
McDonald’s is launching an adult Happy Meal—and a new shake designed to go viral
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The McDonaldland Meal will bring together most of the company’s major mascots.
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financial news
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August 5, 2025
03:58 PM
Fortune
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Retail·McDonald'sMcDonald’s is launching an adult Happy Meal—and a new shake designed to go viralBy Chris MorrisBy Chris MorrisContributing WriterChris MorrisContributing WriterChris Morris is a contributing writer at Fortune, covering everything from general news to the game and theme park industries.SEE FULL BIO Ronald McDonald, Hamburglar, and Grimace attend the 96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 24, 2022, in New York City.James Devaney—Getty ImagesMcDonald’s is reaching into its past to appeal to younger customers
The company will resurrect the characters of McDonaldland, including Birdie, Hamburglar, and Mayor McCheese, starting Aug. 12
A grownup version of the Happy Meal will also be offered
Grimace’s return to McDonald’s was a viral hit
Now the company is bringing back a gaggle of characters from its past
For the first time in 20 years, McDonald’s plans to incorporate Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Birdie, Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese, and the Fry Friends (a.k.a. the Fry Guys) into its marketing
Still MIA are Officer Big Mac, Captain Crook (basically a Hamburglar for the Filet-O-Fish), and Ronald’s Dog Sundae
Starting Aug. 12, the chain will launch the McDonaldland Meal, an adult Happy Meal of s featuring either a Quarter Pounder with Cheese or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries, a collectible souvenir, and the new Mt
McDonaldland Shake, which features a mystery flavor the company is encouraging diners to figure out
It’s a marketing push that could appeal to both Gen Z and Gen X. “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,” said Jennifer “JJ” Healan, McDonald’s vice president of U.S. marketing, brand, content & culture. “It’s a chance for us to give fans a new, modern way to experience this magical world.” The meals will include one of six collectible tins that include postcards, stickers, and more, each inspired by the different characters
The McDonaldland ad campaign dates back to 1971 and everything from Apple Pie Trees to Hamburger Bushes
The ads for it were…well, pure 1970s. (Intrigued and or horrified? Here’s almost 10 minutes of the ads in a row.) McDonald’s isn’t stopping with the meals
It’s also launching a line of McDonaldland merchandise, ranging from luggage to shirts and hats
The line is made in collaboration with Pacsun and will be available on Aug. 12
Another line with Away goes on sale Aug. 18
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