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.