Vintage Action Figures

Reviews of collectible action figures inspired by comic books, TV shows and movies from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s

Toy Story: Disney and McDonald’s Happy Meals

As somebody who has been a vegetarian for the last 23 years I haven’t seen the inside of a McDonald’s for quite some time, or likewise, collected any Happy Meal toys directly in a McDonald’s restaurant; their action figures do seem to pop up regularly on market stalls, however, and that’s where I found this Woody the other day. Love them or hate them, the McDonald’s Happy Meal action figures have clearly cornered a slice of the collectors’ market – earlier this year UK newspaper the Daily Mail reported that an entrepreneurial 11-year-old had sold his entire collection of McDonald’s memorabilia for over £8,000 sterling!

From 1996 through to the end of 2006, Disney films were often promoted via the free gimmicks and toys given away with Happy Meals, until their relationship with McDonald’s finally ended in 2007. Whilst there’s nothing officially on the record by the Disney company about the real motivation for its distancing itself from McDonald’s it would be easy to imagine that growing criticism blaming the fast food giant for childhood obesity may have played a part.

With a date fixed in June 2010 for the release of Toy Story 3 there’s been a flurry of renewed interest in the Disney/Pixer movie on auction sites with collectors snapping up the tie-in toys that were released at the time of the previous two Toy Story movies.

This Woody figure is actually not bad at all – he has poseable arms and both his waist and head swivel. At approx 4 1/4 inches tall, he’s a good height and stands well. The detail is fairly accurate too although it’s a pity that his neckerchief is white rather than red. This would seem to be somewhat of an oversight given the details in his face, eyes, jacket etc.

He was only available in McDonald’s for a few weeks in limited numbers in 1996 and was part of a five character set which also included Buzz Lightyear, Bo Peep, Hamm the Piggy Bank and Rex the Green Dinosaur.

Comments

  1. Hi,
    I am desperate for help. My son’s favorite action figure was Sheriff Woody with a popout wings. We bought it at least two years ago at a yard sale and tonight it went overboard and it now at the bottom of a deep, deep lake. Do you know the name of this Woody and where we could find another one. He is seven and devastated.
    Thanks,
    Kelly Figiel

  2. Hi Kelly – as far as I know Buzz Lightyear was the one with Pop-Out Wings – I’ve never heard of a Woody with wings! All the usual online retail stores seem to still have a few Buzz Lightyears…best of luck!
    Debs

  3. Debs;
    I am looking for the toy story figures which Mc
    donald had in 1999 The one I am looking for is the pig I think he might
    have been a bank. Thanks for your help.
    Colleen

  4. Hi Colleen!
    The figures that came out in 1999 were for Toy Story 2 and the figure you’re looking for is called Hamm the Piggy Bank – he still pops up on Internet auction sites from time to time as either a plush hand puppet or as a candy dispenser…best of luck with your search!

  5. i used to to have 5 wodys and 2 jesses and i got a buzz lightear happy meal toy and a nother huge figure at a yard sale about when i was 3 years old from jacob butler

  6. I came across a gold, Ariel, Little Mermail Happy Meal toy in my collection. Do you have any idea what it’s value may be?

  8. I have a posable woody pvc figure, w/hat, red neckerchief and the original box. looks like a 6in. mini VHS case. Figure is pristine condition, box is fair to good condition. Dated 1996. Any feedback? thanks.

  9. I also have a few Hunchback of Notre Dame dolls in their packaging, never opened, as well as a Rick Flair action figure, fair condition. any feedback appreciated.

  11. I have the whole set of toy story mcdonald’s figurines..still in the plastic
    what would be the value of that?

  13. HI

    I have been collecting Mcdonalds toys since I was about 10 and now have over 1000, 90% of which are MIP. Im looking for a collector, or a trade fair, or even individuals who want specific toys to complete their own collection. If there is anyone out there, or you have any advice on who i can contact and sell to, I would be more than appreciative.