Disney Experiences is marking two decades of Pixar's Cars franchise with a new collectible popcorn bucket featuring Lightning McQueen, set to arrive at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort on June 9.
The item was announced through the Disney Eats Instagram account, which shared promotional footage of the bucket alongside the message: “Kachow! Celebrate 20 years of Cars with the Lightning McQueen Bucket, racing into Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort on June 9!”
June 9 is not an arbitrary launch date. Cars originally opened in theaters on that date in 2006, making the bucket release a direct tie-in to the film's 20th anniversary. The original film went on to become one of Pixar's most commercially successful properties, spawning sequels, a dedicated attraction, merchandise lines, hotel experiences, and a full themed land at Disneyland Resort.
The bucket itself is more elaborate than a typical Disney popcorn souvenir. It features rolling wheels, illuminated headlights, and light-up eyes designed to replicate the character's appearance from the films. The promotional video demonstrated the rolling functionality by showing the bucket moving across a surface before opening to reveal the interior popcorn compartment. The design also includes printed racing decals across the body of the vehicle.
Disney Parks' fan response to the announcement was strong. Comments on the Disney Eats post described the item as a must-have, and many guests stated intentions to visit the parks on launch day. Given Disney's consistent track record with limited-release popcorn buckets selling out quickly, demand appears likely to outpace supply. Disney has set a purchase limit of two per customer.
The release arrives at a notable moment for the Cars franchise within Disney's parks strategy. Disney has confirmed plans for Piston Peak National Park, a new Cars-themed expansion coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park. The project is currently in early development, but its announcement signals a meaningful long-term commitment to the brand at Walt Disney World.
The popcorn bucket, while a smaller-scale release, fits into a broader pattern of Disney using collectible merchandise to sustain franchise visibility between larger park developments. By anchoring the item's launch to the 20th anniversary and cross-promoting it with the franchise's parks' future, Disney is keeping Cars in active conversation with guests ahead of what could be a significant expansion period for the property.
The Lightning McQueen Popcorn Bucket will be available at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort beginning June 9, with a limit of two per customer.
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