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Credit: DisneyIf there’s one thing that unites Disney fans across generations, income levels, and park preferences, it’s an inexplicable devotion to a small purple dragon with oversized imagination. Figment isn’t just EPCOT’s unofficial mascot anymore. He’s become a full-blown cultural phenomenon, inspiring the kind of fervent collector mentality usually reserved for limited-edition sneakers or concert tickets.
Every January, when the International Festival of the Arts kicks off at EPCOT, a familiar ritual begins: Figment fans descend upon the park with one mission in mind. Get the popcorn bucket. Whatever it takes.
This year won’t be any different. In fact, it might be even more intense. Disney just unveiled the 2026 Festival of the Arts Figment popcorn bucket, and if you thought last year’s light-up lightbulb design was cute, prepare yourself. This year’s bucket features Figment sporting a purple beret, a paint-splattered bow tied around his neck, and a paintbrush clutched in his tiny purple hand. It’s adorable. It’s whimsical. It’s absolutely going to cause chaos.
The Figment Disney Fandom Runs Deep
Let’s be honest. Figment fans are ride or die. I can happily admit I’m one of them. There’s something about that mischievous little dragon that just hits different. Maybe it’s nostalgia for the original Journey Into Imagination attraction, or maybe it’s the fact that Figment represents pure, unfiltered creativity in a world that often feels way too serious.
Whatever the reason, people love him. And when Disney releases Figment merchandise, especially limited-edition items like popcorn buckets, fans lose their minds.
But here’s the thing. Some fans take it a little too far. We all remember 2022, right? The year of the original Figment popcorn bucket? Guests were waiting in lines that stretched for seven hours or more, just to get their hands on a container shaped like a purple dragon.
Seven. Hours. People were paying over $100 just to enter EPCOT, only to spend their entire day standing in a queue for popcorn. Mainstream news outlets picked up the story. Late-night talk shows made jokes about it. It was wild.
Disney clearly learned from that experience, because they implemented virtual queues for subsequent bucket releases. Instead of physical lines snaking through Future World, guests could join a virtual queue through the My Disney Experience app and wait for their boarding group to be called. It was a much better system, though it still didn’t guarantee you’d actually get a bucket before they sold out.
What Makes This Year’s Bucket Special
The 2026 design leans hard into the artistic theme of the festival. Figment, as a little artist, is peak EPCOT energy. The purple beret is a nice touch, giving him that classic painter vibe without being too on the nose. The paint-splattered bow adds visual interest and ties into the creative chaos that defines both the festival and Figment’s personality. And of course, the paintbrush completes the look. This popcorn bucket can be yours for just $29.00.
Disney has announced that the popcorn bucket will be available only for mobile order at the Odyssey building during the festival, where Figment’s Inspiration Station was in previous years. This centralizes sales and helps manage crowds. However, the item is expected to sell out quickly. Guests can place one mobile order per day for up to two popcorn buckets through the My Disney Experience app.
The Disney Mobile Order Reality
Figment fans should know that getting a bucket requires strategy. The mobile order system opens early, and slots fill up quickly—sometimes in seconds. Be ready with the app open, payment info saved, and your finger on the confirm button when the queue goes live.
And even if you successfully join the queue, there’s no guarantee. Disney only makes a limited number of these buckets, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Some days, the buckets sell out before lunch. Other days, they might last a bit longer. It all depends on crowd levels and how many Disney decided to produce.
The Disney Resale Market Is Already Warming Up
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Figment popcorn buckets have become sought-after items on resale markets, with some selling for hundreds of dollars. One seller humorously listed a sketch of the bucket for $10,000, highlighting the absurdity of these prices.
This situation frustrates true fans who simply want a souvenir, as scalpers buy multiple tickets and resell them for a profit. It’s a common issue seen in concert tickets, gaming consoles, and sneaker drops. Unfortunately, Disney’s options are limited to restricting purchases to one or two per guest.
Is Worth the Disney Hassle?
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Or in this case, the $30 question, which is roughly what these premium popcorn buckets cost. Is it worth waking up early, fighting through a virtual queue, potentially getting shut out, and dealing with the stress just to get a plastic container shaped like a purple dragon wearing a beret?
For hardcore Figment fans, the answer is always yes. These collectible buckets, especially the Figment ones, are prized displays in homes, serving as conversation starters and nostalgic reminders of cherished park experiences.
Plus, there’s something satisfying about successfully snagging a highly sought-after item. It’s like winning a small victory against the chaos of Disney planning. You beat the system. You got the thing everyone wants. That feeling is worth something.
What You Need to Know
The 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 16 through February 23. If you want this Figment bucket, your best bet is to be ready on opening day. Download the My Disney Experience app if you haven’t already. Ensure you are signed in and that your payment information is up to date. Set an alarm. Have a backup plan.
And remember, even if you don’t get the bucket, the festival itself is incredible. The food is amazing, the art installations are beautiful, and the Broadway concert series brings incredible talent to the America Gardens Theatre. Don’t let a popcorn bucket ruin what should be a fun experience.
But if you do manage to snag one? Congratulations. You’ve earned your place in the Figment fandom hall of fame. Just maybe don’t list it on eBay for $500. The rest of us are watching.