McDonald's is bringing back waves of nostalgia this summer with the launch of the McDonaldland Meal, a limited-time offering that immerses customers in the whimsical world originally introduced in the early 1970s. Starting August 12, fans can dive into this magical McDonaldland experience, which includes a choice between a Quarter Pounder with Cheese or a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, paired with the classic World Famous Fries. The meal is complemented by a collectible tin filled with postcards, stickers, and other memorabilia inspired by beloved characters such as Ronald McDonald, Grimace, the Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese, Birdie, and the Fry Friends. This marks the first official reintroduction of these iconic characters outside of advertising campaigns in over 20 years.

A standout feature of the McDonaldland Meal is the new Mt. McDonaldland Shake, a limited-edition specialty drink designed to evoke the vibrant and imaginative landscape of the McDonaldland universe. This shake boasts a bright blue color meant to represent the "lava" flowing from the fictional Mt. McDonaldland volcano, topped with pink whipped cream symbolizing the "clouds" above. According to McDonald's, the shake offers a "secret blend" or "secret concoction" of flavors combining their signature soft serve with berry notes. This mysterious flavor profile invites customers to experience a taste that is as enchanting as the magical world it's inspired by.

In addition to the meal and shake, McDonald’s is amplifying the nostalgic appeal with exclusive merchandise collaborations. Starting August 12, the brand will partner with Pacsun to release limited-edition apparel, including sweat sets and graphic tees that feature McDonaldland characters and themes. Following that, starting August 18, customers can also receive complimentary luggage tags and bag charms inspired by the characters with purchases at Away retail locations, available while supplies last. These merchandise efforts aim to extend the McDonaldland experience beyond the restaurant, allowing fans to carry a piece of this whimsical realm with them.

The McDonaldland universe, known for its playful and quirky features like Apple Pie Trees and Hamburger Patches, was a foundational part of McDonald's marketing and branding through the 1970s into the early 2000s. By reviving this concept with the new McDonaldland Meal, McDonald's aims to connect different generations, from longtime fans who grew up with these characters to a new generation discovering them for the first time. This immersive offering, blending food, collectible nostalgia, and merchandise, underscores McDonald’s strategic embrace of its rich heritage while delivering a fresh and engaging experience to its customers.