McDonalds Madagascar 2 Toys 2008 Australia and New Zealand

McDonalds Madagascar Escape 2 Africa 2008 toys are the latest happy meal toy promotion at McDonalds in New Zealand and Australia. The toys which were released on Monday 22 December 2008 coincide with the new animated Madagascar 2 movie from the Dreamworks stable. McDonalds have made a smart move with this marketing campaign as the Madagascar 2 promotion is the largest global release since the Shrek 3 happy meal promotion last year. Unfortunately the McDonalds New Zealand release is a bit behind the rest of the world so we've had to wait quite a few extra weeks to get our hands on these toys.

The McDonalds Madagascar 2 toys are a nice set. Each happy meal toy is motion-activated and talks when moved or shaken once its button is switched to the on position. McDonalds could have gone for a plush set but I'm pleased they played it safe and went for hard plastic which in my opinion is more collectable, durable and a lot more fun! If you are interested in a plush set take a look at the Subway release of Madagascar, the toy tie-in for the first movie.

McDonalds Madagascar 2 Toys Australia and New Zealand

My Rating of the McDonalds Madagascar Escape to Africa Toys

Design and Concept = 3 out 5
These toys are nicely designed. Each toy is easily recognisable as a well loved character from the Madagascar 2 movie making them very appealing. And they certainly capture the fun flavour of the movie.

Quality and Durability = 3 out of 5
These toys are reasonably well made and finished. The battery will run out quickly though so they are not for long term especially as its easy to leave them turned on by mistake.

Playability = 2 out of 5
The toys are fun but have limited play value and would not hold a child's attention after their initial interest waivers. With a bit more thought I suspect McDonalds could have come up with an action for the toys as well.

Collectability = 4 out of 5
I've scored high in this category as I reckon these toys will remain popular with kids and collectors alike as the movie is a great sequel.

The 8 Madagascar Escape to Africa Toys 2 included in this promotion are:

Alex (Lion)(3 phrases)
“I’m Alex, the Alex”
“Let’s go wild”
“You got it.”

Marty (Zebra)(2 phrases)
“Hollah at ya boy”
“You guys are crazy”

Melman (Giraffe)(3 phrases)
“What are we gonna do?”
“Ow Ow Ow!”
“You guys really need a doctor.”

Gloria (Hippo)(3 phrases)
“Alrighty boys,”
“Let’s go”
“I know that’s right!”

Moto Moto (Hippo)(2 phrases)
“I know I’m every hippo’s dream”
“Wow.”

Skipper (Penguin)(2 phrases)
“Just smile and wave boys”
“Progress report!”

Julien (Lemur)(1 line from his trademark song)
"I like to move it, move it"

Mason (Chimp)(3 phrases)
“A ha”
“Check mate”
“Africa"

Summary
McDonalds have released 8 Madagascar Escape 2 Africa 2008 happy meal toys just in time for the Christmas holiday period in Australia and New Zealand. Each toy is motion activated and says at least one catch phrase from the movie when shaken. The set is made up the following toys: Marty, Gloria, Melman, Skipper, Mason, Alex, Moto Moto, and Julien.

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Related Links
All McDonalds Happy Meal Toy Promotions
McDonalds Happy Meal Toys 2008 Promotions
McDonalds Toys List Australia and New Zealand Schedule