Credit: DisneyDisney fans have been waiting for Stitch to make his grand return to Walt Disney World for years. The mischievous blue alien all but disappeared after his attraction closed, leaving only a few scattered nods here and there. Now, in 2025, Stitch is finally back in a way fans didn’t expect.
Saying Goodbye to Stitch’s Great Escape
In 2004, Magic Kingdom welcomed Stitch’s Great Escape to Tomorrowland, replacing the intense Alien Encounter. Guests were strapped in as Stitch broke free from captivity, plunging the room into darkness with lights flickering, speakers crackling, and chaos erupting all around.
The attraction leaned heavily on mischievous humor, with Stitch jumping between seats, spitting water, and blasting the theater with a chili dog smell that quickly became infamous. While the experience entertained younger visitors, many longtime fans weren’t sold on the goofy tone compared to the scarier attraction it replaced.
The ride permanently closed in 2018 after years of declining popularity and only seasonal operation. Since then, Stitch’s presence in the parks has been minimal, mainly limited to meet-and-greets and scattered merchandise, making today’s return all the more exciting.
A Renewed Spotlight on Stitch
Earlier this year, Disney released its live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, reintroducing the alien to a new generation. While opinions on the film were mixed, merchandise sales skyrocketed, showing how much fans still love him. That momentum spilled into the parks, where Disney quietly dropped hints that Stitch wasn’t gone for good.
One of the most surprising nods came on the Walt Disney World Railroad. When the attraction reopened, fans immediately noticed Stitch’s voice popping up during the ride narration. It was a subtle reminder that Disney kept him in the conversation—setting the stage for something bigger.
Stitch’s Epic Return
Now, the significant return is here in the form of one of the hottest collectibles Disney has rolled out in years: the Stitch mummy popcorn bucket. This isn’t just a container—it’s a showpiece designed to stand out. Stitch is wrapped up like a mummy, complete with textured cloth details, holding a pumpkin for trick-or-treating in one hand and candy in the other.
The finishing touch? It glows in the dark and lights up at night, making it as eye-catching during evening shows as during the day.
Unsurprisingly, the bucket has been an instant smash. Long lines have formed at stands selling it, with guests sometimes waiting over an hour just to secure one. Many report that supplies vanish quickly after each restock.
Collectors urge anyone who wants it to act fast because demand is through the roof. It’s only available at Magic Kingdom, but it’s expected to appear at EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom in the coming weeks.
Halloween Magic at Disney World
The Stitch bucket fits seamlessly into the Halloween season at Walt Disney World. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party transforms Magic Kingdom into a spooky celebration, complete with trick-or-treat trails, exclusive stage shows, and Jack Skellington hosting the nighttime fireworks.
Guests can meet rare characters, snack on seasonal treats, and enjoy a parade filled with villains, grinning pumpkins, and dancing skeletons that bring Main Street, U.S.A., to life in a whole new way.
Carrying a glowing Stitch bucket through the party feels like the perfect accessory. It’s part collectible, part Halloween décor, and part park tradition rolled into one. Kids love showing it off during candy trails, while adults treat it as a limited-edition keepsake. For many fans, it’s already become the must-have souvenir of the season.
Why Stitch’s Return Matters
Some might wonder why fans are so thrilled about a popcorn bucket, but the bigger picture is clear—Disney is making Stitch a central part of the parks again. From the closure of Stitch’s Great Escape to his voice cameo on the Railroad and the release of a live-action film, the alien has been inching back toward the spotlight. This Halloween, his comeback feels undeniable.
Disney fans know the company rarely does anything without a plan. The popcorn bucket may just be the beginning, a test to measure how much excitement still surrounds the character.
Judging by the long lines and overwhelming demand, Stitch is more popular than ever. It wouldn’t be surprising if his return eventually leads to new meet-and-greets, seasonal offerings, or even a fresh attraction.
Stitch Is Back—and Here to Stay
Stitch’s comeback has been years in the making, and now Disney has finally delivered. From the new movie to clever park inclusions and now the glowing Stitch mummy popcorn bucket, all signs point to a bigger role for the blue alien at Walt Disney World.
Fans who once worried Stitch had been quietly retired can now see that Disney is positioning him as a key part of seasonal events and merchandise, with more potential surprises on the horizon.
The lines prove it, the buzz confirms it—Stitch is back, and this is just the beginning of a new chapter for one of Disney’s most beloved troublemakers. His return feels like a celebration of nostalgia and a promise that Stitch still has plenty of new mischief left to cause.