I think it's a good play on McD's part... my wife gets the happy meal for the toy... plus it's the right sized meal for her...
If someone did a comparative study of the nutritional content of the toys vs the other things McDonalds sells they probably would find only a negligible difference, with a likelihood that eating the toy would inflict less long term harm than eating the other things.
I have to say I have... in the shower... Oh wait... I was eaten too... I will say I was happy... about the meal and all... Ummmm... Never mind...
I stop at McD's often. You cannot beat their large soda for $1. McD's is great when traveling. Consistent food (quality control is remarkable); ususally clean serving and eating area; usually clean restrooms; quick off-on stop, convenient to Interstate. I have eaten at McD's in Budepest ... exact same qualities (it saved me from goose liver - a favorite with Hungarians). I shop value and make no apologies .... that is one reason I drive a Prius.
I have to agree. Well, except the Budapest part, because I've never been there, but I'll take your word . Sometimes you need a quick meal, and your only options are fast food without driving 20 minutes out of your way. McDonald's isn't any worse than the rest of them out there. It's not my favorite, but it is cheap and consistent.
I have not eaten at McDonald's in decades, and likely never will again. I'd happily go 20 minutes out my way for real food. I miss the toys in breakfast cereal, though.
Calling what McD's sells 'food' is a disservice to the word. I do agree though they are far from alone.
i once got a submarine in kix. i whined until my mother bought it for me. of course, i wouldn't eat the cereal.
back in the day, it was star wars characters. then it was transformers. these days? could be harry potter or something more contemporary.
Their Frappes are delicious, I don't want to know what goes in it (blame my cousin who works at McD for giving me a bunch of free coupons for Frappes and now I am hooked on them when we go on road trips).
Daniel ....... you asked twice, so I suppose you want to know. The "toys" are small, inexpensive, plastic, colorful, trinkets, that comes with a "Kid Meal." Some claim the toys prompts children to ask their parents to take them to McD's. My children were all grown by the time the "toys" became in vogue, but I have seen "transformers" (know what those are??), smurf dolls, other kinds of dolls and "action" figures (know what those are??). I have seen children ignore their food and pitch a fit because their parents will not let them have the toy first. I suppose it is all marketing ... somewhat like GM's statement the Volt would get 230 mpg. BTW, McD's side salad for $1 is a tremendous value. Had one tonight.