McDonald's Releases New Disney Villains Boo Buckets

The limited-time Halloween promotion features five character designs inspired by classic Disney villains.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Dining Out

McDonald's Releases New Disney Villains Boo Buckets

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Do you prefer fast food promotional items to feature classic designs rather than new collaborations?

McDonald's has launched its latest line of collectible Disney Villains Boo Buckets. These plastic containers, which replace the traditional Happy Meal box, feature characters including Maleficent and Jafar.

Why it matters

The seasonal buckets have become a nostalgic cultural staple since their debut in the 1980s. Their return marks a continued effort by the chain to leverage pop culture collaborations to drive Happy Meal sales.

The buckets are available with a choice of a hamburger, four-piece or six-piece Chicken McNuggets, alongside fries, apple slices, and a drink. The collection includes five specific villain designs paired with themed stickers.

The players

McDonald's

This global fast-food corporation maintains its corporate headquarters in Chicago.

Disney

This multinational entertainment conglomerate produces the animated characters featured on the new buckets.

The details

The current Boo Bucket lineup features Jafar, Ursula, Scar, Cruella, and Maleficent designs. Customers have noted that the containers utilize plastic handles rather than the lids that were standard prior to the 2000s.

1985: McDonald's tested the bucket concept in New York and Boston.
1986: The first official Halloween buckets were introduced to the public.
2000-2009: The chain discontinued the inclusion of lids for the buckets.
2016: McDonald's ceased production of the holiday-themed containers.
October 20, 2026: The Disney Villains Boo Buckets were released nationwide.

Culture Shift

The return of these buckets reflects a broader retail trend of capitalizing on millennial and Gen Z nostalgia for 1980s and 1990s iconography. This strategy positions fast-food chains to maintain relevance by turning standard meal packaging into highly sought-after seasonal collectibles.

Customers can acquire the buckets by ordering a qualifying Happy Meal at participating locations. Due to the lack of lids, these containers are intended primarily for carrying meals or use as decorative items rather than long-term food storage.

The takeaway

Nostalgia-driven promotions often lead to high demand that can outpace initial expectations. Collectors and families should check local availability soon, as the buckets are only offered for a limited time.