You’ve seen the trailers. You’ve probably already got "Beyond" stuck in your head. But if you’re planning to head to a Regal theater for the sequel, there is a whole other side to the experience that has nothing to do with the screen. I’m talking about the Regal Moana 2 merch, which has sparked a bit of a frenzy among Disney collectors and casual moviegoers alike.
Honestly, the way people hunt for these items feels a bit like Moana searching for Maui. It’s intense.
If you think this is just about a standard plastic tub for your buttery kernels, you’re in for a surprise. Regal went a completely different direction than AMC or Cinemark this time around. While other chains focused on sippers or standard tins, Regal leaned into the "voyager" aesthetic with some genuinely clever engineering.
The Wave Bucket That Literally Everyone Wants
Let’s talk about the elephant—or rather, the Kakamora—in the room. The centerpiece of the Regal Moana 2 merch lineup is the "Wave" popcorn bucket.
It’s not just a bucket. It’s a translucent, blue-tinted wave that arches over a small figure of Moana herself. The design is intended to look like the ocean is protecting her, just like in the first film. When you fill it with popcorn, the yellow kernels sit behind the blue "water," creating a pretty cool visual effect.
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But here’s the thing: it’s bulky. It’s beautiful, sure, but it’s a nightmare to fit into a standard theater seat cup holder. Most people end up holding it in their laps like a prized possession. I’ve seen these going for upwards of $100 on secondary markets like eBay, which is wild considering they retailed for significantly less at the concessions stand.
Why the Nacho Boat is the Secret Winner
While everyone was fighting over the wave bucket, the real MVPs were eyeing the Nacho Boat.
This is exactly what it sounds like—a plastic replica of Moana’s wayfinding canoe. It’s long, it’s detailed, and it’s surprisingly functional. The "hull" of the boat is where your chips go, and there’s a specific spot for the cheese cup.
Kinda genius, right?
It feels more like a "toy" than the wave bucket does. If you have kids, this is the one that actually gets played with at home long after the movie is over. Just a heads-up: cleaning dried nacho cheese out of the crevices of a plastic toy boat is exactly as fun as it sounds.
The "Hidden" Items You Might Have Missed
A lot of people think the merch stops at the concession stand, but Regal actually pushed a lot of this through their online store and the Regal Crown Club (RCC).
For example, there were exclusive Funko Pops. Not just the ones you find at Target, but specific versions marketed alongside the film’s release. Then there were the 4DX exclusives. If you were brave enough to see the movie in 4DX (where they literally spray you with water during the sea scenes), Regal gave out exclusive 4DX ponchos on opening day.
They also dropped some high-end stuff on the official Regal Theatres Store:
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- Moana & Simea Standees: These are nearly five feet tall and cost about $50. Perfect if you have a dedicated movie room or if you just want to scare your cat in the middle of the night.
- Maui & Kotu Standees: Same deal, just featuring everyone's favorite demigod and his new companion.
- The Sea Dome Cup: This is a collector’s cup with a lid that looks like swirling ocean water. It’s much more practical than the wave bucket if you actually want to, you know, drink something.
The Resale Market is a Mess
We have to talk about the pricing. In-theater, you’re looking at maybe $25 to $40 for the "premium" items. But because these are limited runs, the "scalper" effect is real.
I’ve tracked listings where the Wave Popcorn Bucket and Nacho Boat set was bundled for $130. That is a massive markup. The reason it happens is that Regal locations often sell out within the first 48 hours of a movie's release. Sometimes, they even put the merch out a few days early.
If you missed the initial drop, don't panic and spend your rent money on eBay just yet. Regal occasionally restocks their online store with "leftover" inventory from the warehouses about a month or two after the theatrical run ends.
How to Actually Score These Items
If you’re reading this and thinking, "I just want the bucket, how do I get it?" there’s a strategy.
First, check the Regal Crown Club rewards center. Sometimes you can use your accumulated points to "buy" the merch for just the cost of shipping. It’s a great way to skip the line at the theater.
Second, call your local theater before you drive there. The employees usually know exactly how many wave buckets they have left in the back.
Finally, keep an eye on the Regal Moana 2 merch page on their official website. They’ve been known to do "second waves" of merchandise (pun intended) for major Disney releases.
The 2026 Outlook: What’s Next for Collectors?
As we move further into 2026, the focus is shifting toward the live-action Moana remake. Expect the Regal Moana 2 merch to become even more "vintage" and harder to find. Collectors who have the full set—the wave, the boat, the dome cup, and the 4DX poncho—are sitting on the "holy grail" of Moana 2 memorabilia.
If you're just starting your collection, start with the cup. It's the cheapest entry point and actually fits in your cupboard.
The most important thing to remember is that these items are meant to be fun. Don't let the stress of "collecting" ruin the magic of the movie. At the end of the day, it's just a very fancy way to eat popcorn.
Your Next Steps:
Check your Regal Crown Club account to see if you have enough credits to redeem for any remaining Moana 2 posters or smaller trinkets. If you are hunting for the Wave Bucket specifically, search local "Buy Nothing" groups or Facebook Marketplace before hitting the high-priced collector sites; you’d be surprised how many parents are willing to part with a "bulky plastic wave" once their kid gets bored with it.