$20 is one of those weird prices that is seen as low in some cases and high in others. A $20 salad better be made with the freshest ingredients out there, but a $20 Disney t-shirt is actually a pretty good deal.

As Disney experts, we’re in the parks and resorts all the time, so we have a pretty good idea of what people like to buy. There’s one (roughly) $20 souvenir that seems to be SUPER popular, so let’s talk about why. What’s the big deal with popcorn buckets, anyway? 

We talk about souvenirs that fly off the shelves all the time. Around Halloween, Disney fans managed to sell Disney out of those light-up Mickey pumpkins almost immediately. Every Christmas, the candy cane treats in Disneyland regularly sell out. But popcorn buckets are not a seasonal item — new ones appear all the time! So, we’ve broken the science of popcorn buckets down into three categories. That’s right, we’re dissecting the psychology of people’s popcorn bucket obsession. Where else can you find this kind of information, people?

Popularity

We’re starting with the obvious. Popcorn buckets have reached a level of popularity that makes every new release seem just as exciting as the last. Remember the Figment popcorn bucket? The line to get ahold of one wrapped all over EPCOT!

At this point, there’s a “fear of missing out” element that comes with new popcorn bucket releases. Disney manages to build up quite the hype around its buckets that has people clamoring for one of their own. Think of it this way: when you know something is going to sell out, wouldn’t you want to be among the first to get ahold of it before it’s too late? That sense of urgency isn’t limited to popcorn buckets; people feel it all the time! It just so happens that Disney mastered the art of FOMO with specialty souvenirs.

Reusable

By the way, these popcorn buckets also serve a purpose. They’re not just cute-looking pieces of plastic. Part of the appeal of the popcorn buckets is that you can get discounted refills of that buttery Disney popcorn you smell all over the place. The scent really sucks you in!

So, yes, popcorn buckets are a novelty item. But they also make a great portable (and reusable) snack carrier. If you think of it as an investment, it makes a little more sense, right?

Collectible

Speaking of investments, if you hold onto your popcorn buckets long enough, they might just become a rare collectible one day! Who knows — maybe 50 years from now, that Figment popcorn bucket will be in a museum somewhere.

But for those of us who don’t plan to sell our souvenirs to the Smithsonian, popcorn buckets are just a fun little collectible. Some people have entire displays of all their popcorn buckets! And you know what? Collections are FUN. It’s exciting to amass a collection over time. Why do you think Disney pin trading has endured all these years?

Plus, there’s always something new, so it can be fun to see what kind of unique new popcorn buckets Disney comes up with every once in a while. Just when you think your collection is complete, Disney goes and releases a Cinderella carriage-themed bucket that is just too good to pass up. Oh well, that’s the fun of collecting!

No matter what you collect, everyone has that one special item that brings them joy. For many, that joy comes in the form of food (or, food carriers). So, next time you see a line forming for a new popcorn bucket, you may have a better idea of why they’re so popular. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

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Do you own any popcorn buckets? Let us know in the comments!

The post Disney Fans Can’t Stop Buying These Souvenirs first appeared on the disney food blog.