I love the Disney Parks. There is something about them, Disneyland in particular, that is ingrained into my soul. I grew up a Disney kid and am partway through raising my own Disney kids; let’s say it’s a big part of who we are. At times, my optimism for all things Disney has had some of you asking questions, and although my pixie-dusted appreciation has always stemmed from a heart-warming affinity rather than some clandestine paycheck, I can see why my lack of criticism can sometimes raise eyebrows. With all that in mind, my potentially unpopular opinion on this latest accessory release might surprise some of you.
Yesterday, Disney released news of a new popcorn bucket that will be launched on May 16th in Disneyland, coinciding with the resort’s 70th Anniversary celebration kick-off. I know what you are thinking, another day, another popcorn bucket, right? Well, not quite. Disney has ventured into a new direction with this latest version of a snack accessory, and I, for one, am on the fence about it.
The new popcorn bucket features a Mickey Mouse 3D design that seems harmless, although a bit janky to carry around the parks, until the key feature that attracts a $55 price tag was revealed. Mickey talks.
Now, I watched the preview clip on Instagram, and while everyone else liked the post and commented with positive vibes, I was kinda… creeped out? I love Disney using new technology to make things fun, but this popcorn bucket isn’t some interactive toy to be used at home and enjoyed; it’s just making a basic thing more complicated than it needs to be. I don’t think I want Mickey Mouse talking to me with every handful of popcorn I shovel into my mouth. Believe me, I have enough running food commentary playing in my head without Mickey adding his two cents into things.
Even as a confessed popcorn bucket skeptic, I’ve long hoped that we would see more of the international designs make their way to Disney Parks in the USA; I’d also love to see some of these come to the online store at DisneyStore.com where you can buy them for home in a more practical environment where you don’t need to carry them around all day. For me, the idea of dragging a hard plastic thing with arms and legs on every thrill ride I can find feels unnecessary. Now, when you add in the idea that he can talk, my first, and only question is, can you turn it off?
It must have batteries, which means it has a limited lifespan. Even though I assume Disney will have built in a compartment for them to be changed, I’m also wondering who is walking around with this thing going off in the parks. I can picture floating through the dark canon fight scene of Pirates of the Caribbean, and someone’s popcorn bucket starts talking. I don’t need that in my life, Disney! Can you imagine all of the annoying times this will be invading the otherwise pristine soundtrack of Disneyland Park? The slow build of the nighttime display, disrupted in the softest moments by 20 Mickey’s all around you, saying “Hiya, Pal” out of sync. Egh, noooo.. Maybe it’s a rare Donald Duck moment, but I am super not into this one.
Let me know your thoughts. Price tag aside, do you want your popcorn bucket, or the person’s next to you to speak?
