Excited woman raising her arms next to a McDonald's sign under a blue sky.
CONSUMER AFFAIRS

McDonald's announces an unexpected update in the USA: there are only a few days left

McDonald's launches a new limited-time offering in the United States that will only be available for a few days

Few things evoke as much nostalgia as a visit to McDonald’s during childhood. The moment of opening a Happy Meal and discovering which toy was inside is an unforgettable memory for many. This tradition that marked several generations is back in the spotlight thanks to an unexpected novelty.

Starting this month, McDonald’s has launched a new limited edition that has surprised both adults and children. The fast food chain has teamed up with Disney and Pixar to present a special collaboration for the release of the movie Elio, which premieres on June 20. This new Happy Meal includes not only new toys but also a renewed proposal that will be available for a very limited time.

Facade of a fast food restaurant with the McDonald's logo.
McDonald’s launches special collaboration with Pixar | McDonalds

A top-tier alliance for the new Happy Meal

Elio, Pixar’s new movie, is the centerpiece of this experience that combines fun and nostalgia. McDonald’s has prepared eight figures inspired by the main characters of the movie, including Elio, Helix, Glordon, Aquarii, Alya, Girgon, Mira, and Questa. Each toy has been designed to capture the attention of the youngest and, at the same time, attract collectors.

This isn't the first time the brand has opted for a similar strategy. In the past, toys like "Beanie Babies" or "Tamagotchi" became true phenomena, even generating resales online at exorbitant prices. With this new collection, McDonald’s aims to repeat that success, taking advantage of both Pixar’s pull and the nostalgia effect surrounding their Happy Meal.

This special edition is already available at selected locations in the United States and will only be available until June 30, warns The Street. There won't be any restocking once they're sold out, which has caused great anticipation among fans and collectors. On social media, many are already sharing photos of the toys and visiting different McDonald’s restaurants to complete the collection.

Toys from Disney Pixar's Elio movie on display against a space-themed background with the McDonald's logo in the corner
Eight new toys inspired by the movie Elio | McDonalds

The secret to success is still in the toy

For decades, the toys have been the main driving force behind the global success of Happy Meal. Although the food is an important part, the real appeal has always been discovering which character was hidden in the box. McDonald’s has understood this better than anyone, which is why they keep innovating in their collaborations and designs.

The formula hasn't changed: popular characters, strategic partnerships with major brands, and the surprise factor. While other chains try to imitate this format, none have managed to capture the same level of excitement. Even today, in the middle of the digital age, the excitement of opening a Happy Meal remains unmatched.

With more than one billion units sold per year, McDonald’s keeps its position as the leader in this segment. The new edition inspired by Elio confirms that, despite the passage of time, the Happy Meal remains one of the brand’s most iconic and effective products.

➡️ Consumer Affairs

More posts: