14 Secrets McDonalds Employees Want You To Know

McDonald’s is a trusty place to stop for a quick, affordable meal or simply to satisfy your craving for some crispy fries.

However, there are some secrets about your local McDonald’s that could give you a better experience — and help you stretch your fast food budget — the next time you visit the Golden Arches.

So before you pull up to the drive-thru at your local McDonald’s, here are some insider tips employees want you to know

1. You can get cheaper versions of your favorites

There are crafty ways to shave money off your total.

For example, you can order a sundae with some of your favorite McFlurry toppings. You'll get nearly the same thing and avoid wasting money .

Look at McDonald's menu. With a little extra consideration, you can save money while hardly changing your meal.

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2. Ask for fresh food

If you’re concerned about food not being at its peak, you can get your food freshly made instead of worrying about how long it’s been warming.

This is a good option if you’re ordering during slow times when food isn’t being replaced as quickly in the warming area. Just be aware that making this request might mean it takes a little longer to fill that order.

3. The ice cream machine really is down

You may get excited about a shake or McFlurry only to hear the dreaded words that the ice cream machine is down.

Unfortunately, most of the models specific to McDonald’s take four hours to clean and sanitize, requiring them to be down for long periods.

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4. There’s no secret menu

Some fast-food retailers, like In-N-Out Burger, have a secret menu of unique combinations that you have to look up online or hear about from friends. McDonald’s doesn’t have that.

If you want something different, ask a McDonald’s employee if they can accommodate your request. And remember that it may be easier to fulfill your request during non-busy times.

5. It’s hard to make non-salt fries

You may be trying to eat healthier with a non-salt or low-sodium diet, but your request for non-salt fries could cause issues and delays with your order.

It may mean the employees have to fry a fresh batch of potatoes for you and wipe down all the equipment to make sure you get a non-salt version of McDonald’s tasty treats.

6. Drive-thru gets top priority

At many McDonald's restaurants, the drive-thru line takes precedence over in-store diners. During busy hours, hopeful diners in the lobby can end up standing around waiting for their orders.

So, if you’re trying to decide between the drive-thru and inside the restaurant, remember that you can stay in your car and get a Big Mac before you go inside.

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7. Decide before you get in line

It can be frustrating for customers and employees to see a long line while someone at the front is asking questions and still trying to decide what they want.

Instead, be courteous and don’t get in line until you know what you want.

8. Round eggs are real eggs

You may wonder how McDonald’s can be so precise with its round eggs on your McMuffins. That can’t be a fresh egg, can it?

But McDonald’s actually uses egg rings on its grill to make your egg round and the perfect size for your McMuffin every morning.

9. Only cars can go through the drive-thru

You may think walking through the drive-thru late at night is fun, or perhaps you want a quick bite to eat from the drive-thru after a long bike ride.

However, McDonald’s has a policy that it will only serve cars in the car lane for the drive-thru, so you’ll need to walk inside if you’re hungry.

10. You might pay extra for ingredients

You may like extra lettuce on your burger or extra cheese on your Filet-O-Fish, but that could also mean an extra charge on your bill.

If you’re trying to save money on your next order, check ahead to find out which add-ons cost extra.

11. Happy Meals are a hassle

A Happy Meal may make your kids happy, but it can frustrate McDonald’s employees.

Several extra options are available, such as fries and apples, different types of drinks compared to the basic soda machine, and, of course, a toy.

Pulling that all together, especially during busy hours, can be more time-consuming than an adult meal.

12. Ask for a receipt

If you ask for a receipt, it could be a sign to McDonald’s workers that you’re a secret shopper, or you may be rating your experience at the restaurant.

As a result, they may pay a little more attention to you and get your order out quicker in case they’re working for a good review.

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13. Skip the apple pies

Some of the lowest-selling items on the menu are the apple pies, which could mean they’ve been sitting on that restaurant shelf for a while.

If you have your heart set on some appley goodness, it’s a good idea to check the pies for an expiration date. You can also ask for a fresher one.

14. Order items separately and save

It’s OK if you don’t want a full meal deal with a sandwich, fries, and a drink. Perhaps you don’t want all that soda, or maybe you’re just not a fan of fries.

One simple McDonlad's menu hack is to order things separately so you can enjoy what you want and not waste money on things you don’t.

Bottom line

If you’re trying to save money, McDonald’s is a good place to get a decent and affordable meal.

It's always a good idea to check your wallet for the best cashback credit cards if you want to earn extra on your purchase.

And remember to be nice to McDonald’s employees. They work hard to get you fed when you’re hungry.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).