September just got sweeter. McDonald’s is bringing two big drops to the table this month and they couldn’t be more different. One is all heart and hype, straight from the world of BTS. The other is pure value, aimed at helping you stretch your morning coffee budget without sacrificing your Big Mac cravings. This double rollout has McDonald’s back in the spotlight, and honestly, it’s working.
Let’s start with the magic. As of September 3, the new TinyTAN Happy Meal has officially landed. Inspired by BTS’s animated alter egos, the toys come in two waves. First up is the Throwback Edition with figures styled in the outfits from the original 2021 BTS Meal era. Later, on September 23, the Encore Edition drops, dressing each TinyTAN member in iconic McDonald’s uniforms. Each Happy Meal includes one toy, and if you scan the box, you can unlock an interactive mini-game called “TinyTAN Power Up.” The cherry on top? A full-blown Magic Meetup fan event happening in Los Angeles on September 27–28. It’s the kind of crossover that hits both collectors and day-one ARMY fans.
But McDonald’s isn’t stopping at nostalgia. Just five days after the Happy Meal launch, they’re bringing back something that feels long overdue, the Extra Value Meals. These are the kind of deals that used to be automatic, and now they’re back with an update that fits today’s economy. Starting September 8, you can get a $5 Sausage McMuffin with Egg Meal (hash browns and coffee included) or an $8 Big Mac Meal with medium fries and a drink. Eight total combos are part of the comeback, featuring favorites like the Egg McMuffin, McGriddles, 10-piece McNuggets, Quarter Pounders, and McCrispy sandwiches. McDonald’s says these prices come out to about 15 percent less than if you bought each item separately. That’s real savings, especially if you’re skipping the app promos or just want an easy meal at the drive-thru.
There’s a little catch depending on where you live. Some areas like California, Alaska, and Hawaii will see those headline deals priced a dollar higher. Still, the return of Extra Value Meals signals a shift. McDonald’s is making value a front-and-center priority again, not just with short-term coupons but as part of a longer play. More deals are already planned for November, and yes, the $2.99 Snack Wrap sticks around through the end of the year.
So why does this all matter? Because McDonald’s is pulling two very different levers here. One taps into joy and pop culture. The other solves a daily problem, eating well on a budget. Between the collectible buzz of the TinyTAN Happy Meals and the price-conscious appeal of Extra Value Meals, McDonald’s is making a strong case for relevance. Whether you’re showing up for the toys or the toast, this month’s drop proves McDonald’s still knows how to keep people talking.
