Start your engines, Disney fans — Lightning McQueen is racing into Disney Parks in popcorn bucket form.
Disney Parks has officially announced a brand-new Cars 20th Anniversary: Lightning McQueen Bucket, giving Pixar fans another collectible to add to their Disney Parks popcorn bucket collection.
The announcement was made on social media with Disney teasing:
“Hey, guest 👋 You ready? 🏎️ The Cars 20th Anniversary: Lightning McQueen Bucket is racing to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort starting June 9.”
The new souvenir celebrates a major milestone for Pixar’s beloved franchise, which first sped into theaters in 2006 and quickly became one of the studio’s most popular film series.
Celebrating 20 Years of Cars
It’s hard to believe that Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally, and the residents of Radiator Springs have been entertaining audiences for nearly two decades.
Since its debut, Cars has become one of Pixar’s most successful franchises, spawning multiple sequels, shorts, merchandise collections, attractions, and themed lands around the world.
Now Disney Parks is joining the anniversary celebration with a brand-new popcorn bucket inspired by racing’s most famous animated rookie.
Lightning McQueen Takes the Pole Position
Based on Disney’s announcement, the new bucket is themed to Lightning McQueen, the franchise’s iconic red race car.
While Disney has not yet released full purchasing details, the collectible appears to be designed to commemorate the film’s 20th anniversary and is expected to be one of the most popular popcorn bucket releases of the summer.
Disney collectors know that character-themed popcorn buckets often generate significant demand, particularly when tied to beloved Pixar characters and major anniversaries.
Available at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
Disney has confirmed that the Cars 20th Anniversary: Lightning McQueen Bucket will be available at both Walt Disney World Resort AND Disneyland Resort! The collectible is scheduled to begin arriving on June 9, 2026.
At this time, Disney has not announced specific purchase locations, pricing, mobile order availability, or any purchase limits that may apply. Additional details are expected closer to the release date.
Perfect Timing for Cars Fans
The release comes at an exciting time for Cars fans.
The franchise continues to play a major role in Disney Parks around the world, including the immensely popular Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.
Meanwhile, Walt Disney World fans are eagerly awaiting Disney’s upcoming Piston Peak National Park expansion planned for Magic Kingdom, which will bring a new Cars-themed area and attractions to the park in the coming years.
The new popcorn bucket gives fans another way to celebrate the franchise while Disney continues expanding the world of Cars inside its parks.
Disney Popcorn Buckets Remain a Fan Favorite
Disney popcorn buckets have become some of the most sought-after collectibles in the parks, with many releases selling out quickly or generating long lines on launch day.
Character-inspired buckets, anniversary merchandise, and Pixar-themed collectibles have proven especially popular among guests and collectors alike.
Given Lightning McQueen’s popularity and the significance of the 20th anniversary celebration, this release could become one of the season’s most in-demand souvenirs.
We’ll be watching for additional details on pricing, locations, and purchase limits as Disney gets closer to release day.
Be sure to check back with Theme Park Scope for more Disney merchandise news, popcorn bucket releases, Walt Disney World updates, Disneyland Resort news, and everything happening around the Disney Parks.
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