Summary (tl;dr)

McDonald's is bringing back its popular Halloween Boo Buckets for 2026, this time with an exciting new collaboration featuring five iconic Disney Villains available with Happy Meals starting October 20.

Essential Background

McDonald's Halloween Boo Buckets, also known as Halloween Pails, first made their debut in 1986, following a test run in select New York and Boston restaurants in 1985. The original collection featured three designs: McPunk'n, McBoo, and McGoblin, quickly becoming a nostalgic Halloween staple. After a hiatus beginning in 2016, these beloved buckets made a highly anticipated return in 2022 and have been available each Halloween season since.

The Full Story

For Halloween 2026, McDonald's is reintroducing its iconic Boo Buckets, featuring a special Disney Villains theme. This year's collection includes five distinct designs inspired by Jafar, Ursula, Scar, Cruella de Vil, and Maleficent. Each collectible bucket comes with a villain-themed lid and a sheet of stickers. These limited-edition Boo Buckets will be available at participating McDonald's restaurants nationwide starting October 20, 2026, as part of the Happy Meal, and will be offered while supplies last through November 2nd.

Why It Matters

The return of McDonald's Boo Buckets is a significant annual event that resonates deeply with consumers due to their strong nostalgic value, particularly among generations who grew up with them. The addition of the Disney Villains theme for 2026 amplifies this excitement, appealing to both long-time collectors and new fans of Disney characters. The limited-time availability and collectible nature of these buckets drive considerable interest and search trends as people eagerly seek to acquire the full set.

Geographic Location

• United States (nationwide promotion)