McDonald's® Announces Summer of Fun Happy Meal® Line Up

McDonald's® plans an action-packed "Summer of Fun" Happy Meal® line-up, running from May 2, 2003 through mid-September. Tapping into the hottest toy trends and upcoming entertainment properties, the Summer of Fun McDonald's Happy Meals will feature some of the coolest names on the kids' circuit including the country's most popular fashion dolls, retro properties, big name kid movies, 3-D experiences, classic favorites and a modern day Happy Meal first -- electronic handheld games from SEGA®.

"McDonald's wants to bring our young guests the hottest toys for hours of summertime, playtime fun," said Karlin Linhardt, senior director kids and family marketing, McDonald's.

According to Linhardt, the selection of this year's summer Happy Meal line-up focuses on play value, collectability, and the "fun-factor." "When looking into kid-cool Happy Meal toys, there are specific ingredients for success: the toy has to be high quality, engaging and have tremendous play value," noted Linhardt. "Working with the leading and most innovative toy companies in the industry, McDonald's is taking the toy experience to a new level. We always look for what is kid-cool and family-friendly."

"McDonald's continues to break new ground in innovation, quality and just plain fun," says toy and children's lifestyle expert Chris Byrne, also known as The Toy Guy™. "Kids are going to be racing to get their hands on this summer's Happy Meal line-up, as McDonald's continues to create rich, authentic play experiences for kids. In addition to creating cool toys with real play value, McDonald's is making toy history this summer by featuring the first ever electronic, handheld game in Happy Meals."

The 2003 Summer of Fun Happy Meal line-up features a diverse collection of hot, happening properties:

  The Bratz Pack® and He-Man® and The Masters of the Universe®
  May 2, 2003 - May 29, 2003

Collectors versions of the fashion-forward original Bratz Pack® by MGA Entertainment and the action-packed He-Man® and the Masters of the Universe® action figures will be delighting children and collectors of all ages in the May McDonald's Happy Meal.

  Finding Nemo
  May 30, 2003 - June 26, 2003

Happy Meals are diving into summer fun with eight colorful characters from the Disney-Pixar's Finding Nemo. Each sea creature features technology allowing it to light up or make noises, and all eight squirt water for a summertime twist on Happy Meal fun.

  SEGA
  June 27, 2003 - July 24, 2003

McDonald's and SEGA are teaming up to offer McDonald's first interactive electronic handheld games in Happy Meals. Featuring characters from SEGA's top-selling Sonic The Hedgehog® and Super Monkey Ball™ franchises, these innovative, one-of-a-kind, action-packed games exclusive to McDonald's Happy Meals are perfect for summer road trips or competing with friends.

  Spy Kids  3-D: Game Over
  July 25, 2003 - August 21, 2003

McDonald's and Dimension Films will take Happy Meals to a whole new dimension this summer, as characters from the highly anticipated, 3-D action-packed Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over movie jump from the pages of six one-of-a-kind 3-D comic books featured in McDonald's Happy Meals. Complete with action figures, ultra-hip 3-D glasses and 3-D comic books, this exciting new Happy Meal event brings back the magic of 3-D and the page turning adventures of Spy Kids3-D: Game Over, releasing in theaters everywhere July 25, 2003.

  Barbie™ & Hot Wheels®
  August 22, 2003 - September 18, 2003

Girls will love receiving figures or other toys from this assortment that includes the highly collectible Dance 'N Flex Barbie™, Dance 'N Flex Christie™, Barbie™ as Odette™ of Swan Lake, or toys; a Barbie™ headset, a Barbie™ Lip Gloss Bracelet, or a Barbie™ Light Up Necklace. And, boys and collectors alike will be racing to McDonald's to collect all five crashing and smashing Hot Wheels® World Race™ cars complete with track pieces to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Hot Wheels® cars.

McDonald's Summer of Fun Happy Meal toys will be available at participating restaurants nationwide, while supplies lasts.

McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 29,000 restaurants serving nearly 46 million people in 119 countries each day. Approximately 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women.

SOURCE: McDonald's Corporation

CONTACT: Palmer Moody of McDonald's, +1-630-623-5372, or McDonald's
Media Web site, www.mcdonalds.com , or Laura Dihel of JSH&A, +1-630-932-9347

Web site: http://www.mcdonalds.com/