Disneyland has a new popcorn bucket, but only some people can buy it

Attention Disneyland popcorn bucket collectors — you’re about to be happy.

If you’re a Disneyland super fan, then you already know that people go mad over popcorn buckets.

And the only thing that makes Disneyland bucket collectors more excited than a new release is when there’s a special deal like this one: Buy the new “Steamboat Willie Balloon Premium AP” popcorn bucket, which will be released Friday, Feb. 1, and annual passholders can get refills for $1 until the promotion ends on March 7, 2019.

This bucket, which is only available to annual passholders, is produced in honor of the Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration that’s going on now in honor of Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday — which based on the release of the hit cartoon “Steamboat Willie” that first popularized the mouse to the masses.

The Disneyland website post that announced the release did not say how much the buckets will cost, but they generally run $20-25 each.

Now, if you’re really a serious popcorn bucket collector, you know the truth: You won’t let any popcorn get near your doggone bucket, because you want it kept pristine as a surgical instrument. But, hey, you’ll still like those cheap refills.

When the bucket goes on sale Friday, you can be sure people will be lining up early to get it at more than a dozen popcorn carts at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

Disney says people will be required to show their annual passes and may also be asked for photo ID before purchase. There’s a limit of one per transaction and Disney has made a point of listing the rules for annual passholders, including that special annual passholder items cannot be resold commercially.

Last year, collectors stood in long lines to buy popcorn buckets in the shape of little green alien from the “Toy Story” movie franchise that could be refilled as well. If you do want the refill, people are required to bring the physical bucket to receive the popcorn discount. (A box of popcorn sells for $4.50).  It’s somewhat inconvenient, because people are required to bring the actual bucket back with them for the refill of what at the time would have been a savings of only $3.50–$1 refill versus $4.50 for a box of popcorn. But since fans are known to buy up everything from Minnie Mouse ears to  candy canes, it’s likely they won’t mind any possible inconvenience.