Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Introduction
Over the past decade, Disney World popcorn buckets have gone from simple snack containers to highly coveted collectibles. Guests line up for hours, resale markets skyrocket, and each release often becomes a cultural phenomenon. This guide breaks down the history, most iconic releases, collecting tips, and what to watch for in the future.
A Brief History of Disney Popcorn Buckets
- Pre-2015: Buckets were primarily generic with character stickers or park logos.
- 2015–2017: First “character-shaped” buckets appeared (Olaf snowman, AT-AT Walker), sparking fandom interest.
- 2018–2020: Limited editions tied to park anniversaries and special events (Haunted Mansion Hitchhiking Ghosts, Mickey’s 90th birthday) brought long lines.
- 2021–2022: The craze exploded during Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary — especially with the Figment popcorn bucket, which became legendary.
- 2023–2025: Disney expanded into interactive and themed festival-exclusive buckets (Glow-in-the-dark Halloween Oogie Boogie, EPCOT’s festival figments, and Mickey-shaped “sipper hybrids”).
Iconic Releases by Year (2015–2025)
- 2015 – Olaf snowman (Frozen frenzy)
- 2016 – Star Wars AT-AT Walker (Hollywood Studios launch)
- 2017 – Beauty and the Beast Enchanted Rose bucket
- 2018 – Mickey’s 90th Birthday Steamboat Willie bucket
- 2019 – Millennium Falcon + Hitchhiking Ghosts
- 2020 – Cinderella’s Coach 70th Anniversary bucket
- 2021 – Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Mickey balloon buckets
- 2022 – EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Figment bucket (broke records)
- 2023 – Oogie Boogie Halloween glow bucket
- 2024 – Country Bear Jamboree 50th anniversary bucket
- 2025 (so far) – EPCOT Space 220 Astronaut Mickey bucket
Collecting Value and Rarity
- High Rarity: Figment (2022), Haunted Mansion Hitchhiking Ghosts (2019), Oogie Boogie glow (2023).
- Moderate Rarity: AT-AT Walker (2016), Enchanted Rose (2017).
- Common/Classic: Mickey Balloon series (multiple reissues), Cinderella’s Coach.
👉 Resale market tip: The Figment bucket once sold for $200+ on eBay the week of release. Most others average $40–$80 if limited edition.
Tips for Collectors
- Timing is everything – Buckets often sell out by midday, especially at EPCOT festivals.
- One per person rule – Disney enforces limits, but creative collectors trade with other guests.
- Storage – Popcorn buckets are bulky; display shelves or shadow boxes help keep them dust-free.
- Park exclusivity – Many designs differ between Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
- Know the restocks – Disney sometimes re-releases popular buckets (like Figment in 2023).
The Future of Popcorn Buckets
Disney has leaned into the collector culture, making popcorn buckets as much about fandom as food. Expect:
- More interactive features (lights, music, motion parts).
- Ride tie-ins (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure bucket rumored for 2025).
- Festival exclusives that change yearly to keep collectors returning.
Final Thoughts
Popcorn buckets may have started as simple souvenirs, but in the last decade, they’ve grown into one of the most exciting and unpredictable parts of Disney World culture. Whether you’re a serious collector chasing the next Figment, or a casual fan looking for a fun keepsake, these colorful containers tell a story of Disney’s creativity — and the passion of the fans who chase them.
| Year | Bucket / Design | Location / Context | Approx. Price | Notes / Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Zero (Haunted Mansion Holiday) | Seasonal (Halloween) | — | Vintage spooky design (MickeyBlog.com) |
| 2015 | Cinderella’s Carriage | In conjunction with Cinderella film release | — | Pumpkin carriage motif (MickeyBlog.com) |
| 2015 | TIE Fighter | Star Wars: Season of the Force | — | Iconic TIE Fighter shape (MickeyBlog.com) |
| 2016 | Refillable Popcorn Buckets Introduced | Resort-wide | $10 (bucket) + $1.50 refill; later $1.75 | Initial rollout of refillable program (the disney food blog) |
| 2018 | Toy Story Alien Bucket | Hollywood Studios (Toy Story Land) | — | Fan-favorite (the disney food blog) |
| 2019 | Baby Simba Bucket | Animal Kingdom | — | Lion King tie-in (MickeyBlog.com) |
| 2021 (Sept–Oct) | 50th Anniversary Standard Bucket (EARidescent) | All parks | $12 (bucket), $2 refill | Celebration artwork (AllEars.Net, Disney by Mark) |
| 2021 (Oct) | Mickey Balloon Popcorn Buckets (4 colors) | Magic Kingdom | $18 | Premium collectible, long lines (the disney food blog, WDW News Today) |
| 2021 | Animal Kingdom “KiteTails” bucket | Animal Kingdom | — | Show-themed (the disney food blog) |
| 2022 (May) | 50th Anniversary Skyliner Gondola Bucket | EPCOT | $19 | Mobile-order available (hkdrnt.com) |
| 2022 (Dec) | Rainbow Mickey Balloon Bucket | Magic Kingdom | $20 | Limited mobile-order release (WDW News Today) |
| 2022 (Jan) | New standard bucket design (Fab Five characters) | All parks | $13 | Updated standard design (KennythePirate.com) |
| 2022 (Jan) | Figment (Festival of Arts, non-light-up) | EPCOT | $25 | Very high demand, long lines (Magical Guides) |
| 2023 | Guardians Skyliner Gondola | EPCOT | — | Park-wide release (Magical Guides) |
| 2023 | Disney 100 (platinum Cinderella carriage, Mayor’s Car Halloween) | Park-wide & seasonal | — | Collector-themed (Pop Culture Wonders) |
| 2024 | Scary Teddy (Nightmare Before Christmas, Halloween) | Magic Kingdom (MNSSHP) | — | Seasonal party bucket (Magical Guides) |
| 2024 | Figment Imagination Pavilion (Mobile Order) | EPCOT | — | Festival design (Disney With Dave’s Daughters) |
| 2025 (Jan) | Figment Light-Up (Mobile Order) | EPCOT | $28 | Illuminated collectible (Magical Guides) |
| 2025 | Talking Mickey (Interactive) | Hollywood Studios | $45 | Voice-activated bucket (Magical Guides) |
| 2025 (May) | Star Wars-themed (Death Star, Stormtrooper helmet, etc.) | Disneyland only | — | Not WDW, mentioned for context (Reddit) |