New Refillable Mug Program -- Resort Wide

[Terk-1]

Just got off the phone with guest services at both the All Stars & Caribbean Beach. 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). 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. Was told that this is going to be effective at ALL resorts offering this option and that it is going to take at least a couple of months for it to become effective resort wide. When I spoke with CB, 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. She also could not tell me if the prices for the mugs will go up with this new procedure.

[BCV23]

That sounds like a horrible idea to me. The best part of the mugs was not standing in the checkout line. Does anyone else have old pink mugs from the Poly? We have two versions in pink. The oldest held much more than the current blue ones and kept the drinks cold forever. The next version of pink mugs was just like the current ones. Terk-1, did she say if they would be good at the parks or at multiple resorts?

[corvair]

Trek-1, when is this going in effect? We will be there June 18-27. I was planning on taking my PO-FQ mugs along with me?? thanks,,corvair

[kenman]

I guess I won't be getting a mug next year! What a headach ,not woth the trouble! It's bad enougt to walk to the place to fill it let alone do at the dumb scanning thing! Can't they tell by just looking that the logo on the mug is from that hotel! And anyone if they do this they are going to have to guard the soda machine because they are in the open and alot of people keep refilling the cups you get when you buy a regular soda in those paper cups!!

[Meriweather]

How are they going to make everyone go from the dispensers back into the line? Are the dispensers now going to be inside the actually "courts".
This is REALLY bad!! I don't mind buying new mugs, but standing in line every time will not work!! What a waste of time!
:(

[DemonLlama]

Rats. Part of the value of the mugs was the time they saved, as well as the money. We would have them and fill them up as we left for the parks and as we returned. We took some wipes and a gallon ziplock to store them in between in our backpack. This way, it wasn't even out of our way -- zip in, zip out.

I have to admit, we'll still get them and use them, though.

I wonder if the drink machines could be programed with a scanner to read the bar codes. Naw, now that I think about it, that would require every cup to have a bar code for scanning, even the disposables, so the machine would dispense the drink.

Guess we'll be standing in line.

Maybe the need for an extra attendant to handle the swelling lines with this policy, or perhaps a drop in mug sales, will make Disney rethink how much money they won't be saving with this new policy.

[zulaya]

This sounds like it's going to cost Disney a lot more money to implement and a lot of negative customer fdeedback about waiting in line. Sometimes you wonder who the geniuses are who come up with these ideas...

[exiles]

Buying a mug does not qualify one for lifetime refills. Show a little class and get a new mug each time. :o

[strawberryblonde]

It looks to me that most people are worried about the time wasted in line, not about buying a new mug:p

[zulaya]

Personally, I would buy mugs each time - nice souvie plus it's a heck of a hassle to pack some of those mugs to bring with you. For me it's definitely the waiting in line that's going to be not fun.

[Gillian]

It sounds like this will be a big mess! Maybe they only want you to get a drink when you are waiting on line to pay for food anyway?

[DebbieB]

So where will the dispensers be? If they are still out in the middle of the food court, how can they control it with the cash register? Have someone there taking a receipt?

The ironic part is soda and coffee is a huge money maker, the actual cost to them is very low and by using a refillable mug that you pay for they don't even have as much cup costs.

[BCV23]

Exiles, we use to buy new mugs each trip until one time I heard another customer ask if they could bring it back on their next trip if they purchased them The CM said yes so we did start to bring our mugs back each trip. What does class have to do with that? And as strawberry blonde noted, it's the time in line that will be the deciding factor for us.

[CamColt]

According to DH this new policy just cost Disney $40.00!
We have 3 ASMO mugs from last year. We were planning on going back and buying 4 new mugs this year. They are definitely worth the cost of refills and a great souvenier. However, there is no way we are waiting in line 3-4x during a meal to get scanned.
Looks like Ill be packing our diet coke. What a bummer since the mugs are such a great deal. :mad:

[Tiffany]

Someone posted on the other thread that is discussing this change in policy that it might be similar to what they do at the water parks. That the mug has the bar code on it and you scan the bar code on a scanner that is attached to the soda machine. If that is the case I could see that working. I am not going to get upset over lines that might not exist. Let's wait and see what the new procedure is before we get all upset over it.

[addicted_to_WDW]

I don't mind purchasing new mugs, particularly since I somehow manage to forget the old ones every trip anyway. A quick count has revealed that I own 21 Disney refillable mugs. :rolleyes:

I won't, however, participate if it means every time we need a refill we have to go through the line. For us that means 2x per meal per person, and that's ridiculous. I already keep a soda stash in the room, and am not above carting my own drinks into the food court.

One thing we all have to admit is that Disney knows how to minimize lines and maximize satisfaction. We may be getting all worked up over nothing, considering the plan has yet to be implemented.

[BCV23]

Tiffany, that does make more sense. I'll still miss the hominess of the old way. When you mention water parks, do you mean Disney's?

[Tink]

Years ago, I got the refillable mugs at POFQ. This was when they had just started the program. At that time, refills were not free, they were $0.79 or $0.89. They put a little sticker on the mug, a color for each day, to see if you paid. Well, we did not know this. We had gotten mugs from CBR the trip before and they were free and we thought it was the same way. At the end of the trip, someone asked where my sticker was and I must have looked confused. The CM told me about it. So, we got a sticker. We did see lots of other people without stickers, just refilling.

The next year, the stickers were gone and the refills were free. We still bring back the same mugs, and we do update them when a new design comes out.

I think that there should be a special dedicated checkout to have the mug scanned. This will cut down waiting in line. Especially if you are like us, and one person runs in while the others are in the pool area! For me it is not a question of buying the mug, they are economical considering the amount of soft drinks my family drinks, it's the hassel of waiting in line when I don't want to buy anything else. Although, maybe Disney is hoping that if you are waiting in line, you will buy!:)

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by BCV23
Tiffany, that does make more sense. I'll still miss the hominess of the old way. When you mention water parks, do you mean Disney's?

Yes. It was posted in the other thread that the Disney water parks put a bar code on the mug when you buy it and the bar code is only programmed to be good for that day. I guess you run the bar code under the scanner and it unlocks the soda machine. It will be interesting to see how this is all going to work. We are going to be at the Dolphin in August so I will have to see how Tubbi's handles this.

[BCV23]

Thanks, Tiffany. Imagine how frustrating it could be if the scanner won't read your bar code for some reason. At least that happens at grocery stores around here. Maybe Disney has perfected their system?

[Deb & Bill]

It works well at BB and TL all three times I had the bar code on the mug. I bought the mug the first time and just got the sticker the other times. The sticker cost about 4 or 5 dollars.

[SouthernMom]

Hmmm... we just got back and half the drink machines at our resort (CBR) were not working most of the time. It was a guessing game as to which one would be working. So obviously this meant lines. And the ice, forget it! I guess what I am wondering is when they are already having such a problem with the drink machines, adding one more thing to keep operational. well... then again, maybe they were in the process of trying to install the system and that's why there were so many problems with the dispensers??? I agree with what everyone else said... don't mind buying new mugs, just hate the idea of wasting time having to "check out" every time.

[Rock'n Robin]

This is also bad for people who switch resorts or have short stays. I have a Poly mug from 6/2000. Last December on a whim I threw it in my bag and was able to use it on our 3 day trip. Now on a 3 day trip there is no way I'd get my money out of that mug with refills.
We are switching resorts for the first time this trip. I'll only be at the Poly two nights. I love iced tea and am used to getting a mug of it on our way out and on our way back to the room. I also have last year's Boardwalk mug--last year I paid for refills, which I wouldn't mind doing, but they have free refills now and I wouldn't want to pay $10 for a mug.
Even so, I WOULD do that--but then lines are another issue! Of course at Boardwalk Bakery I have to wait in line anyhow, but at the Poly you just whip into Capt. Cooks and whip back out.
Anyone who goes down in the near future please keep us posted on what resorts this is implemented at and how it works.
Jeez, does Disney really lose enough money on this deal to go to these extremes?
Robin M.

[gepetto]

Our last Polynesian stay, I'd say about 1/3 of the people in Captain Cook's were refilling mugs from other resorts, water parks or theme parks. Some just used whatever coffee mug or thermos they brought from home. This was about a week and a half ago and it was pretty out of hand, IMHO. I can see why they would change their policy. Maybe they'll allow mugs from previous years if you buy the barcode sticker. :(

[epcotfan]

I have no problem if the barcode reader is at the beverage station. Ideally it would be great (although not enviormentally friendly) if you could use readily disposable cups and your room key barcode to unlock the beverage fountain. Then you wouldn't have to tote around your mug back and forth from your room. As long as you had your key you could wave it under the scanner and then get drinks as needed. Then your flat rate could be billed to your room for each resort you stay at. Perhaps they could bill per person depending on the length of stay. For example: 3 days $5.00, 5 days $7.50, 1 week, $10.00, etc...perhaps capping at $15 for over a week or more, etc...
You wouldn't have to worry about kids each having a "mug card" You could have your whole family put on one card paid upfront. Then that way people just couldn't get one mug card and use it for their whole family.
For example mom and dad and their two kids check in. They all want refillable mug options. They pay upfront and are given a barcode card for the whole family. No more carrying mugs and no line ups going through the cash register.

[A kid at heart]

Unless they come up with a way to avoid a huge line and make a lot of traffic I doubt if it will work with the current description of the program.

[Terk-1]

For some reason, this has always been a hot issue. Reusing previous mugs vs. buying new one's each trip. I only use the mugs for lemonade, since I don't drink coffee or iced tea and gave up soda over 2 years ago and mainly drink spring water. I too have seen people using mugs from different resorts or not even from Disney at all and agree that something needs to be done to curb the use of non-resort mugs. This program sounds like a good way of taking care of this. I too have split stays at resorts and agree that it would not be practical for me to purchase a mug for only a few nights stay. Everyone's opinion varies on this and no one's "class" should be questioned. Having said that, I am going to call and speak directly with a manager tomorrow and try and get more details regarding this, since guest services have not been brought into the fold as of yet. I will try to get a solid answer as to how this is going to work, as well as will they have a separate line to go through to scan or will the machines be scannable, how long it will take to implement all of this, if there will be an increase in the cost of the mug, can they be reused, etc. This way we can get it straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. I will post what I was sold as soon as I can.

[adamak]

This is not a good idea. Sure, some customers have no class (use mugs everywhere), but neither does Disney. Soda really doesn't cost that much money. they're not losing profits over this. Asking customers to go through lines just to get a refill could cause alot more headaches. (Unless they have a special refill line). Also, the mug itself is already a profit for Disney.

If Disney is really concern about the cost of soda and tea, why not start a "drink plan" or something of that sort. I will be very happy to pay $30-$50 for all I can drink during my stay, anywhere.

[Terry S]

I also agreee something needs to be done about this. I have mugs from 3 different resorts now. Last trip was AKL it really annoyed me though that we saw about 40% of the people refilling mugs that were not from AKL.

[Deb & Bill]

When you go on the Disney Cruise, they sell a refillable mug and the price varies by the number of days you are on the cruise. Of course, you are at their mercy on the cruise, but this may be the future of refillable mugs at the resorts as well. Now if they would let you fill it up anywhere, even in the parks, for the flat rate, it might work.

[manning]

Looks like More Bad Advise from marketing.

Seems like the logical thing to do is use the law of averages and figure out the average life time stay of a guest to come up with a cost of the mug with life time refills at any resort he/she stays at. Disney's biggest cost would be the mug. Cost of drinks to Disney is dirt cheap. Any drink cost increases could be built into the room rate, and price increases of the mug as time goes on.

By doing this Disney eliminates the cost for the machine to create the bar code and the extra cost of more expensive vending machines plus the additional maintainence.

Everyone wants something for nothing. Disney could market the mugs as getting something for nothing (free drinks for life). It won't be free, but we will think so.

I've never bought the mugs, but for convenience alone I would consider it. and I'm in my late fifties. Disney would clean up on me.

[eeyore0062]

I can definitely understand, since they are probably loosing money with people using their resort mugs anywhere and anytime they choose, but I have to agree with BVC, that the best part of the original mug program was not having to stand in that line at the checkout.

We collect the mugs from the different resorts, and have no problem buying new ones each time we go, as we rarely stay in the same place twice, but you would think that the PO-R and PO-FQ, as well as the Yacht and Beach Club would be interchangeable, since the resort guests are welcome to use each others amenities.

[disneyohdisney]

At our recent trip to Blizzard Beach, the scanner was built into the drink dispenser. Scan it for a few seconds, and the dispenser was activited for plenty of time to get ice, fill up, etc. However, when you add a few seconds before and after (for the machine to reset) when there is a crowd, as there seems to always be at the AS resorts, the queues will grow and customer disatifaction will grow.

I understand if Disney wants to make more money by having the mugs only good for a visit. I think, though, that the current number of dispensers is not enough (and I don't know how they would modify the coffee urns), and they will lose a lot of goodwill if they do this. With the cost of goods (water, sweetener, flavoring) for a coke or cup of coffee being literally a few cents, they already make a large profit selling a plastic (25 cents production cost?) mug for ten bucks. It gives the guest the feeling they have a "good deal" (we always fill up our mugs a lot, but wouldn't pay individually for that many drinks, so the savings are mostly illusory).

I think their proposal will lose more in goodwill and opportunity sales (buying food products) than it will make in profit, though perhaps they've considered this and conclude otherwise. However, above all, trust is the most important aspect of this - for those of use who were told by CMs that the mugs did not expire (good for a lifetime), it's easy: Disney should honor that promise they made, and design new mugs differently when they are sold with different conditions. What if I purchased an Annual Pass, good for a year, and three months into my ownership Disney decides to charge me every time I visit their parks?

[CamColt]

Originally posted by eeyore0062

We collect the mugs from the different resorts, and have no problem buying new ones each time we go, as we rarely stay in the same place twice, but you would think that the PO-R and PO-FQ, as well as the Yacht and Beach Club would be interchangeable, since the resort guests are welcome to use each others amenities.

They are...or at least they were. When we bought our second set of mugs at DXL in 2000, we specifically asked about the policy, whether they were good for just that trip or if we came back again, could we use them. The CM rattled off "The mugs are good for a lifetime at the resort they were purchased at or their sister resorts.". Then when purchasing more mugs at ASMO last fall, we didnt ask, but the CM offered the info and told us the exact same thing, meaning we could use them at any All Stars. I didnt know my life expectancy was so short. :eek: :D

[gepetto]

Originally posted by disneyohdisney
However, above all, trust is the most important aspect of this - for those of use who were told by CMs that the mugs did not expire (good for a lifetime), it's easy: Disney should honor that promise they made, and design new mugs differently when they are sold with different conditions. What if I purchased an Annual Pass, good for a year, and three months into my ownership Disney decides to charge me every time I visit their parks?

That annual pass argument does not make sense. On the back of my pass it states that it is good for 365 days. Nowhere on my mug does it state that it is good for a lifetime.

"Disney" never promised that the mugs were good for a lifetime of free soda. Some people were told that by CM's working in a snack bar. If you want the "official" Disney answer.....somewhere floating around the RB is a Disney email from Guest Relations that one of the moderators posted. It states that the Disney policy is that the mugs are good for one visit only at the resort you are currently staying at.

I don't think the big problem was people re-using resort mugs (from the same resort). It was with people filling mugs from different resorts, the theme parks, paper cups and coolers.

[tspooh]

Hi!

Here's a thought that I had regarding the mug issue.:) Why not issue bar code stickers upon check-in for those requesting the beverage program. You could put them on previously purchased mugs (from that resort) or choose to purchase new mugs in the food courts and attach your sticker. I think it should be a set price per day and it would match your stay. I for one do not want to accumulate any more plastic mugs!:) I do however think that it's fair to have to purchase the beverages each time we visit. Just my opinion......

Teresa

[slp87]

Am I wrong in thinking that at BWV there is currently not a place you can fill your own mug? I think we had to have a CM fill it at all of the refill places. While there were long lines in the first thing in the morning, they cleared out fairly quickly and you could walk up without a wait.

[BusyMom5x]

Originally posted by CamColt


They are...or at least they were. When we bought our second set of mugs at DXL in 2000, we specifically asked about the policy, whether they were good for just that trip or if we came back again, could we use them. The CM rattled off "The mugs are good for a lifetime at the resort they were purchased at or their sister resorts.". Then when purchasing more mugs at ASMO last fall, we didnt ask, but the CM offered the info and told us the exact same thing, meaning we could use them at any All Stars. I didnt know my life expectancy was so short. :eek: :D


I was told the same exact thing!
We've stayed at both the AS Music & Sports; was just at Sports last weekend, using our AS Music mug. Noone said anything to us!

[donmil723]

tspooh, I agree with you totally.

It might even be a good idea at BW and Y&B because now you have to stand in line for refills at those resorts. I can see how they can get it to work for soda and ice but what about coffee and fresh brewed iced tea???? I hope they don't go to the fountain ice tea. YUCK!

[A kid at heart]

Maybe they'll come up with a fast pass for the refillable mugs too!:D :D :D

[eeyore0062]

Actually something akin to the fastpass system may very well work. They could set up one area that was ONLY for scanning the barcodes on the mugs. That way we wouldn't have to wait in the line with everyone else that is buying food. Also, they should have the barcode scanner in the regular lines for those who are refilling and buying food, so that way you won't have to stand in line twice.

I am sorry that this was taken advantage of, so Disney felt they had to go to this system.

[BriarRosie]

Originally posted by exiles
Buying a mug does not qualify one for lifetime refills. Show a little class and get a new mug each time. :o

Where's your "environmentality"? :p

I'd rather keep my mug rather than purchase a new one. Less waste! I buy one for each participating resort, so I do have a little collection going. However, I'd rather buy a sticker with a bar code than a new mug each time. YMMV.
:smooth:

[Geoff_M]

The CM rattled off "The mugs are good for a lifetime at the resort they were purchased at or their sister resorts.". Then when purchasing more mugs at ASMO last fall, we didnt ask, but the CM offered the info and told us the exact same thing, meaning we could use them at any All Stars. I didnt know my life expectancy was so short.
Well, the good thing is that this means that "mug debates" should become a thing of the past.

It sounds like WDW has finally found a way to enforce their long standing policy of "One mug, one resort (including sisters), one visit". Every person that has e-mailed guest relations has gotten this policy stated to them consistently. The problem was with a good number of CM's telling people the "reality" of the situation when people asked... just like a cashier at the supermarket will say it's OK to go through the express lane with more than the posted number of items even though the corporate policy is "limit 12 items".

In the end it'll work better for everyone. No more policy interpretations by the CM on-duty at the time. No more people bringing in their "Big Gulp" cups. It will help Disney manage their Coke syrup costs (apparrently it isn't as cheap as everyone thinks if they'll willing to cough up for the scanners). Etc., etc.

[Traveliz]

On the barcode thing -- I have never seen this work in conjunction with a soda machine - at any rate does that mean that only person could use the machine at a time - for example - it wouldn't be possible for one person to be getting ice in the middle, one getting diet coke on the far end and one getting sprite on the other end?

Liz

[zulaya]

"On the barcode thing -- I have never seen this work in conjunction with a soda machine - at any rate does that mean that only person could use the machine at a time - for example - it wouldn't be possible for one person to be getting ice in the middle, one getting diet coke on the far end and one getting sprite on the other end?"

On this note...what if you sent one person to fill two cups? Can you only scan one cup at a time and then have to get back in line or can you scan two cups at a time and still have enough time to fill them before the machine resets itself?

[StormAlongBay]

Originally posted by Traveliz
On the barcode thing -- I have never seen this work in conjunction with a soda machine - at any rate does that mean that only person could use the machine at a time - for example - it wouldn't be possible for one person to be getting ice in the middle, one getting diet coke on the far end and one getting sprite on the other end?

Liz
I would just like to add to this...

If this scanner is somehow hooked into the dispenser, how will guests that do NOT have these new mugs with barcodes on them get their drinks? Do they have a separate dispenser then? That can't work as this would definately create more lines at the scanner ones.

Or

Do these guests now have a "use once" barcode given to them at the register?

Not looking for answers to these as Disney has not stated yet how this will work. Just bringing up more questions.

[Sammy]

As far as Disney losing $$ on soda refills......didn't I read somewhere on the boards that disney gets all its soda free from Coke?? I may be wrong about this, but I thought I had read that before??

[Geoff_M]

As far as Disney losing $$ on soda refills......didn't I read somewhere on the boards that disney gets all its soda free from Coke??
Yep, you've read that here. It's pure hear-say. You'll also read that McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Pizza Hut, etc., etc. get their's free too. If you believe what you read on the Internet, you and I and the rest of the consumer world are the only ones that acutally have to pay for our Cokes products!!!

Update: Here's a beverage industry publication that gives a hint at the relationship between Mickey D's and Coke:
http://www.beverage-digest.com/editorial/970530.html
If the Golden Arches, with their huge leverage, ain't getting their syrup free as part of their exculsivity agreement, then how could WDW get Coke to give their products to them for free???

[Sammy]

okee dokee.... :)

[Rock'n Robin]

One minor thing--I got a Blizzard Beach mug last year and the sticker on the mug (for the day I bought it) STILL is not completely off. I've tried scraping it with my nail, using windex and a scrubbing sponge, nothing gets the gunk off. I hope they don't put those on the mugs if/when this policy gets instituted.
Robin M.

[DizBearFl]

At the water parks they already have a system in place at the refill stations. When you buy the mug a barcode is placed on it. You go to a refill station- Hold your barcode up to a scanning area- green light goes on and you can fill your drink. Actually it is nice that you do not have to wait in line at the food area. especially during slow times when the park does not open all the food areas.

[cboudre1]

Avons Skin so Soft takes off the glue from the sticker.

[dcedwards]

Terk-1

Did you hear anything from Disney? I emailed them with several concerns regarding this...

1) Cost efficiency of buying the scanners, training staff, implementing a system, unhappy guests because of converstaions that have taken place in past from staff, unhappy guests from standing in line to get refills, upset staff since the guests are upset, etc. All of this vs. the .02 to .03 cents per serving of pop.
2) The crowds and amount of time to wait in line to get a refill vs. currently how you just walk up and get a refill.

I agree that guests should use the appropriate mug for each hotel/sister hotels.

But seems to me that his is carrying it to the extreme. Although this is only my opinion. Will the machine only work after a bar code has been scanned? Will they have to post an additional staff person there to ensure the proper operation of the new machines/program? What happens when bar codes fail due to being held too much, rubbed up against something that chips them, etc. Lots of scenarios to consider here.

I emailed Disney and posed these questions and let them know my opinions. If anyone else is interested I encourage you to do the same. That way they will, at least know how you feel. Often policies are instituted or discontinued based on customer opinions, so let them know...whatever your opinion is on this matter.

[adamak]

There is NO WAY Disney is losing money on soda. If they are, they are in biggggg trouble. In restaurant business, as I was told, liquor and refreshment makes the most profit. Even if you have only 10 people buying soda in each resort per month, Disney will still be making money.

That's said and done, the argument becomes...is Disney not gaining as much profit as they should be ? Yes. However, the money on the balace book does not equal to customer's satisfaction. Not to mention, we are actually PAYING for the mug. How often do you get the soda in your lifetime anyways? All of us have mutliple mugs. And we probably drink less than $10 worth of coke (wholesale price) during the whole stay.

The bottom line, in my opinion, is that if Disney want to do a refillable mug, don't be so stingy. Let people do whatever they want, and trust the honor system. Disney will come out OK. Otherwise, don't have the refill system at all. I'll be glad to pay the regular price if I'm rich enough......or I can stock up with my soda cans.

What's next? Arrest guests who bring in outside food to the park??

[Gillian]

Originally posted by DizBearFl
You go to a refill station- Hold your barcode up to a scanning area- green light goes on and you can fill your drink.
That doesn't sound so bad! Let's see what they come up with before we say how horrible it's going to be! :)

[Glenn]

Heres a twist that no one has addressed. Whats going to happen when someone walks into a foodcourt for a meal and sees reeeeeaaally long lines caused by the refills. Will it turn them off? If their driving will they consider eating outside ? How about issueing a new mug every yr. New collectable for us they go every other yr but rewards the multple/yr visitor cheaply.

[gepetto]

Originally posted by adamak


The bottom line, in my opinion, is that if Disney want to do a refillable mug, don't be so stingy. Let people do whatever they want, and trust the honor system.

How is Disney stingy? By not giving people free soda for life? I saw last week what happens with the honor system. Half the people at the snack bar were filling up whatever container they had with them at the time.


I hope they keep some kind of mug program. It's worth the money every trip to not have to go to the grocery and haul a ton of soda up to the resort room.

[epcotfan]

Originally posted by gepetto
How is Disney stingy? By not giving people free soda for life? I saw last week what happens with the honor system. Half the people at the snack bar were filling up whatever container they had with them at the time.


I agree with Gepetto. I too have seen families using giant sized containers or inappropriate cups (kid's candy cups, etc) to fill up. As it is there is nothing stopping a non-resort guest from walking in with their thermos and filling up. I have absolutely no problem with them changing mugs every year or implementing a barcode
system.
My only concern is the potential line ups that may occur. Perhaps it would be cheaper in the long run if they had one person monitoring the drink stations to ensure the mugs were current and from the proper resort. This would prevent those from using inappropriate containers for filling up (ie different resort mugs and oversized non-disney containers)

[manning]

Ok everyone. There are a lot of posts to this thread and a lot of others reading this but don't post. If you believe that The new system is wrong send an E-mail to the Disney Resorts.

Go to www.disneyworld.com and click resorts and guest services. there is an E-mail format to use.

[gepetto]

I think we should see exactly what the new system is before we start firing off nasty-grams to Disney.:rolleyes:

[Tesabat]

When we were at WL - small foodcourt. We saw people being told they could not refill their mugs with other resort mugs...however, we were told that if you returned to WL with a WL mug, you could refill it.

When at POR, the very first day, we saw people drinking from all kinds of mugs. It was totally unmonitored. And the drink stations were insane. The poor CM's were fighting a losing battle trying to keep that place clean...it was wild. The drink options were more plentiful for us non-soda drinkers though! When we purchased our POR mugs, the CM told us they were good there and at POFQ anytime we stayed there.

I think a barcode sticker with the scanner is a great idea - my concern is also the lines and will they further limit options to just soda and coffee (instead of Hi-C drinks, lemonade and iced tea).

And, one good thing is we will have a clear policy that they will hopefully share with the CM's!! I never even knew that you really weren't supposed to bring your mugs back until I read it on the Internet as that's what we were told at two different resorts!

[dcedwards]

I agree that we shouldn't get excited and send nasty emails to Disney since they haven't actually introduced the program. But, we do have direct information from a manager at the resort. That means the program is close to being introduced.

In light of this, I do think that it is good to send emails to Disney expressing concern over the recent information that we have heard. In the end it may help them as they formulate the actual program. They might take our concerns into account and look for ways to avoid lines, unhappy customers and overwhelmed CMs. Sometimes corporations as large as Disney design policies and neglect to look at all sides -- even though they say they do. Since many of them don't actually "experience" the same situations we do, they can't possibly anticipate all the pitfalls. This way they can base the final program on input from those who visit the resorts frequently. And, I think that would be a good thing.

[manning]

How about this for an idea. Take the machines out of the dining area and put them into the food court area. The cashier becomes the policeman. If you only have a mug, just show it and keep going. If you buying, then stop and pay. It also would be like the milk in the back of the grocery store. You would force the people closer to the food, hoping for impulse buying. A lot of people just may decide to have a pizza with that free drink.

When you stop to think about it. Why would anyone want to buy a mug for free drinks when with the setup now, you just buy a drink with/without a meal and just keep going back for refills with that cup. Disney solves one problem, now how to solve the other?? Come to think of it, I had a cousin do that with coffee at Dixie Landing. She would save the cup and go back the next morning for more coffee. Disney, looks like you just can't win. Anyone for color coded cups? Oh boy!

Who says life is simple? And the beat goes on.

[manning]

This E-mail just received today from Disney

Thank you for contacting WALT DISNEY WORLD!

Please know that the "Souvenir Mug" program at Disney Resorts allow you to refill beverages (including hot coffee & tea) at your Resort for the length of your current stay. However, this program is for your Resort only. It is not extended to refills at other Disney Resorts or Theme Parks. At this time there has not been a "scanning policy announced".

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if
applicable on all correspondence.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Zuleika Soto

On Line Guest Service
WALT DISNEY WORLD Reservations
P O Box 10,100
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0100

[lrodk]

Apparantly they're testing the bar-coded mugs at Typhoon Lagoon first, and they will be self-serve. Could this be a prelude to what we'll be seeing at the resorts? Click on the link below for the story as it appears in today's Orlando Sentinal.

http://orlandosentinel.com/business/nationworld/orl-cfbcfbinsider17061702jun17.story

[BrianD]

Personally, I wouldn't have a problem with the new policy, just so long as it wouldn't cause you to have to stand in a line.

[JulesMom]

Is Disney going to take away all the perks of staying on site?

There is no way I will stand in line to get a refill. You have to stand in line at Beaches & Cream-what a waste of time.

And as little as the mugs are now, the drink is gone by the time we get to the room:(

[dcedwards]

The only problem I see with testing it at Typhoon Lagoon is that the amount of people seen in a concentrated period of time doesn't equal that seen at say the All Stars or PORiverside during a rush breakfast time or evening meal time.

While it may work great there, I could see that there may be problems at the resorts that they wouldn't encounter at places like Typhoon Lagoon -- especially isnce it is the least popular of the water parks, meaning less people, I think. Hopefully they will take this into consideration.

I still haven't heard back from Disney regarding my email on this issue. That is a little strange as typically they are very good about sending a confirmation email. Perhaps they have been getting more emails than usual. Will have to wait and see.

Thanks IrodK for the link. It was interesting.

[DVC Grandpa]

Our first experience with the refillable mugs was in 1996 when the sales pitch included free refills at Dixie Landings year after year. We started with two although over the years we forgot the mugs and now have six. Undoable we have paid for those mugs over and over again since each length of stay was from fourteen to twenty-one days. To purchase one for a short stay might be questionable, unless they continue to allow to be used at the original resort trip after trip. After all, how often does one have an occasion to use the mug if you opt to eat at other than the “home” resort? My vote would be that the mugs only be allowed free refill at the resort at which the mug was purchased, (as originally explained to me). If a free replacement bar code is required for each stay, so be it.

[The_Disney_God]

Go to the supermarket and buy a 6 back of soda or a liter of soda and enjoy it in the room.

[RuthAnne123]

In July we will visit WDW for the first time and I had been trying to figure out if the mugs were worth the cost at all since we are splitting our stay.

I must admit ( I know this is a greenhorn way of looking at it) that I would prefer to buy a "length of stay mug." Otherwise it seems like a waste of money to me. Am I wrong?

I can understand people with split stays using a mug from a different resort for various reasons. In our case it will come to almost 80.00(Canadian) to buy two different resort mugs during our week long stay.

I think Disney could stop a lot of people from breaking the rules by simply selling length of stay mugs that are good at any resort.

I think people are cheating sometimes because they don't want to pay twice for mugs.

Right now I am leaning towards not buying mugs at all with the policy being what it is. I'll just go to the grocery store.

Rooth

[ducklite]

Back in 1997 I bought a refillable mug at PO. It was length of stay only. They enforced this by putting a little yellow dot sticker on teh mug when you purchased it. You needed to ahve that sticker on the mug when you refilled it. If it fell off, you needed to go to the register with your receipt and room ID, and they would give you a new one.

They were VERY specific about this when I purchased the mug on Thanksgiving day, 1997. I still have the receipt. I remember it well, because my little yellow dot fell off and I had to dig out the receipt to get another. They had a CM by the drink island monitoring and spot checking, and she wouldn't let me refill because I didn't have my little yellow dot.

So because of this I am 100% certain that at least at POFQ in Novemeber of 1997 they sold the mugs on the condition that it was length of stay only. They also enforced it.

Anne

[Jillpie]

I still don't understand how they can possibly go back on their promise that this purchase (I bought 4 mugs four yrs. ago at POR) was good for a lifetime. I can just imagine what they have up against them when people bring in their old mugs.

[CamColt]

We were told those stickers mean that you actually paid for the mug and didnt just grab one and start filling it up . :rolleyes: Dont you just love CMs and their info?:)

[cindyfan]

We usually do 2 things to satisfy our thirst.....:D
We buy one of those $4 styrofoam coolers at the store along with bottled water and soda for the parks. Fill the cooler with ice to keep the bottles cold for the parks.
While we are at the resort, we use the refillable mugs. We have about 8 from various resorts. and always seem to forget to take them back when staying at the same resort. But we still felt we got more than our money's worth. We would continuously fill them while at the pool, etc.
BUT....to wait in line....forget it! That in itself would make us just buy more bottled water and soda from the store!

For the price of soda....vs....the price of the mug.....it would be crazy to "police" the use of the mugs...IMHO! I really don't see how they feel people abuse it?? It is just such a simple perk and for them to make such a big deal about it???!!!
But if they do....just one more cut-back to make people want to stay off-sight.

[Letsbgoofy]

I can't understand how it would be "classless" to bring your old resort mug back with you. I have been told over and over that the mugs are good at my resort forever. This is not one misinformed CM, but many CMs over the years. I have always thought of it as a way to reward guests who stay at the same resort every year.

With all the perks of staying onsite being taken away, I am almost relieved that this will be our last WDW trip. I'm sure many will find this a bad attitude, but I really don't care.

[dcedwards]

Has anyone emailed Disney and gotten a reply back about this refillable mug program change or enforcement...however, one looks at it....

Just curious.

[BrianD]

I think this whole mug policy change is getting blown way out of proportion. First of all it is not currently in effect at the resorts. It is a rumor that's going around that Disney is trying the bar-coded refillable mugs at one of the waterparks. So it has been suggested that this could become the standard for all the resorts should this test at the water park be successful. Well, from what I read about the way this thing works is that there is a scanner right there at the vending soda fountain that you would scan your mug with when you go to fill it up. If this is the case then that should not cause lines to be any longer than they already are to refill your mug. Also, if some of you folks are considering not staying on sight anymore because your mug is no longer good for life, then you need to lighten up. Even the idea of having a mug that can be refilled for the length of the stay still sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Here is the sign that was in all rooms at the All-Stars in March of 2001: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/floridianroyalpalm/vwp?.dir=/WDW+Resort+Pictures/All-Star+Resorts&.src=ph&.dnm=March+2001+Refill+Sign.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/floridianroyalpalm/lst%3f%26.dir=/WDW%2bResort%2bPictures/All-Star%2bResorts%26.src=ph%26.view=t

At that time, it said "free unlimited refills for the length of your stay". So, the policy really wouldn't be changing.

[shawnob]

From what a I have just read on this, some people don't want to wait in line. What do you do when you want to go on a ride, flash your pearly whights, wink your eye and head to the front of the line and hop on the rides?
I also agree, show some class, buy a new mug, or don't get anything to drink.
If you really need that free drink, then you could always head over to the Coke station at EPCOT, but then again, ya might just have to wait in a line there also

[CarolA]

I have always read that the mugs were free refills for the stay you purchased them on at the resort you purchased them. That is in the brochures in the room and in the rooms with mugs in there the little card tells you that. I assume that the cast members have just been telling folks the "what really happens" statement, but it in this case it looks like they were wrong.

[monorailsilver]

As for people saying it is 'classless' to use my old mugs....well I have always asked if I can before I fill-up. They have always told me YES!

I do not think a sticky type of barcode would be good if they did that because I for one like to clean my mug daily (or sometimes 2x's a day). Paper thins as would the bar code.

I do not think Disney is losing any money: look at the food prices, the ticket prices (they go up every year), drinks in the park are expensive (I bring water for the most part and when that is finished then I buy soda), the resort prices keep going up, up, up and up. I think by the year 2010 it is going to cost me $1000/night to stay at the Polynesian.

As for the food courts that people keep mentioning, have you ever been to the Polynesian (or any of the Deluxe Resorts)? There are no food courts there just a Snack shop of sorts. I know at the Poly it is small (like the WL, can't remember the GF or BC) and doesn't have the space like at the moderate/value resorts. So lines would be really long there and I don't want people standing over me as I am eating waiting to get a drink.

I will continue to bring my mug back to the resort and use it as long as I can. If needed I will buy a new one but bring my old ones (they are nice and big) and fill it up that way. I am not trying to be 'classless' but I love my old mugs, they are bigger and last longer for drinks. For the most part I just fill it up with ice and water so what good would it do me to buy a new mug each time for the 2 times I would drink soda?

Just because I am staying at the Polynesian does not mean that I am made of money. I do have a good job but had to cut back to 2 days a week due to being a mom now. So any way I can save money and still be able to stay at the Polynesian for me is great. Hey I am even going to bring my own milk (for my daughter) down (via plane and small cooler, lots of ice and ice packs). Call me frugal but I would never pay over $1 for a pint of milk.

This is just my opinion and if any of you wish to comment so be it but I am sure you all are not perfect either in some way.....only Mary Poppins is!

Kerri-43 more days and I will be bringing my old mug to the Poly!:smooth:

[MiaSRN62]

Ok, from the Orlando Sentinel today, titled "Disney Mug Holders Beware) : http://orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-cfbtourism24062402jun24.story?coll=orl%2Dbusiness% 2Dheadlines

It just amazes me how Disney can make up these rules as they go along.............

[Geoff_M]

It just amazes me how Disney can make up these rules as they go along.............
True, if it were really a change in rules.... which it isn't.

[Melynny]

Since they are modeling this after the machines and policy at Blizzard beach, I wonder if you will be able to purchase a "refill sticker" Like you do at Blizzard beach. You buy the mug once and can purchase reduced rate refills on future trips for 5.00 each day.

I just read the story in the Sentinel and they said the bar codes were at Typhoon Lagoon...I was just at both water parks in late may and the first of april and at Typhoon, you had to go thru the line and request a refill and get a reciept that said "refill". At Blizzard beach, they had a stand set up that sold new mugs and that sold the refill stickers near the entrance of the park.. it worked great, no long lines to get beverages, just some folks who had a problem scanning the bar codes and then missed the time they had to refill the mug. New system was at Blizzard and not at Typhoon as far as I know ( you can still purchase refill stickers at typhoon, just not refill them yourself)

[BrianD]

What I would like to know is, where does Disney get the nerve to charge me for every night I stay there when I already paid for the room the first night. And worse, when I try to come back, they want to charge me for a room again! I don't know what their trying to pull, but these business tactics are outrageous! First the room, and now sodas!


;)

[Geoff_M]

Brian,

I hear you brother! I also heard that some of the resort properties are fully depreciated on the ledgers, so me staying there only costs them overhead! And they have the NERVE to still charge me the full price!!! Shhheeessh!

[DancingBear]

I don't think anyone who has been bringing mugs back again and again is a moral degenerate. Nor do I think that Disney is doing anything wrong if they are developing a method for implementing what was the actual policy all along.

Those folks who complain that buying a mug will not be worth if for them if it is truly for one resort, one stay don't really have any complaint--just don't buy a mug. Disney has no responsibility to develop a "resort-hopper refillable mug" program or anything similar.

Also, those who complain that Disney makes a fortune selling soda---so what? I guess so does McDonalds and 7-11, and I don't see the picketers outside their establishments.

The problem is what to do with all of those folks who were told by Disney CMs that the mugs were "good for life" or "good at any resort." They may have some type of legitimate beef in claiming that if they weren't promised this, they wouldn't have bought the mugs.

However, this doesn't mean that Disney should find a way to give those folks their lifelong privileges---rather, the most that these folks are really damaged is the original price of the mug (which they claim they wouldn't have bought without the lifetime benefit).

So, for you lifetime mug owners out there, would this satisfy you? Would you turn in your old mug for $10?

[JerseyJanice]

F.y.i., a can of soda from any Disney resort vending machine costs $1.

[MiaSRN62]

******True, if it were really a change in rules.... which it isn't.******


******What I would like to know is, where does Disney get the nerve to charge me for every night I stay there when I already paid for the room the first night. And worse, when I try to come back, they want to charge me for a room again! I don't know what their trying to pull, but these business tactics are outrageous! First the room, and now sodas!*******

Oh jeez.....Maybe if they posted the "rules" in the foodcourt way back when, people would have realized what the policy was. I can only go by what I was told at both the Wilderness Lodge (5/98) and Dixie Landings (12/98) when I made the purchase. I know MANY others were also told this, so maybe Disney needs to figure out a way to train their CM's better or post the mug "policy" somwhere in plain site...hiding in the fine print hasn't worked and that is evident by how many people have been told they were good for future visits back to that resort.

I'm not trying to get out of paying for the room for crying out loud---please let's not exaggerate, ok ? I was told on two different occassions & at two different resorts that the mugs were good for future trips. I most likely would not have purchased 6 mugs at each resort had I known it would be another $10/person every trip ?! I don't understand why people can't understand this ? We often make quick, 2-3 day stays there.

I'm also a DVC Member. I was told when we bought into it, that my points would never lose their value. So by purchasing my 150 points, I was assured (by the sales CM), that I could come back and stay at any DVC resort & that the point system would not change. So, I purchased knowing this. If I went back to OKW in 5 years and discovered my 150 points had no or less value, I'd be ticked to say the least. Now granted, this is a much bigger purchase, but I paid $60 on two occassions in WDW for a set of 6 mugs witht the clearly stated policy by the CM on at those times, that I could bring my mugs back for free refills whenever I stayed there again.

My DVC example may not be the best, but I think it gets the point across. This is the only example I can come up with right now. I just feel deceived as far as this mug thing goes, that's all. I wasn't just told once---but twice. I suppose because some of you weren't told this when you purchased your mugs, you just don't get the significance of it ? I can't think of any other reason for the sarcasm in the replies. I don't think there is any need for it when I'm just voicing my opinion & experience.

[Deb & Bill]

There sure is a lot of WHINING going on here. Nothing has changed yet, folks. And if it does, well, then you might have something to WHINE about. And if you are spending $3-5K on a vacation, are you really going to quit going over a $10 mug?

DVC regulations are in writing. The Length of Stay mug regulations are also in writing. Not an accurate comparison.

I knew about the LOS mug when I first went to WDW in 1997. It was posted, advertised, stated as such. We thought, this is a great deal - all the soda we can drink for our trip for only $10 per person. If we buy them separately, it will cost us twice that for one soda a day for eight days. And we get a cool mug to boot! Our nieces thought they had gotten a neat souvenier to take home with them.

[gepetto]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
maybe Disney needs to figure out a way to train their CM's better or post the mug "policy" somwhere in plain site...hiding in the fine print hasn't worked and that is evident by how many people have been told they were good for future visits back to that resort.


Every resort I have stayed at has a sign clearly posted "good for the length of your stay".

You can't compare a $10 mug purchase with buying a $12,000 DVC timeshare. DVC gives you a contract in writing which you agree to and sign. Disney never gave you a written contract assuring that you would recieve free soda for the rest of your life.

[PamOKW]

The difference between this policy and the DVC policy (besides being a huge price difference) is that with DVC you have a legally binding contract stating what you have purchased.

Common sense would tell you that the mug was good for one trip. However, as the OS article even states, they did not change the mug designs so it was pretty much impossible for them to know when you bought a mug. It became practice for people to bring them back and some CMs seem to have told guests to go ahead and do this. I don't think anyone should be chastised for having done this in the past. Especially since many people were told it was okay. But, the party is over. The policy is now being clearly defined and a way developed to enforce it.

Once again, I think it's abuse brought about the growth of the Internet that probably b\put the nail in this coffin. Why should Disney allow people to re-sell the mugs on E-Bay for people to use? One mug could be used almost constantly for years. Not just on one person's return trips but constant use. They probably reached a level where there was a drop in revenue for drinks at the resorts and came up with a way to deal with it.

Disney isn't a charity -- it's a business and it's one that is tightening its belt on waste so they can spend money to deliver quality to guests.

[Geoff_M]

I think this all boils down to human nature. When presented with two possibilities, people will almost always want to believe the option that is most personally advantageous.... no matter how much information is presented to the contrary.

[BrianD]

This thread is so much better now than it was six pages ago! :p

[Lars624]

In May 2002 at the Port Orleans we were told that mugs purchased were good on any visit there not just for your LOS. Things changed quickly........:confused:

[MiaSRN62]

*****And if you are spending $3-5K on a vacation, are you really going to quit going over a $10 mug? *****

First of all, we don't spend this much and secondly, it's not really the point. The point is I was told something on more than one occassion and now it's my understanding I was given false and misleading information by Disney employees. It's no big deal....I'll just bring my own drinks, really.....was just trying to voice my experiences. I'm not losing sleep over this whole thing, just see things a different way. I'm well aware Disney is in the profit-making business. I realize this more and more every day.


********DVC regulations are in writing. The Length of Stay mug regulations are also in writing. Not an accurate comparison*******
******I knew about the LOS mug when I first went to WDW in 1997. It was posted, advertised, stated as such. *******
******Every resort I have stayed at has a sign clearly posted "good for the length of your stay". ************

Well this is terrific for you---I honestly did not see it anywhere at Dixie or the WL & I was not told this by the CM's at either resort. This is the point I'm trying to make. Whether or not you believe this or not, really doesn't concern me at this point. The critical nature of some here is just beyond me.

******You can't compare a $10 mug purchase with buying a $12,000 DVC timeshare. **********

Well, excuse me. I did mention it wasn't the best comparison. I thought maybe it was a generalized comparison of paying for a product and then finding out you didn't get what you paid for down the line. Of course I didn't sign a contract or anything with the mugs. I'm guilty of not coming up with a better comparison---and I did admit this in my last post ?


********Common sense would tell you that the mug was good for one trip. *******

Well, here we go again. It's amazing the tunnel vision here on the boards. Gosh forbid if someone doesn't perceive or experience the same thing as someone else !? Now that person is considered to be lacking in common sense ??? Sheesh. Different people.....different experiences....different perceptions. I'm guilty of having a different opinion and getting flamed for it. It's pretty sad really.

[Tense]

Honestly... Disney... Do you know how much $$ a fountain soda costs Disney? Around .03 per 12 ounces. Now let's do the math... one refillable mugs costs around 13.95... average stay is 7 days.. Maybe you fill it 3-4 times a day....ahhh that's .84CENTS a week.... Sooo you'd have to go to Disney 13 times for a week for them to LOSE $$ on the refillable mugs.... AND those odds are???? Get real Disney... don't tick people off!

[MiaSRN62]

*******I think this all boils down to human nature. When presented with two possibilities, people will almost always want to believe the option that is most personally advantageous.... no matter how much information is presented to the contrary.
******

Maybe with some people, but this is really quite a generalization. I can honestly tell you, I would not have spent $60 (at two different resorts) just so each member of the family could have a nifty souvenier from the WL and Dixie Landings ? I will not be bringing my mugs back to these resorts because I'll be drinking my own 20-cents- a-can soda from now on.

I have no problem spending $$ at WDW, whether anyone chooses to believe this or not, if it's what I want to spend it on. In my case, no information was presented to the contrary in '98 when I made a total of $120 in mug purchases. I know.....pretty hard to believe ? <g> I wish the darn policy was posted somewhere clearly or stated clearly by the CM's. I would not have made this purchase. We honestly didn't eat/drink at the Food Courts often enough during those two visits to substantiate the cost of the mugs. I figured bringing them back in the future and being able to use them was a good deal (as was stated to me) ? This is why I've purchased Annual Passes in the past. We often go frequently but for short visits. It's a great investment for someone who can visit the parks more than one trip a year.

Again, just stating my experiences guys (I fully realize many of you had totally different perceptions of the mug policy and this is ok).....heck, for that $120 for those 12 mugs I could have gotten that really cool snowglobe of Cindy's Castle that I saw on Main Street in the Emporium ! <darn !>

[BrianD]

Originally posted by Tense
one refillable mugs costs around 13.95...

I remember paying only about $9 or $10 for mine.

[FlaSusan]

Just another thought to keep in mind. We are DVC owners who have mugs from some of the resorts. We sometimes will pick to eat at a food court because of the mugs. If we could not refill the mugs, the incentive to return to the madness of the food court would not be there and they would lose our business. We are not staying at that resort, but have chosen to patronize the restaurants.

[BriarRosie]

(posted by Maria)
Maybe with some people, but this is really quite a generalization. I can honestly tell you, I would not have spent $60 (at two different resorts) just so each member of the family could have a nifty souvenier from the WL and Dixie Landings ? I will not be bringing my mugs back to these resorts because I'll be drinking my own 20-cents- a-can soda from now on.

Again, just stating my experiences guys (I fully realize many of you had totally different perceptions of the mug policy and this is ok).....heck, for that $120 for those 12 mugs I could have gotten that really cool snowglobe of Cindy's Castle that I saw on Main Street in the Emporium ! <darn !>

You've got to learn to be little more thick skinned about the opposing views. Nobody's out to get you. :D

Your experience isn't unique. There are a lot of past Disney guests who were given the same pitch to purchase those mugs back then. I would agree that for a 2-3 night stay, those mugs would not have been a good value if they were valid for *only* those few nights.

I have also brought my mug back on a future visit. I don't think most people return to WDW more than once a year. Most wait a few years before they return. (Unless they own DVC. LOL) ;)

I don't recall seeing any signs stating "length of stay" until my last trip in December. If cast members were informed and consistent about a policy, I think this mess wouldn't be an issue.

Personally, I find buying a new mug each time a total waste. Should we throw out a mug after we're done? I would be perfectly happy to purchase a scan card (if they come up with such a thing) and bring an old mug back. Jiminy Cricket would be proud of that type of "Envorinmentality", eh? :smooth:

[Geoff_M]

Maybe with some people, but this is really quite a generalization.
That's the thing about generalizations.... They're generally true.

MiaSRN62,

I understand perfectly what you're saying. I understand you and a good number of others were given bad information from the CMs when you bought the mugs. I'd be a little ticked too. But being misinformed shouldn't obligate WDW to given people free soft drinks for life (or at any resort, as some CMs have told people). Nor should people bad mouth Disney for "changing" the policy. If people want to write letters, write letters about the poor customer relations environment they allowed to exist, knowingly or unknowingly, by letting a significant number of the CMs give guests false expectations about their mug program.

My point was that even after people have been presented with the responses from WDW corporate, personal testimony from people that knew the mugs were sold as LOS as far back as 1997 (add me to that list), yesterday's article from the Orlando Sentential, etc. many people still cling to the notion that the policy to date has been "good for life" and the barcoding scheme is part of an underhanded policy change on Disney's part.

Me personally? We own a set of mugs from PO and WL. Last time we stayed at the Dolphin and decided to pass on their mugs. We stopped at a Target on the way there and picked up 12 packs of our favorite soft drinks (not Coke products!), saved a lot of money, and took about a pack and a half back on the plane with us.

[PamOKW]

I did not flame anyone. I agreed that CMs confused the issue. However, if the mugs were good for a lifetime, that's what the signs and/or the wrapper in the room would have indicated. An "all-you-can eat" buffet is for one sitting. You can't return throughout the day, or for the rest of your life, to eat free.

Also, if the soda were relatively cost-free and only an enticement to come to the food court, why don't they just make the drinks free to everyone? Why bother with the mug program at all?

[cindyfan]

MiaSRN62, I am with you! :D
Don't let anyone flaming you stop you from posting what you think, because there are alot of us that agree.
I personnally think it is against Disney's best interest to make such a big deal about this. No matter how you think about it or figure it out.....there is no way Disney is losing money on this mug thing!!:confused:
When we were there just 2 weeks ago, it was the first time we ever saw any signs saying anything about "length of stay" or anything!!
It was always a CM telling us what a good deal it was to purchase the mug. No one ever said how many times it could be used. We have only returned to CBR. But it has been 2 yrs since our last visit there and we intended to bring our mugs from 2 yrs ago, but forgot!!! :( So we only bought 2 for the 3 of us.

Like Tense said.....it only costs them about $.03 for each 12 oz drink. It is "environmentally" a great idea!!! And we always thought that was the whole idea behind the mug thing!!! When you purchase a drink from anywhere.....McDonalds, Wendy's, etc......you are paying for the cup!!!! and the disposing of it, etc...
I never thought it was a "money issue" with Disney on this one!! It just saved so much money for them by selling the mugs!
Did we drink $20 worth of soda and coffee.....probably not if we had purchased it at the grocery store. But yes it was cheaper than buying a drink with each meal, etc. But in the end.....it was Disney that benefitted the most...they did not have to clean up all those paper cups I might have used!

I am really confused that Disney is making an issue of this!! :confused:
Or are we all just blowing this out of proportion.????:confused:

Will it stop is from staying on site......NO......will waiting in line stop us from purchasing the mugs.....YES. We will just stop at a grocery store on our way there and keep our drinks in the room. So who loses......Not us!:D

[MiaSRN62]

******You've got to learn to be little more thick skinned about the opposing views. Nobody's out to get you. (Briar Rose)***

You are right Briar. It was specifically 2 or 3 post that I thought were dripping with sarcasm toward my post that annoyed me. I shouldn't have let those posters get to me like that---it just hit me blind-side I think. This will be my last post on this subject (at least for awhile....LOL). I feel people on the boards (and not just this one) are split 50/50 with how they feel about this subject and what they were told by WDW CM's (some on more than one occassion). I was reading some comments from people on Deb Will's site : http://wdwig.com/mugs.htm
Several there can relate to the fact that many of us were told the mugs were good for life. If Disney wants to change the policy (or clarify it now), that is their perogative. It won't stop me from going to WDW......just a tiny bit of that pixie dust blew away (some when they did away with Early Entry too). But I'll live and I still think Mickey is the coolest.


*****Personally, I find buying a new mug each time a total waste. Should we throw out a mug after we're done? I would be perfectly happy to purchase a scan card (if they come up with such a thing) and bring an old mug back.******

I agree....I'd never buy mugs each time. If it's between bar codes or new mugs, I'm all for bar codes. The point is, I never thought it would come to either considering what "I" was told on two seperate occassions. I totally understand some were never informed of the "good for life" policy and maybe that's why they can't relate to how some of us feel ? It's ok.......

*****That's the thing about generalizations.... They're generally true. (Geoff_M)*******
Sorry, this I don't agree with. Every situation must be looked at on an individual basis. Generalizing eliminates too many extenuating factors IMHO ?

*******many people still cling to the notion that the policy to date has been "good for life" and the barcoding scheme is part of an underhanded policy change on Disney's part. (Geoff_M)******

I suppose you're right.....I clinging to what I was told on two occassions by employees of WDW ? I never thought it was a "notion" when I purchased the mugs in '98 ? Maybe I'm guilty of being naive and believing what those CM's explained to me ? I'll blame it on too much pixie dust ! LOL

******I'd be a little ticked too. But being misinformed shouldn't obligate WDW to given people free soft drinks for life (Geoff_M)*****

I don't know about this....I've been misquoted prices/policies before and I was either compensated for the error or they honored the price/policy that was quoted at this time. I could list several examples of this, but I'm not going to argue with Disney on this. It's just not worth it----but this experience will always stick with me. Will I continue to go to WDW ? Heck yeah ! If Disney offered to buy back some of the 12 mugs I purchased under the pretense of "good for life", I'd take them up on it. I don't need all these mugs......lol (but I won't sell them on eBay if someone thinks this ! <g>)


*****I am really confused that Disney is making an issue of this!! ******* I know ! LOL And I thought perhaps "I" was making an issue of it ? <g>

*****Will it stop is from staying on site......NO......will waiting in line stop us from purchasing the mugs.....YES. We will just stop at a grocery store on our way there and keep our drinks in the room. So who loses......Not us!
(CindyFan)*********

I'm with ya Cindy ! This is exactly how I feel.......

[Geoff_M]

Sorry, this I don't agree with. Every situation must be looked at on an individual basis. Generalizing eliminates too many extenuating factors IMHO ?
Generalizations have their place too. In this case I was referring to a human behavior. One which I think is fair game in this case. I purposely chose not to paint everyone with the same brush.

(Note: I'm not implying that anyone is acting "Childish" here with the following example.) A prime example this behavior can be seen in any child. You order your kid to stop doing something and what often pops out of their mouths almost involuntarily? "But, So-n-So said I could!!!" There you have it. When presented with two interpretations of the rules, human nature says defend the one where you like the outcome.
I suppose you're right.....I clinging to what I was told on two occassions by employees of WDW ? I never thought it was a "notion" when I purchased the mugs in '98 ? Maybe I'm guilty of being naive and believing what those CM's explained to me ?
It was perfectly understandable to believe the CM. I would have too. But saying the cashiers in the food courts and their supervisors trump the other higher sources doesn't make sense.
I've been misquoted prices/policies before and I was either compensated for the error or they honored the price/policy that was quoted at this time. I could list several examples of this, but I'm not going to argue with Disney on this. It's just not worth it----but this experience will always stick with me.
Again, I think we are pretty much in a agreement here. I've stated that it would be a smart PR move for WDW to offer some sort of "buy back" credit or other small consideration for those who were misled by the CMs. But I don't feel WDW is obligated to honor the "free for life" claims. If what any CM said in the past were treated in this way they'd also have to honor the mugs at ANY resort, since some CMs have told people that too. Also, where do you draw the line between the people that bought them under the guise of "free for live" and those that found out on the internet after that got home that you can reuse them with impunity???
Or are we all just blowing this out of proportion.????
Cindy, I think we all can plead "guilty" on that point!

[Minnie's Pal]

It's just a mug.

[DancingBear]

Just can't let this thread die!:D

Once again, whether the cost of a soda is almost nil is just irrelevant. Of course Disney is making money selling soda, as is Burger King. Disney may not be "losing money" on the reuse of the mugs, but it almost certainly is losing potential profit.

Also, keep in mind that the barcode system (IF it is ever installed at the resorts) would not only prevent same-resort different-visit mug use, but also different resort mug use (okay, some folks say they are entitled to this also) AND the use of any other kind of cups and mugs for unpaid-for refills. My guess is that at the policy level WDW is a lot more concerned about the prevalence of this practice than about loyal repeat resort customers.

[Lars624]

When we were at PO Riverside in May I actually saw not only people filling mugs from other resorts but one guy was filling a 20oz pop bottle!
I guess if the policy was abused they had no choice but change it.

[dcedwards]

This has become quite the thread!! Every time the mug issue comes up it tends to generate alot of emotions and opinions.

I think there are two issues at this point. First, Disney has every right to change their policy, whenever they want to do so. They have every right to make as much money as the market will bear. I don't think anyone would disagree with either of these statements, from what I have read.

That being said, I think Disney has a second issue that they need to seriously take a look at. That is the "customer's perception"...whatever that may be...regarding a written or verbal policy change (or not as some have stated) of this matter. It is proven that an angry or upset customer will tell at least 10 other people they know. A happy customer will only tell 3 people about their positive experience. With the introduction of the internet these numbers are greatly multiplied but when it comes right down to it....the upset customer will always tell more people. This should be, in my opinion, a serious consideration of Disney IF they decide to introduce this program throughout all the resorts. And I do emphasize IF....

There are alot of different ways they could handle it in regards to those who have been qouted a different policy than "length of stay". They could do a "buy back" program as was suggested. They could offer a discounted refill price to individuals who bring back an old mug and identify it with the bar code. And, I'm sure some could think of others.

But, what I specifically emphasized in my email was that they definitely need to do a better job of Publicizing the "rules of the road" on mugs and also training their CMs and Managers working at the resorts as to the correct policy to verbalize to guests. These two, things, in my opinion are absolutely imperative that they do starting immediately....despite what they decide to change or not.

At this point, I am in a wait and see mode. Disney hasn't officially done anything. And, I think they have probably been bombarded with emails on the subject, from what I've been told. This is good. It gives them an opportunity to hear what their customers are thinking before implementing a final policy. So, it will be interesting to see what they decide.

I do have to say, though, I enjoy reading all the different opinions. It has opened my eyes to a couple things I hadn't thought about. And, I appreciate everyone's opinion. I think it is important to remember that even though we don't agree with what is being said, each person has a right to state their opinion. Disagreeing with it is great. I think it is how we choose to disagree (in regards to our words) that can make a difference. So, I guess what I am saying is that I hope no one feels like they can't express a differing opinion on the boards. That is what makes the DIS so great. You can get all points of view.

I am looking forward to hearing from Disney on this issue as well as others who have visited recently. Thanks everyone for your opinions. I really have enjoyed reading this thread. And, I am looking forward to continuing to read it.

[BriarfoxinWA]

just back from CBR and no sign of the "new" mugs yet...

[MiaSRN62]

[/B][/QUOTE]When presented with two interpretations of the rules, human nature says defend the one where you like the outcome.


Well, I think there were just too many people that were only explained the one rule (as stated by the CM's) and now are beginning to read about this "other" policy ? I don't see that what I and many other guests were told are "our" interpretations, but rather, the CM's interpretations of what they were so ill-taught by Disney management. The CM's misinterpreted to the guests (and who should know better ?). So, we the guests, will pay the price for that. Also, I feel that not everyone defaults to the easier, more beneficial road for them. There are actually people that stand by their convictions and defend what they feel is right and fair. I'm not saying your statement isn't true in some respects Geoff_M, because I'm sure it is.

It was perfectly understandable to believe the CM. I would have too. But saying the cashiers in the food courts and their supervisors trump the other higher sources doesn't make sense.


I dunno ? I feel the CM's, who are representative of the Disney company, need to have some accountability here ? Should we allow CM's to spread misinformed interpretations of Disney's policies park-wide ? What will they mislead guests with next ? Perhaps the "suits and ties" should have staffed the foodcourts from the get-go. Then we wouldn't have this whole mess ?


****Again, I think we are pretty much in a agreement here. I've stated that it would be a smart PR move for WDW to offer some sort of "buy back" credit or other small consideration for those who were misled by the CMs. But I don't feel WDW is obligated to honor the "free for life" claims. *********

Agreed. It would be a smart PR move to honor what some guests were told. I'd sell back. At this point, if the policy does switch to bar codes, I can honestly say I feel I didn't get my $120 worth of soda......LOL You're right though, WDW is not obligated (except morally maybe) but we all know money talks and I'm sure, if, as Geoff_M suggested : ****When presented with two interpretations of the rules, human nature says defend the one where you like the outcome.********
Disney will choose the one that most benefits them I'm sure. <wink>.


*******Or are we all just blowing this out of proportion.????
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cindy, I think we all can plead "guilty" on that point!*******

Absolutely.....perhaps the policy won't even take effect ? Wouldn't that be cool.....then we've all just been chattin' about the legitimacy of this policy for naught ! <g>


*******It's just a mug. ********

Ahhh.....just love the simplistic nature of this statement. Actually, Minnie's Pal is right, it is just a mug without my free refills (which I'll most likely never recoup IF this policy goes into effect). I'm just going to put the fact that I spent $120 worth of mugs right out of my mind <g> Poof ! It's gone.....a little disney magic. I feel better now : )

[gepetto]

Geoff's right.....Disney's probably gotten thousands of nastygrams based primarily on an internet rumor.

It would be nice if they'd just come out with just one mug that'd be good for all resorts where you could bring them back and buy a barcode sticker. I never thought you should have to buy new mugs when you split your stay at different resorts.:)

[Geoff_M]

http://www.btinternet.com/~tonyrichardson/horse.gif

MiaSRN62,

My "human nature" comments were aimed at those that still think this is a "top level" policy change on Disney's part and, in smaller numbers, people that have purchased mugs with the knowledge that the policy is LOS (from threads like this one) but also know the CMs widely let people reuse them. I'm not talking about people that were merely sold mugs after being given bad information and now realize they were mislead. If you look back at this thread and others you'll see people calling it a "change" instead of "enforcing an existing policy" and blaming this on Disney bean counters and their ilk.
I feel the CM's, who are representative of the Disney company, need to have some accountability here ?
I agree, offending CMs should be reprimanded. Particularly those that give out the "free for life" jive with signs arond them saying otherwise.
Disney will choose the one that most benefits them I'm sure. .
Perhaps. But at least, if they do, it'll be grounded in historical written policy.

[MiaSRN62]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disney will choose the one that most benefits them I'm sure. .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Perhaps. But at least, if they do, it'll be grounded in historical written policy.

Agreed Geoff_M, it does need to be made a widespread written policy understood by all CM's. This will eliminate any false information being given to guests at the resorts. I'm all for it, whatever it may be.


I'm not talking about people that were merely sold mugs after being given bad information and now realize they were mislead. If you look back at this thread and others you'll see people calling it a "change" instead of "enforcing an existing policy" and blaming this on Disney bean counters and their ilk.

Got ya Geoff_M. Thanks for clarifying.

[#1 TITANS FAN]

As far as the guest is concerned, the only policy that counts is the one that is being implemented at their resort at the time of their stay. When I return to the ASMU this October, I'm bringing the mug I bought there in 99 and was told would be good for life; if I'm told I can't use it, no big deal I'll buy another. However, if I'm allowed to use it, I'm not going to feel the least bit guilty about violating some official policy. As someone with over 17 years in food services (as a GM and a supervisor), my experience has been that upper management doesn't have a clue about the daily operations of their units and is far more intersted in maiximizing next month's bonus check.

[dcedwards]

Just curious if anyone has heard from Disney on this one?

[LAinSEA]

I don't know if the genius at WDW thought about this one but...

I used to teach full-time for a ski resort that at the beginning of each season would give their employees a FREE REFILLABLE MUG to use for FREE unlimited coffee, hot cocoa, juice or soft drinks for the remainder of the season (and beyond). They would also make the mugs available for sale to skier/rider guests and offer the same FREE refills for the season.

The reasoning behind this; to cut down on the use of paper/plastic cups for beverages at the resort. The cost of the cups were actually more than the cost of the drink put in the cups and add to that the actually cost of garbage removal from the resort (a long drive up to the resort from the city).

Having a refillable mug program is GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT! Disney's new program to stop Beverage Theft could become a public relations nightmare.

IMHO, WDW should put a least 2 FREE REFILLABLE mugs into every hotel room as a gift for its guests (if you want more than 2 then they are available for sale). This would cut down on the use of disposable cups and resulting trash. Guests that carry them into the parks should get free refills there too!

my 2 1/2 cents
-LA

[DancingBear]

Originally posted by LAinSEA
IMHO, WDW should put a least 2 FREE REFILLABLE mugs into every hotel room as a gift for its guests (if you want more than 2 then they are available for sale). This would cut down on the use of disposable cups and resulting trash. Guests that carry them into the parks should get free refills there too!-LA

Yeah! And McDonalds and 7-11 and Burger King should do the same!

[*Flower*]

We just returned from the CR, and saw no evidence of barcoded mugs........

[disneydawn6]

When we were at WDW they only had the scanner at Blizzard Beach. The mug was $10. I was told you could bring back your old mug and buy a new sticker for it for $5 You used the barcode scanner yourself at the dispenser the was away from the resturant. They had 3 different areas in the park where you could refill them yourself, so you did not need to stand in line or have a cast member do it for you

[DisGo2Girl]

:wave: I really hate to get in the middle of this, but while the discussion remains lively -- I gather the only spots currently using the scan codes for mugs are Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. This seems like a logical place to begin. I'm sure that during the summer months, some of our local teenagers with annual passes are at the water parks almost daily and I'm also sure they are accustomed to re-using their refillable mugs. I recall what it was like to be a cash-strapped teen and I'm equally sure that they have been passing the use of the mugs from person to person -- depending upon who is going to the park on a given day. That's creative financing! Although I doubt that Disney is losing any money by these practices, I can see that the loss of control would be annoying to them.

Personally, my spouse and I have accumulated 6 mugs from a variety of Disney resorts, but what we enjoy them for most is COFFEE. (We drink no more than 2 sodas per day between us.) Does anyone know if the water parks offer coffee and how they are handling it in relation to the new scanning devices? Just the FACTS, please, no speculation.

Thanks.
DisGo2Girl

[Ilove8Trax]

Does The company really need the money that they think they will make on this new procedure. What a wasted effort on their part. It isn't going to get the guests to buy more mugs. It was fun bringing back the old ones. Now, people will just start bringing their own drinks. I know i wouldn't buy another one when i have 4 at home from different resorts. This is a bad idea.:rolleyes:

[cindala]

We are just back from the YC and there weren't any bar coded mugs there either. We purchased 2 to use, and they are the exact same design as last year. :):D:)







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