A controversial McDonald’s ad promoting a $990 children’s party has sparked widespread outrage across Australia, with many customers struggling to understand how such an expensive offer could be advertised amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The ad, shared on Facebook, claimed the price for a children’s party at McDonald’s was an eye-watering $990. The post quickly went viral, and furious reactions poured in from Australian customers, many questioning the apparent cost during tough economic times.
However, McDonald’s has since clarified that the ad was a mistake. The fast-food giant explained to Yahoo Finance that the promotion was not intended for Australia but for residents of Trinidad and Tobago, located 15,000 km away. A geotagging error led to the ad being visible to people in Australia and New Zealand, sparking confusion.
According to McDonald’s, the price of $990 was based on Trinidad and Tobago Dollars (TTD), which are worth much less than the Australian Dollar. At the current exchange rate, the actual price for the children’s party is about $230 AUD, not $990. The party includes a two-hour event with 10 Happy Meals and 10 Vanilla Cones.
In response to the backlash, McDonald’s Australia assured customers that their children’s parties are far more affordable, with prices starting at just $17.50 per child. The package includes a Happy Meal, a party bag, invitations, birthday cards, party hats, tray mats, crayons, and a special gift for the birthday child. Families can also opt to include a birthday cake as part of the celebration.
One mother from Melbourne shared her own recent McDonald’s party experience, stating she spent about $330 for the event and that her son had a great time. “It was really well done,” she added, reassuring others that the actual cost was much more reasonable than the mistaken ad implied.
McDonald’s Australia has emphasized its commitment to providing affordable and memorable experiences for families, despite the unintended mix-up that left many customers scratching their heads.
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