McDonald’s Happy Meal Makes Mealtime Deliciously Balanced, Easy and Magical for Families This Summer

More fun for everyone with McDonald’s Happy Meal and Disney’s The Lion King: families can celebrate this family-favorite franchise at participating restaurants nationwide now

CHICAGO, July 16, 2019 – For generations, the Happy Meal has made it easy for families to experience delicious, feel-good moments together. This summer, we’re making the Happy Meal even more magical through our collaboration with Disney. As beloved characters from Disney’s The Lion King return to the big screen in a whole new way on July 19, they’ll also be return to the Happy Meal as featured toys for the first time in 15 years. 

Starting today, we’re bringing The Lion King to life for fans around the country with exclusive toys and packaging inspired by the film at participating McDonald’s nationwide. For a limited time, while supplies last, each purchase of a Happy Meal will include one of 10 different toys representing characters from the movie, including Mufasa, Simba, Nala, Timon, Pumbaa and more. The toys have the capability to connect with one another, so fans can combine the pieces to re-create three separate iconic scenes from the film – the Pride Rock opening scene of Rafiki lifting up Simba, the grasslands scene where Simba sings “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and the log scene where Simba, Timon and Pumbaa belt out “Hakuna Matata.”

And the fun doesn’t end there – we’re continuing a summer-long giveaway in which families have a chance to win the ultimate memorable experience – a family trip for four to Walt Disney World® Resort. From July 16 - August 19, 2019 customers can instantly win the family trip by scanning codes on game pieces that come with each Disney’s The Lion King Happy Meal toy in the McDonald’s U.S. App. No purchase is necessary to enter, entrants must be a resident of the U.S. or D.C. and be 18 years or older to be eligible, registration is required, and official rules are available at MagicAtMcd.com. The codes also provide millions of opportunities for families to win Happy Meals or other food prizes through our app throughout the season.

Disney’s The Lion King opens in theaters this Friday, July 19, 2019. It features a star-studded cast who will help fans roar with laughter throughout the film and sing along to new songs and old favorites.  

This marks the latest in our promotional alliance with Disney to help parents and kids make new memories together over experiences they both love. 

Deliciously Balanced Meals

At McDonald’s, we want parents to feel good about the options they’re feeding their families. Our iconic Happy Meal experience brings families together and makes mealtime more fun with delicious and balanced options like apple slices and 1% Low Fat Milk in the U.S. McDonald’s USA has served over 3.4 billion fruit, low-fat dairy and water items in Happy Meals since 2013. And, in 2018 alone, over 250 million sides of apple slices were served in the U.S. 

“We’ve been building a better Happy Meal that gives families more balanced options they can feel good about,” said Cindy Goody, McDonald’s Senior Director of Nutrition. “Our recent Global Progress Report on 2013 commitments highlights the results of our efforts, and we’re excited to work with Disney as we continue to promote fruit, low-fat dairy and water options.”

Delivering Happiness

For families with busy schedules who don’t want to miss out – no worries! We know convenience is a priority for parents, and we’re proud to bring the Happy Meal experience directly to their doorsteps by letting customers order through McDelivery® at participating restaurants. Whether in the drive-thru, in our kid-friendly restaurants or at the dinner table, our Happy Meals provide families with a quick and delicious way to pause for playtime and enjoy a meal together.

With the tastes of our iconic Happy Meal – and the cross-generational wonder inspired by Disney’s The Lion King Happy Meal experience – there is room at the table for everyone’s inner child. 

About Disney’s The Lion King

Disney’s The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s The Lion King roars into theaters on July 19, 2019.