McDonald’s is part of many people’s childhoods. And, for good reason — back then, the fast food chain always tried their hardest to appeal to kids, and with their colorful characters and yummy food they managed to do just that. However, the popular restaurant has gone through a ton of changes between then and now.
For one, they weren’t quite as focused on providing healthy options until recent years. Known for their burgers, they occasionally added a few healthier options in, but didn’t make them a priority. Just last year, McDonald’s introduced fresh beef in their quarter pounder patties, and the difference in taste is incredible. Additionally, their famous McNuggets are now free of artificial preservatives. In fact, all of their burgers had a similar makeover.
The only thing they didn’t change is the pickle, as that’s what helps give McDonald’s burgers their unique taste.
But when you think back to childhood, nutritional information hardly mattered. Instead, it was all about the good, fun memories — the memories that involve ball pits, in-store character appearances, and the iconic Happy Meal. Because when you went to McDonald’s, it was a time to celebrate.
Here are 16 things about McDonald’s that you’re bound to remember if you were born in the ’90s.
1. McDonald’s Changeables
One of the best Happy Meal finds was a McDonald’s Changeable. Three sets of them came out — one in 1987, one in 1989, and one in 1990. While they look like McDonald’s products, they flip to reveal something entirely different.
The first sets were in the shape of robots, but the third series — and arguably the best — featured dinosaur toys.
2. The “New Do” Commercial
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuzdjlzUCvc"]Personally, I remember this particular commercial airing almost every commercial break on Nickelodeon in the early ’90s. Who knew Ronald would look best with his signature style?
3. Supersizing
Nobody ever assumed that supersizing would be discontinued, but alas! All of the sudden, the option to upgrade to a bigger portion vanished in 2004.
And you could probably thank the Morgan Spurlock film Super Size Me, as that documentary was released the same year.
4. Ty Teenie Babies
Teenie Babies, which were released in 1997, were one of the biggest deals out there. As you may recall, Beanie Babies were absolutely everything in the ’90s. Fans assumed that the mini versions would be just as collectible. Actual fights reportedly broke out at McDonald’s locations over these things.
As you know, they’re not worth anything today. But at least they’re cute.
5. McDonald’s Birthday Parties
These days, throwing a birthday party at McDonald’s seems a little lame. In fact, it’s possible you haven’t physically stepped into a McDonald’s in years, with the drive-thru available. But back in the day, they were everything.
6. The Fry Kids
Whatever happened to the Fry Kids? They appeared in a ton of commercials for McDonald’s until 1996, at least, and had their own merch. They seemed to be a staple in McDonaldland. Speaking of…
7. Birdie the Early Bird
Ronald, Grimace and the Hamburgler have managed to stay in the spotlight — sort of — but nobody talks about Birdie anymore.
She faded out of advertisements around 2003, but the memories she gave us will last a lifetime.
8. The Arch Deluxe
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u89igHaE_Bk"]The ’90s were all about advertising with kids in mind, but of course, McDonald’s wanted to appeal to parents as well. Thus, in 1996, the Arch Deluxe was born. It was a burger that was catered toward adults with the tagline of “burger with a grown-up taste.”
By the way, yes — that is Jessica Biel in the commercial.
9. The Museum Commercial
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_bKO6EqwW8"]In 2001, Ronald visited a museum and kidnapped a tour group, inspiring people to put a smile on. It quickly became a classic.
10. The PlayPlace
It’s actually pretty rare to find a McDonald’s with an active PlayPlace these days. But back in the day, if you lived near one that actually had one indoors, it was the perfect place to hang out. These days, kids have iPads for entertainment.
11. Ronald McDonald Bench Statues
Yes, these still exist — but they were much more prominent back in the day.
They were perfect for a photo opportunity sitting next to the clown himself.
12. Halloween Buckets
For a few years, almost every kid on the block collected Halloween candy in one of these.
They were also called Boo Buckets. Regardless, taking a look at them will make you feel crazy nostalgic.
13. The Toy Story 2 Happy Meal Toys
If you were born before 1994, you were probably the perfect age to enjoy the Toy Story 2 collectibles that McDonald’s was dishing out in 1999.
There were so many of them, it inspired a ton of fast food visits to try and get them all.
14. The Big ‘N Tasty
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QTPI-G56-4"]Any new burger from McDonald’s is worth trying. And much like the Arch Deluxe, the Big ‘N Tasty had a lot of press behind it. Trying to compete with Burger King’s Whopper, this burger was one of the most notable additions to the Dollar Menu. But, these days it’s gone extinct.
But who knows — maybe it’ll make a comeback someday.
15. The McPizza
Surprisingly still available in some U.S. locations (like Ohio and West Virginia), the McPizza really went big in the ’80s and ’90s. Customers definitely did love the McPizza, but McDonald’s couldn’t afford to keep anything that slowed down their fast food joint, which this item did.
Guess you have to plan a road trip for this special meal.
16. The McHotDog
An interesting seasonal menu item from the ’90s, the McHotDog was truly the meal of the summer. If you’re in Japan, you don’t have to just remember what these were like — the McDonald’s locations there still sell these.
Hot dogs are naturally a controversial food choice, but more power to you if you truly enjoyed the McDonald’s version.
17. The McLobster
Yes, McDonald’s released an actual lobster roll in the early ’90s. It was released again for a short time in New England a few years ago, which is a pretty bold move for McDonald’s considering New England literally invented the dish.
Not to mention, there are probably more popular joints over there for a good lobster roll. Good try, Mickey D’s.
18. Cheeseburger Stool Tops
Oh, the memories of actually eating inside the McDonald’s, instead of heading straight for the drive-thru. If you preferred eating inside (or were forced to by your parents), you’ll remember how these didn’t even turn all the way.
You could move slightly to one side, but not all the way around. The good ol’ days.
19. The Outdoor Playground
This wonderful addition to McDonald’s restaurants started to fade out in the ’90s, sadly. They inspired the birth of the indoor PlayPlace (which is what I remember). Still a fun time, but I could only imagine how exciting a real playground would be there — play for awhile, get your Happy Meal, play some more.
