If you remember going to McDonald's in the '80s and '90s, you probably recall how different it was from today. Back then, everything was much brighter and more fun than it is now! It wasn’t just a place for a quick bite but a mini amusement park: with toys, unusual furniture, and kids' parties. Today, McDonald's has become minimalist, very restrained, and... a bit soulless. Let’s take a trip back in time and reminisce about how it used to be!

When You Ordered at the Counter, Not Through a Screen

Today, McDonald's has more self-service kiosks, and many prefer not to interact with the cashier. But in the '80s and '90s, you always had to talk to a person.

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Yes, it might not have been as fast but the process itself was fun. You could chat with the cashier, watch the fries and patties being fried, instead of just getting your order from a faceless box.

No Queue, No Way!

As soon as you approached the counter, the first thing that caught your eye was the metal dividers placed right in front of the cashier. They separated the lines and prevented people from getting too close to each other, creating a sort of waiting area, like you were in a pre-flight lounge. 

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The idea was simple: avoid mixing up the lines. Each queue was divided by dividers, which helped maintain order and minimize conflicts or confusion, especially when someone accidentally stood in the wrong line (there’s always someone like that).

Collectible Glass Cups

Today, McDonald's offers plastic cups, which at best you can take with you but in the '80s and '90s, they gave away high-quality glass mugs. And not just any mugs but ones with iconic characters: Batman, The Flintstones, Animaniacs, Disney heroes – all of these came with your order.

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These glasses were in nearly every second home. Some people used them for juice or soda, while others used them as vases or even pencil holders. Today, such items are true collector's rarities, and you can find them on eBay or Etsy. The irony is that in today’s minimalist McDonald's, they would look even better – but sadly, the company has long abandoned this practice.

Bright and Fun Employee Ties

The modern McDonald's uniform consists of strict shirts, solid-colored caps, and neutral tones. But in the '90s, it was much more fun. Employees wore ties with bright patterns, logos, and even characters from advertisements. 

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It really lifted your spirits! Now, the staff looks too formal, as if they work in a bank, not in a place that serves Big Macs.

McDonald’s Sold... Pizza!

Yes, it's not a myth! In the late '80s and early '90s, some McDonald's locations actually had McPizza on the menu. And it wasn’t some sad replacement; it was a real pizza with crispy crust and various toppings. However, it was quickly removed from the menu because it took too long to prepare. 

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Classic burgers and fries sold faster, so the company decided to focus on its main menu. Nonetheless, in a few locations in the U.S., you can still find the original McPizza – for example, in the largest McDonald's restaurant in Orlando, Florida. But customers say it doesn’t taste like it did in the '90s.

Every Kid’s Dream Birthday Party!

McDonald's was one of the first to introduce birthday celebrations in restaurants on a large scale. You could invite your friends, and McDonald's would throw an entire party with entertainers, games, and, of course, delicious food.

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Nowadays, this tradition has faded as McDonald's has moved away from hosting birthday parties. More and more kids’ celebrations now take place at other venues but back then, it was a huge hit, and parents loved choosing McDonald's for their little ones’ special day.

Just Like a Cartoon!

Who remembers walking into McDonald's and being greeted by cartoon-like trees, bright colorful walls, and an overall vibe that felt like stepping into an animated movie? Back in those days, the restaurant really cared about design and wanted kids to feel like they were in a fairy tale. 

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From bold colors to whimsical interiors, everything was carefully thought out to make visiting McDonald's feel like becoming part of a cartoon.

Separate Party Rooms for Kids with Entertainers

One of the coolest features of that time was the separate play areas where kids could celebrate birthdays under the guidance of entertainers. These rooms were fully equipped for fun, with games, music, and contests to keep children entertained.

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Parents could sit back and enjoy their meals, knowing their kids were safe and having the time of their lives.

Bright and Fun Food Packaging

Looking back at McDonald's old packaging, you might remember the colorful plastic containers with bold designs and branding. Every piece of packaging was carefully designed to be eye-catching and exciting for kids.

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At the time, packaging was not only functional but also a part of the whole McDonald's experience. Today, there’s a bigger focus on sustainability, and plastic containers have been replaced with paper or recycled materials.

Stylish and Fun Employee Merch

McDonald's employees in the '80s and '90s didn’t just wear uniforms—they had stylish merch featuring bright logos and fun slogans. This included full clothing sets, such as caps, T-shirts, and other accessories, all in vibrant colors with McDonald's signature branding.

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The merch was not only comfortable but also a great way for employees to showcase their personality!

Birthday Cake

When your birthday came around, McDonald's was always ready to make it even more special! Ordering a cake at McDonald's wasn't just about getting a sweet treat—it was a real celebration with bright decorations, happy wishes, and great vibes.

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It was an essential part of any party held at the restaurant. Each cake was decorated in McDonald's signature style, making it perfect for fun and memorable photos!

The Iconic Duck for Photos

If you ever visited McDonald's, you probably remember the giant, colorful duck that stood outside many restaurants. It wasn't just a statue—it was a prime spot for photos! 

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Kids (and sometimes even adults) loved taking pictures with this fun mascot, and those snapshots became cherished memories of their McDonald's visits. The duck became an almost legendary symbol, adding to the playful and exciting atmosphere that made McDonald's special.

Signature Baby High Chairs

If you were little, you might remember the special high chairs for kids at McDonald's. These chairs weren’t just functional—they were bright, fun, and designed to keep little ones comfortable while enjoying their Happy Meals. 

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Parents loved them too, as they provided a safe and stylish way for kids to sit while the whole family enjoyed their meal.

The Incredibly Bright and Colorful Exterior

When McDonald's was gaining popularity, its exterior was bold, colorful, and seemed designed specifically for kids. Big red and yellow signs, multi-colored facades—it all felt like an invitation into a world of fun and imagination. 

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Over time, however, McDonald's shifted towards a more "grown-up" image, toning down its bright exteriors to move away from being seen solely as a children's destination. But many still remember the playful, joyful atmosphere of the old days!

Incredibly Cool and High-Quality Toys

When the Happy Meal was introduced, it always came with a toy—and these toys were absolutely awesome! Often themed around the most popular cartoons or movies of the time, they quickly became must-have collectibles for kids. 

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These weren’t just cheap plastic figures; they were well-made, often with moving parts or interactive features. McDonald's knew exactly how to bring joy to kids! Fun fact: since the Happy Meal program launched in 1979, over 3.8 billion Happy Meals have been sold!

The Coffee Spoons That Became… Controversial!

In the 1970s, McDonald's introduced long plastic coffee stirrers for its customers. With a thin, elongated handle and a small scoop at the end, embossed with the iconic "M" logo, these spoons quickly became a hit. However, it wasn’t long before they found an unexpected use among those involved in the illicit drug trade...

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The issue gained national attention after journalist Marcia Kramer published an article in 1979 describing a party in New York where guests were using McDonald's coffee spoons to consume c*caine. Unsurprisingly, McDonald's quickly redesigned the stirrers to avoid any further association with illegal activities.

McDonald's Cookies 

Before McDonald's became famous for its pies and sundaes, its menu featured signature cookies. Just look at how adorable they were! 

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These crispy, sweet treats came in the shapes of various McDonaldland characters, making them especially popular among children. Over time, the cookies disappeared from the menu but many people still remember them fondly as a nostalgic childhood snack.

The Iconic Seasonal Happy Meal Buckets

Like today, every Happy Meal included not only tasty food but also a fun toy. However, during special seasons—especially Halloween—McDonald's offered special themed buckets instead of the usual Happy Meal boxes.

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These bright, plastic buckets weren’t just packaging; they became the perfect accessory for trick-or-treating! The designs, often featuring pumpkins, ghosts, or witches, were so popular that many families continued using them for years. Even today, these vintage buckets are considered collectible items, bringing back memories of childhood Halloweens.

Ronald McDonald – The Face of McDonald's

It’s hard to imagine McDonald's without its biggest star—Ronald McDonald. In the '80s and '90s, this cheerful clown was an essential part of McDonald's marketing campaigns.

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He appeared in TV commercials, attended children's events, and even showed up at restaurants to entertain families. His image became one of the most recognizable in McDonald's history, associated with happy moments spent at the Golden Arches. For many, Ronald McDonald wasn't just a mascot—he was a childhood icon.

McDonald's Tray Liners – Puzzles, Crosswords, and Fun!

If you visited McDonald's back in the day, you might remember that the paper liners on the trays often featured puzzles, crosswords, and games for kids.

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This was a fantastic way to keep children entertained while they waited for their food or enjoyed their meals. These little details made dining at McDonald's even more exciting—where else could you eat and play at the same time?

The Massive Igloo Coolers – A Refreshing Surprise

In some McDonald's locations, you could spot huge yellow coolers with a red lid and the McDonald's logo. 

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These 10-gallon Igloo coolers (about 38 liters) were used to store and serve cold beverages, especially during large events or at outdoor sales stands. It was a simple but thoughtful way to keep customers refreshed, proving that McDonald's always went the extra mile to provide a great experience!

Chocolate + Lemon Ice Cream? Yes, It Happened!

Nowadays at McDonald's, you can get the standard vanilla or chocolate cone (well, okay, sometimes strawberry is thrown in). But back in the '80s and '90s, they had something way more original—double-flavored ice cream cones. And we’re not just talking vanilla and chocolate! There were some wild, yet incredibly tasty combinations, like chocolate + lemon, vanilla + orange, and in some countries, even berries + lime.

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People still fondly remember that chocolate-lemon mix with nostalgia. Imagine the smooth, sweet chocolate combined with the fresh, tangy zing of lemon. It's bold experiments like this that made us fall in love with McDonald's.

A Healthy Find for Food Lovers

McDonald's and healthy eating—sounds like a joke, right? But in the '90s, they actually tried to offer something for the health-conscious. Enter the McSalad Shaker—a salad served in a transparent plastic cup with a lid.

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Why? Simple! You'd pour the dressing in, close the lid, and shake the cup to mix everything up evenly. Genius, right? No more fussing with forks, just drink your salad like a smoothie. There were three options: Caesar, garden salad, and chef’s salad with ham and cheese.

Ronald McDonald as a Hand Puppet

As we’ve mentioned before, Ronald McDonald wasn’t just the face of the brand—he was a living legend! Of course, in the '80s and '90s, McDonald's released a ton of merchandise featuring him, including hand puppets. You'd pull on the strings or handles, and Ronald’s arms and legs would move! For kids, this was the ultimate gift.

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Today, however, Ronald McDonald has almost disappeared—McDonald’s had to "hide" him in 2016 due to the creepy clown phenomenon, when people dressed as scary clowns and started scaring passersby.

Fun Chairs in the Shape of Hamburgers

Oh, this is probably one of the biggest losses! Old McDonald's restaurants had unique kids' chairs shaped like hamburgers. They were bright, unusual, and created a festive atmosphere.

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Now, all the furniture looks as minimalistic as possible: wooden or plastic chairs, minimal bright colors, strict lines. Everything became more convenient but not as memorable.

McDonald's Cruise and Resort

Did you know that McDonald's once tried to enter the tourism industry? Yes, really! In an effort to expand its empire beyond regular restaurants, McDonald's launched several ambitious projects. At the time, the company dreamed not only of feeding people on land but also of offering its famous burgers and fries in the most unexpected places. This led to the creation of McPlanes, McTrains, and McBoats — all part of McDonald's attempt to go beyond traditional fast food.

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In 1980, McDonald's opened a floating restaurant on the Mississippi River, and it was a huge success! The restaurant could accommodate over a hundred guests inside, with even more people enjoying their meals on the open-air terraces.

Halloween Gift Certificates

Modern McDonald's promotions don't hold a candle to what they were doing in the '80s and '90s. One particularly cool thing was the Halloween gift certificates.

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These small vouchers could be given as gifts to a friend or child and exchanged at McDonald's for a free soda, fries, or ice cream. Imagine how awesome it was as a kid to receive a stack of these certificates—it was like having your own free food card! There’s no such generosity today but the memories are still cherished.

McDonald's Instead of Disneyland!

If you were a kid in the '80s or '90s, going to McDonald's was so much more than just getting a "Happy Meal." It was an adventure! Every McDonald's had a massive playground—complete with slides, tunnels, plastic mazes, and even swings shaped like burgers! 

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Everything was bright, fun, and cartoon-like. Today, McDonald's play areas are rare. They've been replaced with dull, minimalist spaces. Back then, kids could run wild, play, slide down the slides, and keep their parents from finishing their Big Macs in peace!

McDonald's in Walmart and the Famous Ronald Bench

Back in the day, almost every Walmart had a McDonald's. It was so convenient: go shopping, then quickly grab some fries and a milkshake. But the best part? The legendary Ronald McDonald bench. It was a long wooden bench with Ronald McDonald in his signature yellow-red outfit, holding out his arm. 

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Kids (and adults) would sit next to him, take pictures, and have fun. But over time, Walmart replaced McDonald's with "healthier" cafes. And those iconic benches? They’ve become rare treasures, now sold at auctions for thousands of dollars!

"Mini" McDonald's

Do you remember the Fisher Price playsets? In the '80s and '90s, they released a miniature version of McDonald's – complete with tiny cash registers, a kitchen, tables, and even employees in uniform! It was a true paradise for kids dreaming of becoming a "cashier" at the most popular fast food restaurant.

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The coolest part was the mini drive-thru machine and the tiny toy Happy Meals with fake little burgers. These sets are still available on eBay, and they're not exactly cheap – for many, they're not just toys but a little piece of childhood.

Arcade Machines at McDonald's: Yes, They Were There!

Back in the day, going to McDonald's wasn't just about the food – it was like visiting an entertainment center! Some locations had special arcade kiosks where kids (and even adults!) could pass the time playing games.

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These were small screens with buttons where you could play puzzles, quizzes, or even simple versions of popular games. At a time when most kids didn’t have smartphones, this was super cool!

Big Mac Got Smaller! Yes, It’s Not a Myth

Remember that huge Big Mac from your childhood? Today, it seems tiny, and it’s not just nostalgia playing tricks on us – it really got smaller! When the Big Mac first appeared in 1967 (created by franchisee Jim Deligatti and initially named "The Aristocrat"), it was significantly bigger than the version we see today.

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Over time, McDonald's slightly reduced its size but of course, the price only went up. Today, old-school fast food fans often compare modern Big Macs to photos from the '80s and '90s, and the difference is obvious. Yes, the ingredients are the same but the portion size is definitely not!

Breakfast Menus Were Much Richer

Nowadays, McDonald's breakfast menu is pretty basic: McMuffins, pancakes, and a couple of other options. But back in the '80s and '90s, the morning menu was far more elaborate! You could get biscuits with gravy that literally melted in your mouth, or even huge portions of pancakes with syrup and butter.

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And let’s not forget about those delicious cinnamon rolls from McDonald's – their smell could be detected from miles away! Where did all that go? Good question...

McDonald's in the Evening – Magic!

Today, McDonald's looks pretty restrained: standard logos, muted colors, nothing too extra. But in the '80s and '90s, it glowed like an amusement park!

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In the evenings, restaurant facades lit up with bright lights, and some locations even lit up their playgrounds! This created a special atmosphere at McDonald's – it felt like something magical, like a scene from a childhood dream. Today’s minimalist design just doesn't have the same effect.

The Menu Looked Like an Airport

Think back to how McDonald's menus look now: simple screens with pictures. In the '80s and '90s, they looked completely different! Many locations had mechanical boards that reminded you of old airport displays. The letters and numbers literally clicked and flipped as the information changed.

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It may seem like a small detail but it gave McDonald's a unique retro charm. While waiting in line, you could just watch the board and follow its movement.

Signature Slides!

We've already talked about McDonald's playgrounds but the legendary slides deserve their own spotlight! Just think about it—walking into McDonald's and immediately spotting those massive, colorful slides, tunnels, and even mini-mazes. It wasn’t just a play area; it was an adventure zone!

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The most beloved of them all? Those giant plastic slides—remember how cool they were? Bright yellow, red, twisting and turning all the way down, dropping you straight into a ball pit! And let’s be honest—how many times did you get stuck in one of those tunnels, desperately trying to crawl back out?

Soft Plushies We Loved

In the '80s and '90s, Happy Meals featured entire series of plush animals—bears, lions, bunnies, tigers. These toys were so popular that kids carried them everywhere, slept with them, and even adults collected full sets.

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Special mention goes to Teenie Beanie Babies—the mini version of the famous plush toys that McDonald's introduced in the '90s. They were so cool that people still collect and resell them today for crazy prices!

Ashtrays on Every Table

It's almost impossible to imagine now but back in the day, smoking inside McDonald's was totally normal. Each restaurant had branded glass ashtrays with a gold McDonald's logo, sitting right on the tables.

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Customers could smoke while eating, and no one really cared. Picture this: someone enjoying a Big Mac, sipping on coffee, and taking a puff of their cigarette… The smell? A lovely mix of fries, tobacco, and vanilla milkshake. Yikes!

When Meals Felt Like a Bargain

Nowadays, combo meals are standard but in the ‘90s, Extra Value Meals were a game changer! It was the first time you could grab a Big Mac, fries, and a Coke for a special price, and it felt like an amazing deal.

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In reality, you were probably just eating more than planned but hey—who was complaining when your tray was full of your favorite McDonald's food?

The Coolest Coffee Cup Ever

If you were a regular at McDonald's in the '80s or '90s, you definitely remember their iconic travel mugs. These stylish cups with the McDonald's logo and a tight-sealing lid were often given away in promotions. People took them everywhere— on road trips, to work, you name it.

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The most famous design? A red lid with a yellow letter M —if you had one, you were automatically the coolest person in the office. Many people kept using them for years!

The Apple Pie That Was Better Than Today’s

McDonald's still sells apple pies but if you had them in the ‘80s or ‘90s, you know they aren’t the same anymore…

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Back then, they were baked to golden perfection, with a crispy, flaky crust that was hot enough to burn your tongue if you took a bite too soon. Now they’re deep-fried — the magic is gone…

Beige Square Tiles Everywhere

One of the most recognizable features of old McDonald's restaurants was the floor. No matter what city you were in, every McDonald's had the same beige tiled floor with square patterns. It looked like it was designed to last forever—durable, easy to clean, and, funnily enough, exactly the same in every location.

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If you were a kid, you probably loved hopping from one tile to another, playing “don't step on the cracks” or “only step on the light ones!”

You Could Even Get Just Water!

Today, McDonald's drink menu is pretty standard—Coke, Fanta, Sprite, juice, tea, and coffee. But back in the '80s and '90s, the selection was much more diverse!

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You could actually order plain water (yes, no ice, no carbonation, just a simple cup of water!), and there were drinks that no longer exist today. One of the most legendary was Hi-C Orange, a lighter, more natural-tasting orange drink that was completely different from modern Fanta. It was an absolute favorite among school kids!

McDonald's Pins

It's hard to imagine people proudly wearing fast-food brand pins today but in the '80s and '90s, McDonald's pins were a huge hit!

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These small badges with McDonald's logos could be attached to jackets, backpacks, or even hats. They featured classic McDonald's characters like Grimace, Ronald McDonald, and others. Some pins were given away in promotions, while others could be purchased for a small price.

Hats Weren’t Just for Employees!

McDonald's hats weren’t just part of the employee uniform—they were also a special accessory for birthday parties! If you celebrated your birthday at McDonald's, you’d get a festive McDonald’s cap with the logo, which you could take home as a souvenir.

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Of course, employees had their own official hats but even regular customers loved wearing McDonald's caps. Some locations even released limited-edition hats, which became a trendy accessory!

A McDonald's Shaped Like a Flying Saucer

We’re all used to the standard McDonald's design but in the ‘80s and ‘90s, some locations were built in super unusual shapes. One of the most famous ones was a McDonald's shaped like a flying saucer! This restaurant looked like a real UFO that had landed in the city.

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The interior had a space-themed design, and at night, the building lit up with neon lights. There were also McDonald's locations shaped like castles, glass domes, and even floating on water! Eating at McDonald's wasn’t just about the food—it was an experience.

A Wedding at McDonald's? Of Course!

You heard that right—in the ‘80s and ‘90s, McDonald's was such a cool place that people actually had weddings there! Of course, these weren’t super official ceremonies—it was more for die-hard fans of McDonald's who wanted their big day to be fun and casual. But in some countries, McDonald's even started offering official wedding packages!

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In Hong Kong, McDonald's launched a wedding service, where you could book a full-on McDonald's-themed wedding banquet!

A Collectible Rarity

Right before Christmas, McDonald's transformed into Santa’s holiday headquarters. Besides the seasonal menu (yes, they even had winter-themed milkshake flavors!), you could also find Christmas stockings featuring Ronald McDonald hanging in the restaurants.

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Just imagine—you walk into McDonald's in December, grab a hot apple pie, and right by the counter, you see bright red stockings with the McDonald's logo and a cheerful Ronald McDonald. You could buy one, fill it with toys or candy, and hang it up at home!

Ronald McDonald House Guest Homes

McDonald's didn’t just serve food—it actually helped people. Since 1979, McDonald's has been opening Ronald McDonald House guest homes in different cities, providing free housing for families with seriously ill children.

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One of the first houses opened in Denver, right next to a children's hospital. Imagine having a child going through intensive treatment, and you need to stay close—but hotels are too expensive. That’s why McDonald's created these homes—a place where parents could stay near their children without worrying about money.

McDonald's Hosted Massive Parades!

McDonald's in the ‘80s and ‘90s wasn’t just about food—it was about huge events, too! And of course, it had to take part in one of the biggest annual celebrations—the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

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In 1987, the parade featured its first-ever giant Ronald McDonald balloon! It floated over the streets of New York, accompanied by the McDonald's All-American Marching Band—a marching orchestra made up of the best young musicians from all over the U.S. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a giant McDonald's clown soaring over the city, well, in the ‘80s, that dream was very real!