Halloween is getting a little more mischievous this year, and Disney fans have a new reason to visit McDonald’s. The beloved Boo Buckets are returning for 2026 with a Disney Villains makeover, bringing some of the most recognizable troublemakers from classic Disney movies into the Halloween season.
For longtime Boo Bucket fans, the return is a chance to enjoy a familiar tradition with a fresh look. For younger Disney fans, it is an opportunity to discover characters like Maleficent, Ursula, and Scar in a fun, collectible format. And for anyone who enjoys seasonal Happy Meal surprises, this year’s lineup has plenty of nostalgic appeal.
According to McDonald’s announcement, the Disney Villains Boo Buckets are set to arrive at participating U.S. restaurants on October 20, 2026. The collection features five Disney villains: Jafar, Ursula, Scar, Cruella de Vil, and Maleficent.
With Halloween just around the corner, the new designs could become a favorite among families and collectors looking to add something different to their seasonal celebrations. Learn more about the latest Chick-fil-A drive-thru announcement and the company’s approach to drive-thru ordering.
When Do the McDonald’s Disney Villains Boo Buckets Come Out?
Mark October 20, 2026, on your calendar if you are hoping to get your hands on one of the new Boo Buckets.
McDonald’s plans to bring the limited-time collection to participating locations across the United States. However, availability may vary by restaurant, and customers should not assume that every location will have all five designs.
The promotion is arriving during one of the busiest times of the year for Halloween-themed treats and collectibles. That makes the release particularly exciting for people who look forward to McDonald’s seasonal surprises every October.
If you have a specific character in mind, checking with your local restaurant before visiting is a sensible way to avoid disappointment.
Which Disney Villains Are Featured in the 2026 Boo Buckets?
This year’s collection brings together five familiar Disney villains, each with a personality that makes them memorable in their own way. Explore the McDonald’s Global Favorites Menu to discover popular McDonald’s menu items from around the world.
Jafar from Aladdin
Jafar is known for his ambition, clever schemes, and thirst for power. His inclusion brings a classic animated villain into the Halloween lineup and gives Aladdin fans another character to look out for.
Ursula from The Little Mermaid
Few Disney villains have a personality quite like Ursula. The unforgettable sea witch is famous for her dramatic style and magical bargains. Her place in the collection adds a touch of undersea mischief to the Halloween fun.
Scar from The Lion King
Scar remains one of Disney’s most recognizable villains. His cunning personality and unforgettable role in The Lion King make him a natural choice for a collection celebrating the darker side of Disney storytelling.
Cruella de Vil from One Hundred and One Dalmatians
Cruella brings a different kind of villain energy to the group. Known for her bold fashion sense and larger-than-life personality, she adds a stylish twist to the collection.
Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty
Rounding out the lineup is Maleficent, whose striking appearance and powerful presence have made her a Halloween favorite for years. Her inclusion feels especially fitting for a collection built around Disney’s most iconic villains.
Together, the five characters offer a mix of classic Disney nostalgia and spooky-season personality.
What Comes With the Disney Villains Boo Buckets?
The 2026 collection includes villain-inspired bucket designs, themed lids, and character stickers, according to the announced promotion.
That extra detail gives the buckets appeal beyond their initial use. Children can enjoy them as part of a seasonal Happy Meal, while collectors may want to keep the containers as souvenirs.
They can also be reused at home for Halloween candy, small toys, or other little items. It is a simple idea, but that is part of the charm of Boo Buckets: they turn an everyday fast-food visit into something families can remember.
Pricing and availability may differ by location, so check directly with your nearby McDonald’s restaurant for the most accurate details.
According to Allrecipes, McDonald’s Disney Villains Boo Buckets are scheduled to return on October 20, 2026, featuring five iconic Disney villains.
Why Are McDonald’s Boo Buckets Such a Halloween Favorite?
Boo Buckets have been part of McDonald’s Halloween history since 1986. Over the years, the colorful containers have become more than just a seasonal Happy Meal extra for many fans.
Part of their appeal comes from nostalgia. Adults who remember collecting the original buckets can now share the tradition with their children, while new designs give longtime fans another reason to pay attention each year.
The buckets also offer something that feels different from the usual Halloween merchandise. Rather than being purely decorative, they are playful, reusable, and connected to a familiar family tradition.
The Disney Villains theme adds another layer of excitement. These characters have appeared in some of Disney’s best-known stories, making the collection appealing to movie fans as well as people who simply enjoy Halloween collectibles.
How to Get the 2026 Disney Villains Boo Buckets
Want to find one of the new designs? A little planning can help.
- Visit after October 20: The announced release date is the best starting point.
- Check your local McDonald’s: Participating restaurants may have different stock levels.
- Ask about specific characters: Do not assume every villain will be available at every location.
- Check the McDonald’s app: Look for local Happy Meal information and current offers.
- Avoid waiting until the last minute: The collection is limited-time, and availability is not guaranteed throughout the Halloween season.
Are the New Boo Buckets Worth Getting?
For Disney fans, families, and longtime collectors, the 2026 Disney Villains Boo Buckets offer a fun way to celebrate Halloween. The lineup includes five memorable characters, and the themed lids and stickers make the collection more interesting than a simple seasonal container.
Whether you want to collect every design or just bring home your favorite villain, the appeal is easy to understand. Sometimes, the smallest seasonal traditions are the ones that bring back the best memories.
With the collection scheduled to arrive on October 20, McDonald’s is giving Boo Bucket fans something new to look forward to this Halloween. If one of these Disney villains has a special place in your movie memories, keep an eye on your local restaurant and see which design you can find.