If there’s one thing Disney fans have learned over the past few years, it’s that popcorn buckets are no longer just popcorn buckets.
What started as a fun park souvenir has turned into one of the biggest merchandise crazes at Walt Disney World. New releases often attract long lines, social media attention, and sometimes even complete sellouts before the day is over.
Disney’s latest addition to the growing collection is a patriotic tribute to one of the most recognizable Muppets.
As part of the ongoing celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Walt Disney World has introduced a new Sam Eagle popcorn bucket. The collectible officially arrived on June 15 and is currently available at popcorn carts throughout the resort while supplies last. The bucket sells for $22 and includes popcorn at the time of purchase. Disney is also limiting purchases to two per guest.
The design features Sam Eagle standing behind a patriotic podium decorated in red, white, and blue. He wears a stars-and-stripes top hat, while a matching themed strap allows guests to carry the bucket around the parks. Disney even designed the container to open on Sam’s back.
The release is another example of how Disney continues turning snack containers into highly collectible merchandise.
Not long ago, a popcorn bucket was simply something guests used while walking through the parks. Today, many visitors actively plan vacations around merchandise releases, hoping to secure the newest collectible before supplies disappear.
Some recent releases have demonstrated just how intense demand can become.
The Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket quickly became one of Disney’s hottest items, generating significant excitement among Pixar fans. Demand was so strong that some locations sold out on the same day the collectible debuted.
Even that frenzy wasn’t enough to top what happened with Figment.
When Disney released the Figment popcorn bucket at EPCOT, the response shocked even longtime Disney fans. Guests lined up for hours before sales began, and the queue eventually stretched to incredible lengths. Some visitors reportedly waited as long as eight hours just for the opportunity to purchase one.
The bucket became a national story, with photos of the line spreading across social media and news outlets.
That’s the environment the new Sam Eagle bucket is entering.
While it’s impossible to predict whether it will reach the same level of popularity as Figment, Disney collectors have repeatedly shown they are willing to go to great lengths for unique designs featuring beloved characters.
Between its patriotic theme, limited availability, and connection to a fan-favorite Muppet, Sam Eagle may have all the ingredients needed to become another sought-after Disney collectible.
At Walt Disney World, sometimes the hottest attraction isn’t a ride at all. Sometimes it’s a popcorn bucket.
