McDonaldland was the fictional world that housed Ronald McDonald and McDonald's other advertising characters.
McDonald's developed McDonaldland as a fantasy setting for children's marketing during the early 1970s. Ronald McDonald served as its central figure, while characters such as the Hamburglar, Grimace, Mayor McCheese, Birdie the Early Bird, and Captain Crook appeared in commercials and promotional material. The setting gave the brand a connected cast rather than a series of unrelated mascots.
McDonaldland used visual ideas drawn from McDonald's food and restaurant identity. Characters, buildings, and landscapes were given playful food-related forms, helping children connect the imaginary world with menu items and the restaurant itself. The concept appeared in television advertising, printed materials, playgrounds, and merchandise.
McDonaldland is sometimes confused with the name of a physical amusement park. It was primarily a fictional advertising universe, although some McDonald's restaurants used themed play areas and character displays inspired by it.