There are a LOT of changes coming to Disney World as it reopens, and we’re trying to wrap our heads around all of them.
Disney World Refillable Mug
Of course, Disney has talked us through some of the changes that we can expect, but a lot still feels up in the air.
While we’re hearing lots of BIG news, we’re wondering if we’ll see some changes to smaller pieces of our Disney vacation. We’re REALLY wondering about those Refillable Mugs; let’s take a look at what could change!
Disney’s Current Refillable Mug Policy
First, let’s go through a reminder of Disney’s current refillable mug policy. Prior to the closures, guests were able to purchase specific souvenir RFID enabled mugs that would entitle them to unlimited free refills on fountain drinks, coffee, and tea from self-service beverage locations at Disney resorts for the length of their stay.
Grab and Go and Refillable Mugs for Purchase
Guests on the Disney Dining Plan each receive a mug as part of their dining plan. Guests who receive mugs as part of the Dining Plan can have their mugs refilled for the length of stay as well.
Refillable Resort Mugs
These purchase and refill locations are located in food courts, quick service locations, and pool bars at all Disney World resorts. Cast Members at the front desk can always inform you of refill locations around your resort.
Click here to learn more about the refillable mug program!
What could change?
As you can imagine, these refillable mugs might not be the best thing for limiting touchpoints and keeping the new cleanliness and sanitation standards we’ll see when the parks and resorts reopen. Perhaps, we will see some changes with this policy!
Resort Refillable Mug
For one, self-service might not be a thing anymore. In the already-reopened Disney Springs, employees were usually the ones who filled cups up for customers at locations that previously had self-serve beverages. In this case, there may be no change except that Cast Members will take your refillable mug and fill it for you to reduce contact with the machines.
Another potential solution has already been put to use at Wine Bar George in Disney Springs. The Basket at Wine Bar George typically has a refillable program with Corkcicle cups where you can get discounted refills on their frozen drinks. Now when you order, an employee gets you your refill in a plastic cup that you can then pour into your Corkcicle if you like.
Full Refillable Resort Mug display
If this is the case, we may see the free refills applied with possession of a refillable mug, but not IN your refillable mug. Disney could have Cast Members get your refill in a standard, disposable soda cup.
New Corkcicle Procedure
Another possibility of handling the refillable mug conundrum could be that the system will disappear altogether for a little while. Starbucks typically offers a reuseable mug discount but right now they are NOT serving in those mugs, even though they are still on sale. If Disney follows this model for the resorts, we may see a suspension of the refillable mug program temporarily.
Refillable Mug Station
It certainly will be interesting to see how Disney handles this aspect of reopening. We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for updates on refillable mugs and everything else, so stay tuned in to DFB for the latest news!
Click here to learn about the current Corkcicle process at Wine Bar George!
Disney Park Reopening Details and Info
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Do you have a Disney World refillable mug? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments!
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I was looking forward to getting my very first refillable mug with my Disney Dining plan. I’m am said for losing another ‘perk’ I was planning on.
In perspective of all things right now it seems a little silly to be ‘bothered’ by that. But looking forward to this trip is what was keeping me going. I keep trying to ‘wait’ and be positive. With no replies to emails to Disney, and waiting yet again on hold to talk to a Disney rep to be told….we don’t know and can’t help, right now. Thanks again for all you guys are doing to help keep others informed. Be safe and have a great day.
Serena, I hear you. I, too, wish more info was available to help assuage everyone’s concerns about their trips. I’m sure you’re not alone in having a trip to look forward to given the incredible and varied stresses of life today. I hope we’ll all get more information from Disney soon, and in the meantime, take care.
We have been going for years and really loved not having to stand in line to get a drink. Especially when you come in from pool or a hot day at park. :-/
They have RFID in the cup. A shame that doesn’t trigger a fill for the cup instead of us having to touch anything. I guess would be too expensive to change. Just a thought.
The mug is no perk. With the cost of the bought separately or you allowing them to add the cost within the dining plan you can get about 72 12 ounce cans of soda for the price of a mug. You can ask for a cup of ice at no charge almost anywhere in the parks. It’s just a piece of plastic and just not worth it for most. Plus you can only use them in certain resorts. Out with the mugs I say!
I asked Disney about the refillable mugs. They said they haven’t made a decision yet. Paying for pop and coffee at the hotel for 9 days would be a small fortune.
Carol, you can have water and soda delivered to your resort by an outside store if want to save some money. Plus the refillable mugs are only good at the resort, not the parks so it is not like you will be getting free coffee and soda all day long. Most of the time you get some coffee in the morning and maybe 1 or 2 fills in the evening. There is a reason why they sell them, because they make money off of them. They sound like such a great deal until you realize that you really don’t use them that much because you are in the parks most of the time.
I love my refillable mugs – do I get my “money’s worth” when at WDW? No, but I bring them home and love to use them for my tea or coffee. They make me happy and bring me a little bit of WDW magic everyday!
Disney needs to figure out the safe way of doing every thing in the resort . Food, transportation , rooms anything they touch ! This job they never had to take part ” never” ! Do not get ahead of Disney World Resorts take one step at a time “Good Luck and have a great 👍time !😀
Since they cancelled the dining plans, wouldn’t you have to buy the refillable cups separately ? Without the dining plan, there is no refillable cup
Carol, that sounds right, in accordance to how they handled mugs in the past.
I always wondered why they (Disney) didn’t offer a refillable cup for the parks, not the resorts. I would be willing to pay a premium for a refillable cup. I go to the parks in the off season, and while it is chilly when I go, I still get thirsty from all the walking and eating. Maybe when this all blows over, it will be a thought for Disney. In the meantime, I am spending a small fortune at shopDisney trying to obtain some of the magic of missing out this year on Disney.
These guys just seem to dream up ways to alienate us more and more. Sad part is I get new Mugs at $19.99 every trip and use it for nothing more than coffee in the AM. They’d be off the rails to toss that cash cow aside.
Hi! I have to say, I HATE the idea of using a plastic disposable cup to pour into another vessel. There is so much waste already. Did we forget about that? If that were to be the procedure they decide to use, at least consider using some sort of thin, uncoated renewable paper product that would breakdown faster.
I really like my refillable mugs. True I don’t use them much while at the resort, but use them all the time at home. Out of all the different types of insulated mugs that I have, these keep my coffee warm the longest. If the free one goes away with the dining plan, I will just purchase a new one.
The re- fill mugs are only for free sofa ,coffee , tea etc. Only the resorts not the parks . But you can go to any resort to use it as long it has a re – full area . You can you it for a lot of soda ,etc save money 💰 It is a staple for people to get every year and staying at the resort. My family love it is a $ 20.00 take home gift to use at home .
Hi friends, now that I don’t have a Disney Dining plan can someone give me some what of an idea on how much to budget for food? 6 people 4 adults and 2 kids. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a lot more than what the dining plan was going to cost. Thanks and have a good one.
Serena, the best thing to do would be to price out what you would spend in a day. We have menus here that may help.