From a humble stand in the mid-20th century to a brand recognized on every continent, McDonald’s has evolved into a cultural touchstone—and a surprisingly rich lens for exploring cities. This week-long itinerary pairs two American heavyweights: Chicago, home to the company’s HQ restaurant with a rotating international menu, and Orlando, where “Epic McD” turns a quick bite into an arcade-filled experience.

You’ll taste limited-time global items in Chicago’s West Loop, compare design-forward flagship spaces in two cities, and even visit a net‑zero, solar-powered McDonald’s in Orlando. Between bites, discover Chicago’s lakefront architecture and blues, Orlando’s theme-park thrills, and local neighborhood gems.

Practical notes: Chicago is walkable and transit-friendly; Orlando is easiest by rideshare or car. Expect variable limited-time McDonald’s items (menus rotate), and plan for peak-hour lines at both flagships. Tipping is customary (15–20%) at sit-down venues; casual counters are at your discretion.

Chicago

Modern, hungry, and layered with history, Chicago rewards the curious. The West Loop—once meatpacking, now trend-forward—hosts the McDonald’s HQ restaurant where you can sample rotating “world favorites” rarely seen stateside. River architecture glitters, deep-dish debates rage, and blues clubs keep the night alive.

• Why here for McDonald’s: The HQ restaurant showcases international menu items that rotate every few weeks—think Chicken Maharaja Mac from India, or Ebi Filet-O from Japan. It’s the brand’s tasting lab for travelers.
• Don’t-miss sights: Chicago Architecture Center river cruise, Millennium Park and “The Bean,” the Art Institute, and the Riverwalk’s sunset glow.
• Local flavors to balance the fries: Deep-dish at Pequod’s, a Chicago dog at Portillo’s, third-wave coffee at Intelligentsia, and jazz/blues late into the night.

Stay: Search stays near the West Loop/Fulton Market for easy access to the HQ restaurant: VRBO Chicago or Hotels.com Chicago.

Getting to Chicago: Fly into ORD or MDW. Compare fares and times on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. From O’Hare, the CTA Blue Line to West Loop is ~45–60 minutes (~$5); rideshare from either airport is ~30–60 minutes depending on traffic ($35–$65).

Day 1: Arrival and your first global-menu tasting

Morning: Fly in; aim for a mid-day arrival. If early, drop bags and stretch your legs along the Riverwalk to shake off the flight.

Afternoon: Head to the McDonald’s HQ restaurant in the West Loop for a late lunch. Order a spread of rotating international items (ask staff what’s new this month) plus a McCafé specialty that rarely appears elsewhere. Note the sleek, test-kitchen vibe and digital ordering screens.

Evening: Explore Fulton Market. Pre-dinner espresso at Sawada Coffee (military latte fans, this is your spot). Dinner nearby at Au Cheval for a cult-favorite cheeseburger or at Girl & the Goat for bold, shareable plates. Cap it with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams—salty caramel and a stroll under the district’s string lights.

Day 2: Architecture icons and classic Chicago bites

Morning: Coffee and a buttermilk old fashioned at Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee. Walk to Millennium Park for photos at Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) and the crown-fountain faces. Art lovers: duck into the Art Institute for Impressionist hits.

Afternoon: Take the Chicago Architecture Center river cruise (seasonal; book morning-of on site). Learn why the skyline zigzags with art deco and glassy modernism. Quick lunch at Portillo’s (try a Chicago dog “dragged through the garden” and an Italian beef)—a fun counterpoint to your McDonald’s explorations.

Evening: Deep-dish at Pequod’s (caramelized crust is the move). Post-pizza stroll along the Lincoln Park stretch. Nightcap at Kingston Mines or Buddy Guy’s Legends for Chicago blues—live, loud, and unforgettable.

Day 3: McD design safari, West Loop grazing, and lakefront glow

Morning: Intelligentsia (Millennium Park) for a meticulous pour-over. Walk to the Lakefront Trail for skyline views that make postcards jealous.

Afternoon: Return to the McDonald’s HQ restaurant to catch different rotating items—menus change fast, and weekend offerings sometimes vary. For contrast, pop by the modern River North McDonald’s to see how a high-volume city store executes speed and design.

Evening: Cocktails at The Aviary (reserve ahead) to experience culinary theater in a glass, or opt for cozy jazz at The Green Mill in Uptown. Light late bite at Parson’s Chicken & Fish (hot chicken + negroni slushy) before packing for tomorrow’s flight.

Orlando

Orlando is more than theme parks—it’s a sprawl of neighborhoods with inventive food, lakeside sunsets, and a knack for fun. It’s also home to the “World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s & PlayPlace,” where custom pizzas, pasta, waffles, and a two-story arcade turn fast food into a family adventure.

• Why here for McDonald’s: “Epic McD” on International Drive offers a massive menu beyond the usual, plus arcade games and an eye-popping interior. Nearby, a net‑zero energy McDonald’s near Disney showcases cutting-edge sustainable design.
• Beyond the arches: ICON Park’s observation wheel, Universal CityWalk eats, Winter Park’s gastropubs and coffee roasters, and springs/day trips if you crave nature.
• Getting around: Rideshare is king; I‑Drive trolleys help for short hops. Summer heat is real—hydrate and plan for AC breaks.

Stay: Base near International Drive or Lake Buena Vista: VRBO Orlando or Hotels.com Orlando.

Getting from Chicago to Orlando: Morning flights run ~2h45–3h; fares often $80–$200 one-way. Compare on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. From MCO, rideshare to I‑Drive is ~25–35 minutes ($30–$55).

Day 4: Fly south and meet “Epic McD”

Morning: Depart Chicago on a morning flight. Snack light—you have fries in your future.

Afternoon: Check in near International Drive. Walk to the World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s & PlayPlace (aka “Epic McD”). Order custom brick-oven pizza, pasta bowls, and a made-to-order waffle topped with berries or Nutella. Hit the arcade for a round of air hockey or racing games.

Evening: ICON Park: ride The Wheel at sunset for 400-foot views. Dinner at The Boathouse vibe? Stay local: Yard House for an enormous tap list and shareable plates, or Tapa Toro for lively paella and flamenco performances on select nights.

Day 5: Universal day with a McD breakfast bookend

Morning: Back to Epic McD for breakfast—try the Belgian waffle or an egg-and-cheese on a biscuit. Then head to Universal Orlando (ride-share ~10–15 minutes). Start with Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or The Incredible Hulk Coaster before lines swell.

Afternoon: Lunch inside the parks: The Leaky Cauldron (British pub fare; pasties and bangers) or TODAY Cafe (lighter sandwiches, good coffee). Cool off with a Butterbeer (frozen, if it’s hot). Pace yourself—Florida afternoons get steamy.

Evening: CityWalk dinner at Voodoo Doughnut (quirky flavors like Maple Bacon) plus a proper meal at Cowfish (sushi-burger mashups) or Antojitos (handmade tortillas, tableside guac). Late-night option: a quick McFlurry nightcap back at Epic McD’s McCafé corner.

Day 6: Sustainable McD + Disney Springs flavors

Morning: Visit the net‑zero energy McDonald’s near Disney property (solar canopy, kinetic bikes that power lights, and an airy, plant-forward design). It’s a fascinating look at how quick service can go green; grab a classic Egg McMuffin and compare the space to Chicago’s HQ restaurant.

Afternoon: Coffee break at Foxtail Coffee Co. (multiple locations) or Craft & Common downtown (clean, tropical aesthetic; great toasts and signature lattes). If you’re a design buff, stroll Winter Park’s Park Avenue—boutiques, shady oaks, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum’s Tiffany glass collection.

Evening: Disney Springs for dinner: The Boathouse (lobster roll, oysters) or Morimoto Asia (Peking duck, dim sum). Prefer local? Try DOMU (house-made ramen; get the wings) or The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park (gastropub staples, Florida-inspired, seasonal). Nightcap stroll along the Springs’ boardwalk lighting.

Day 7: Slow morning, souvenirs, departure

Morning: One last playful breakfast at Epic McD—build-your-own waffle or a simple hash brown + iced coffee. Pick up any McDonald’s merch you’ve eyed along the way and snap a final photo by the giant arches.

Afternoon: Pack, check out, and head to MCO for your afternoon flight. Compare last-minute options on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. If time allows, grab a last coffee at Lineage or Foxtail near your route.

Evening: Fly home with a camera roll of neon, skyline, and golden-arched memories—and a newfound respect for how a global brand adapts to its city.

Extra foodie and coffee picks (for swaps):

• Chicago coffee: The Wormhole (’80s nostalgia, solid espresso), Sawada Coffee (matcha + espresso magic), Intelligentsia (the city’s third-wave pioneer).
• Chicago eats: Lula Cafe (farm-to-table brunch in Logan Square), Smoque BBQ (smoked brisket), Superdawg (old-school drive-in).
• Orlando coffee: Foxtail Coffee Co. (ubiquitous, reliable), Lineage Coffee Roasting (carefully sourced), Craft & Common (design-forward, great light bites).
• Orlando eats: Se7en Bites (Southern-leaning brunch bakery), Black Rooster Taqueria (handmade tortillas), Kabooki Sushi (modern omakase vibes).

In one week, you’ve tasted how McDonald’s morphs across cities—global test items in Chicago, a super-sized, arcade-laced experience in Orlando, and a sustainable, solar-powered outpost near Disney. With skyline cruises, blues riffs, theme-park thrills, and excellent coffee in between, this is fast food as a window into place.