Resort Hotel Drinking Mugs

[missynole]

Has anyone seen the change in the beverage stations at any of the hotels yet? From what I understand, back in the summer, WDW decided that it was going to change its resort hotel drinking mug policy and the only way you could get soda out of the machine was with a bar code scanned on either your resort mug or if you bought a beverage. I wondered if the machines had been changed over yet.

[Amy]

Has anyone seen the change in the beverage stations at any of the hotels yet? From what I understand, back in the summer, WDW decided that it was going to change its resort hotel drinking mug policy and the only way you could get soda out of the machine was with a bar code scanned on either your resort mug or if you bought a beverage. I wondered if the machines had been changed over yet.

Is this to keep track of usage or to keep people from using older mugs?

[cousininmiami]

I didn't notice that bar code scanning when I was there in July. But what I don't like is the "generic" mugs used now. I used to enjoy getting the mugs from our visits that had the resort you stayed at, my favorite that I still use at my desk is an old Wilderness Lodge mug.

[kcarts]

A friend of my went down in August and brought some old mugs with him. He said he didn't have an issue using the older mugs for the free coffee and soda.

[boilerbabe]

I think that is pretty shady of Disney if they start using bar codes. That means you'd have to buy a new mug with each visit, I understand that's what they're probably going for, but can't they let us feel like we're getting a good deal by re-using mugs. It's bad enough that they switched the generic mugs where they are all the same. I used to really like the resort mugs, when they were specific to each resort. For some people that go twice in one year, I don't think you should have to buy twice.

I will find out in a little over two weeks I guess!

[Wizzard419]

I think that is pretty shady of Disney if they start using bar codes. That means you'd have to buy a new mug with each visit, I understand that's what they're probably going for, but can't they let us feel like we're getting a good deal by re-using mugs. It's bad enough that they switched the generic mugs where they are all the same. I used to really like the resort mugs, when they were specific to each resort. For some people that go twice in one year, I don't think you should have to buy twice.

I will find out in a little over two weeks I guess!

You could also think of it like a fast food place, coffee shop, etc. Just because you brought the cup back with you doesn't mean you get refills till the cup no longer functions. It is supposed to give you free refills for that visit. They probably should make that more clear when they sell them to you though.

[BuDz211]

It doesn't appear to be a good deal to buy the mug, especially if you can only use it during your current visit, but I never bought one before so I have to buy one. I also thought of it like a fast food joint. I can't bring back old Burger King cups to Burger King to fill up. If anything, they should use the Six Flags idea of buying a refillable cup that works for that specific year. At least you get the soda discount for a year.

[Wizzard419]

Indeed, the whole point of the mug isn't truly to save you money but rather get you to buy a plastic mug.

[Jacca5660]

Indeed, the whole point of the mug isn't truly to save you money but rather get you to buy a plastic mug.

The whole idea for us was it showed the resort we stayed at and add to our memory. I can buy a coke from a vendor and it will have Disney or WDW written on it. Do the value resorts (AKA sport, music ect.) still have the half a yard of beer with their name on it?

[Amy]

Indeed, the whole point of the mug isn't truly to save you money but rather get you to buy a plastic mug.

The whole idea for us was it showed the resort we stayed at and add to our memory. I can buy a coke from a vendor and it will have Disney or WDW written on it. Do the value resorts (AKA sport, music ect.) still have the half a yard of beer with their name on it?

You can buy beer at the resorts?!?

[noledawg]

I don't think the point of the post was to rehash the argument about "free" or "not free" soda; I think the OP is curious as to the implementation of the new system. I'm guessing it hasn't been done yet?

[kcookiebaker]

I once bought an older mug from a person in the dining room drinking from it...it was a Dixie Landings and had the the Brer characters on it. They thought I was crazy but it was cute, had personality.

I agree, approx $15 for a short term usage mug, only at the hotel we are staying in, just doesn't seem like a good deal...plus, nothing special about it. I have to ask myself, will I purchase 5 large drinks (a break even for the cost of the mug) at that location while I am there. Probably not. Would rather buy a unique mug in the parks with no refill perks but fun to bring home.

The generic style mug reminds me of the often generic style menu items.

And still we go back and go back and go back.
I guess it's the "magic."

[missynole]

I once bought an older mug from a person in the dining room drinking from it...it was a Dixie Landings and had the the Brer characters on it. They thought I was crazy but it was cute, had personality.

I agree, approx $15 for a short term usage mug, only at the hotel we are staying in, just doesn't seem like a good deal...plus, nothing special about it. I have to ask myself, will I purchase 5 large drinks (a break even for the cost of the mug) at that location while I am there. Probably not. Would rather buy a unique mug in the parks with no refill perks but fun to bring home.

The generic style mug reminds me of the often generic style menu items.

And still we go back and go back and go back.
I guess it's the "magic."

And how can we not enjoy the "magic." They've got us right were they want us, wallet and all! It's fun and I'm glad to see that it hasn't changed over yet.

[BayLakeTowers]

I just got back from staying at AKL, and I didn't see any bar code reader with the mugs, and the refill stations were just as they always have been. We brought our old Mara mugs with us, but never used them. I also refuse to buy the new generic mugs. I agree that they should be unique to the resorts, then I'm more tempted to buy it as a momento rather than an overpriced plastic mug.

[Amy]

I once bought an older mug from a person in the dining room drinking from it...it was a Dixie Landings and had the the Brer characters on it. They thought I was crazy but it was cute, had personality.
I agree, approx $15 for a short term usage mug, only at the hotel we are staying in, just doesn't seem like a good deal...plus, nothing special about it. I have to ask myself, will I purchase 5 large drinks (a break even for the cost of the mug) at that location while I am there. Probably not. Would rather buy a unique mug in the parks with no refill perks but fun to bring home.
The generic style mug reminds me of the often generic style menu items.
And still we go back and go back and go back.
I guess it's the "magic."

We are getting them as part of the dining plan which was free when we booked. I would guess we would get them anyhow as it is a nice evening wind-down to go get a mug of some sort of beverage after returning to the resort after a long day in the parks.
I agree with everyone that it would be nice to have the mugs specific to the resorts though.