If you’ve visited Walt Disney World in recent years, you’ve probably noticed that popcorn buckets have become much more than simple snack containers.What was once a fun souvenir has evolved into one of the most sought-after merchandise categories Disney offers. New releases regularly attract long lines, social media buzz, and, in some cases, complete sellouts within hours.Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), FlickrNow Disney has introduced its latest collectible, and this one arrives with plenty of patriotic flair.As part of the celebration surrounding the 250th anniversary of the United States, Walt Disney World has officially debuted a brand-new Sam Eagle popcorn bucket. The Muppets character, known for his over-the-top patriotism and love of American traditions, feels like a natural choice for the milestone celebration. The collectible became available on June 15 and is currently being sold at popcorn carts throughout Walt Disney World while supplies last.A Patriotic Tribute to a Classic MuppetThe new bucket features Sam Eagle standing proudly behind a patriotic podium decorated with red, white, and blue bunting. He wears his iconic stars-and-stripes top hat and holds one wing over his heart in classic Sam Eagle fashion. The bucket itself opens on the back of the character, while the carrying strap continues the patriotic theme with a matching star-spangled design.Disney has priced the collectible at $22, which includes popcorn at the time of purchase. Guests are limited to two buckets per person, a restriction that has become increasingly common as Disney attempts to manage demand for popular collectibles.Credit: DisneyThe bucket has been spotted at popcorn carts around the resort, including locations inside Magic Kingdom. Disney has also confirmed that the collectible will make its way to Disneyland Resort beginning June 30.For longtime Muppets fans, the bucket arrives during an interesting period. Disney has continued finding ways to incorporate the beloved characters throughout the parks, even as some classic Muppets experiences have changed over the years. Sam Eagle remains one of the franchise’s most recognizable supporting characters, and his patriotic personality makes him an especially fitting choice for this anniversary celebration.Popcorn Buckets Have Become a Disney PhenomenonOf course, the Sam Eagle bucket isn’t generating attention simply because of the character.It is also arriving during a period when Disney popcorn buckets have become one of the hottest merchandise categories across the resort.Several years ago, most popcorn buckets were relatively simple collectibles. Guests might pick one up during a vacation, but they rarely generated significant attention. Today, many new releases have become major events of their own.Credit: DisneyDisney fans now closely follow merchandise announcements, monitor release dates, and often arrive early in hopes of securing limited-edition buckets before they disappear.Social media has only amplified the trend. Photos, videos, and reviews spread almost instantly whenever Disney reveals a new design. In many cases, guests begin planning purchases weeks before the bucket even arrives in the parks.The popularity of these collectibles has transformed what used to be a simple snack purchase into a major part of the Disney merchandise experience.The Lightning McQueen Bucket SelloutOne recent example demonstrated just how intense the demand has become.When Disney released the Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket, excitement reached a fever pitch almost immediately. Fans of Pixar’s Cars franchise rushed to purchase the collectible, and supplies vanished far faster than many expected.In some locations, the bucket sold out the very same day it debuted.Credit: DisneyThat type of demand isn’t unusual anymore. Disney regularly sees high-profile popcorn bucket releases attract enormous crowds, especially when the design features a beloved character or includes unique lighting effects, moving parts, or intricate details.The Lightning McQueen bucket became another reminder that popcorn buckets are no longer simply merchandise add-ons. For many guests, they have become destination purchases that can shape an entire park day.Nobody Has Forgotten FigmentWhile the Lightning McQueen release created significant buzz, no Disney popcorn bucket discussion feels complete without mentioning Figment.The EPCOT icon may hold the unofficial title for Disney’s most infamous popcorn bucket release.When Disney introduced the Figment popcorn bucket during the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, the response was unlike anything many longtime park visitors had ever witnessed. Guests began lining up long before sales started, and the queue quickly grew to astonishing lengths.Credit: Inside The MagicSome visitors reportedly waited as long as eight hours for the chance to purchase the collectible.The line became so massive that it generated national headlines and dominated social media conversations for days. Photos of the seemingly endless queue spread across the internet, with many Disney fans expressing shock that a popcorn bucket could inspire such dedication.Yet for collectors, the appeal was obvious.Figment remains one of EPCOT’s most beloved characters, and merchandise featuring the purple dragon often generates strong demand. Combined with a highly detailed bucket design and limited availability, the release became one of the most memorable merchandise moments in recent Disney history.Even years later, the Figment bucket remains the benchmark against which many other Disney collectible releases are measured.Could Sam Eagle Be the Next Must-Have Collectible?Whether the Sam Eagle popcorn bucket reaches Figment-level popularity remains to be seen.The character certainly has a passionate fan base, particularly among Muppets enthusiasts. The patriotic design also gives the bucket a unique identity that stands apart from many recent character-focused releases.At the same time, Disney’s track record suggests that virtually any limited-edition popcorn bucket can become a hot item if guests connect with the design.Credit: DisneyThat unpredictability is part of what keeps collectors engaged. Some buckets arrive with enormous hype and remain available for weeks. Others quietly debut and unexpectedly become difficult to find almost immediately.With Disney limiting purchases to two buckets per guest and offering them only while supplies last, collectors may not want to wait too long if Sam Eagle is a must-have addition to their collection.One thing is certain: popcorn buckets have become a major part of the Walt Disney World experience. From Figment’s legendary eight-hour lines to same-day sellouts like Lightning McQueen, these collectibles continue drawing attention far beyond what anyone might have imagined a decade ago.Now Sam Eagle has officially joined the lineup, and Disney fans will soon determine whether this patriotic Muppet becomes the resort’s next collectible sensation.The post Disney World Adds Sam Eagle Popcorn Bucket Following Recent Lightning McQueen Sellout appeared first on Inside the Magic.