Singapore Braces for Insanity as McDonald's Launches Hello Kitty Toys

[Photo: McDonald's Singapore/Facebook]

Starting today, customers of McDonald's in Singapore will have the chance to buy limited-edition Hello Kitty toys with their meals. According to the Wall Street Journal, the public is hoping that this year's reaction to the toy will be much calmer than back in 2000 and 2013 when it incited a customer frenzy. The new toy features a plush Hello Kitty dressed up in various costumes like a 'mischievous little penguin who doesn't like anything but himself' and a 'golden retriever ... who loves milk, anything soft, and his mama's cream caramel puddings.'

Back in 2000, the WSJ notes, 'tens of thousands of people swarmed' McDonald's outlets to get their hands on a version of the kitten and her boyfriend Daniel dressed in wedding outfits. The toys prompted children to ditch school and parents to skip work just to get in line. Fist fights broke out when 'frustrated patrons threatened store managers.' Other customers damaged restaurant property, including shattering a glass door which injured seven people, compelling the fast-food behemoth to hire private security firms. In 2013, things also got heated when McDonald's rolled out versions of Hello Kitty designed after popular fairy tales.

According to Yahoo Singapore, it looks pretty calm so far this year with no major throngs of people lining up to get their hands on the toys. Yahoo Singapore attributes this to collectors sets of the plush toys being available online for purchase starting last week. An image of a sign posted on the website notes that this year there will be six designs to celebrate Hello Kitty's 40th anniversary, with one being released every Monday for the next six weeks. Online, the set of six retails for just under $64 USD which also includes six Extra Value Meal food vouchers. See the ad and the plush toys:

Video: McDonald's Hello Kitty Bubbly World

· McDonald's Singapore [Official Site] · Singapore Braces for a Kitty Riot at McDonald's [WSJ] · Where are the queues for McDonald's Hello Kitty plush toys? [Yahoo Singapore] · McDonald's Hello Kitty Bubbly World [YouTube] · All Hello Kitty Coverage on Eater [-E-]