Consumer Time Capsule

Less times than you'd think, tbh

That's a really good point - I think the bacon may have been an add-on at some point, though and that's probably why it's clearly not depicted.

I love the ads, but they clearly didn't work

That video was a work of art. The internet did its job this week.

Supermarket circulars and coupon inserts are the greatest untapped resource for any of this kind of stuff. I have several thousand pages, but mostly from the early 2000s and beyond, unfortunately

Today, McDonald's releases a deluxe burger called the "Big Arch" - is it a subtle nod to the ARCH DELUXE? Probably not, but I'd still like to think of it that way.

Offering a bounty of $400 for one empty box. Hit me up!

…..WHHHAAATTTT?!?!?

A true CTC fan - quite a deep cut.

Today, McDonald's releases a deluxe burger called the "Big Arch" - is it a subtle nod to the ARCH DELUXE? Probably not, but I'd still like to think of it that way.

McDonald's really tested the limits of what qualifies as a Happy Meal toy with "Feeling Good" - Toothbrushes, a comb, a sponge, a soap dish... (1985)

Coneheads wasn’t going to be a big enough movie to get a look from McDonald’s or Burger King, but thankfully Subway stepped up the the plate with this incredible cup (1993)

How are more people not talking about this???

In 1999, McDonald’s tested a version of their Super Size Fries that was designed to fit in your cup holder. The photo doesn’t do it justice, but this thing is absolutely gigantic.

That's a fair point, but if you love this set, I bet you love Star Trek and that's guiding that stance. With the spaceships, they're objectively great on their own merits.

There was also a set with the Canadian flag, so I think the McDonaldland gang just kinda follows the money.

Yes, they did several vacuform sets through Clear Pack in the 80s, but this set of spaceships was the first.

The proton packs were a Hardee's toy. McDonald's didn't do anything for the Ghostbusters movies, only the Real Ghostbusters cartoon tv series.

This photo is a piece of fast food history - it's a reference shot from Clear Pack company used to sell McDonald's the Spaceship Happy Meals... imo, the first truly great set of Happy Meal toys. (1981)

I’m not saying that Batman Returns had the best cups that McDonald’s has ever offered (...although I'd entertain that argument), but the FRISBEE BATDISCS are inarguably the greatest drink lids of all time. (1992)

Funny you should ask - I actually don't. They're so abundant that when I'm digging through collections I always pass them by in favor of rarer/vintage items, but I know I will at some point I'll snag a set when I have room in the van.

I’m not saying that Batman Returns had the best cups that McDonald’s has ever offered (...although I'd entertain that argument), but the FRISBEE BATDISCS are inarguably the greatest drink lids of all time. (1992)

Unfortunately, he went through a few design changes - he went from the best McDonaldland character to wayyy too friendly and cutesy.

They were 100% on model after the 1973 redesign - they've just been redesigned a bunch of times since.

Tough to be mad about construction unpleasantries when Captain Crook, Grimace, Hamburglar and long/straight haired Ronald are so forthcoming and polite about it. (1974)

In the early 90s, there was a huge push to teach kids about nutrition. Enter FOOD FUNDAMENTALS, a Happy Meal partnership with the American Dietetic Association. The four food-themed characters were Otis the Sandwich, Milly the Milk, Slugger the Steak and Ruby the Apple. (1992)

I sure do, but I don't have a spare photo of it on-hand.

I sure do!

Here’s a rare ONE LITER bottle of SURGE… just in case the typical 20 oz wasn’t extreme enough for you. (1997)

Sure, there have been plenty of great mascots throughout the years, but only 7Up’s COOL SPOT got their own pair of dollar store sunglasses. (1988)