McDonald’s is officially bringing a wicked twist to its seasonal lineup by introducing a Disney Villains theme for its popular Halloween Boo Buckets, launching nationwide on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Following online leaks, the fast-food giant confirmed the limited-time Happy Meal promotion, giving families and collectors a fresh take on a 40-year-old holiday tradition.
The 2026 Disney Villains Boo Bucket Lineup
The collection features five distinct collectible containers, each inspired by a notorious antagonist in Disney animation history. Every bucket features a character-specific lid, a matching color base, and an accompanying sticker sheet for customization:
- Ursula: The sea witch from The Little Mermaid (1989), featured in a bold purple design.
- Maleficent: The powerful sorceress from Sleeping Beauty, styled in vibrant green.
- Scar: Simba’s scheming uncle from The Lion King (1994), represented in a stark orange shade.
- Jafar: The royal adviser and sorcerer from Aladdin (1992), coming in a striking red bucket.
- Cruella de Vil: The fashionista from One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961), styled in crisp white.
While the colors and villain-inspired artwork break away from traditional pumpkins and ghosts, all five designs retain the classic yellow handle featuring McDonald’s Golden Arches.
A Four-Decade Halloween Tradition
McDonald’s first introduced its Halloween Boo Buckets in 1986 under the name Halloween Pumpkin Happy Meals, starting with three orange jack-o’-lantern containers. Over the decades, the collection expanded to include ghosts, witches, glow-in-the-dark variants, and characters from entertainment properties like Scooby-Doo, Peanuts, and Minions.
After a hiatus following 2016, customer demand prompted McDonald’s to bring back the beloved seasonal buckets in 2022. The 2026 rollout arrives during the peak of the Halloween season, coinciding with ongoing festivities like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World and heightened public interest in the upcoming Villains Land at Magic Kingdom.
How to Get Your Boo Bucket
The Disney Villains Boo Buckets are available starting October 20, 2026, at participating McDonald’s locations nationwide, including all restaurants across New Jersey. Customers can receive a bucket with the purchase of a Happy Meal, while supplies last.
Because availability varies by location and supplies are limited, collectors hoping to secure all five designs are encouraged to visit early. McDonald’s has not announced an official end date for the promotion, nor whether individual character requests can be accommodated at drive-thrus.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the 2026 Disney Villains Boo Buckets launch at McDonald’s?
The Boo Buckets officially launch nationwide on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Which villains are featured on the buckets?
The five characters included are Ursula (The Little Mermaid), Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty), Scar (The Lion King), Jafar (Aladdin), and Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians).
Do the buckets come with any extras?
Yes, each bucket includes a character-themed lid and a matching sheet of stickers for customization.
How can you get a Boo Bucket?
The buckets are included with the purchase of a Happy Meal at participating McDonald’s locations while supplies last.
Are the Boo Buckets available forever?
No, this is a limited-time seasonal promotion available only while supplies last at participating restaurants.
