A viral TikTok video showcasing a $12 “dinner box” deal at McDonald’s inspired the author to seek out the deal at their local restaurants. However, they quickly discovered that “dinner box” deals vary by location, and franchisees decide whether or not to offer them. Despite not finding the elusive deal at their nearest McDonald’s, the author was able to save money using the McDonald’s app for other meal options. The inconsistency of the “dinner box” promotion highlighted how fast-food prices have been rising over the years, making affordable deals like this one more desirable.
The author’s search for the $12 “dinner box” at their local McDonald’s turned into a frustrating experience as they discovered that the family-style meal combos available were not enough to satisfy their family of four. With prices and menu combinations varying depending on the franchisee, the best way to check for “dinner box” deals is to ask in person or look under the Shareables section of the McDonald’s app. Despite not finding the exact deal, the author decided to create their own version of the “dinner box” by combining two Shareables meal options that closely resembled the contents of the viral TikTok video.
Purchasing their own version of the “dinner box” from McDonald’s turned out to be a less than ideal experience for the author. They encountered long wait times, missing sauces, and overall high prices, which led to them questioning the value of the meal. While the food was satisfying, the author felt that the cost of around $30 to $40 for a family meal was not worth it compared to other restaurant options offering better quality and value for the same price range.
Despite the challenges faced in replicating the viral “dinner box” deal, the author remains open to trying other McDonald’s promotions available on the app. While they may not order from the Shareables menu again, they acknowledge the convenience and cost-saving benefits of the McDonald’s app for future purchases. The article concludes with a reminder to check the app for local promotions and to contact individual McDonald’s locations for special deals, as cheaper bundle options may vary depending on the franchisee and location.
