Why you haven’t been to a McDonald’s birthday party in years

It has long been a rite of passage for Aussie kids, but one McDonald’s tradition has quietly disappeared.

Back in the day, a celebration at McDonald’s was an essential – if admittedly chaotic and for staff: traumatic – part of any birthday.

Being locked in a room with 12 of your closest friends (plus the one weird classmate your mum forced you to invite), eating ice cream cake and fries that had been touched by literally every child in attendance, was the definition of the Australian dream.

But for the kids of this era, it’s a core memory yet to be made.

McDonald’s birthday parties were a rite of passage for children everywhere. Picture: Cameron Bates

In a recent email, a news.com.au reader complained that her attempt to deliver her son this Aussie rite of passage was thwarted when she was told by the fast food giant it wasn’t hosting parties.

Like Carrie Bradshaw, she couldn’t help but wonder: Had they become a permanent casualty of the Covid pandemic?

After a little digging, we can confirm that no, McDonald’s birthday parties are (thankfully) not gone for good.

“Macca’s birthday parties were paused during the pandemic, and we’re reviewing when and how we’ll bring them back,” a McDonald’s Australia spokeswoman told news.com.au in a statement.

“In the meantime, families are always welcome to visit our restaurants and enjoy a Macca’s moment together, such as for a birthday or team celebration.

“We do recommend you phone ahead to your local restaurant, so we’re ready to accommodate larger groups.”

One day, we will celebrate over a Happy Meal again. Picture: Karen Bleier/AFP

When they inevitably do return, just be mindful about where you park your car – a Queensland woman made headlines earlier this year when she received a $135 fine from a third party company for overstaying “an apparent 90 minute parking limit”.

“I hosted an 8th birthday party for my son at McDonald’s Indooroopilly in January, which lasted less than 3 hours,” she wrote on Facebook at the time of the “unpleasant situation”.

A spokesperson for McDonald’s told news.com.au that after reviewing the situation, the fine had been waived.

“Like many businesses, some McDonald’s restaurants engage a third party operator to manage their car park,” the spokesperson said.

“This ensures customers have a convenient place to park when they visit our restaurants and is part of our commitment to providing a great customer experience.

“We have reviewed the information provided and on this occasion will arrange to have the fine waived.

“Where parking limits apply, customers who intend to dine-in longer than the parking limit allows should speak to the shift manager on duty.”