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Vintage Action Figures

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

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Toy Story: Disney and McDonald’s Happy Meals

November 30, 2009

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.

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Filed Under: Vintage Blog Tagged With: Disney, Happy Meal, Toy Story

Comments

  1. Kelly Figiel says

    July 4, 2010 at 9:43 am

    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. Debs says

    July 4, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    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. Colleen Clifford says

    July 20, 2010 at 8:55 pm

    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. Debs says

    July 21, 2010 at 10:13 am

    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. jacob butler says

    September 6, 2010 at 1:36 am

    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. Stace says

    November 21, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    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?

  7. Debs says

    November 22, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    Hi Stace – Complete sets of Golden McDonalds Little Mermaid figures seem to be selling for around 20 – 30 US dollars right now, with individual figures selling for 4 – 5 dollars each (or less…). For a full guide check out McDonalds Collectibles: Identification & Values

  8. Melissa says

    March 19, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    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. Melissa says

    March 19, 2011 at 4:34 pm

    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.

  10. Debs says

    March 19, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    Hi Melissa – McDonald’s Hunchback of Notre Dame figures seem to be selling for only a few US dollars right now, whilst that Woody sounds like the boxed version of the Toy Story line – I’ve seen them for sale for 8 – 10 US dollars. For a full guide check out McDonalds Collectibles: Identification & Values

    Rick Flair, on the other hand, can sell for much more – check out this list for more information: Rick Flair action figures

  11. Carol says

    April 7, 2011 at 11:08 pm

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

  12. Debs says

    April 8, 2011 at 11:38 am

    Hi Carol – it depends on which Toy Story movie you’re talking about, but I’ve seen them listed on eBay at various prices from $20.00 to as much as $75.00 for a full unopened set. For a full guide check out McDonalds Collectibles: Identification & Values

  13. CLAIRE BISHOP says

    April 27, 2014 at 6:22 pm

    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.

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