We’ve got a strong feeling that Disneyland’s newest popcorn bucket is going to be one of its most popular offerings in a while…

©Disney

Disneyland recently revealed a must-have souvenir, and this one has Haunted Mansion fans buzzing! The brand-new Hatbox Ghost Popcorn Bucket is arriving at the resort this August, and if history tells us anything, this delightfully spooky collectible is going to be one of the hottest Disney souvenirs of the Halloween season. Will you actually be able to get one? Your odds increase dramatically if you follow these tips…

While not every popcorn bucket sells out, everything Disneyland offers comes in a limited supply, so it’s always possible. If you don’t want to be left out, check out some of our best tips!

Go on Day One

The brand-new Hatbox Ghost Bucket will launch in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure on August 13th, 2026 — and we recommend heading to the parks for one on that date.

©Disney

Yes, popcorn bucket launches can feel absolutely chaotic. You’ll probably see photos of long lines and get intimidated immediately. With that said, your chances of grabbing this bucket on the first day that it’s out are actually pretty great. You may have to wait in line, but Disney generally prepares for these big merchandise releases — especially when they know demand is going to be high. In fact, don’t be surprised if they’re still available for the next several days as well.

This Year’s Buckets Have Been Surprisingly Easy to Find

Speaking of buckets still being available, it’s worth noting that every release is different. For example, the incredibly popular Lightning McQueen Popcorn Bucket that debuted months ago was still available during a recent check. That’s a pretty encouraging sign that Disney has been producing more buckets than they let on.

You can still grab it in Disney California Adventure

Now, the Hatbox Ghost bucket could absolutely be a different story. The Haunted Mansion has one of Disney’s most passionate fan communities — and some people collect everything Haunted Mansion-related. So that could complicate this process. Still, it’s impossible to rule out Disney being ready for the demand.

Don’t Feed the Resellers

Immediately after its release (and even before), you’re going to find these popcorn buckets on eBay. If you absolutely HAVE to own one after they sell out, you’ll probably find dozens of listings online — but you should expect to pay significantly more than the original price.

King Arthur Carrousel Popcorn Bucket

Unfortunately, buying from resellers only encourages the cycle, and inflated prices tend to keep climbing as demand grows.

©Disney

Instead, if you can’t make it to Disneyland yourself, your best bet is to ask a trusted friend or family member who’s visiting the parks to pick one up for you and simply reimburse them at face value. It’s a much better deal — and it avoids rewarding the resale market altogether.

Know Where to Buy One

One of the biggest mistakes guests make is jumping into the very first popcorn stand line they see. In reality, you might find more stock and/or better lines elsewhere.

Disneyland popcorn cart

Some kiosks are tucked away enough that they can have noticeably shorter waits than the obvious, high-traffic spots. For this particular bucket, you can find it at the following locations:

Disneyland

• Harbour Galley
• Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree
• Popcorn at Frontierland
• Popcorn at New Orleans

Disney California Adventure

• Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield
• Popcorn near Carthay Circle Restaurant

Grizzly Peak popcorn cart

Sometimes walking an extra five minutes can save you twenty. The Hatbox Ghost shouldn’t be underestimated. Haunted Mansion souvenirs bring in the crowds, and this looks like another hit collectible from Disney. It’s already popular enough to be making its way as an exclusive at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom!

©Disney

If you’re hoping to add the Hatbox Ghost Popcorn Bucket to your Disney collection, don’t assume you’ll have to camp out overnight. Just follow these simple tips and pray for a little luck! In the meantime, we’ll be keeping you up to date on all the latest from the Disneyland Resort, so be sure to keep it posted right here at DFB to stay in the know!

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What is your game plan to snag popcorn buckets? Share your best tips in the comments below!