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- calendar_today October 15, 2026
McDonald’s Brings Back Boo Buckets for Spooky Season
McDonald’s is celebrating spooky season with the return of a fan-favorite: Boo Buckets. Starting October 20, 2026, customers nationwide will be able to collect new Boo Buckets with the purchase of any Happy Meal at participating McDonald’s locations. This year, McDonald’s is adding a villainous twist by featuring five iconic Disney villains on the Halloween-themed buckets.
Meet the 2026 McDonald’s Boo Buckets Collection
The 2026 collection of Boo Buckets moves away from the tradition of generic ghosts and goblins. Instead, it spotlights five famous Disney bad guys and gals: Ursula, Jafar, Cruella, Scar, and Maleficent. Each bucket features a custom illustration of its respective villain and comes with a movie-specific sticker sheet. These sticker sheets let fans personalize their buckets, with clever design details aimed at true Disney aficionados.
The pails come in base colors that match each character’s distinctive style, but all share a bright yellow handle inspired by the Golden Arches of McDonald’s. As with previous years, the Boo Buckets are limited edition and only available while supplies last. Fans eager to add these Halloween collectibles to their collection are encouraged to plan their visit before Halloween trick-or-treating reaches its peak.
A Look Back: The History of McDonald’s Boo Buckets
McDonald’s Boo Buckets have a decades-long history. First launched in 1986 as “Halloween Pumpkin Happy Meals,” the original release included three orange pails—each with a unique jack-o’-lantern face and nicknames: McPunk’n, McBoo, and McGoblin. In the years that followed, McDonald’s expanded the collection to include green witches and white ghosts, along with glow-in-the-dark versions and lids that doubled as cookie cutters.
The buckets have also seen pop culture collaborations with characters like Minions, Mr. Potato Head, Scooby-Doo, Monster High, and the Peanuts gang. However, the release schedule has not always been consistent. After skipping 1988 and discontinuing the buckets in 2016, McDonald’s revived the collectibles in 2022 due to fan demand. The 2026 launch is notable as the first movie-themed collection since the relaunch.
What Makes the 2026 Boo Buckets Unique?
This year’s buckets stand out for their focus on Disney villains—a first for the brand’s Halloween lineup. The inclusion of customizable features with sticker sheets adds extra appeal for kids and collectors. These movie themed toys are designed to entice both younger fans of Happy Meal toys and adult fans seeking limited edition toys for their collection.
Collectors can look out for the buckets’ detailed artwork and movie-specific customization options, making them unique among halloween toys and other McDonald’s happy meal promotions from the past.
Get Ready for Halloween with Boo Buckets and More
McDonald’s Boo Buckets aren’t just for Halloween night—they also make fun party decorations or treat holders throughout spooky season. For those planning Halloween gatherings or movie marathons, the return of these collectible buckets provides a playful way to celebrate. McDonald’s Boo Buckets from 2026 represent a fresh take on halloween collectibles, blending nostalgia with a dose of Disney villain flair.
Source: wwlp.com.
