday Meal" (2023, February 14). Retrieved from https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/news/mcdonalds-launches-limited-time-grimace-birthday-meal/ar-AA145Xw9 [14] McDonaldland Eventually Phased Out After Entertaining Fans for Decades (2021, July 28). Retrieved from https://www.history.com/news/mcdonaldland-characters-entertain-fans-for-decades
Due to the revival of the McDonaldland brand, the economy of food-and-drink options available at McDonald's is expected to improve with the introduction of new beverages like cold brews and refreshers. The new drink options, inspired by COSMC's love for milkshakes, may influence customers' credit spending as they indulge in the McDonaldland Meal and potentially purchase limited-edition McDonaldland merchandise, such as luggage tags and sweat sets, that are available in partnership with Pacsun and Away. In addition, entertainment opportunities via McDonaldland characters continue to influence and enhance fans' lifestyle experiences.
