Disney and McDonald’s | A Brief History

When you think of Disney and McDonald’s, your thoughts more than likely go straight to Happy Meals. The super popular pack-in toys and box packaging for the burger giant’s iconic children’s meal-in-a-box have frequently featured Disney characters for close to four decades. But, have you ever wondered where it all began? or what else have Disney and McDonald’s partnered up with over the years?

The partnership between Disney and McDonald’s is a story that began in the 1980s, uniting two iconic American brands in a venture that would define the fast-food and entertainment landscape for years to come. From themed Happy Meals to unique in-park activations, the collaboration between Disney and McDonald’s introduced Disney magic to families around the world, often with fries on the side and with a few bumps in the road along the way.

The relationship started in 1987 when McDonald’s launched its first Disney-themed Happy Meal promotion, tied to the release of  “The Great Mouse Detective.” This promotion marked the beginning of a successful formula: combining beloved Disney characters and films with McDonald’s iconic Happy Meal. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Disney movies like “The Little Mermaid“, “Beauty and the Beast“, and “Aladdin” saw their characters immortalized as collectible toys in Happy Meals, driving excitement and nostalgia in children and adults alike. The partnership thrived as Disney released major animated hits, each followed by McDonald’s tie-in toys.

Restaurantosaurus in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In addition to Happy Meals, Disney and McDonald’s took their partnership beyond fast food and into Disney’s theme parks with several unique dining spots where guests could enjoy McDonald’s offerings within a Disney-themed setting. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, McDonald’s brought its signature taste to “Restaurantosaurus” in DinoLand U.S.A., where the rustic, fossil-themed decor immersed guests in a prehistoric vibe while they enjoyed burgers, fries, and more. Nearby, “Petrifries” became a quick-stop favorite for families wanting a fast snack between attractions.

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fairfax Fries offered guests a taste of classic McDonald’s fries, becoming a mainstay for fans exploring the park’s Hollywood-inspired attractions. In Epcot, the Refreshment Port in the World Showcase served McDonald’s favorites as well, blending a hint of Disney magic with the familiar flavors of McDonald’s.

The Harbour Galley in Disneyland

Magic Kingdom also had its own McDonald’s stops, with Frontierland Fries offering guests a place to refuel while exploring the wild west theming of Frontierland. In Fantasyland, the Village Fry Shoppe became a staple for families enjoying classics like “it’s a small world” or the Cinderella Castle. At Disneyland in California, guests could find McDonald’s offerings at Westward Ho! in Frontierland and The Harbour Galley in New Orleans Square, which provided a unique blend of Disney park atmosphere and McDonald’s classic snacks. These park integrations made the Disney-McDonald’s partnership a memorable part of the theme park experience, adding a layer of familiarity and comfort to the fantasy of the parks.

However, in the early 2000s, as Disney grew more mindful of promoting healthy eating habits for children, the company faced scrutiny over its association with fast food and, specifically, with the caloric content of McDonald’s offerings. In 2006, Disney chose not to renew its licensing agreement with McDonald’s for Happy Meals, citing a commitment to healthier options and a desire to support childhood wellness.

The pause in their partnership allowed Disney to reconsider its approach, and McDonald’s also took steps to adapt, revamping its Happy Meal options to include apple slices, smaller portions of fries, and milk as an alternative to soda. In 2018, after more than a decade apart, Disney and McDonald’s rekindled their partnership with a renewed focus on health-conscious options. The reimagined collaboration kicked off with Happy Meal toys themed around “Incredibles 2“, featuring redesigned packaging and an emphasis on Disney’s family-friendly values.

McDonald’s in Walt Disney World

Outside the parks, McDonald’s also has a stand-alone restaurant on Walt Disney World property, which has become a fixture for guests seeking a familiar meal on their way in or out of the parks. Located near Disney’s All-Star Resorts, this McDonald’s offers a unique experience with Disney-inspired design touches, making it more than just a typical stop for a quick bite. The restaurant underwent a major renovation in 2020, becoming the world’s first Net-Zero Energy McDonald’s. Now powered by solar panels and featuring eco-friendly elements throughout its design, this location offers guests an environmentally conscious fast-food experience and stands as a testament to McDonald’s and Disney’s shared commitment to innovation. This McDonald’s remains a go-to spot for many families visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, blending a taste of nostalgia with a commitment to sustainability and customer convenience.

Today, Disney and McDonald’s continue to collaborate on Happy Meal promotions, bringing characters from recent Disney and Pixar films like “Toy Story 4“, “Frozen II“, and “Encanto” into the hands of young fans. Their history demonstrates both brands’ adaptability, blending entertainment with innovation and prioritizing a positive impact on families. This refreshed partnership balances the nostalgic appeal of collectible toys with a commitment to healthier choices, ushering in a new era of family-friendly fun that appeals to generations old and new.