All Star Mugs: now for length of stay only [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Terk-1

06-09-2002, 07:45 AM

Just got off the phone with guest services at the All Star Movies. She spoke with the manager at the foodcourt and this is what she was told. The mugs are still going to be for sale in the foodcourt and will be available to anyone. There are brand new mugs coming out within the next week with barcodes on them. The mugs will only be good for the time you are staying at that resort (no matter what kind of pass you have). According to her, you will have to go through the checkout each time you want to refill your mug, so that they can scan the mug to ensure you are actually staying at that resort at that time. She said that that should not be a problem, because it will show you staying at that resort.

Just for the heck of it, I called the Caribbean Beach to see if they were doing this as well. Again, no idea that this was going on. She called their manager and was told that this is going to be effective at ALL resorts offering this option. She said that it is going to take at least a couple of months for it to become effective resort wide. She did confirm that the mugs would have to be scanned each time you go to do a refill. However, she said that she was also told that they are going to test this to see how effective or ineffective this new procedure is going to be. She was unable to tell me about reusing of mugs on future visits.

I don't know about you guys, but that is going to be one heck of a bottleneck and I think it will start deterring people from buying the mugs. If you are going to have to wait to get your mug scanned everytime you need a refill, that is going to be a big pain in the butt.

mouskamom

06-09-2002, 08:12 AM

Can't even imagine the caffine-dependent people in the morning (could get ugly - I'm not all that human before I get my tea -and out of kindness to the other guests couldn't even think of sending DH down) -just what the crowd at night needs after walking all day - waiting in another line to have their cups scanned. Yikes!!! I have reused cups - but do see the fairness of having to buy new ones each year or each visit - but waiting to have them scanned - oh well....

webray

06-09-2002, 08:24 AM

I don't see any point to this at all. Most families save for years, just to make one trip to disney. If you are lucky enough to stay on disney property more than once every couple of years...and you bring your mug back...if you can even find it...who cares.

If you stay on disney property more than once each year...disney should be happy to have you and allow you to refill your mug...afterall, if you are refilling your mug, you are obviously eating in the food court, playing in the arcade or spending money at the resort in other ways.

Have you ever seen the AS food court in the morning, it is very busy...people will just start bring their own coolers, coffee pots and using them in the rooms. That will cause more problems/mess than allowing people to get a free drink on a repeat visit.

CamColt

06-09-2002, 09:01 AM

While I have never reused a mug, when we bought them we specifically asked about this policy. The CM told us "they are good for a lifetime". I have also seen plenty of other people on these boards say they were told the exact same thing. So does that mean they can sell us something under certain conditions and then change those conditions? I know this brings up the subject of was that CM(and all the others) giving out wrong information, which could have been the case, but that information could have been the deciding factor on whether or not someone bought the mug.
Like I said, this doesnt really affect me, but I think its the principal thats bugging me. What about the people who maybe spent 1 or 2 days at a resort and bought a mug thinking they will be going back again and now they cant use it, even though they were told they can. That really stinks!

CamColt

06-09-2002, 09:14 AM

I just read the other thread about this and had another thought. When we are in the food court for a meal, I usually get up quite a few times to fill and refill the mugs. Of course, no one ever needs a refill at the same time so it turns into a few visits to the dispenser. Its not really a big deal. But now, if you have to get in line and wait to be checked each time, so much for eating a meal. :rolleyes:
Ok, now it is affecting me, and I dont like it. :mad: ;)

bobcat

06-09-2002, 09:17 AM

I'm not really bothered by having to buy a new mug each trip. I use them at home as well and it is just another souvineer. What bugs me is the fact that you will have to scan them each time you refill. For me there goes the convienience of having a refillable mug! Guess I'll go back to stocking the cooler with diet soda.

hulabird

06-09-2002, 09:27 AM

we use ours at home too, and I was planning to bring ours on this years trip as well, but maybe I will bring them and see what happens, the scanning will be a pain, I hope they find this out rather quickly and can the idea before my August trip.

:smooth:

WedWay72

06-09-2002, 09:59 AM

If I have to go through the line in the morning just for coffee (and refills) I'm making my own in the room. I'll bring my own as well. The food court lines are too much of a pain during the rush hour to deal with this.

Tiffany

06-09-2002, 10:03 AM

We also buy new mugs every trip when we are staying at a resort that we feel is convienent to fill up. We did not buy mugs when we stayed at the BWI and the two times we stayed at the YC.

Even when we stayed at the AKL twice during 2001 we bought mugs on both trips. They have two different styles. I use all of my mugs as travel mugs everyday and bring them to work.

I view them as a $10 souvienor. I never thought a refillable mug was good for the life of the mug. Oh well. Hope everyone has great trips.

hulabird

06-09-2002, 10:55 AM

Well my original plan was to buy NEW mugs ONLY if they were a different design than last years, beacuse I like collecting them as souvenirs of each trip, but only if they are different. Last year CBR mugs had assorted fish playing instruments, does anyone know if they have these same mugs there now?

http://www.disgalaxy.addr.com/Bambi/Thumper/anithumper.gif

Deb & Bill

06-09-2002, 11:16 AM

When you buy a refillable mug at the water parks, you get a barcoded sticker on it that is good for that day. You have to scan the barcoded sticker to get a refill. The soda machine won't dispense without the appropriate bar code. The next time you go to the water park, you just buy a new sticker for your refillable mug for several dollars less than the new mug cost.

Now I suppose if you buy one new one, and scan that each time you could refill the older ones as well. But I'm not giving anyone any ideas here.

Even if you only stay a week and only get one week's worth of soda or coffee, you still have a deal. What are they now, $10 or something in that range? Think about it, folks, it is still a deal to be able to refill it seven times in a week. Plus, you get a nice souvenier.

Tartan Tigger

06-09-2002, 11:44 AM

Will there be a fast pass line at the All Stars during the morning rush hours?;)

jennymouse

06-09-2002, 11:46 AM

I'll definately be adding sodas and coffee to my list of stuff to get on my "grocery stop" when I get there. Good grief. I'm with bobcat, I don't mind buying a new mug....mine's looking pretty bad...but the scanning thing bites.

I wonder if the bar at the pool will have scanning capabilites? If not, can you imagine all those dripping wet kids/adults standing in line at the foodcourts to have their mugs scanned! People slipping and falling on the wet floors.....Can you say "lawsuites"!.....and you know, the poor folks who work the foodcourts are not looking forward to that extra work! Looks like they'd have to hire extra people to keep up with the mopping, scanning & policing of mugs!

I"m serious, sometimes Disney reminds me of a boss I used to have.......he'd spend thousands of dollars to save a hundred.:rolleyes:

jsmla

06-09-2002, 11:46 AM

At $10 I still think the mugs are a good deal if you are staying for a week or more. My problems with this are more abstract.

1. I asked and was told my mugs were good for a lifetime at the time I purchased them. I foolishly assumed they meant my lifetime.

2. I am not interested in them if I have to stand in the All Star food courts lines each time. It's easier just to keep drinks in the room.

3. Terk-1 wrote "According to her, you will have to go through the checkout each time you want to refill your mug, so that they can scan the mug to ensure you are actually staying at that resort at that time. She said that that should not be a problem, because it will show you staying at that resort."

Am I understanding it right that the official rational behind this is to prevent me from sneaking over to the All Star for an illicit soda? I mean come on. :rolleyes:

hulabird

06-09-2002, 11:51 AM

This is true, last year I think we refilled our mugs at least a few times per day for over a week..so the mugs are worth the price if u keep refilling.

http://www.disgalaxy.addr.com/Bambi/Thumper/anithumper.gif

MichaelH

06-09-2002, 04:47 PM

I don't think that this will go over to well. I know at CBR there are four stations to get a refill. Are they going to put a CM at each station to scan the mugs.

Guess it will be simpler to just take some cokes and bring the mug from a previous trip. Do not want the trouble of having to stand in line to get my cup scanned.

WDW2002

06-09-2002, 04:53 PM

How are they going to link the "bar code" on the cup with a person?? Are you going to have to show your room key or whatever when you buy the cup?? Then are they going to have to code that bar code to your reservation?? Sounds like a lot of work for the few cents per cup that it costs for the soda.

Gagebre

06-09-2002, 04:56 PM

I bought the mug my last trip to the ASMusic (and it was well worth the cost) and there was a line several times to just get up to the drink fountain. I couldn't imagine having to scan the mug at the checkout or at the fountain. This was another benefit of staying onsite to me. This is getting ridiculous.

ajblbv

06-09-2002, 05:09 PM

boy this really irks me. Coke gives Disney all the beverages FREE, imagine the profit margin they must already have, and now they plan on inconveniencing their entire customer base practically, Happy 100th Walt!

Kitten516

06-09-2002, 05:18 PM

I like going for just a weekend here and there, and I already bring a cooler, and a portable fridge (the benifits of living an hour away and driving) but last time we went we did buy the mugs, the refills for my tea, and Poweraide afer an all day park day were nice. But if it takes standing in a longer line than the one just to get the refill, it will not be worth it to me. I will just use our cooler and fridge more than I use their refills, and I can live without tea in the morning. Plus buying a new mug for just the weekend will not be worth it to us. One more thing to buy at the superwalmart before the trip. Oh well Disney does need to make their money. It will just not be by inconviencing me.

Tiffany

06-09-2002, 06:17 PM

Originally posted by ajblbv
boy this really irks me. Coke gives Disney all the beverages FREE, imagine the profit margin they must already have, and now they plan on inconveniencing their entire customer base practically, Happy 100th Walt!

Coke does not just give Disney the product for "FREE". They exchange services. Example Coke is the official soft drink in WDW. They usually would pay Disney for this. Then Coke delivers the product to Disney and Disney would pay Coke for the product. So instead of Coke writting a check to Disney for let's say $1mill and then Disney writting a check back for a $1mill they just exchange services. Advertising space for product.

starshine73

06-09-2002, 06:22 PM

I certainly do not begrudge purchasing new mugs every WDW trip. Like others who have posted, I regard them as a $10 souvenir and enjoy using them once I am home to get that "WDW feeling". I hope that WDW plans this one out properly though. We all know what the beverage section is like at peak hours at the AS food courts! Having to line up each time sounds pretty ridiculous.

ajblbv

06-09-2002, 06:22 PM

Same difference, the profits they must make from quote most likely come close to operating expenses per day I would say. The amount of cups you see is insane, and they overcharge for them too. The mugs were a great thing, and if this system goes in it will really make me mad, it will follow in line with a lot of recent things that take away from the magic.

Tiffany

06-09-2002, 06:39 PM

Originally posted by ajblbv
Same difference, the profits they must make from quote most likely come close to operating expenses per day I would say.

Hi ajblbv,
Since you did not quote I am assuming you are replying to the post that I put up in response to your post stating that Disney gets their Coke product for free.

Exchanging services is not the same as getting product for free. It is not the "same difference". If Disney was getting the Coke product for "free" then Coke would be writting the $1mill check for the advertising and giving the product to Disney. The difference is about $1mill(or whatever the revenue price tag on the advertising is) to the revenue line without a corrosponding expense entry.

Are they making a profit on the mugs? Of course. The mugs do not cost $10 to manufacture. Let's not forget that that is what Disney is in business for to make money. Specificly to make money for their shareholders and this is not something that has happen the last few years.

I am off my economic soapbox now. I am not a fan of having to wait in line to get my mug filled and if this bar code thing causes lines then it will need to be rethought but let's not get upset until it has actually been rolled out and in place and then we will be able to make informed judgements of this new policy.

ajblbv

06-09-2002, 07:06 PM

Originally posted by Tiffany

Hi ajblbv,
Since you did not quote I am assuming you are replying to the post that I put up in response to your post stating that Disney gets their Coke product for free.

Exchanging services is not the same as getting product for free. It is not the "same difference". If Disney was getting the Coke product for "free" then Coke would be writting the $1mill check for the advertising and giving the product to Disney. The difference is about $1mill(or whatever the revenue price tag on the advertising is) to the revenue line without a corrosponding expense entry.

Are they making a profit on the mugs? Of course. The mugs do not cost $10 to manufacture. Let's not forget that that is what Disney is in business for to make money. Specificly to make money for their shareholders and this is not something that has happen the last few years.

I am off my economic soapbox now. I am not a fan of having to wait in line to get my mug filled and if this bar code thing causes lines then it will need to be rethought but let's not get upset until it has actually been rolled out and in place and then we will be able to make informed judgements of this new policy.

Let us look realistically at what is actually happening. Disney is given the majority of it's soft drinks in exchance for the exclusivity of Coke as the soft drink provider for Disney. Disney World arguable is the most profitable part of the Disney corporation right now, and in the past few years they are making major cuts there, and attendance has dropped, coincedence? Dino-Rama is one other example, my first time seeing it was 4 days ago, and I was extremely disappointed. They took carnival rides and put them in Disney, but did not make them Disney. I expect things such as Splash Mountain, or Spaceship Earth, or Tower of Terror, even minor rides such as Dumbo are more well themed.

The failure of Disney in Europe and California Adventure, combined with 9/11, and actual competition in the animated world leave Disney World the only place left to make money and sustain a profit, but instead of seeing that they have taken measures that are 'cost effective' as opposed to pleasing to longtime customers. I can say that because I know 20+ people who have been disappointed in changes and 'upgrades', in fact the only good things I can cite are the Annual Passholder lounges, and the Figment renovation in recent months.

maryliz

06-09-2002, 08:14 PM

Is it just me or has Disney gone from one extreme to the other. I have witnessed many, many times people filling up their water bottles, other travel mugs etc at the food court right in front of a CM and nothing was ever said. One guy even asked her where he could find the cream for his coffee ! I am certainly one who has used my mugs on return trips (because I was told to), but I have never used them at a different resort nor filled other non-disney containers. I think the scanning thing will just be a nightmare for guests and CM's (and the food court managers --- I suspect they'll be pretty busy calming down irate guests). One of the reasons CSR is not a resort high on our list of "must stays" is that refilling your mugs there is a pain, especially if that's ALL you're doing at the time (ie. not eating). This rates up with the passes they came out with about 10 years ago that actually had your picture on them ! This was very short-lived for a very good reason. Hopefully they will have figured out that this plan is just nuts before our trip in October. Good luck to all of you going in the hot, busy summer months. Guess I'll just be bringing 2 coolers instead of one -- oh wait, they'll probably start charging for ice !

Mary Liz

kenman

06-09-2002, 08:39 PM

I am going to coronado springs next year for two weeks! It would save me alot of $ having a mug, but It is not worth it to me, I always got one every year but I will not wait in line for a dumb soda! I will just go to the machine and buy it there! When I'm at disney time is money!! You spend enough time in lines at the parks, I am not about to wait in line at the hotel for a drink! I think that next year I'm going to take a cooler as my suitcase so when I get to the hotel fill it up with ice at the ice machine in the hall and take my own soda!:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

bullcat_02

06-09-2002, 09:37 PM

This is my first time to ever post on this board. But I had to come jump in this discussion. My mom and I just returned two weeks ago today from a wonderful week at the Movies. Let me also tell you that this was my high school graduation present from my parents. My mom saved up for 3 years just so we could go. It really infuriates me that Disney would do that. We bought those b/c we could use them for a LIFETIME.--Thanks to listen to me ramble on--I just had to get my feelings out about this subj.

Deb & Bill

06-09-2002, 09:48 PM

You probably will be able to use them for a lifetime, just not for free. Not all refillable mugs were free to refill. I can use my Typhoon Lagoon sports bottle forever, but I have to purchase the sticker so that I can refill it with soda at the park. The sticker is much cheaper than a completely new sports bottle with fillup for the day.

mbkteach

06-10-2002, 05:21 AM

Does anyone know of an e-mail address that we could use to express our thoughts on this?

Poohbear123

06-10-2002, 07:19 AM

Needless to say I am NOT too HAPPY with this decision!:mad: I leave for my trip in 10 days, and am hoping this is NOT in effect than. First EE and now this??:confused: I guess I won't be going back after this trip, and I usually go 3-4 times a year! I will stay OFF site and bring my own stuff!:mad:

Kaitysmom

06-10-2002, 09:14 AM

On the original post no mention was made about being able to buy another sticker for your mug. How much does it cost at Typhoon Lagoon? Hopefully they will offer this here as well - don't get me wrong though - I think this stinks! As somebody else said, every time I go to WDW a little more magic is gone. Silly really, considering soda costs about a nickel for a refill. At $10 for the mug, you'd need to have an awful lot of refills before they're losing on the deal!

jdads2

06-10-2002, 09:52 AM

I can understand being upset that our old ( I mean previously enjoyed) mugs MAY no longer be usable. I say may because we don't really know if they are or aren't. Maybe if you have a mug with no barcode it gets grandfathered in and you still get to use it for a "lifetime".

If not, yeah, I guess I will be a little dissappointeed, OK maybe not dissappointed. What's less than dissappointed? In the grand scheme and cost of things at WDW it doesn't register. I really assumed lifetime meant, in our case anyway, until our kids lose or destroy them. I never thought they would last into our 3rd trip.

What's more upsetting is waiting in another line just for a refill. Maybe they will have a strictly refill line where you can scan your own mugs.

I'll be watching this closely for our trip in September. I can see the lines becoming intolerable, especially at AS and during peak season. If that happens I'll be brining lots of powder drink mixes with us to WDW.

Toad

06-10-2002, 11:46 AM

At the risk of being flamed, and remember this is my opinion only, perhaps Disney felt they had to do this because so many people (myself included) continue to use the same mug trip after trip. I have never been told , and I ask every time, that the mugs are "good for a lifetime". I have always been told that they are good for my "length of stay" only. On my last trip, I used the mug I purchased two months before and, frankly, the guilt I felt wasn't worth the cost of a $10 mug.

:D

Poohbear123

06-10-2002, 01:37 PM

Thats OK! I will just bring my mug, fill it with Ice, and fill it UP with MY OWN SODA!:o Not a problem at ALL!:rolleyes: I am just wondering how this is going to go over.........:confused:

Tigger73

06-10-2002, 04:09 PM

I really can't believe that so many people are getting upset over a silly mug. We're all willing to spend thousands of dollars on our vacations, yet get bent out of shape over a $10 item. Here's a suggestion, use your old mug as a bank for loose change. By the time your ready for vacation, you'll have your $10...

There are so many things to worry about, I wouldn't let this be one of them....

bootc3

06-10-2002, 05:50 PM

Has this gone into effect? Has anyone had firsthand experience yet? Until then I think I will withhold judgement.:D

ajblbv

06-10-2002, 06:05 PM

Originally posted by Tigger73
I really can't believe that so many people are getting upset over a silly mug. We're all willing to spend thousands of dollars on our vacations, yet get bent out of shape over a $10 item. Here's a suggestion, use your old mug as a bank for loose change. By the time your ready for vacation, you'll have your $10...

There are so many things to worry about, I wouldn't let this be one of them....

If you would pay close attention the majority of us are upset over the waiting in line portion and accept paying 10 dollars per trip.

dcedwards

06-10-2002, 06:44 PM

This could be horrible as far as waiting in line. Would definitely take some of the advantage away from buying one. That is for sure. My suggestion is that people write to Disney and let them know about this policy and the concerns. Perhaps if they get bombarded by emails they may rethink the new policy. Just a thought. The email is easy to use, especially for those of us on these boards.

dcedwards

06-10-2002, 06:56 PM

I just emailed them. As many others have said, it isn't the cost that concerns me. It is the additional workload this will put on Disney employees as well as the additional wait time for me to get a refill. One of the advantages of the mug, for us, is that we can pop in, without standing in line, and simply refill them. Take this advantage away and I will bring my own pop and use their ice in my old mugs. Besides, I typically buy a couple new mugs every trip anyways so the price doesn't matter that much.

Here is the email that I use:

wdw.guest.communications@wda.disney.com

Email them and let them explain. Seems to me the amount of "unhappiness" this policy would generate from customers tired of waiting in lines, especially during peak seasons, would outweigh any financial gain they could experience. Besides, pop costs about .02 cents per 8 ounce serving. And, those mugs might hold that much but not much more once you put ice in them. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Plus, I would imagine that a lot of their business is one time trips and not "frequent Disners" but I might be wrong.

Glenn

06-10-2002, 07:44 PM

Heres another thing that no one has mentioned. Whats going to happen when someone looking to eat walks into a food court & sees veeeaaary long lines caused by the new refill policy. Will it cause them to mumble. If their driving cause them to eat off site? How much time will it add it you want to really eat. Why not issue a new mug every yr good for a yr. Another collectable for us that go every couple of yrs but rewards folks that visit several times a yr cheaply.

Deb & Bill

06-10-2002, 09:02 PM

There is no problem in filling your refillable mug at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. You can either get it filled at the food stands and they check the sticker OR you refill at the unattended soft drink machine. You wave you sticker over the "eye" and then you fill your mug. NO PROBLEM. No long lines. EASY. And you don't need a cast member standing there to check or scan the mugs. As long as you keep filling the mug, and don't stop the pressure on the bar.... Just like getting a refill at McDonalds, only you have to scan it to fill it.

And if the right to refill spreads to the parks with the same unattended drink machines at various locations, it will use fewer people to sell the drinks, plus sell more mug or stickers.

"If you would pay close attention the majority of us are upset over the waiting in line portion and accept paying 10 dollars per trip."

That's not how I read it. I keep seeing the "I was told I could use it for a lifetime" Lenght of stay, folks, length of stay.

gepetto

06-10-2002, 09:23 PM

Originally posted by dcedwards
Besides, pop costs about .02 cents per 8 ounce serving. And, those mugs might hold that much but not much more once you put ice in them.

I'm sure it costs that much at Burger King too but they don't charge .02 cents either.

Kitten516

06-10-2002, 10:12 PM

I really like the one mug per year idea. We go for lots of quick weekends, and the one mug per year would be nice. Having to spend 10$ per weekend per mug (2 of us) would keep us from doing the refillable mugs. 20$ worth of drinks would fill up my whole car. The 10$ is not a big deal if it is a week or 2, but the one night stays or 2 night stays (for a long weekend) just don't add up. Oh well Disney will do what is best for them no matter what we think.

aalan

06-10-2002, 11:54 PM

it may seem small and insignificant, but this is yet another money-grubbing scheme by a company that is forgetting the way to treat guests, ESPECIALLY guests that spend a lot of $$$ year after year. this is my email i sent to diz-ney:

dear sirs:

i'm really sorry to hear that you are "losing" so much money on soda that you are considering
a barcode program on the resort/refillable mugs...i really think you should think carefully
about this decision. everyone knows that in the food business, it's "sell lots of small cokes w/
lotsa ice." this is pure profit. but dizney is not in the food business, they are supposed to be in
the MAGIC business! its NOT a great deal to stay on grounds, especially at peak times. but
most people, especially the true dis fans who come back year after year, dont mind paying a
little extra to stay on grounds. to them (myself included) its worth it. we spend more than we
have to at the hotels and hotel restaurants. while staying there isnt the most economical, the
refillable mugs were (hopefully will still be) a GOOD deal. i know people abuse it, but you
dont think folks will abuse the new sticker plan? how hard is it going to be to scan a mug and
put your own 64 ounce 7/11 plastic mug under the tap? can you SEE the long lines of upset
people just wanting another cup of coffee or refill of soda? are you guys really THINKING?
or are you going to keep chipping away at things like early entry and refillable mugs to the
point that fewer and fewer people stay on grounds? look, i realize its a business, but if you
keep taking away the little things that may SEEM insignificant, its gonna add up to one big
negative. and myself, along with thousands of other potential guests, will spend their
entertainment dollars somewhere else. so PLEASE, just stop and consider this one!

Geoff_M

06-11-2002, 07:57 AM

After reading all of this fuss over Disney finally enforcing their long time official policy of "One mug, one resort, one visit" it wouldn't suprise me if they'd can the whole refillable mug program and tell everyone to go back to paying for each cup.

Since some of you were told by some food court CMs that they were "good for life" and verbal contracts are legally binding, why doesn't someone file a class action lawsuit?!?!?!

WolfpackFan

06-11-2002, 08:21 AM

Originally posted by Geoff_M
After reading all of this fuss over Disney finally enforcing their long time official policy of "One mug, one resort, one visit" it wouldn't suprise me if they'd can the whole refillable mug program and tell everyone to go back to paying for each cup.

Since some of you were told by some food court CMs that they were "good for life" and verbal contracts are legally binding, why doesn't someone file a class action lawsuit?!?!?!

The thing is, when I'm at WDW and a CM tells me something, I usually take it as being Disney policy. I don't go and contact upper management to make sure that what the CM told me is in actual fact true. Especially for something as insignificant as a soft drink. I along with many others, have no problem buying a new set of mugs everytime we go down. But please, don't make me stand in a long line to get my morning cup of coffee or make me stand in line to get a cold Coke after being in the hot parks all day. There are some things I can put up with and some I can't and this is one of those things I can't. If Disney is going to make it inconvenient to use the mugs, then I'll just bring my own soft drinks in an ice chest and forgo the refillable mugs completely.

DMRick

06-11-2002, 08:38 AM

I keep reading about long lines. Why, if they go to a upc reader, would the lines be longer than they are sometimes now? You go up to it, wave the cup and fill it. It just might make everything go faster, if people won't be filling their large thermos's now.
I don't have a problem buying a sticker or a mug..however, I also was one of those who thought people misunderstood when told the mug was good for a lifetime. Til my last trip. I clearly, (and discussed it with the CM) heard the CM tell the people in line in front of me, not only tell the gal her 5 mugs she was purchasing was good for a lifetime, but at other resorts. I don't think it's the line, or the $10 each..I think it's because, in spite of the sign (not everyone sees the sign) CM's ARE saying it's good for a lifetime (this was beginning of May). The CM was not happy with me, when I questioned why she was telling people that. She clearly told me that was the policy. So why wouldn't people be upset if in fact the "policy" told to them was incorrect. Yes, I know what the sign says, and the answer you get form Disney if you e-mail them...but most people see CM's as being the "official" word when they are actually purchasing their mugs..and don't think they should go off and e-mail Disney before purchasing..to be sure the CM is correct..they assume she knows of what she speaks. I spent $50 on my new mugs, and I wasn't thrilled hearing her say you could use mugs from other resorts. I could have spent that $50 elsewhere in Disney.

jsmla

06-11-2002, 08:44 AM

"That's not how I read it. I keep seeing the "I was told I could use it for a lifetime" Lenght of stay, folks, length of stay."

That was me. I am absolutely positive I was told this because I am extremely tight and asked not once but several times before I purchased mugs and on subsequent visits before we re-used them. (This was at the All Stary Music.) The mugs aren't a big deal with us and we've already gotten our $10 worth but I hope they've gotten their story straight. Things do change suddenly in the world.

Geoff_M

06-11-2002, 08:47 AM

But please, don't make me stand in a long line to get my morning cup of coffee or make me stand in line to get a cold Coke after being in the hot parks all day.
And based on what people have reported on seeing in the waterparks, where such systems are already in use, your fears of long line are not likely to materialize.

The thing is, when I'm at WDW and a CM tells me something, I usually take it as being Disney policy.
And that's a fair assumption. But whether it's CM taking things into their own hands becuase they realize they don't have the means to police the pop machines, or bad training, that shouldn't require WDW to change their policy.

If Disney is going to make it inconvenient to use the mugs...
Walk up to the dispenser, wave my mug across the scanner, a green light comes on, I fill my mug. I can live with that. I think part of the problem was that the coke machines were a little "too" easy to use.

Kaitysmom

06-11-2002, 09:03 AM

The water park deal is considerably less appealing than a mug that you can use for your entire stay. I think more people bought the mugs at the resorts than at a waterpark - especially if they were good for a lifetime. I am sure that the new system will cause problems - be it lines, people that don't know how to scan their mugs thereby causing lines, etc. People will probably try to cheat the system by buying one mug and filling others, etc. Does anyone know if people do that at the waterparks? I won't bother with the mugs now because we stay at FW and it is far less convenient to use them there.

Geoff_M

06-11-2002, 09:16 AM

The water park deal is considerably less appealing than a mug that you can use for your entire stay.
There's no indication that the stickers at the resorts will be daily stickers. I think it's safe to say the stickers will be for your length of stay. Show 'em, or have them swipe, your room key and you get a sticker that expires on your check-out date.

I am sure that the new system will cause problems - be it lines, people that don't know how to scan their mugs thereby causing lines, etc.
If the people in the waterparks can figure it out, the people in the resorts will too. Why don't we all wait and see if it's a problem before we start bombarding WDW with nasty-grams?!?!?

People will probably try to cheat the system by buying one mug and filling others, etc.
The people that make such access control scanning systems routinely use "lock outs" to deter mis-use. It wouldn't surprise me if your sticker is "locked out" from reuse for a short period after it is succesfully used. A lock-out of 2 minutes could make a cheater wait 8 minutes to fill 5 mugs using one sticker. But this is pure speculation on my part. Whatever they use, it'll do a better job of preventing abuse then the current system, that's for sure!

MiaSRN62

06-11-2002, 09:43 AM

***** It wouldn't surprise me if your sticker is "locked out" from reuse for a short period after it is succesfully used. A lock-out of 2 minutes would make a cheater wait 8 minutes to fill 5 mugs using one sticker. ********

I don't know, but this all seems like a royal pain. I can't tell you how many times my kids spilled/dropped stuff. So you mean if your child fills up his mug, then maybe spills/drops it, we have to wait 8 minutes and get back in line again ? I can see alot of potential problems happening with this system. I'm another one who, back in 1998 was told while purchasing 6 mugs from Dixie Landings that they were "good for all future stays at Dixie Landings". So now they can just take back that statement ? Doesn't make for happy guests...........

Kaitysmom

06-11-2002, 09:47 AM

I don't see my comments as nasty grams for pete's sake! I guess you haven't seen it, but I am continually amazed at how the simplest things confuse some people. Just watch people struggling with Fast Passes or putting their tickets through at the gate!

What I meant about the water parks vs. resorts is just what you restated. The water parks are only for a day so far less people will take advantage of using them than people staying at the resorts.

I think the whole reason some of us are upset is that we are disappointed that we are losing a perk we used to have. I am not the only one who was told that the mugs were good forever. Whether the CMs made a mistake or not, or they have changed their policy, it doesn't matter. That particular perk is gone.

StormAlongBay

06-11-2002, 10:13 AM

When was the last time anyone saw a crowd of "Water Park" people crowd around their drink dispenser trying to get their morning coffee?

Geoff_M

06-11-2002, 10:20 AM

So you mean if your child fills up his mug, then maybe spills/drops it, we have to wait 8 minutes and get back in line again ?
No. If ("IF", I say) they implement my idea, then you'd have to wait a maximum of 2 minutes. My example was for someone trying to cheat the system by filling five mugs after purchasing one sticker. In your example the wait to refill the spilled mug would be less than 2 minutes because probably 1 minute of the 2 will pass from the time you fill your first mug until the time you fill your last.

I don't see my comments as nasty grams for pete's sake!
That was a general comment based on the outrage and gnashing of teeth I've seen here combined with the encouragement to vent those feelings towards WDW's e-mail inbox.

The water parks are only for a day so far less people will take advantage of using them than people staying at the resorts.
I guess I don't see they relivance here. WDW will more than likely maintain the needed users to dispenser ratios at both locations. It sounds like the scanner will add all of two seconds to each fill. If there's a line, people in back will take note of what the people up front are doing in order to get their Coke. There will be signage with directions, etc. etc. I don't see this gumming up the works. If it does, I'm sure Disney will adapt the situation to make it work... add more dispensers, clearer directions, pictorial directions, etc. etc.

I am not the only one who was told that the mugs were good forever. Whether the CMs made a mistake or not, or they have changed their policy, it doesn't matter.
I can understand some people being upset. But it would be more appropriate to complain to Disney about the lack of proper training and monitoring of what a large number of their CM's were telling people.

How many people here that are now upset haven't read any of the past "mug debate" threads and seen the cut-n-paste replies from WDW that clearly stated their mug policy???

DMRick and I had a good go at this topic a couple months ago. And as stated above, he did the right thing by calling the CM on the carpet when it was clear that they were giving out bad information.

RHSgrad03

06-11-2002, 10:55 AM

Disney is a multi-billion dollar company who loves their "guests." Well they obviously don't love them enough to go through with this stupid plan. It may be 100 Years of Magic in the parks, but it's 100 Minutes of Waiting in line at the All-Star food courts to get your mug scanned. Not good.

rhodesdkd

06-11-2002, 12:12 PM

ok lets not get ahead of ourselves......they have not done anything yet.I called pofq and spoke with the resort mang. because i will be there in march and he said that they will honor the mugs i got at por in august and said that i could bring them back as much as i wanted as long as it was por or pofq.When i purchased my mugs at por in march i knew i would be back in august so i triple checked the policy with the front desk and food court mang and was told they are good for as long as i came back to that resort.

DancingBear

06-11-2002, 12:48 PM

You never know what will stir up the DIS! I always enjoy these passionate threads. Nobody asked, but my 2 cents:

1--Let's not assume that this is going to be a logistical nightmare. Sounds like this system has had a significant test run at the water parks. Sure, there will be a learning curve, as with FastPass, but doesn't sound too complicated.

2--This is just a guess, but I would assume that Disney has been more concerned with folks filling up their thermoses, cups from home, etc., than with return visits from loyal customers.

3--I don't know how you compensate those who were given incorrect info by CMs in the past about lifetime use and use at different resorts; however, if you can put this aside for a moment, how do you feel about the one resort/one stay program? For me, it's still a pretty good deal. We stay for a week at one resort, and it only takes 5 refills or so to "get our money's worth." Again, if you set aside the inconsistent info and enforcement history of this program, it doesn't seem outrageous to me. I'd rather have them try to make more money selling soda (which I can elect in or out of) than cutting back stage show performances and such.

4--It's interesting how things become "fact". Disneyland Paris is not a failure. It's been making money for several years now, after a major debt restructuring in the mid-'90s. The Walt Disney Studios park just opened next door. And the way the overseas parks are structured, Disney didn't take a huge hit for the slow early years.

DancingBear

06-11-2002, 01:14 PM

Okay, I just read the other thread on this same topic and I have a thought about compensating those who received wrong info from CMs in the past that the mugs were good for life/good at other resorts.

I assume that your complaint is that you were induced into buying the mugs by this promise. If so, would you be satisfied if WDW agreed to buy back your mugs for the original purchase price?

gepetto

06-11-2002, 02:03 PM

Originally posted by Geoff_M

If the people in the waterparks can figure it out, the people in the resorts will too. Why don't we all wait and see if it's a problem before we start bombarding WDW with nasty-grams?!?!?

I posted the same thing on the other mug thread!! :) We don't even know if it's even going to be used in all the resorts. They may in fact let you use old mugs from that particular resort and just buy a sticker for it. This system works well at the water parks. Why couldn't it work just as well at the resorts???

Also....every time I bought a mug it was clearly posted somewhere in the food court "good for your entire stay". I distinctly remember seeing it at both at Polynesian and AKL.:)

Poohbear123

06-11-2002, 02:42 PM

Since reading this thread, and responding to it, yes I am still a LITTLE Upset over it, but, one bad apple DOES spoil the WHOLE BUNCH!:( (I am talking about those who abused this system). Anyway, after reading the latest threads, I have decided that when I go on my trip in 9 days, I will check this out!:o IF they opt for me to BUY a sticker, and it costs about 5.00 for my length of stay, I will DO IT! However, if I have to buy a NEW mug for 10.00 I will NOT do IT! I really do not go to the food court all that much, and only use it 2-3 times a day if that! Thanks for ALL the info Dancing Bear and Geoff_M!;)

WDW2002

06-11-2002, 05:09 PM

Originally posted by Poohbear123
I really do not go to the food court all that much, and only use it 2-3 times a day if that

Isn't a $10 mug paid for with 4 fill ups? Drinks are generally $2.50 a piece so, even if you only use it one time a day during a 5 day trip you have more then paid for it plus you have the mug to use at home. Even with the scanning thing it still sounds like a great deal to me.

dcedwards

06-11-2002, 10:27 PM

It is interesting to read both threads on this topic. What I think is being missed here is the fact that it is okay to let Disney know what you are thinking. If you think the program would be good and could work, then tell them. If you have concerns over the proposed program, then tell them your concerns, politely.

As I posted on the other thread, sometimes "the little things" can be overlooked when implementing a new program. Perhaps we could have some influence on the final policy by expressing our concerns to Disney.j

I was one of those told on five different trips that the mugs were not only good for our current stay but all future stays at that particular resort. When I questioned, including the management, on this policy they assured me it was Disney policy, also. This seems to have been verified, at least at the POFQ, by the mgr. there.

However, I was also told that I could not use it at any other resort, just the one I purchased it at (or its sister resort in the case of PO). Yes, the sign says good for the length of stay and that is not incorrect but as I recall, and I could be wrong, it doesn't say ONLY for your length of stay.

Honestly, I think the problem happens when people use mugs from other resorts, fill up large cups that aren't from the resort, etc. Unfortunately, those who demonstrate this behavior tend to ruin it for others.

I'm not sure what the perfect solution to this would be but I do know that if I am concerned about something that it is my responsibility to let Disney know what Ihave heard and what my concerns would be. Then, all I can do is wait and see what happens and what the program finally ends up being. As I recall, someone mentioned that this was a test program, too. So, you never know what will happen in the end. But, it seems that Disney does tend to listen to guests. The boats to DTD from PO have now returned and at one time Disney was saying they were gone for good. Perhaps the comments received from guests made a difference. I think it is worth the effort. I will let everyone know what I hear when Disney responds to my email.

DMRick

06-11-2002, 11:01 PM

DMRick and I had a good go at this topic a couple months ago. And as stated above, he did the right thing by calling the CM on the carpet when it was clear that they were giving out bad information.

Actually, I'm a female..everyone assumes I'm a male with the Rick in my name.

It didn't matter that I asked why she was telling people it was good for life. The manager and several suits were in the foodcourt at POR (looking to get ready to redo it), and they got into the conversation. They pretty much said they don't care who uses what for the drinks.
I haven't changed my mind..I still feel if CM's said it was good for life, then they should have been retrained.

manning

06-11-2002, 11:18 PM

Dcedwards -- Amen! It's like voting. If you don't vote, don't complain. If management knows the feelings about this system they may come up with something that may satisfy most everyone.

I posted an idea about how to do it on the Vacation Club board. It may work, it may not. Also sent it to Disney. They may like what I said or ignore all or part of it completely, but they have my input to help make or change a decision if they are persuaded.

There have been times I had to make policy and had someone mention something I never thought about.