For decades, McDonald’s fans have formed strong connections to the brand’s collectibles, from Happy Meal toys to branded merchandise. These items aren’t just souvenirs; they are keepsakes that evoke memories of childhood joy and iconic moments spent with family and friends. Now, McDonald’s is tapping into this nostalgia by launching the Collector’s Meal, a limited-time offer that reintroduces some of the most beloved collectibles in the form of six exclusive cups. Each cup is designed to reignite those cherished memories while also creating new ones for a new generation of McDonald’s enthusiasts.
A Trip Down Memory Lane with Six Iconic Cups
The highlight of the Collector’s Meal is its set of six collectible cups, each celebrating McDonald’s fan-favorite toys, characters, and collaborations. From the quirky McNugget Buddies of the late 1980s to the unforgettable Hello Kitty and Peanuts toys of the early 2000s, these cups are designed to capture McDonald’s rich history of fan interaction and fun.
- Barbie & Hot Wheels: Featuring a fresh take on two of Mattel’s most beloved toy franchises, this cup pays homage to the imaginative play that these toys have inspired over the years.
- Beanie Babies: A tribute to the Beanie Baby craze of the ’90s, this cup showcases the Golden Arches Bear (2004), a favorite from the Teenie Beanie collection that became an iconic part of McDonald’s Happy Meal history.
- Coca-Cola: Celebrating McDonald’s long-standing collaboration with Coca-Cola, this cup features a modern twist on classic Coca-Cola designs, bringing together two global brands that have refreshed customers for generations.
- Hello Kitty & Peanuts: This cup combines the adorable world of Hello Kitty with the nostalgia of Peanuts, evoking memories of hanging out with our favorite characters by the beach or embarking on exciting adventures.
- Shrek, Jurassic Park & Minions: Inspired by some of the biggest film franchises in pop culture, this cup brings to life fan-favorite scenes and characters from Shrek, Jurassic Park, and the Minions, reminding us of the unforgettable movie-themed collectibles McDonald’s has offered over the years.
- McDonald’s Iconic Characters: This cup pays tribute to McDonald’s own legendary collectibles, like the Grimace Glass, Boo Buckets, and Funny Fry Friends. These quirky and lovable characters have been part of McDonald’s history since the beginning, and now, they’re back to delight a whole new generation.
“Unlocking Memories”: A New Twist on Collectibles
“There’s an undeniable thrill when you snag that one elusive McDonald’s collectible or the final piece to complete your collection,” said Morgan Flatley, Global Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s. “We’re bringing back some of our most-loved keepsakes with a twist, giving fans a memory that they can hold in their hands. These new collectible cups commemorate some of our most unforgettable designs and global collaborations over the years, allowing longtime fans to relive treasured moments and helping a new generation make their own lasting memories.”
This limited-edition collection is more than just a nod to the past. It’s a colorful remix of the classics, brought to life by a team of talented artists who have reimagined these iconic characters and collaborations for a modern audience. The cups can be further explored through Snapchat’s augmented reality (AR) experience. By scanning your cup on Snapchat or visiting McDonald’s profile, you can dive into the interactive worlds of these collectibles, bringing a whole new dimension to the experience.
Collector’s Meal Details: What’s Inside?
The Collector’s Meal is designed to satisfy both your appetite and your love for collecting. Available throughout the day, the meal comes with one of the six collectible cups and the option of:
- Breakfast Hours: A Sausage McMuffin with Egg sandwich, Hash Brown, and Hot Coffee.
- All Day: The choice of a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac sandwich, accompanied by McDonald’s
World Famous Fries and a soft drink.
This versatile offering ensures that fans can add to their collection at any time of day, making it easy to snag your favorite cup whenever the mood strikes.
Summer Events: Collector’s Club Poolside Paradise
McDonald’s is taking the excitement even further by hosting special events to celebrate the launch of the Collector’s Meal. On August 17, fans on the West Coast can join the Collector’s Club Poolside Paradise at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, attendees can enjoy limited-edition drinks inspired by the Collector’s Meal cups, groove to a special DJ set, and relax by the beach in true McDonald’s style. Admission is free with your Collector’s Meal cup, which acts as your ticket to this ultimate summer beach party.
For fans on the East Coast, McDonald’s will be hosting a similar event at Coney Island in New York on August 17, starting at 12 p.m. ET. By presenting your Collector’s Meal cup, you can unlock a free ride on the Phoenix Roller Coaster at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park—a fun and thrilling way to celebrate your love for McDonald’s collectibles.
Available Nationwide, But Only for a Limited Time
Beginning August 13, you can start collecting the new Collector’s Meal cups at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide, either through the McDonald’s App, in-restaurant, or at the Drive-Thru. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just a fan of these timeless characters, the Collector’s Meal offers a unique opportunity to add something special to your collection—and create new memories along the way.
This colorful remix of the classics is the perfect blend of nostalgia and fun, ensuring that McDonald’s collectibles will continue to hold a special place in fans’ hearts for years to come.
