One of the most budget-friendly snacks that Disney has to offer is popcorn in the Disney World popcorn bucket. Popcorn is a savory treat guests of all ages enjoy while strolling through the Disney Theme Parks.
Walking through the Disney Parks, one of the most noticeable smells of buttery goodness comes from the popcorn stands. Even Walt Disney was known to eat popcorn while walking throughout Disneyland!
Disney World Popcorn Buckets
Popcorn started being served throughout Disney Theme Parks in the 1960s. It was originally was sold in cardboard boxes that would have the newest attractions and favorite characters decorated on the outside.
You can still purchase a small cardboard box of popcorn, but the best value are the refillable popcorn buckets. With these buckets, you can purchase a popcorn bucket in the park and refill it for a low price. You can keep refilling it during your length of stay.
How Much Are Refillable Popcorn Buckets?
To purchase a refillable popcorn bucket, head over to one of the many Popcorn Carts located throughout the Disney Theme Parks. The refillable popcorn buckets range in price from $13.00 and can go up to $25.00 depending on the type of Disney World popcorn bucket you purchase.
Standard Refillable Popcorn Buckets
The standard refillable popcorn bucket starts at $13.00 and comes filled with popcorn. The buckets vary on what is on the outside, depending on where the cart you purchase from is located. Many of the carts in Hollywood Studios have standard buckets with a Star Wars theme on them, and Animal Kingdom has standard refillable buckets decorated with The Lion King or jungle themes.
You will also find a themed popcorn bucket at the different parks during the holiday season. Halloween and Christmas usually have really fun designs on them.
Specialty Refillable Popcorn Buckets
Some of the most popular refillable popcorn buckets come in different shapes and sizes and are themed after your favorite Disney characters, rides, and attractions! Recently, the Figment popcorn bucket was one of the most popular popcorn buckets at Epcot Festival of the Arts. Many guests waited in long lines for hours to purchase one.
The specialty souvenir popcorn buckets do not look like the typical buckets, but come in fun shapes. Some of our favorites have been: a Simba popcorn bucket, Pumbaa popcorn bucket, Cinderella’s carriage, a Mickey Head Balloon or Mickey Mouse himself! These are usually only available for a limited time and are quite the collector’s item.
The specialty refillable popcorn buckets start at $19.00.
Popcorn Bucket Refills
Refills for the popcorn Buckets cost $2.25, making it one of the most budget-friendly snacks Disney offers. This is a great deal and can help save you money on your dining budget while spending the day at the Disney Theme Parks.
Purchasing a popcorn box will cost you $5.50, so the $2.25 refill price is a great way to save money if you plan on buying popcorn more than once while at Disney. If you have the Disney Dining Plan, you can purchase a box of popcorn or a refill of popcorn using a snack credit. However, with popcorn refills only costing $2.25, it is good to buy your refill of popcorn out of pocket. Use your snack credit for something a little more expensive.
Will Disney World Refill Old Popcorn Buckets?
When purchasing a refillable popcorn bucket, it is advertised that refills are $2.20 for the length of your stay. You will see many guests bring popcorn buckets that are clearly from years ago and are still given refills for only $2.25.
(I once asked a cast member if I could use old buckets, and they let me know they do refill old popcorn buckets. The cast member told me she filled a bucket from the 1990s!)
This is a really good deal, especially for Annual Passholders who come year after year. Sometimes there are even special Annual Pass Holder themed standard refill buckets you can purchase.
What Kind of Popcorn Does Disney World Use?
Disney offers many different types of popcorn throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. The most popular popcorn is the classic butter popcorn. Many guests do not realize this savory popcorn is the Pop Secret popcorn brand.
Freshly made and warm when you buy it, the popcorn is a mouthwatering treat. While the butter flavor is most popular, there are many different types of popcorn sold at Disney Theme Parks.
- Classic Butter Popcorn
The Classic Butter Popcorn is the most popular popcorn at Disney Parks and is sold at many locations throughout the four Theme Parks. All Classic Butter Popcorn is included in the $2.25 refill bucket price.
- Maple Popcorn
Those wanting a sweeter take on the traditional treat can head over to Canada in EPCOT’s World Showcase. There is a stand that serves beverages and Maple Popcorn year-round. Many of the different Festivals at EPCOT also serve a dish with Maple Popcorn at the Marketplace located in Canada. This is available for a $2.25 refill.
- Candy Popcorn
Head down Main Street U.S.A. for a fun take on Candy Popcorn! Guests can choose a base popcorn (caramel, rainbow, butter, and cheddar), add a syrup (Dark, milk, and white chocolate), and finish by adding their favorite candy. This is a fun way to personalize your favorite snack!
- Caramel Popcorn
You will find this sweet popcorn located at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. In Magic Kingdom, Big Top Treats in Fantasyland sells Caramel Popcorn. EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion is the most popular location for Caramel Popcorn at Karamell-Kuche. This is not available at the refill price.
- Kat Saka’s Kettle
Located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you will find Kat Saka’s Kettle, a delicious sweet and savory combo of popcorn! Their popular fruit and chili flavors are unique and will have you coming back again and again for their distinct flavors! Note that this is not available as a refill, but buttered blue or green colored popcorn is.
- Cheese Popcorn
If you are a cheese lover, head over to the Gourmet Popcorn Cart in EPCOT’s Future World, where you can find Cream & Chive, Cheddar Cheese, and Buffalo Bleu Cheese flavors. This is available at the refill price.
Where is the Disney 100 Popcorn Bucket?
Currently, you can purchase Disney’s 100th Anniversary Popcorn Buckets at many Popcorn Carts throughout the Disney Theme Parks. Most locations have the 100th Anniversary Buckets, with only a few selling different buckets, such as the Star Wars Popcorn Buckets at select Hollywood Studios locations.
Since the start of Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, Disney is also selling a Disney 100 Specialty Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket.
Where Can I Refill My Popcorn Bucket?
All four Walt Disney World Theme Parks have popcorn carts in multiple locations where you can refill your Disney popcorn buckets for only $2.25. Occasionally, there is a stand at Disney Springs where you can get refills.
Here is a List of the Current Popcorn Carts at Each Park:
Magic Kingdom
- Main Street U.S.A. Popcorn Cart – Located on the left entry to the park.
- Castle Plaza Popcorn Cart – When looking at Cinderella’s Castle, the cart will be on the right side.
- Liberty Square Popcorn Cart – Located across the street from Liberty Tree Tavern.
- Frontierland – There are two Popcorn Carts in Frontierland, one beside Westward Ho Refreshments and one outside Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
- Tomorrowland- Located in front of Space Mountain.
- Adventureland – Located after Jungle Cruise if walking towards Frontierland.
- Fantasyland – There are two locations in Fantasyland, one Storybook Circus Popcorn Cart, located across from Dumbo, and Maurice’s Amazing Popping Machine, right past Gaston’s Tavern walking towards Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
Read More: Magic Kingdom Snacks to Try
EPCOT
- World Celebration Popcorn Cart by the Imagination! Pavilion.
- World Celebration Popcorn Cart is located next to the Creations Store.
- World Discovery Popcorn Cart near Mission: SPACE.
- Fife & Drum Tavern in the American Adventure Pavilion.
- Canada Pavilion Maple Popcorn Cart in Canada in the World Showcase.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Hot and Fresh Popcorn Stands- there are multiple locations in front of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and close to The Little Mermaid Show.
- Hollywood Hills Amphitheater – Located right outside Fantasmic!
- Hub Popcorn Cart- Located outside Frozen Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- The Feeding Ground Popcorn Cart – Located in Discovery Island.
- Corn-Ivores Popcorn Cart – Located in Dinoland U.S.A.
- Mahindi Popcorn Cart – Located in Africa.
- Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks – Located in Asia close to Expedition Everest.
Final Thoughts
With refillable popcorn buckets coming in different themes, sizes, and shapes, you are sure to pick out a fun popcorn bucket in a Disney theme you will love! It is a budget-friendly, fun souvenir you can take home with you to remember your Disney vacation.
Whether you are looking for a classic, savory, buttery popcorn snack or a sweet, maple treat for your stroll through the Disney Theme Parks, there is no better snack than the classic popcorn to satisfy you on your magical day at Walt Disney World.
Do you have a favorite popcorn stand you visit when spending the day at the Disney Theme Parks? Let us know if you have a Disney Popcorn Bucket you use when visiting the Disney Parks!
Read Also: Where To Find The Wookie Cookie At Disney World + Recipe
