Get ready for a blast from the past!
McDonald’s has a reputation for debuting new menu items, McValue meal combos and, of course, new Happy Meals. After all, part of what makes McDonald’s so much fun is never knowing what fresh surprise is headed your way! But, every once in a while, McDonald’s latest news is actually a blast from the past.
In 2023, McDonald’s leaned into old-school nostalgia by bringing back the Grimace Shake, much to the delight of fans everywhere. And now, McDonald’s is introducing another throwback that will make you feel like you stepped into a time machine bound for the 1970s.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about McDonald’s latest launch and when you’ll be able to get your hands on the restaurant’s new offerings.
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What’s the new launch?
The latest launch to debut on the McDonald’s menu is the McDonaldland Signature Meal, which brings back all of the nostalgia of vintage McDonald’s. The meal celebrates the legendary cast of McDonald’s characters that have been adored by fans of all ages and across generations.
“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. There’s an entire magical world of McDonaldland filled with characters, places and lore,” said Jennifer “JJ” Healan, McDonald’s vice president of U.S. Marketing, Brand, Content & Culture, in a press release. “And so, for the first time in decades, we are taking fans on a trip to McDonaldland with an immersive experience that taps into the past to create the future. It’s a chance for us to give fans a new, modern way to experience this magical world.”
McDonaldland first exploded onto the scene in 1971, bringing fans into the magical world of McDonald’s characters and their homes lined with Apple Pie Trees and Hamburger Patches. McDonaldland was featured in games and movies for 20 years but was slowly retired—until now.
Who are the retro characters?
For the first time in decades, McDonald’s most famous and beloved characters are headed back to restaurants to celebrate McDonaldland. While older generations think of McDonald’s characters as old friends, the younger set is going to meet timeless favorites, including:
- Ronald McDonald
- Grimace
- Birdie
- Hamburglar
- Mayor McCheese
- And the Fry Friends!
What’s included in the McDonaldland Signature Meal?
The McDonaldland Signature meal is truly one of a kind. It includes a brand-new, limited-edition Mt. McDonaldland Shake, which features a secret surprise flavor that McDonald’s describes as “an ode to one of its major landmarks.” The meal also includes either a Quarter Pounder with Cheese or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, and fries, plus a new collectible souvenir. The six collectibles, which are essentially a version of adult Happy Meal toys, include postcards, stickers and more, all in special tins.
Can you buy the Mt. McDonaldland Shake separately?
Yes! If you aren’t hungry for a whole meal, you can enjoy the Mt. McDonaldland Shake by itself. The limited-edition shake is “inspired by the vibrant blue ‘lava’ and pink clouds of Mt. McDonaldland” and comes in one mysterious, secret flavor.
What are fans saying?
McDonald’s devotees didn’t waste any time weighing in on the new launch when it was announced on McDonald’s Instagram account. “I’m a McDonald’s paraphernalia collector, [and] if it’s what I think it is, I will literally cry my eyes out,” commented @meteorshower229. And user @loookiezin could barely contain their excitement, commenting, “RONALD IS BACK, I REPEAT RONALD MCDONALD’S IS BACK 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥✨✨✨✨✨✨”
When will it be available?
If you can’t wait to get your hands on the exciting new, limited-edition McDonaldland Signature Meal, you’re in luck! McDonaldland is headed to restaurants starting Aug. 12. There’s no word yet on how long the meal will be available, so grab it while you can!
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Sources:
- McDonald’s: “Experience the Magic of McDonaldland with a Signature Meal & Specialty Shake”
- McDonald’s: “RUN DON’T WALK: The Grimace Shake Is BACK!”
- McDonald’s Instagram: Aug. 4, 2025
- McDonald’s Instagram: Aug. 5, 2025
