Buzz Lightyear, the interstellar hero from Disney/Pixar's Toy Story and Toy Story 2 movies and all-new animated television series, will be on a mission to save the universe in a new Happy Meal from McDonald's, starting January 12.
The six "launcher'' toys that comprise the Happy Meal can be joined together to form a nearly 15-inch-long spaceship, making the Buzz Lightyear Happy Meal fun to play with and collect.
"By connecting the six Buzz Lightyear Happy Meal toys into a spaceship, kids will have the chance to have even more fun with the program,'' said R.J. Milano, vice president, McDonald's U.S. marketing. "McDonald's had a great response to our other 'collect-and-build' Happy Meals, including Inspector Gadget, which we did in 2000. By teaming up once again with Disney, we're giving kids the opportunity to play with some of their favorite Toy Story and Toy story 2 characters.''
The six individual toys, Buzz Lightyear, Mira Nova, Booster, XR, The Evil Emperor Zurg and Commander Nebula, are based on characters from the new "Disney's One Saturday Morning'' and "Disney's One Too'' television series, "Disney/Pixar's Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.'' Each toy has a "launching'' element that either spins or rolls forward by pressing a button. In addition, each toy includes stickers that can be used to decorate and customize the toy.
The Buzz Lightyear Happy Meal will be available from January 12- February 1, 2001 at participating McDonald's restaurants nationwide while supplies last. The promotion will be supported by national television advertising developed by Leo Burnett Co., Hispanic television advertising by del Rivero Messiano Advertising and African-American radio and print advertising by Burrell Advertising-Chicago.
Produced by Walt Disney Television Animation, the new "Disney/Pixar's Buzz Lightyear of Star Command'' television series airs during "Disney's One Saturday Morning'' lineup on ABC Television Network at 10:30 a.m. EST (9:30 a.m. PST) and Sunday through Friday as part of "Disney's One Too'' on UPN and in syndication (check local listings.) Buzz Lightyear toys are recommended for children ages 3 and up. Children under the age of 3 can request a McDonald's Fisher-Price Under-3 toy.
