The Ultimate Guide To McDonald's Little Mermaid Toys: Value, History, And The Complete 2023 Set

The enduring appeal of Disney's The Little Mermaid continues to make waves, not just in theaters, but also in the world of fast-food collectibles. As of late 2024, the most recent and highly sought-after collection of McDonald's Happy Meal toys is the one released in 2023 to celebrate the live-action adaptation of the classic film, starring Halle Bailey as Ariel. This collection has sparked renewed interest among both young fans and seasoned collectors, creating a vibrant secondary market for both the new figures and rare vintage pieces.

This article dives deep into the complete set of the 2023 live-action movie toys, reveals their current collector status, and explores the history of The Little Mermaid Happy Meal promotions, including the highly valuable sets from 1989 and 1996. Whether you're trying to complete your collection or simply curious about the value of that King Triton figure you stashed away, you'll find everything you need to know about these iconic collectibles.

The Complete 2023 Live-Action Little Mermaid Happy Meal Set

The most recent McDonald's promotion for The Little Mermaid ran from late May to mid-June 2023, coinciding with the theatrical release of the Disney live-action movie. This set was a major event for Disney fans, featuring figures based on the new film's character designs, including the likenesses of actors like Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, and Javier Bardem. The collection consisted of eight unique figures, each capturing a key character from the underwater kingdom of Atlantica and the world above.

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The 2023 collection is notable for its detailed sculpts and vibrant colors, representing a modern take on the beloved characters.

List of All 8 Characters in the 2023 Set

The complete set of 8 toys from the 2023 live-action movie tie-in includes the following key characters, ensuring every fan could collect their favorite hero or villain:

• Ariel (Figure #1): The title character, often depicted in her mermaid form with her signature red hair.
• King Triton (Figure #3): Ariel's father and ruler of Atlantica, a powerful and imposing figure.
• Flounder (Figure #4): Ariel's best friend, the anxious but loyal fish.
• Prince Eric: The human prince who captures Ariel's heart.
• Ursula: The formidable sea witch and primary antagonist, played by Melissa McCarthy.
• Sebastian: The royal court composer and Ariel's cautious crab guardian.
• Max (Figure #6): Prince Eric's loyal and shaggy English Sheepdog.
• Scuttle: The eccentric diving bird (or northern gannet in the live-action film) who provides Ariel with misinformed human object knowledge.

This full lineup of characters—including the core trio of Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian, the royal figures of King Triton and Prince Eric, and the comedic relief of Scuttle and Max—offers a comprehensive snapshot of the live-action movie's cast.

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Collector’s Value and Resale Market Analysis

When assessing the value of any McDonald's Happy Meal toy, it's crucial to distinguish between a recent promotional set and a truly vintage collectible. The 2023 The Little Mermaid set, while popular, has not yet achieved significant resale value, which is typical for modern releases.

Current Value of the 2023 Set

As of late 2024, the complete set of 8 unopened or "New in Package" (NIP) figures from the 2023 live-action promotion generally sells for a modest amount.

• Complete Set (NIP): Resale prices typically range from $15 to $25 USD on collector platforms like eBay, with some listings for used or partial sets going for less than $10.
• Individual Figures: Single figures hold very little value unless they are the final piece a collector needs to complete their set.

The low current resale value is due to the toys being mass-produced and widely available very recently. For the 2023 collection to become a valuable "collector's item," it will require time, scarcity, and a continued nostalgic demand, much like its predecessors.

A Dive Into Vintage Little Mermaid Happy Meal Toys

For serious collectors, the true treasures are the vintage sets tied to the original 1989 animated classic. McDonald's has released several The Little Mermaid promotions over the decades, but two stand out as particularly significant for their rarity and nostalgic appeal.

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The Iconic 1989 Original Animated Set

The very first The Little Mermaid promotion at McDonald's occurred from November to December 1989, coinciding with the original animated film's release. This set is an essential piece of Disney and fast-food toy history. While some listings mention a set of 4, other complete sets contained a larger number of characters. The toys from this era are much harder to find in mint condition, especially in their original packaging, making them the most valuable in the franchise.

• Key Characters: Ariel, Ursula, Sebastian the Crab, and Flounder the Fish were all part of this initial offering.
• Collector Value: A complete, unopened set from 1989 can command a significantly higher price than the 2023 set, often selling for $50 to over $100 USD, depending on condition and packaging integrity.

The 1996 Re-Release and Collector's Set

McDonald's revisited the world of Atlantica in 1996 with another Happy Meal promotion, once again featuring the original animated characters. This set consisted of 8 figures, offering a more extensive collection than the 1989 release and tapping into the mid-90s boom of Disney movie merchandise.

• Set Size: A full collection of 8 unique toys.
• Rarity: While more common than the 1989 toys, the 1996 set remains a highly desirable item for collectors seeking a complete representation of the animated classic's main cast.

The collector market for vintage Happy Meal toys thrives on nostalgia and scarcity. Entities like the 1989 Flounder or the 1996 Ariel in her pink dress are highly sought after. The difference in value between the 2023 toys and the vintage 1989 and 1996 sets highlights a critical lesson for collectors: true value is often tied to the historical context of the original movie release and the passage of time.

Tips for Collecting McDonald's Little Mermaid Toys

Whether you are a casual fan or an experienced collector of Disney memorabilia and fast-food premiums, here are essential tips for managing your The Little Mermaid collection:

1. Focus on Complete Sets: The value of a complete set (whether 4, 8, or 10 figures) is always exponentially higher than the sum of its individual parts.
2. Prioritize Condition: For maximum value, always aim for "New in Package" (NIP) or "Mint in Sealed Bag" (MISB) condition. Even minor wear can significantly decrease a vintage toy's worth.
3. Understand the Tie-in: Remember that the 2023 toys are based on the live-action movie, while the 1989 and 1996 toys are based on the animated classic. This distinction is key for buyers and sellers on platforms like eBay and Etsy.
4. Monitor the Market: Use search terms like "Little Mermaid Happy Meal 2023 complete set" or "1989 Little Mermaid Ursula toy" to track current selling prices and identify good deals.

The The Little Mermaid Happy Meal toys represent a fun and accessible piece of Disney and McDonald's history. While the 2023 figures offer a contemporary collectible, the vintage sets from 1989 and 1996 remain the gold standard for long-term value and deep nostalgic connection to the animated film.