McDonald’s 2024 Boo Buckets: Why Some Fans Aren't Impressed

McDonald’s iconic Boo Buckets are making a return for Halloween 2024, but not everyone is happy with the new designs. These festive pails, a nostalgic favorite, have stirred up a mix of excitement and disappointment among fans. With Halloween just around the corner, let’s take a look at what’s got people talking about this year’s Boo Buckets and how other companies like Dunkin' are jumping on the Halloween bandwagon.

When Can You Get the 2024 Boo Buckets?

McDonald's announced that their Boo Buckets will be available starting October 15, 2024. These colorful pails will be replacing the usual Happy Meal boxes, much to the delight of fans who look forward to using them for trick-or-treating or collecting candy during the spooky season.

The Boo Buckets, first introduced in 1986, have become a beloved Halloween tradition for many. After going on hiatus for a few years, they were revived in 2022 and are now back for a third consecutive year. In 2024, the buckets feature brand-new monster designs, complete with sticker sheets for kids to personalize them. These Happy Meals can be ordered either in the restaurant or through the McDonald’s app, with prices varying based on location.

Fan Reactions to the 2024 Boo Buckets

Despite their nostalgic appeal, not all McDonald's fans are happy with the 2024 Boo Bucket designs. Social media has been buzzing with mixed reviews, and some longtime fans aren’t holding back on their criticism.

A recurring theme among the negative feedback is the lack of originality. Many fans are comparing the 2024 Boo Buckets to the classic designs from the '80s and '90s, which featured simple but charming ghost, pumpkin, and witch faces. This year’s buckets, which feature new monster characters, have been labeled as less appealing, with comments like, "These aren’t the iconic Boo Buckets!" and "Heavy emphasis on the booooo, but not in a good way."

Some fans feel that the new designs miss the mark when it comes to the classic, straightforward look that made the original buckets so beloved. They feel that the updated, more cartoonish monster characters don’t capture the same Halloween spirit they grew up with. Others simply wish for a return of the timeless faces that once graced the buckets, calling out McDonald’s for focusing more on trying to modernize a tradition rather than celebrating its roots.

What About Dunkin’s Halloween Buckets?

While McDonald’s Boo Buckets have taken center stage, Dunkin' Donuts has decided to join in on the Halloween fun this year, offering their own trick-or-treating pail. Starting October 16, Dunkin' will be selling a limited-edition Munchkins Bucket, a purple container decorated with a spooky Halloween theme.

The Dunkin' bucket can be filled with 50 assorted Munchkin Donut Hole Treats, perfect for sharing at Halloween parties or enjoying with friends and family. The Munchkins are dressed for the occasion, featuring festive orange and chocolate sprinkles. Along with the Munchkins Bucket, Dunkin’ is rolling out several seasonal items like the Potion Macchiato coffee and the Spider Specialty Donut, keeping the Halloween spirit alive.

Boo Buckets’ Nostalgic Appeal

For many people, the real appeal of McDonald’s Boo Buckets lies in their nostalgia. The original pails were a staple of Halloween in the '80s and '90s, often remembered fondly as part of childhood Halloween experiences. Over the years, Boo Buckets have become collectible items, with some fans holding onto their vintage pails as treasured keepsakes.

The simple designs of the past—featuring the iconic white ghost, orange pumpkin, and green witch—were straightforward, yet they embodied the essence of Halloween. This simplicity is perhaps why so many fans have taken issue with the 2024 redesign, feeling that the new buckets stray too far from what made the originals special.

Despite the mixed reactions, there are still plenty of fans who are excited to get their hands on this year’s Boo Buckets. For those who grew up with the tradition, the pails are a fun way to relive childhood memories, while younger generations can create their own Halloween traditions with the new designs.

The Future of Boo Buckets

While some fans may be disappointed by the changes, it’s clear that McDonald’s Boo Buckets remain a staple of their Halloween offerings. Whether fans will warm up to the new monster designs remains to be seen, but McDonald’s is keeping the tradition alive, even if it looks a little different than it did decades ago.

As other brands like Dunkin' jump into the Halloween bucket craze, it’s evident that Halloween-themed collectibles are here to stay. For those nostalgic for the original Boo Buckets, only time will tell if McDonald’s decides to bring back the classic designs in the future, but for now, fans will have to enjoy the modern twist on a beloved Halloween tradition.

Whether you’re team classic or team modern, McDonald’s Boo Buckets continue to be a fun, spooky season treat for kids and adults alike.