Halloween season is almost here, and for many Walt Disney World fans, that means one thing beyond trick-or-treating and villains: collectible popcorn buckets. This year is no different, and Disney has just unveiled two brand-new designs that are sure to have collectors planning their evenings very carefully.
Two Spooky New Collectibles Debut This Season
Disney has revealed two exclusive popcorn buckets that will be available only during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom — and both designs fit the Halloween atmosphere perfectly.
The first is inspired by the Hatbox Ghost, one of the most recognizable characters from the Haunted Mansion. Disney previously revealed this collectible for Disneyland Resort, but Walt Disney World guests attending Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will also have the chance to purchase it.
The second design celebrates the mysterious Headless Horseman — one of the party's most iconic figures — and is likely to become one of the season's most sought-after collectibles.
Both buckets will be sold exclusively during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at popcorn carts located near Cinderella Castle. Quantities will be limited each party night, and purchases are capped at two per person, per transaction. That combination of exclusivity and limited availability often leads to long lines shortly after guests enter the park.
Halloween Merchandise for Daytime Visitors, Too
Even guests without a party ticket won't completely miss out on the Halloween merchandise fun. Disney has also announced two additional seasonal collectibles available during regular Magic Kingdom operating hours.
The Halloween Pooh Sipper and the Vampire Mickey Bucket can both be purchased throughout the day at select snack locations around the park. The Halloween Pooh Sipper will be sold near Pinocchio Village Haus, while the Vampire Mickey Bucket will be available at multiple popcorn carts in Adventureland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Frontierland — giving daytime visitors a chance to take home Halloween-themed souvenirs even without a party ticket.
Merchandise Has Become Part of the Party Tradition
Exclusive popcorn buckets have become almost as anticipated as the entertainment itself. Over the past several years, Disney has turned seasonal popcorn buckets into collectible keepsakes, with many featuring lights, moving parts, sound effects, or intricate sculpted designs. Some sell out quickly and become difficult to find afterward, making them especially popular with collectors.
For many guests, picking up the latest popcorn bucket has become a core part of their annual Halloween tradition. Instead of simply grabbing popcorn during the evening, visitors often make buying the newest collectible one of their first priorities after entering Magic Kingdom. Because Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party allows guests to enter as early as 4 p.m., many attendees use those first few hours to shop before party-exclusive entertainment begins later in the evening.
The Headless Horseman Remains the Night's Biggest Star
While the new Headless Horseman popcorn bucket will certainly attract attention, many guests are equally excited to see the real character ride through Magic Kingdom. The Headless Horseman has become one of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party's defining moments.
Just before Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade begins, the legendary rider gallops down the parade route carrying a glowing jack-o'-lantern. That dramatic entrance signals that the parade is about to begin and consistently earns one of the loudest reactions of the night.
Seeing the Horseman has become something of a tradition for repeat visitors. Many longtime Disney fans say it isn't truly Halloween at Magic Kingdom until they've watched him ride through Frontierland, Liberty Square, and down Main Street, U.S.A. His appearance depends on weather and other operational conditions, but when everything comes together, it remains one of the most memorable moments of the entire event.
Guests Line Up Hours in Advance
The popularity of the Headless Horseman has helped change how many guests plan their evening. It's common to see families claiming curbside viewing spots along Main Street, U.S.A., well before the parade starts. Some visitors begin sitting down one to two hours early — especially on busier party nights — hoping for an unobstructed view of both the Horseman and Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade.
Guests often spread out blankets, enjoy snacks, organize their trick-or-treat bags, or simply people-watch while waiting for the entertainment to begin. Cast Members also begin preparing the route well before showtime, reminding visitors to keep walkways clear and stay behind designated viewing areas. For first-time party attendees, seeing the Headless Horseman ride through Main Street often becomes one of the evening's most unforgettable memories.
A Party Packed With Halloween Favorites
Although the new popcorn buckets are generating plenty of excitement, they're just one piece of what makes Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party so popular each year. The event also features trick-or-treat trails throughout Magic Kingdom, character meet-and-greets, Halloween-themed entertainment, specialty food and beverages, ride overlays on select attractions, and the fan-favorite Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade.
Disney villains appear throughout the park, exclusive merchandise fills store shelves, and seasonal decorations transform Magic Kingdom into one of the resort's most festive destinations. For many guests, the event has become an annual tradition that combines entertainment, exclusive food, collectible merchandise, and Halloween atmosphere all into one evening.
Expect Strong Demand
If history is any indication, both the Hatbox Ghost and Headless Horseman popcorn buckets are likely to be among the most popular merchandise released during this year's Halloween season. Their party-exclusive availability, combined with limited nightly inventory, means guests hoping to add one to their collection may want to prioritize merchandise early in the evening before heading to attractions or entertainment.
Whether you're collecting Disney souvenirs, searching for seasonal snacks, or finding the perfect spot to watch the Headless Horseman thunder down Main Street before the parade, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party continues to offer experiences that keep fans returning year after year — and with two new popcorn buckets joining this year's lineup, there's one more reason Halloween nights at Magic Kingdom promise to be especially memorable.