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40 Photos Of McDonald’s From The ’80s And ’90s To Show How Things Have Changed
A lot of us like to sneak in a cheeky visit to McDonald’s every once in a while. The jury’s still out whether it’s the tasty junk food or our childhood nostalgia that keeps us coming back. Again. And again. Whether you’re a McDonald’s fan or you steer clear of it, you can’t deny that the chain’s restaurant designs had style and energy in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Bored Panda’s got a wave of nostalgia ready for you with this list of vintage photos from McDonald’s several decades ago, so scroll down, upvote your faves, and share what you remember about the fast-food restaurants from your childhoods, dear Pandas.
We hope that we won’t make you too hungry! When you’re done with this cool photo list, check out r/nostalgia who constantly update their collection of old photos that give us that bittersweet (or is that sweet and sour?) feeling of nostalgia.
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#1
Unwelcomed Guest 6 years ago
When I was a kid my mum wore a purple felt tracksuit once and I said it reminded me of Grimace from McDonalds, I have never, and I suspect I never will, see such unadulterated rage in my life
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#3
frederic eeckman 6 years ago
The worst part was when it was raining then the sun was shining right after, we insisted on going to play anyway, bathing in puddles :D
You wouldn’t mix up a photo of an old-timey McDonald’s interior with any other fast food restaurant. Nobody else had the same combination of cheeseburger seats, chunky plastic toys, and a loveable colorful cast of characters: from Ronald McDonald and Grimace to the Hamburgler and Mayor McCheese.
McDonald’s has changed a whole bunch over the years. Some might like the modern look, but a bunch of us would love it if the chain went back to its old playful aesthetic. Even if that’s not possible, we’d settle for a time machine so that we can grab one last old-school Happy Meal.
#5
Seleta Garcia 6 years ago
Fun fact: They did away with these because they were being used to sniff cocaine. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/stirring-response
It’s not just the interior and exterior of McDonald’s that’s changed. The food’s way different, too. If you think that McDonald’s fries tasted better when you were young, it’s not just your nostalgia talking. In 1992, the chain changed how they made them. They switched from beef tallow to vegetable oil.
Let’s not forget how darn awesome McDonald’s Happy Meal toys used to be. I’ve still got my collection proudly displayed on my shelf. Now, whenever I go grab a burger at McD’s and glance at their toy display, I feel a bit disappointed. Either the toys aren’t as cool as before or I grew up.
#7
Katie and Jared Coates 6 years ago
I am JEALOUS beyond words. I have it saved as a search on eBay because if I have another kid I want one safety be damned
#9
SanchaTheSeeker 6 years ago
We still have cookies https://mcdonalds.com.au/menu/mcdonaldland-cookies
Finally, let’s remember just how amazing birthday parties at McDonald’s used to be. They were all the rage when I was growing up and they had a bit of everything. We’re pretty sure that kids have a lot of fun celebrating their birthdays at McDonald’s even now, but there’s just something missing. Or that could be the nostalgia talking.
#12
Ilir Ajdini 6 years ago
My son had his birthday party cople of times in McD in Skopje, some 17-18 years ago
#13
#18
tuzdayschild 6 years ago
Full to the brim with delicious orange drink (orange in color not flavor).
#19
Molly Cule 6 years ago
These were kind of squashy and had a little hole with a valve at the bottom. I used to use them as water pistols.
#28
Ilir Ajdini 6 years ago
I have spent so much money on Hercules toys, including McDonald's happy meals, because that animated movie was my than 6-7 yo son's favorite and he watched it on vhs almost every day for some 10 or 12 months
#32
Justine Nicole 6 years ago
Let's say "or one regular Coca Cola" so it feels like there is options...
#34
Kimberly Greenock 6 years ago
Oh God and these were lava when it was 110* in Houston Texas in August
#36
Xavier Wescott 6 years ago
SO THAT"S WHAT THEY WERE??!? My grandma had these as toys for us (born in 2002) but the darn things were so worn away I just thought they were generic toys. Oh the memories are flooding back now
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#49
Gareth Graham 6 years ago
I worked during this nightmare. They didn't have the usual 1 week rotation for a month promotion. Instead they were all available for the whole month, but they were in 'blind' bags. There was always at least one adult standing at the counter asking to feel through a large pile of bags to try and get the one their 'child' was after
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Effseven Six 6 years ago
Wow. I remember alll of that. McDonald's was a treat for me as a kid. Rarely went but was always excited when I did.
Lauren Caswell 6 years ago
Same it was so special and so amazing, the playgrounds weren't so generic they were fun
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Chanelle Knapp 6 years ago
These things can't possibly be from 30 years ago. They feel like last week. Man, I'm old.
shado 6 years ago
erm ... I suspect this is where everyone starts to call many things 'vintage' just to make themselves feel better about it all :)))
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Effseven Six 6 years ago
Wow. I remember alll of that. McDonald's was a treat for me as a kid. Rarely went but was always excited when I did.
Lauren Caswell 6 years ago
Same it was so special and so amazing, the playgrounds weren't so generic they were fun
Load More Replies... Chanelle Knapp 6 years ago
These things can't possibly be from 30 years ago. They feel like last week. Man, I'm old.
shado 6 years ago
erm ... I suspect this is where everyone starts to call many things 'vintage' just to make themselves feel better about it all :)))
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