What fictional advertising world did McDonald's launch for children in 1971?

McDonald's launched the fictional advertising world McDonaldland for children in 1971.

McDonaldland presented McDonald's as a colorful fantasy setting populated by characters connected with menu items and restaurant imagery. Ronald McDonald served as its best-known resident, while characters such as Grimace, the Hamburglar, and Mayor McCheese became recognizable parts of the campaign.

The concept appeared in television commercials, in-store promotions, and other marketing aimed at children. Its visual style gave McDonald's a shared fictional setting rather than relying only on product advertising or the restaurant logo.

McDonaldland has a complicated legal history. Sid and Marty Krofft sued McDonald's, arguing that the campaign copied elements of their television program H.R. Pufnstuf. A court found similarities and awarded damages, and McDonald's later changed or retired several elements. The campaign remains an important chapter in the company's branding history.