Released in 1974 from Playskool, the Familiar Places McDonald’s playset let children set up a fast food restaurant in the home and immerse themselves in a world of burgers and fries.
The activity toy incorporated many of the exterior and interior elements one would find at a McDonald’s location in the 1970s.
The playmat was the foundation of the playset, outlining where the components of the toy should be set. The plastic building was placed in the middle of the mat, and exterior elements such as the Golden Arches sign, patio table, and a merry-go-round surrounded it. Restrooms, garbage bins, and a sliding tray return were also represented. The mat included illustrated garden beds and a path for the drive-thru.
The interior of the building featured a prominent image of Ronald McDonald above the seating in the dining area. A counter with a ringing cash register was featured in the kitchen zone. Images of burgers, fries, soda fountains, and shakes lined the walls behind the counter.
IN THE BOX
The complete playset included a McDonald’s building, Golden Arches sign, two cars, seven play people representing the restaurant manager, crew, and customers, food trays illustrated with customer orders, merry-go-round, patio table, and mat.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
It can be difficult to find a complete playset due to the many components included. A mint-in-box example of the set will be even more challenging to acquire. Compiling a complete playset can be accomplished by combining multiple incomplete sets which are not hard to find on the secondary market.
Playskool’s Familiar Places series of playsets also included a Holiday Inn hotel and and Texaco gas station.
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