For those of us who actually liked McDonald’s Happy Meals when we were growing up in the late 90’s and early 00’s, if we are honest we usually liked the toy that came with the Happy Meal more than the food itself. For those of us who didn’t like the Happy Meal, the story is still the same. Thanks for those memories can be given to the collaboration between McDonald’s and Disney. But both have grown up, and Disney now has added Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel to its corporate collection, which gives it way more room to offer a huge collection of toys that can be included with the McDonald’s Happy Meal. At this point there is no word that purchases of the Happy Meal-Disney toy combination will be restricted to adults with children.
In order not to end the article on a downer, it will be stated here that before Disney agreed to co-sponsor the effort, McDonald’s had to agree to meet Disney’s nutritional guidelines. This is a fact. Instead of a meal loaded with salt, carbs, and calories, the Happy Meal will be required to feature more fruits and vegetables. If you’re asking what the hell is that. You are not alone. Maybe they need to change the name of the meal to the Somber Meal. Maybe those kids from the 90’s who didn’t like the Happy Meal food will actually be happy now.
Now we should caution that back in the day having something tangible to walk away with was cool. But that was then, and what this collaboration might develop into over time is something that has to do with augmented reality rather than something that is breakable or can get lost. If Disney says there has to be healthy food, then McDonald’s certainly isn’t in a position to say the kind of toy that will be offered. Harumph.
Now since that is out of the way, the first two sets of movie characters have already been decided on. Beginning in June, The Incredibles 2 characters will be found with every Happy Meal. You should be seeing Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Violet, Dashiell, Jack Jack, Frozone, Edna Mode, Syndrome, Mirage, and Gilbert Huph. There is no word on whether all the characters will be available or whether there will be a limited number of certain characters produced to amp up the demand.
Next on the list will be Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2. It has not been determined how many of the movie characters will actually be made, but you should be able to count on Merida, Anna, Rapunzel, Moana, Ralph, and Yesss to be the odds on favorites to make the cut.
The original collaboration between McDonald’s and Disney lasted for about a decade — from 1996 to 2006. But with all the added content Disney has acquired since then, this is something than can go on for much longer. The only way to see an end to it is if McDonald’s patrons stop lovin’ it.
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