Why McDonald’s Boo Buckets Look Different This Year: Disney Villains Take Over on October 20

McDonald’s is changing up one of its best known Halloween collectibles this year. When Boo Buckets return on October 20, the usual spooky originals are being swapped out for a Disney Villains set that Disney fans may want to collect fast.

The announcement post is embedded below.

This year’s lineup includes five villains: Ursula, Maleficent, Scar, Jafar, and Cruella de Vil. The buckets are set for participating McDonald’s locations, and each design uses that character’s signature colors and artwork instead of the classic pumpkin, ghost, or witch style many fans associate with Boo Buckets.

What changes on October 20

The biggest shift is simple: Boo Buckets are back, but the characters on them are different. McDonald’s Halloween pails, which first appeared in 1986, are returning for a limited run with a Disney theme.

Each bucket is also expected to include sticker sheets with Disney characters and McDonald’s themed items. The bucket color matches the villain featured on its artwork.

Last year’s release used the familiar Halloween creature approach instead of Disney designs. That collection included the classic Ghost, Pumpkin, and Goblin buckets, along with Cat and Zombie versions. This year replaces that whole mix with a villains-only set.

For customers, the practical takeaway is the date. The collection starts October 20, and availability is tied to participating restaurants. Boo Buckets have traditionally been offered with Happy Meals for a limited time.

Why Disney fans are paying attention

The villain-heavy release also arrives while Disney is developing Villains Land for Magic Kingdom. Disney has announced that the expansion will sit beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and focus on classic animated villains.

Disney has said the area will include two major attractions, dining locations, and new shops. At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026, Disney shared more specifics, including a Maleficent coaster that sends guests through an enchanted briar near her mountaintop fortress, and a boat ride through the Evil Queen’s palace and into the catacombs. Disney has also said the land’s story involves a cursed wishing well.

That does not make the McDonald’s buckets part of the park project, but it does mean Disney villain fans are getting another collectible at a moment when those characters are showing up in a bigger way.

For readers planning a Disney World trip, a separate video about where to eat at the resort is also embedded below.