McDonald’s is reviving its nostalgic McDonaldland theme starting August 12, 2025, offering customers a mix of retro fun and modern surprises. In a press release on August 5, the fast-food giant announced that for the first time in over two decades, the colorful world of McDonaldland, home to characters like Ronald McDonald, Grimace, and the Hamburglar, will return to restaurants.
The limited-time campaign will feature themed packaging, a new mystery milkshake flavor, collectible souvenirs, and a hidden Fortnite gaming experience for fans to discover.
McDonaldland, a staple of the brand’s marketing from the 1970s to the early 2000s, has largely been absent in recent years as the company shifted to a more minimalist image.
The rollout will begin in the US on August 12, with other countries expected to follow later in the year.
McDonaldland debuted in 1971 as a colorful promotional fantasy world filled with quirky landmarks and beloved characters like Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Birdie, Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese, and the Fry Friends. Over two decades, the fictional realm appeared in commercials, games, and even films, becoming a cultural touchstone for generations of McDonald’s fans.
The world features imaginative places like Apple Pie Trees, Hamburger Patches, and the volcanic Mt. McDonaldland, now the inspiration for the new shake.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen how fans flock to our characters, everyone from Grimace to the Hamburglar,” said Jennifer “JJ” Healan, McDonald’s VP of U.S. Marketing, Brand, Content & Culture.
“But many, especially the new generation, don’t know that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s an entire magical world of McDonaldland… This is a chance to give fans a new, modern way to experience it.”
The McDonaldland Meal offers two entrée options and several exclusive extras:
The McDonaldland Meal will be available at participating US McDonald’s locations starting Tuesday, August 12, 2025, for a limited time while supplies last.
Fans who order the McDonaldland Meal through the McDonald’s app will gain access to a secret McDonaldland-themed area in Fortnite. The special in-game location is part of the promotion’s push to connect nostalgia with modern pop culture.
McDonaldland’s comeback extends beyond the restaurant:
The limited-time campaign will feature themed packaging, a new mystery milkshake flavor, collectible souvenirs, and a hidden Fortnite gaming experience for fans to discover.
McDonaldland, a staple of the brand’s marketing from the 1970s to the early 2000s, has largely been absent in recent years as the company shifted to a more minimalist image.
The rollout will begin in the US on August 12, with other countries expected to follow later in the year.
What is McDonaldland?
McDonaldland debuted in 1971 as a colorful promotional fantasy world filled with quirky landmarks and beloved characters like Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Birdie, Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese, and the Fry Friends. Over two decades, the fictional realm appeared in commercials, games, and even films, becoming a cultural touchstone for generations of McDonald’s fans.
The world features imaginative places like Apple Pie Trees, Hamburger Patches, and the volcanic Mt. McDonaldland, now the inspiration for the new shake.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen how fans flock to our characters, everyone from Grimace to the Hamburglar,” said Jennifer “JJ” Healan, McDonald’s VP of U.S. Marketing, Brand, Content & Culture.
“But many, especially the new generation, don’t know that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s an entire magical world of McDonaldland… This is a chance to give fans a new, modern way to experience it.”
What’s included in the McDonaldland meal?
The McDonaldland Meal offers two entrée options and several exclusive extras:
- Main choice: Quarter Pounder with Cheese or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets
- Side: World Famous Fries
- Drink: Mt. McDonaldland Shake, a berry-flavored treat topped with pink, cloud-like Dairy Whipped Topping made with real cream, inspired by the “blue lava” and pink clouds of Mt. McDonaldland.
- Collectible souvenir: One of six limited-edition tins featuring postcards, stickers, and designs based on McDonaldland characters.
When and where to get it
The McDonaldland Meal will be available at participating US McDonald’s locations starting Tuesday, August 12, 2025, for a limited time while supplies last.
How to unlock the secret Fortnite area
Fans who order the McDonaldland Meal through the McDonald’s app will gain access to a secret McDonaldland-themed area in Fortnite. The special in-game location is part of the promotion’s push to connect nostalgia with modern pop culture.
Limited-edition merchandise
McDonaldland’s comeback extends beyond the restaurant:
- Pacsun Collaboration (Aug. 12): Sweat sets and graphic tees inspired by McDonaldland’s colorful world.
- Away Collaboration (Aug. 18): Complimentary McDonaldland luggage tags and bag charms with purchases at Away retail stores (while supplies last).