Peak summer is upon us, and this is the time of the year reserved for trips to Six Flags, Universal Studios, Disney World, Disneyland, and … McDonaldland?
That’s right: McDonald’s, the fast-food company known for its famed “Golden Arches,” is tapping back to its history with its latest promotion, inviting fans to a whimsical world featuring a colorful cast of legendary, timeless, and cherished characters being celebrated with an all-new McDonaldland Meal, starting Aug. 12.
Available for a limited time, the meal consists of the company’s signature fries, a choice of a Quarter Pounder With Cheese or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a limited-edition Mt. McDonaldland Shake. The volcano-looking shake, which has a surprise flavor, is inspired by what McDonald’s calls “the vibrant blue ‘lava’ and pink clouds of Mt. McDonaldland.”
The company says visitors to McDonaldland will also be able to collect six exclusive collectible tins featuring postcards, stickers, and more, each inspired by the different characters: Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Birdie, Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese, and the Fry Friends.
With this latest nostalgic promotion, led by creative agency Wieden+Kennedy New York, McDonald’s is taking fans back in time, specifically to the 1970s, to a fictional fantasy world that includes themed play places, animated series, and burger-shaped seats in restaurants.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen how fans flock to our characters, everyone from Grimace to the Hamburglar. But many, especially the new generation, don’t know that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s an entire magical world of McDonaldland filled with characters, places, and lore,” said Jennifer “JJ” Healan, McDonald’s vice president, U.S. marketing, brand, content, and culture. “And so, for the first time in decades, we are taking fans on a trip to McDonaldland with an immersive experience that taps into the past to create the future. It’s a chance for us to give fans a new, modern way to experience this magical world.”
