Crazy New Summer Happy Meals

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Originally uploaded by :: kna ::.

Two news stories hit this morning about McDonald's Happy Meals - one not so happy, the other sure to increase waistlines just in time for Back to School.

Disney has decided to end their relationship at the end of the summer with the fast food giant because they don't want to be linked to childhood obesity. That doesn't mean that other companies aren't looking to take their place.

A press release issued today by Mickey D's is declaring this the "Summer of Happy Meal Fun." They will kick off their summer blitz with a "historical" partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop - the toys will be plush toys with removable mix-and-match clothing. It looks like it's set up to be the biggest thing since the Beanie Baby promotion a few years back. After that are the back to back Disney promotions, one for "Cars," and the other for "Pirates of the Caribbean. Then comes a Polly Pocket meal collection, and finally a big "mystery" collection.

With childhood obesity in the height of crisis mode, there is strict criticism of whether or not there should be such toy and meal deals. By providing kids with a toy that they buy in a package, it appears that kids are rewarded for eating crap. There have been strides to ban these meals, but to be honest, the more money fast food makes, everyone from the toy companies down to clothing companies ("Hey, Mom, I can't fit into my clothes anymore!") are profiting, so don't expect to see the demise of Happy Meals any time soon.