McDonald's In The Magic Kingdom

The McChronicles spent a little time in Disney World last week (Orlando, Florida). While in the area we visited Downtown Disney and the McDonald's there.

We also entered The Magic Kingdom and looked for McDonald's. All we found was the opportunity to buy McD french fries, McNuggets, and McFlurries.

This was a bit disappointing (we were Jonesing for a full McDonald's meal). Additionally, we couldn't help but feel that McDonald's is putting their worst foot forward with some of the most assailable, low-health items. With a collection of much healthier items available it is, of course, possible to offer up some of the good stuff. We're guessing that Disney has a very heavy hand in what McDonald's can, and can't do, in the park.

Image: The McChronicles.
The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.

Downtown Disney McDonald's

The McChronicles took a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida last week. While there we dropped by the McDonald's in "Downtown Disney".

For all the traffic the store looked pretty nice. Sure, it could have been a bit neater, but the traffic is pretty wild. We were expecting a more "Disney" theme and were surprised when the store wasn't too specially decorated. That said, it was there when we needed it, and looking pretty good.

Images: The McChronicles.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.

A Little Order With My Order

The McChronicles frequents the Chicago airport and is familiar with many (not all) of the McDonald's there. We have a suggestion that could create a win:win scenario at these locations.

THE ISSUE:
These busy airport McDonald's can have a big line of customers all in need of speedy and accurate service. Since real estate is expensive, the McDonald's have small counters that get clogged with customers, order takers, orders, etc (Image 1: The O'Hare Airport Hall "C" McDonald's on a good day). Once an order is placed, the customer (sometimes) is told that their order number is on the receipt and that we are to listen for our number to be called. We are then left to disapear back into the crowd and await our message. This is the lowest form of the McShuffle. Customers, many of whom speak English as a second language, stand in the crowded, noisy airport terminal, occasionally not knowing what wil lhappen next, listening to McDonald's crew members screaming out numbers. We aren't sure if we heard things correctly, if our number has been called and we missed it, etc. The crew get frustrated when we don't step up and claim our order promptly. There is usually a lot of yelling, confusion, and bad experiences. The McChronicles has even seen a crew member placed into the crowd to help relay the number shouting and to help customers spawn their way back to the counter through a throng of increasingly disgruntled people waiting for THEIR number to be called. What does this all tell you?

THE SUGGESTION:

The crew all look at a flat panel that tells them which orders are in process (Image 2). Why not make a similar (but larger) screen available to the customers? That way we can all watch the screen and track our order. And, the crew can be sure that their announcement is made clearly. This could add some dignity and confidence to the situation - improving the experience for both the customer and the crew.

Images: The McChronicles

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.

Wall Street (Manhattan) McDonald's

OK, it's not really on Wall Street, it's on Broad Street, but it's where the Wall Street crowd hangs when they feel the need for a McD hookup.

A FOTM (friend of The McChronicles) - let's refer to him as "code name: Ian" - accepted an assignment and dropped by the financial headquarter's McDonald's this week. Here is his report, accompanied by some photos he captured with his phone, now known as "the McDonald's cam":

From the outside the "Wall Street" (actually Broad Street) McDonald's looks more like a bank or brokerage firm, however, upon entry you realize that it is surely your regular old McDonald's. The urban myth that there are waiters and table service in the "Wall Street" McDonald's is simply not true. The service format is just like every
McDonald's location I have been to.

There are several notable things that distinguish this location from others. First, diners can sit and look out the big front windows and see tourists and commuters streaming off of the Staten Island Ferry. If you're lucky (as I was today) you might catch a concert going on in front of the One New York Building across the street. Another impressive feature of this McDonald's is its large capacity. Although meager when compared to the Times Square (Manhattan) location, the upstairs dinning room has seating for over 200 hundred people.

The one thing I found most impressive is McDonald's unyielding commitment to add a touch of local culture to its restaurants. In true New York fashion, the "Wall Street" McDonald's was crowded, loud, and, instead of service with a smile, you are more likely to get service with scowl and an undistinguishable accent.

Overall I enjoyed my experience, even though there is nothing truly special about this location. I would definitely leave it off a world tour of the coolest McDonald's (the Times Square restaurant would probably be the top priority while in NYC). If you're looking for a place to eat lunch to "get away", or to plain old avoid all the stuffy Wall Street types, this is the place to go. I would even go as far as to say it is the melting pot of the financial district with a more socio-economically diverse crowd than the upscale soup and sandwich places that are ubiquitous in this section of New York City.

Thanks, Ian (code name). Speaking for The McChronicles fans worldwide, we appreciate your insight into this intriguing McDonald's restaurant.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Images: FOTM "Ian"

HOT McNUGGETS? No Problem For This Mom

Amanda H. at the SHAMELESSLY SASSY blog is a mom on the go.

She's also a mom with a secret ... she feeds her young daughter the occasional McDonald's McNugget - in the car!

At first this doesn't seem too surprising .. until she reveals how she overcomes the "too hot" McNugget before presenting it to her backseat, strapped-in child. It is a bit surprising to learn that she jams the McNuggets into her car's AC vents!

Most surprising are the numerous comments that cropped up after she made this revealing admission. Wow! There are a lot of like-minded McNugget-cooling people out there. Who would have thought?

Though nearly ALL comments are positive and supportive, at least one person was a little sympathetic to the car.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.

Image: screen grab from shamelessly sassy blog.

McDonald's Olympic Champion Crew Videos

The following info was submitted to The McChronicles by Joe Curry, Supervisor, Global Web Communications, Corporate Communications, McDonald's Corporation:
::::::::::::::::

For the Beijing Games, McDonald’s invited the Olympic Champion Crew to create a short video expressing their Olympic spirit in just five words. The top 25 videos have been posted to http://osom.mcdonalds.com and will be displayed online for four weeks leading up to the Olympic Games where the public can vote for their favorites. The winners will be announced in Beijing.

About the Olympic Champion Crew
As the largest employer in the quick service restaurant industry, McDonald’s has a rich history of providing opportunities to the 1.6 million people they employ worldwide. The McDonald’s Olympic Champion Crew program is a unique example of the recognition, reward and opportunities the company provides its employees. For the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, 1,400 of McDonald’s best-of-the-best restaurant employees from 36 countries will travel to Beijing to serve the world’s best athletes and thousands of others at McDonald’s four new Olympic venue restaurants. While in China, the crew will experience the excitement of the Games, visit cultural sites and meet their peers from around the world.
::::::::::::::::

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: screen grab of McDonald's Olympic Champion Crew logo.

Ensenada, Mexico

The McChronicles enjoyed a week on the Pacific coast in Ensenada, Mexico. While there we encountered a McDonald's with a special feature. This store has a street-side counter that sells ice cream.

In this party town this is an awesome feature. With people walking up and down the main street, stopping by the McDonald's window is just what the doctor ordered - especially on a sultry summer's day ... or night.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.

Image: The McChronicles

Rosemont, Illinois McDonald's: Always A Delight

Quoting The McChronicles: Rosemont Rocks!

We said that a while back, after our first visit to this awesome McDonald's. This store has some magic - and every McDonald's should tune in and try to grab some for themselves. Here's the deal:

Walking into the store, it seems like any other - nothing special. Then, you notice the cleanliness - this place is really tidy. Second, you spot the crew - bright, white shirts ... ties ... clean hair ... smiles ... very professional looking. They look you in the eye, they speak politely. They seem happy. Mind you, this is all going on at 9:30 PM on a Tuesday night.

You sit at your table enjoying your meal, and you see that the crew works very well together. They respect each other, they say "please" and "thank you" to each other. They smile and joke. And they work! One young man was taking drive-thru orders on his headset, typing in the orders, AND cleaning the counter. He also delivered the order.

The condiment area (always a McChronicles concern) is super tidy (just like the last visit).

The McChronicles chatted with a young crew member who shared that this store is run by a man named Denny Stabile. We were told that the management inspires the crew to relax and be themselves. Denny obviously shows a lot of respect and appreciation to his team - because that's what shows through to the customer. This young man also shared that he counts all the crew as friends - he makes a point to chat with coworkers on the way into his shift, as well as on the way home when new crew are coming in. Kudos to Denny for teaching this team these great skills, and for enabling them to share them with the customers.

The McChronicles would like to say a huge THANKS to the owners, managers, and crew of the Rosemont McDonald's. They set the bar very high - and show us how a McDonald's experience should play out.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.

Images: The McChronicles.

Chicago O'Hare Airport McDonald's: Terminal H

The McChronicles usually flies UNITED through Chicago. This time it was decided to take American Airlines - the result was a visit to TERMINAL "H" and a new McDonald's experience.

This McDonald's is in a delightful food court - very bright and well decorated. There are plenty of places to eat and it is quite clean.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.

Images: The McChronicles.

RIP Herb Peterson

Who hasn't enjoyed an Egg McMuffin?

Well, sadly, the inventor of that delightful creation has passed. Herb Peterson introduced breakfast to the fast food industry - and was well-known as a person who truly loved McDonald's.


According to an article in the International Herald Tribune:

The Egg McMuffin made its debut at a restaurant in Santa Barbara that Peterson
co-owned with his son, David Peterson.

Rest in pease, Herb.


The McChronicles:a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: SouthernLedger.com

Branding The Beach

Look at the top image. Wow! What a crowded beach. It is reported to be Haeundae Beach in Busan, South Korea. Note the red umbrellas. Notice anything special?

Now take a peek at the bottom two images. Wow!

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Images: floristone.com

Feng Shui? Of Course!

"The makeover is part of the attempt by Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald's Corp. in recent years to remodel hundreds of its restaurants to attract more patrons with unique decor and amenities that might entice them stay awhile."

The "makeover"? Yes, the makeover to a more feng shui-pleasing environment in some McDonald's.

Here's another telling quote from examiner.com:

"It's successful as a design. It's got a very clean, open, airy appearance," said Elaine Bjorklund, a professor emerita of cultural geography at the University of Western Ontario in Canada, who was in town visiting a friend.

"I'm not a McDonald's habituee," she added as she snapped pictures of the dining area. "It would be interesting to see if this trend will spread."

A customer was moved to take pictures of the dining room! Awesome! The McChronicles sure would like to dine in THAT store.

Does anyone have pictures of the Hacienda Heights, California McDonald's to share?

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: hopeful!

Las Vegas McDonald's Disappoint

The McChronicles recently reported on a non-impressive McDonald's.

We returned to check out a few more McDonald's and were equally disappointed. It seems that there is not ONE Vegas-themed McDonald's in the city.

But, there is promise. There is one McDonald's on the strip that promises both a NEW SIGN as well as a NEW STORE!

The McChronicles hopes that the new store reflects the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: The McChronicles.

McDonald's Saturation

Right off the bat, The McChronicles would like to say that we have NEVER felt "saturated" by McDonald's, we never get too much. So the title of this posting's topic seems a wee bit off.

The McChronicles was tipped off to an interesting website that claims to provide information on the density of McDonald's in any US region. It is from Foodio54.com.


Apparently drawing data from a corporate location database, the site purports to tell us data regarding stores per X miles radius for:

• national average



• state average



• specific location entered

The site also reports your state's highest and lowest McDonald's densities by listing a few cities. In the McChronicles' home state of New York, we learned that (according to this site), the highest McDonald's density is in New York City 10017) with a density of 1 McDonald's for every 5,400 people. A McDonald's for every 0.11 square mile!

And, we also learned that the Adirondack region sees very little of the golden arches, especially in the west-central area. Inlet, NY's McDonald's/square mile was incalcuable! The McChronicles recently reported of the demise of the Old Forge, NY McDonald's.

Have some fun with this tool.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.

Image: Foodio54.com screen grab.

McDonald's Pioneer: Gene Widdicombe

She ..."with the help of her children, has become a local McDonald's pioneer. She's the first woman in Orange County to operate a McDonald's. In 1974, the single, mother of three opened her second McDonald's in Garden Grove."

"Her restaurants were the first in Orange County to introduce a drive-through (1977) and a PlayPlace (1983) kids zone."

"Today, five of the more than 30,000 McDonald's operating in the world belong to Gene Widdicombe."

Nancy Luna, OC Register

Wow! Can you imagine meeting Ray Kroc? Having him fly out to meet YOU? Opening a McDonald's when no one had heard of McDonald's???

The McChronicles has visited Gene Widdicombe's first McDonald's, at 12542 Harbor Boulevard, in Orange County, California, but never knew the significance, until now.

Read the Gene Widdicombe story in the OC Register. We were riveted by the "as it happened" style - great stories!

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.

Big Mac: Inside THe McDonald's Empire (repeat)

CNBC (American channel) is running this old show again. The McChronicles posted about it when we first saw it this summer.


We would like to repeat this sentiment:


It bothers us that most anti-McDonald's people point out that certain McDonald's items aren't high-quality foods while:

• ignoring the fact that some McDonald's offerings are, in fact, excellent choices
• failing to mention that EVERY mainstream grocery store also offers items which are not high-quality foods

We all know that the critics are blind to these issues since it does little to suit their purposes or gain them their 15 minutes of fame.

Be sure to check out the show's special detailed website which offers:

• program highlights
• a video gallery
• background on the show host

We would love to know what you thought of the CNBC McDonald's special report. Please comment.

The McChronicles couldn't find a show replay schedule on the CNBC website.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: CNBC website

McChronicles Interview

SoCal's FAST FOOD MAVEN interviewed The McChronicles, to share our top 5 McDonald's wishes for 2008 with their Anaheim, California readers.


As you may know, we really savor the total McDonald's experience, so our answers just may surprise you a bit.

Read The McChronicles interview.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: Fast Food Maven website.

McDonald's: Perfect Time To REEBOK Burger King

Nike Shox RULED the athletic shoe (sneaker, trainer) world.

Somewhere, off in the distance, Reebok and their man, Terry Tate, were busy selling their shoes.

Nike did it again, another awesome commercial, featuring a streaker at a football (soccer) match. The ad was simply fantastic, mesmerising. Some said it was unbeatable.


In one week, Reebok answered with one of the most memorable ads ever. Terry Tate REEBOKED Nike. AWESOME!


Fast forward to today's Burger King Whopper Freakout. The McChronicles must admit, it is an awesome concept and ad. Here is the 7-minute Whopper Freakout backstory. Here is the 30-second Whopper Freakout commercial.

With tons of time to react, and with the Super Bowl looming, it is the perfect situation for McDonald's to "REEBOK" Burger King.

Come on McDonald's! Do it for your fans.


The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.

Most Unique McDonald's In The World

The Travel Channel (USA) is running a show about the Top 10 Most Unique McDonald's in the world.

Peter Holden, billed as the Number One McDonald's Fan, leads the viewer on a tour. He claims to have visited nearly 12,000 McDonald's!

During the show we learned:

• there are >30,000 McDonald's operating worldwide.
• the oldest operating McDonald's is in Downey California, USA.
• there is a McDonald's PlayPlace in Dallas, Texas, USA that is designed to look like a Happy Meal. The show declares this to be the happiest McDonald's in the world.
• there is a diner in the Lafayette, Indiana, USA McDonald's. It has over 120 menu items not offered at any other McDonald's. Sounds interesting but gimmicky.
• Peter Holden has NOT yet been to the Arctic Circle McDonald's in Pitea, Sweden. Customers there hit the drive-thru on snowmobiles!
• Montreal, Canada is the home of the world's most unique McDonald's Cafe. There's a regular McD next door if the gourmet latte isn't enough!
• a two-storey McDonald's in Orlando, Florida, USA houses a mega-PlayPlace which hosts over 750 birthday parties per year. Pizza is available. Upstairs offers an arcade and a huge maze.
• The Roma, Italy McDonald's sits in the center of this great city. It is the most opulent McDonald's in the show - and maybe the world. This store has >800 seats! Their Big Macs are reportedly the most expensive in the world.
  

The McChronicles loved seeing some of the restaurants we have visited, especially the Times Square (New York City) store which, reportedly, has the largest McDonald's kitchen in the world. We also were quite interested in the stores that we have yet to enjoy.

The show will run through February 2008. Here is the schedule of next showings.
Check it out if you can.


The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: Travel Channel logo from discovery.com.

Flying Fry Ad

McDonald's has released a new ad, called Flying Fry, in specific US markets, aimed at Hispanic youth, "Lateens".

According to an email from Tremor Media:

"The campaign, which debuted Jan. 1 in 16 markets across the U.S., also includes
radio and rich media banner ads. "

The McChronicles' first reaction to the ad was that it doesn't seem to have any particular "Lateen" uniqueness to it (admittedly, The McChronicles is pretty clueless on the topic, so the signals may have been missed). We then settled with thinking, "Kind of cool". But, slowly, we got the feeling we'd seen it all before. Then it hit us, "Showdown" from 1993. This ad reminds us strongly of Michael Jordan and Larry Bird making their wild cross-town shots with a basketball. Replace our stars with two kids, the ball with a french fry, the hoop with a mouth, ... and you are an advertising genius, we guess. Hey, maybe one of these kids will parlay this into a Hanes underwear ad contract!

Deeper reaction:

• The MAIN thing McDonald's gets grilled for is health issues. The PRIME offender is the french fry (still not removed the trans fats???).
• The product they're advertising? French Fries!!! And they're targeting an audience who is struggling with reducing fat in their diet!!!

Who thought this was a better idea than an ad featuring how buying a salad at McDonald's helps the local Ronald McDonald House?

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: Screen grab from MediaPost.