Change in Refillable Mug Program?

[littlestar]

Hi.

I read over on the Resorts board that Disney is changing the refillable mug program to where you have to have your mug scanned to get a refill and it corresponds with your length of stay.

When we stayed at Old Key West in March, we stopped at the lodge and bought two Wilderness Lodge mugs for my parents to use when they travel with us this October. It figures! At least I didn't buy more mugs for the upcoming trip. So heads up for any DVC members that don't know about this change.

[Granny]

I guess I'm missing the point of the post?:confused:

If refillable mugs are good during the length of your stay, what's the concern?

Just trying to clarify.

[DVCDAVE]

Thanks for the heads up. This is good to know. So anyone thinking about bringing their old mug on their next trip, should think twice, hence they may meet with an emabrassing situation.

[Beth]

Granny,

As DVCDAVE's post implies, the "old" program allowed you to bring your mug back on each trip and continue to get refills.

[scduckman]

We were just at VWL two weeks ago and purchased mugs. There was no mention of the mugs only being good while we were there that week. That stinks.

[littlestar]

The point of my post was that we bought my parents two mugs as a gift for an upcoming trip. So we wasted $20.00. We weren't staying at the Wilderness Lodge Villas when we bought them, we were staying at Old Key West.

DVC Dave - you're right, it could get embarrasing. It will probably be interesting. I guess this pretty much effects repeat guests, though. I would have felt bad if mom and dad tried it and then told me their mugs weren't good. Geesh.

[gary in florida]

I would find it hard to believe that they will "scan" mugs. It would be a nightmare! Did you ever see the food courts at All Star in the morning. The lines would be worst than the ones at the TOT!

[PamOKW]

Granny, like you I always assumed that the mug was purchased for use during your stay. Another trip, another mug. However, after reading these boards, it became apparent that many people use the same set of mugs for years. Disney has never questioned the practice in the past. But, with cost-cutting and the technology (like the scanner) to enforce it easily, maybe they will cut back on the pay $10 bucks drink for life people have been experiencing.

LittleStar, it's too bad you got caught in the transition (if it's true). If the policy is changed, you could try contacting Disney and explaining that you purchased the mugs in advance. See if they'll refund your money or set you up with the new mugs.

[POOH&PIGLET]

Logistically I can't see how Disney can scan every refill. Does anyone know how they plan to do this?

[Granny]

littlestar.....Oh, I get what you're saying now! I thought you meant you could only use it while you're staying there regardless of how many times you visit...I didn't pick up on the only for the current trip part.

We have used our WL mugs for 3 trips now. I don't know how the other resorts handle it, but when you refill at Roaring Forks snack bar at WL, you just walk over to the machine and fill up the cup. You don't go through line past a cashier. It would be a nightmare to go through their lines just for a soft drink refill....it would effectively kill the program.

It is bothersome that we were told by at least 3 different CM's that the refillable mugs were "good for life"! I always figured it was "too good to be true" and I guess now it is. Very disappointing! :(

It's not as big of a deal since we now stay at DVC resorts with refrigerators so we can keep our soft drinks cold. But we enjoyed the walk up to the main resort this last trip to get our mugs refilled.

[DVCajun]

I don't understand what they'll scan. There's not a bar code on the mug. Has anyone witnessed how they do this? Or maybe it's not in practice yet.

[tigger2esq]

several years ago I bought a refillable mug at Blizzard beach--it was only free refills for the day we were there--and it had a sticker on the mug with the date on it. On future trips we could bring back the mug and pay for unlimited refills at a reduced cost (I think it was $10 for the mug and refills and then $5 on subsequent trips just for refills). However, this only worked beucase we had to go to a CM and hand them the mug to get a refill. at the resorts--you just walk up and fill so it doesnt seem workable. also--how will a CM know what the length of your stay is when you buy the mug?? If I am there for the weekend do I pay the same price as someone who is there for 2 weeks??

[Rock'n Robin]

I guess you would. We will only be at the Poly for 2 days of our next trip (the weekend of course, to save points!) and I wouldn't pay $10 for 2 days worth of iced tea. I had planned to take my Poly mug back that I bought in 2000--I used it in December--and I still might. In the original post, the poster was going to All Stars and CBR and was told by a CM it was going into effect at one of those (she wasn't clear which one) and eventually resort-wide. We are less than 4 weeks out.
I still have last year's Boardwalk mug too. Mind you it isn't as convenient because the guy at the Bakery has to fill it up, but the refills are free now and I have to have tea!!:D The canned stuff at the store mostly has sugar in it, and the instant stuff is bleck!
Robin M.

[disneyma]

This is going to be real hard at some of the food courts at AS, CB, PO/DL, etc. They will never be able to scan every person at the machines unless that have a cast member sit at the machines all the time.

At OKW, BC I realize a cast member fills your mug....I can't see Disney spending extra money for scanners for mug refillls.

This really doesn't make too much sense.

[SAKPEG99OKW]

The only change here is that now Disney is going to start tracking the mugs. As far back as I can remember, the mugs are only good for the length of the stay you purchased them. Atleast at at All Stars when we purchased ours there was a sign on the rack explaining this. Just because Disney never checked or stopped anybody from refilling on future trips does not make it right. So, this is nothing new in theary and I welcome the change. I think it's a great idea.

Scott, Peg and Tyler

[disneyma]

"I think it's a great idea."


Do you think it will be a great idea IF you are staying at a resort that has a food court if you have to wait in a line 30 deep to scan a refill?? Or how about if you want a bit more soda during the middle of your meal and you have to wait in line again?? Disney prides itself in making lines move....this is going to cause a huge line in bottlenecks....

I myself have no problem in buying a new mug....however....many CM have told customers that the mug is good forever.... so the policy seems to be mixed.... Seems like Disney is going to spend a lot of $$ to save 5 to 10 cents in the long run.

I think we should all hold on and wait until the official announcement comes out... I think something sound wrong with this entire story.

[donmil723]

When we were at BB on May 20th, you could buy a refillable mug. They put a sticker with a UPC bar code on it. You could refill it at an unmanned soda station by first scanning the bar code. Ice and soda didn't work unless you scanned your mug first. I didn't purchase one but that is what I observed. Also, last year during my stay at the BC, a B&C CM told me Disney was working on doing a 24 hour drink station where you had to scan your mug first.

I think it's fine but I hope that Disney would allow you to purchase a new bar code sticker on subsequent visits for a reduced price. The mugs are cost effective for us as we spend a lot of time at the resorts but I don't want to have a zillion of them around the house. I already have 8 CBR, 4 CSR, 4 BC, and 4 BW.

[MikeScott8]

This is disappointing as my fiance and I bought mugs at WL this past Jan. We only got two refills that day, we had put our deposit down the previous day and were walking around the resort checking out our new "home". and got the mugs as the CM said we could bring them back over and over.

When we go back in Jan again I plan on brining them in hopes we can at least get a cheaper LOS refill UPC (or whatever they are going to do)

Mike

[JudithM]

I don't know how Disney can justify or follow through with scanning mugs each time one wants a refill. when we purchased our refillable mugs at All Star Music seven years ago we were told they mugs were good forever. The sign even stated that the mugs can be refilled at other All Star resorts. We have since purchased other resort refillable mugs. I would be VERY disappointed if Disney changes the policy.

[Muushka]

Oh yeah! It is a great idea! We used the refillable mugs at VWL. My husband would usually get a meal or snack while there.
Now we will skip the food court all together. We will save money, and again, Disney will loose out. Why do they keep shooting themselves in the foot as far as we are concerned????:confused:

They (Disney) keep making me wonder why we sunk all that $$ into DVC:( .

[doubletrouble_vb]

Hearing about the Bar Codes makes me think this is possible. However I would think they'd test it out over time before propagating all over WDW.

When I bought my refillable mug for VWL I got enough beverages over the course of my stay that I figure its paid for. My impression at the time was that the mug was good for as long as they are selling that type of mug. I didn't see any length of stay restrictions.

$10 isn't a reasonable fee for lifetime refills however many people will forget or lose their mugs so it probably works out.

[KNWVIKING]

We bought our mugs based on CM info that it was good forever,not just that stay. But as we all know, you can ask the same question to a dozen CM's and get 4 yes,4 no and 4 i don't know's. We would not get our monies worth buying new mugs every trip-our kids are grown- so unless they do give a discount for just the bar code sticker we won't be useing our mugs. My biggest concern is wasted time trying to get a refill. Free & easy to get refills was great. Inexpensive & easy to get refills is ok. Inexpensive & hard to get refills just won't work.

[mikek]

Originally posted by Muushka
Oh yeah! It is a great idea! We used the refillable mugs at VWL. My husband would usually get a meal or snack while there.
Now we will skip the food court all together. We will save money, and again, Disney will loose out. Why do they keep shooting themselves in the foot as far as we are concerned????:confused:

They (Disney) keep making me wonder why we sunk all that $$ into DVC:( .

Well since the poster right before you said they haven't paid for a drink in 7 years, i dont really think Disney is missing out on much except loosing money. So I think rather than shooting themselves in the foot they are applying the tourniquet.

While I don’t like to see my benefits diminished, i can hardly blame Disney for correcting a mistake that they made in the past. I'd prefer they 'cut corners' on these smaller things rather than bigger items like early entry or skimping on transportation, etc. Especially when it looks like legitimately it could be costing them a lot of money.

They should figure out a way to transition folks who were told it would be forever, but I don’t think stopping it is a major negative as long as they handle the change gracefully (which arguably they haven’t done a good job at lately...)




P.S. if you're upset about how much you plunked into DVC- use it a few times and sell it in a few years- if the near future is anything like the past, you will get close to what you paid for it- so effectively you would have vacationed for the cost of dues and by letting them hold onto your money for a few years.

[RweTHEREyet]

I don't think the poster said they had not paid for a drink in 7 years, I think they said they first bought their mugs seven years ago--quite a big difference.

[BIERMUGG]

Originally posted by mikek



While I don’t like to see my benefits diminished, i can hardly blame Disney for correcting a mistake that they made in the past. I'd prefer they 'cut corners' on these smaller things rather than bigger items like early entry or skimping on transportation, etc. Especially when it looks like legitimately it could be costing them a lot of money.


What does it cost them? I read a long time ago Disney gets the Coca-Cola products free or next to nothing in turn Coke is the official beverage of WDW and has the advertising rights..

What does it cost us to stay on property? Just another perk regular guests lost.

George

[RweTHEREyet]

I too had learned that they got the coke products free from Coke. It seems that the exposure that Coke gets would justify that arrangement. I was not sure if it was still true or not and was hesitant to speak up. Glad you chimed in to confirm this.

[disneyma]

Since Disney is hurting so much and needs to make this change....maybe the Station Cool at Epcot will star charging five cents for a sample of soda. Maybe even better we could scan our new mugs and get it at a reduced rate.

There is an arrangement between them and Coke....it is very similiar to the arrangement they have with Kodak.....

:)

[ohiominnie]

We bought our mugs in Sept of 2000. Thinking they were just for our length of stay we didn't plan on bringing them back with us. Until we heard on this board that they were "lifetime" mugs. So we have taken them back a couple of times, and encouraged family members to buy them.

I plan on taking cans of pop with me to the foodcourt (NOT 20 oz plastic bottles or they will think I bought them on property) I plan on taking cans, which, as far as I can tell, are NOT sold on property.

And, although I am a die hard COKE fan and cringe at the thought of drinking Pepsi, I am thinking about bring cans of PEPSI to the food court.

It's my way of saying :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: to Disney's decision to change the meaning of "lifetime."

[mrtoadslastride]

We have mugs from several resorts that we use each time we stay. When we purchased them we were assured that they were for life. We just purchased new ones at CS (May 29th) and were assured they were good for life. If Disney makes this change I won't purchase new length of stay mugs!

[MikeScott8]

Here's an idea that could really make it even harder, how about them making all new mugs for the new LOS mugs and the older lifetime mugs are still good for lifetime. Good old grandfather clause!

HA HA!

Mike

[Peter_noPan]

Can you say "Class Action Lawsuit"?

I know several laywers that would love this one.

[manning]

Class action lawsuit??

Wouldn't be worth the cost or time. Life's too short.

[DoeWDW]

If they actually grandfathered the old mugs for a lifetime of use, while issuing new mugs good only for LOS, I can see a booming market on Ebay of older Disney mugs for sale!! It would be funny to watch them sell for exorbitant prices....LOL!

Seriously though, I also remember reading that Disney gets their Coke products free or extremely cheap. Don't you think they've been making enough on the mugs to cover themselves? Let's see, if I paid $10 for a mug and Disney paid $3 to produce the mug, that leaves $7 to pay for drinks. If each refill costs Disney 10 cents then that's 70 refills. I find it hard to believe that most mugs get used that much over a lifetime...... I don't think Disney is losing money - especially when you factor in the people that DON'T buy mugs but pay $2 for a soda at the food court.

Just my 2 cents....

[KNWVIKING]

DoeWDW...

The mistake in your math is the cost of the mug.$3.00 probably buys Disney a whole case of mugs- plastic mugs are dirt cheap. Also, we bought mugs at VB.Big and Bold on the lid was the Coca-Cola emblem so I'm thinking Disney paid zippo for those mugs.

[PamOKW]

When we were at BB on May 20th, you could buy a refillable mug. They put a sticker with a UPC bar code on it. You could refill it at an unmanned soda station by first scanning the bar code. Ice and soda didn't work unless you scanned your mug first.

DonMil gives us a perfectly logical way this new policy will work. I suspected that's what they had in mind. The machines won't work unless you have a bar code. The same bar code can be put on single serve glasses, too.

It is ridiculous to expect the refillable mug program gave any guarantee of refills beyond the first trip where they were purchased. There is no grounds for a suit.....and certainly not against Disney lawyers. It was a nice perk for some of you while it lasted. Especially for DVC'ers, to expect a $10 purchase would provide 40 years of free drinks is just silly.

[CarolynK]

It seems like it is very easy to cheat with this program, and obviously Disney is aware of it. This quote is taken from a trip report on another web site:

"Every time I go to a WDW site I always see the same old question, “Should I buy mugs?” This is how I handled it. I purchased ONE mug for the gang, but when I went down to fill it, I took my Universal cup, and my Disney Quest cup, and filled them all. I figured, “What the heck! I purchased a mug and they said free refills.” What’s the big deal?

The reason Disney is changing the policy is to stop this kind of scamming. Good for them ;)

[ohiominnie]

Originally posted by CarolynK

The reason Disney is changing the policy is to stop this kind of scamming. Good for them ;)

Disney told people "refills for life."
The real problem is Disney doesn't have the balls to ever tell anyone not to do something they shouldn't be doing. Whoever this person was that was filling multiple non-Disney cups should have been confronted. But that would never happen. It's bad PR. Instead, they will slowly change the rules and tell the people who were following the rules that now the rules have changed.

And as for:
" It was a nice perk for some of you while it lasted. Especially for DVC'ers, to expect a $10 purchase would provide 40 years of free drinks is just silly."

It's NOT silly if this is what you were told to expect.

The only time Disney stands up and says "don't do that" is if it's a blatent safety issue and they are basically preventing a lawsuit. For example, you can't stand on the brick wall over the Rivers of America to watch a parade....they will tell you to get down. Also, you can't open the monorail gate and wait near the high voltage track...they will tell you to get back on the other side of the gate.
But when it comes to "non-lawsuit" issues....they don't enforce. I've seen CM walk by people smoking in non-smoking areas. And the thing with the non-disney mug refills.....of course they don't say a thing because they don't want to offend anyone.

I'm done grumbling for now.
And I will be drinking Pepsi....even though I don't like it.

[ReneeQ]

Long before I bought into DVC, I bought an All Star Music Mug in 1997. In 1998 I stayed at All Star Sports and took the same mug back, as I had been told it was good FOR LIFE at all three All Stars. In 1999 I used the same mug again at All Star Movies, and used it again in 2000 at All Star Music. On the 2000 trip the CM checking me in even asked "have you stayed here before?" I said yes. He said, "so you know about our refillable mug program?" I said yes. He said, "did you bring your mug back this time?" I said yes. He said, "good, because you know that's good for life." I said yes. That's the last I used that mug, because we bought DVC on that trip in 2000, and never bought the mug at BWV.

BUT I want to add, shortly after I bought the mug in Oct. 1997, we stayed at Dixie Landings in Dec. 1997 and took the All Star Mug with us. I was new to mugs and didn't know I couldn't use it there. I WAS told by the CM that I could not use it there, at Dixie Landings.

My question is, when getting your drink, how does the drink dispenser know if you're using a refillable mug or a single use paper cup? If you just buy a regular drink and get the paper cup, is it going to have a barcode sticker, too? All these bar codes and the machines to run them and the maintenance on the machines seems much more expensive than what Disney is spending on cokes and refillable mugs. To pay for this "great technology" I'm sure we'll be paying more for cokes!

We will continue to bring our 12 packs of cans and stock our DVC refrigerator.

[auntsue]

I have to say that I also think it stinks that they are changing the policy midstream. We were definitely under the impression that the mugs were good 'for a lifetime,' so on our most recent trip we purchased one BW mug for $10. My husband got one cup of coffee each morning for four days. Now we are not going to be able to use it? My husband thinks they should buy them back from everyone who bought them thinking they were good indefinitely. I agree with the poster who said they should make the newer mugs in a different pattern and continue to honor the older ones. We would have never bought one if it was understood that it was only for your length of stay. We only used it for a pre-breakfast cup of coffee for my DH. Are they really losing that much money that they have to take away one of the very few perks that are left? It annoys me to no end, and not because I want to beat the system. We eat every meal out so I'm not saving thousands using the mug, it is just that we were told it was good for a lifetime, and that's what it should be!

[DVCDAVE]

To quote Steve Martin; " WELL EXCUSE ME !!!!" I am getting a little peed here as some people are calling others silly, for believing what they were told by Disney CM's, and others are getting their hair to stand on end, AND we don't even know what the policy is yet !!

Some are inferring that we (I included) who were told refills for life, are silly, or inferring worst.

I personally bought my FIRST mug this past March, on the advice of a CM, who said "that it was good for refills forever". Both my wife and I have a post graduate education, and we are neither stupid nor silly. If some CM tells me something, why should I not believe them ?

Right now, I am more peed off at some posters, moreso than Disney. They are only inferring what Disney has done so far... no one has contacted them to confirm this change, or asked, "what they will do with all of US mug owners ?"

Let's stop the name calling.....please !

[gary in florida]

Right on DVCDAVE!

[Jhalkias]

Thanks Dave, for saying something that needed to be said. I once was taken to task in the same way for ASKING if the mugs on the cruise line followed the same policy - refillable forever.

I'll wait until someone confirms this before we take or leave behind our Beach Club mugs with us in December!

[PamOKW]

Okay -- Let's wait and hear what the new policy is.

I apologize to those who are offended by my comments. It seemed reasonable to me that the refills were trip by trip. I was never told nor ever received any official notification that wasn't the case. It just seemed unreasonable to me to expect one $8-$10 purchase to be good for free drinks for a lifetime and I never saw that in writing. However, it sounds like that may have been what people were told at All-Star and elsewhere. I have never stayed at All-Star so I'm not familiar with the policy there. I can see where that looked to be a good deal.

We were also told that we could request additional towels and soaps when we bought at the Vacation Club. Some members abused this system and we now have to pay additional fees. It sounds like some purchasers of the mugs abused that system and Disney may be working on a way to limit the program. Unfortunately, everyone is caught up in the change, not just the abusers.

[Muushka]

:) Thanks PamOKW. I always enjoy reading your posts because you are a fair person.

For us, it is not the $$ for the soda. We bring our own (husband will NOT drink Diet Coke) sugar free sodas. It was the fun of stopping down at the Roaring Forks withs our special mugs (even if they were already full!). Occasionally I would get a cup of coffee, but I could easily brew some in the room. I guess it just dissapoints me when they take something away that we really get a kick out of. Little by little, they keep chipping away.......... :(

[Terry S]

PamOKW. I agree that it doesn't sound resonable to get drink refills for life for $10. But, the first time I purchased a mug was at BC, the CM at Beaches and Creme told me that they were refillable for life, at the resturants at Beach Club and Yacht Club. I must have sounded really stupid because, as you say that didn't sound right for $10 so I then asked "are you saying if I bring this cup back on my next trip, I can still get refills"? She looked at me like I was stupid and said "that is what refills for life means". I noticed later the mugs were also available in the room honor bar and they had a sticker on the outside wrap that said "Lifetime Refills".

I was at AKL this past April and I saw the mugs at the register of the Food Court so I picked one up and said these are refillable for life right? She said, "yes, they are refillable for life". I even confirmed this later while there was a CM standing by the drink machine and the person in front of me was filling up an All Stars Mug, so I loudly asked "These are refillible for life at this resort only right? She said yes, they are refillable for life only at the resort you purchase them at", and never said anything to the person in front of me.

I agree wholeheartedly with OhioMinne, when I was getting really annoyed with all the people filling mugs that were not from the resort they were at, my husband said to me, Disney is not going to say anything to upset them, why are you getting upset?

[Deb & Bill]

Man, am I really angry. We bought the mugs at OKW and we have to pay to refill them. Ain't that a deal? Where's my free refill? Lifetime at that? I have lifetime "pay about $1.25 per refill". What a bummer. [Sarcasm mode off]

We have mugs from the Polynesian, Port Orleans (before the merge), Disney Wonder and they all were refillable only for the length of stay.

We have a Typhoon Lagoon mug that we purchase the sticker for each time we go to TL or BB. It costs about $4 or $5 per day. Not a big deal.

[PamOKW]

I guess we must have "extra-special" Coke at OKW. Sounds like we were the only ones not getting free refills.

[disrailfan]

Hey, PAMOKW, we found this odd too that OKW did not have free refills. We were told though that it was OKW was the only DVC only resort. See all other resorts have non-DVC housing along with the DVC part so they have shared areas for food and drinks alacart.

This past week we were at VWL and we bought 4 mugs 1 for myself and 1 for DW and 1 each for our DD's. We used them everyday so I would say we still came out ahead. I would say that we would even come out ahead if they were to charge us $5 per our LOS to get free refills, just as long as I don't have to buy new mugs. Since the mugs have the Coca Cola logo on them, even though small, I suspect that WDW didn't pay a dime for them.

:smooth:

[DebbieB]

According to wdwig, the mug price is $4.95 at OKW vs $9.99 at other resorts. I guess the figure with the DVC setup, people will refill less at OKW, so they charge less for the mug and then charge for each refill.

Last December, I wanted a new mug for work and I saw one I liked at MGM Backlot Express, it was like $3.95 with the drink included (no refills).

http://www.wdwig.com/mugs.htm

[KNWVIKING]

If Disney does get Coke for free,then selling a cheap mug for $10.00 with a lifetime refill incentive not only makes sense,it's a cash cow for Disney.Coke loves the idea people are drinking their product for a "lifetime".It's a win-win-win scenerio.

Where the resorts have the drink islands,it's even a better deal for Disney as they don't have to staff it.

Ohiominnie: I agree with your logic about Disney not standing up and taking cheaters to task,but that will now work to my advantage.We own 3 sets of mugs at three resorts. We were told lifetime. I will continue to get refills until someone trys to stop me,then it's going to get very interesting.

Lastly, I agree with the last few posts: We don't know what Disneys policy is. Let's wait and see.

[ralphd]

Somehow I cannot believe Coca Cola and the mug manufactuers are giving product to Disney to sell to guests.
Disney's sales volume will give it the same purchasing power as any Coke customer. If they give product to Disney, then McDonalds will also receive free product. Looks like Coke will be bankrupt soon.
Agree with Pam- wait for the annoucement before everyone gets excited.

ralphd:) :) :) :)

[DebbieB]

From what I understand, it's an "exchange" deal. Coke gives the product free in exchange for advertising rights by Disney. So for example, instead of Disney paying coke $1,000,000 for the soda and Coke paying Disney $1,000,000 for the advertisement rights, they call it even. I heard the bottled water company has the same deal. It definitely is a cash cow for Disney or any food establishment, soda is cheap and they sell it for a big profit.

[manning]

I have been following this issue on all boards. I think my issue and others is more the problem of lines. If Disney can come up with a 16 oz mug and have a life time program. I would gladly pay $50-60 dollars for it. Just keep me out of a long line. Had enough of those years back in the army. Maybe there could be two programs, one for length of stay and one for (sic) lifers. Also separate scanning machines.

Like DVC it would be fun figuring out your brake even point. LOL.
for me I think five years out.

[Peter Johnson]

All of the other issues aside (and we just bought VWL mugs 2 weeks ago), as an IT geek I wouldn't think Disney would want unmanned scanning stations. We do a lot of barcoding and scanning, and the maintenance and supplies consume a lot of time, effort and money. I have to believe it would be cheaper for Disney to keep the old program going than to enforce it this way.

Just my $0.02, which won't pay for printing even one barcode sticker for one mug :)

[PamOKW]

I'm just wondering why the mug program is so important to DVC'ers? Having drinks in the room seems a lot more convenient than having to go out for refills all the time. I understand people who are upset because they won't get the full use they were promised. But, other than that, what is the appeal of the mug program for a DVC'er?

[ralphd]

Peter, I agree with you that if they intend to set up an automated scanning system, the base cost of the system plus the maintenance, will probably exceed the cost of the existing free refill system.
Debbie, there may be an agreement to offset some of the Coke product against the Coke Marketing Dept. The agreement would not be open ended and would involve the local Coke Bottler getting a payment from Coke USA for a set amount (or a percentage) of the Disney Coke product sales.

Coke does not publish the details of their contracts because the info will create problems with other customers and open the books to arch rival Pepsi.

ralphd:) :) :) :) :) :)

[mikek]

Need to clarify my previous post about someone who i wrongly stated hadnt paid for a soda in 7 years- let me rephrase that- Disney missed seven years of sales on that customer.

First i will agree with many who have asserted that Coke probably gives them free syrup. I have a freind who is a higher up at a the big fast food chain- in fact Coke can wind up paying them - basically you do pay for the syrup but than coke 'rebates' you based upon your volume- even to the point of you making money on them. I believe coke does it basically do keep pepsi's name to a minimum - but i dont really KNOW for sure (ever notice the only major establishments that have pepsi are the places pepsi used to won?).

Anyhow- syrup aside there are other costs- like water, carbon dioxide and electruicity for the machine and ice - to make a fountain beverage. Even at a pizza place that buys it syrup - the syrup is probably only like a third of the cost. (Oh and for the record a 32 oz fountain soda probably only costs the vendor like twenty cents- thats how a big gulp is $.99- yet 7-11 is still raking in the dough)

For those of you that say its free to disney- for the sake of your arguments lets say all the other costs are free too- so than what does it cost disney? Simple- it costs them the lost sale. You could probably fill up that darn mug 1 or 200 times before they actually lose real money on it BUT they arent getting you're 2$ for a soda everytime you fill up, or even your $10 for a mug each different visit. They have a billion bean counters and they figured that all those lost sales add up- the handfull of people that this straw breaks the camels back with who arent spending a couple hundred a night on a room are most likely dwarfed by the amount of money they stand to make in selling soda's.

Back to the fast food chain- biggest money makers are soda and fries- so much so that if you took those 2 away and didn't replace 'em -there would be NO profit and they would be out of business. Thats alot of profit for Disney to be ignoring.

Do I like it? Maybe not, but them's the facts.

[Beachangel]

I still don't get the free-soda-for life-for-ten-dollars obession. I've got mugs, and more mugs....never did I think it was an entitlement to pack my mug for next time and the next and the next.......... :rolleyes:

[gary in florida]

I still don't get the free-soda-for life-for-ten-dollars obession. I've got mugs, and more mugs....never did I think it was an entitlement to pack my mug for next time and the next and the next..........

The obession is that when your told that you can purchase something, then return and use in again and again, then someone changes their mind, that's a problem.

For someone who lives close to Disney, that goes for 3-4 nights, it pays to pack my mug.

It's much better than having to pack 12 packs of soda. :)

[KNWVIKING]

Pam...

If I'm sitting by the feature pool at WL, is it faster for me to wonder over to Roaring Forks or back to my studio.Same applies to BWV and soon BCV. I don't spend my vacation in my room.
And while this thread is mostly DVC members griping, I imagine non-DVC members staying at AS or Moderate resorts probably will be affected more then we are.

[JudithM]

Originally posted by mikek
Need to clarify my previous post about someone who i wrongly stated hadnt paid for a soda in 7 years- let me rephrase that- Disney missed seven years of sales on that customer.

Ok, I take offense at your comments about my having purchased All Star mugs in 1995 - seven years ago - & that Disney has missed out on the sales of my soda. Did you ever think that we also spend money by purchasing food at the food courts when we are there? I don't just go back to refill a mug with "lifetime refills." I am usually at the resort to buy a meal. Personally I don't htink Disney is losing money on me by my having a mug with "lifetime refills." I also take the mugs to the parks - I usually start out with ice & water from my room & contiune to fill it with ice & water to drink throughout the day. My carrying around a WDW resort mug is also PR for that particular resort!

[Granny]

Originally posted by PamOKW
I'm just wondering why the mug program is so important to DVC'ers? Having drinks in the room seems a lot more convenient than having to go out for refills all the time. I understand people who are upset because they won't get the full use they were promised. But, other than that, what is the appeal of the mug program for a DVC'er? Pam, when I posted early on in this thread, I used the words "bothersome" and "disappointing". I was referring, as other have, to being told one thing and then something else transpires. It's no big deal to me personally, as we got plenty of use from our free refills during the three trips we used them. But I do feel for those who just purchased with the intent to make them "pay off" sometime in the future.

I guess the issue many have is with promises or statements by Disney employees that are later retracted. We've heard many stories of Member Guides providing somewhat misleading information and promising pool-hopping, free valet parking, etc for the next 40 years. Most of us realize that Disney is not required to hold to any of that, but find it disappointing when such statements are made to make a sale.

Like I said, this is not that big of issue to us. We won't throw our mugs away, and we won't boycott Coke or Disney. What others choose to do is fine....free country! :)

[Doctor P]

Though I like the refillable mug program, my concern over it and any changes to the refillable mug policy went away went we bought into DVC (maybe because the first resort we bought into was OKW, but I think it was more than that). Given that we have a refrigerator and generally drive (or in one case had a rental car from Tampa), it is much more cost effective for us to buy sodas than to buy a refillable mug. The mugs are souveniers and often quite attractive/nice, but they are really no longer an issue for us.

[manning]

You think the comments are heated here, go over to the resort board. Wouldn't call it war, but is heated at times

I agree. It doesn't seem the cost justifies the change proposed. There are other ways of doing this. Heck add Three cents to the room rate and no one will be the wiser. That's one way, or increase the cost of the mug is another.

Another way of maybe solving this. If it is possible to:
1. have a dispenser as dependable as the old ones.
2. Have the machine set up to scan the mug when it is put in
place for filling.
3. Have a dated bar code sticker (date generated at purchase)
made of same material used on
license plates placed on mug upon purchase.

Now, like the annual pass, make this an annual mug. The chip in the machine knows the current date, reads the the date on the mug and if it is more than a year it won't dispense. Forget about the lockouts, keep the line moving and everyone will be happy. You'll get your moneys worth if not more and Disney still makes a profit. You can buy new stickers at check-in or guest services. I bet Disney can make a big profit at $10 per sticker.

Use it at any resort. They can even have a premium one for resorts and parks. The vendors in the parks can handle the refills. It would speed up the line. No need to make change.

[KNWVIKING]

Good idea Manning,but what if- and of course we know this is a BIG if - I go and buy one renew sticker for one of my four mugs then fill the legal mug,pour into expired,etc,etc...
Also,since mom and dad won't do that,they send little Johnie over to do they deed and while he's trying to juggle four mugs,a line is forming behind him. BUT,we all know this could NEVER happen.

[Granny]

manning....would they need to have a finger reading machine like for the AP's to make sure people aren't giving them to friends heading to WDW? :D :D :D

And thanks for the heads up on the resort board. One more place to avoid while looking for a Disney fix! :)

[PamOKW]

is a BIG if - I go and buy one renew sticker for one of my four mugs then fill the legal mug,pour into expired,etc,etc...

KNWVIKING -- I (think) you are basically joking but the sad fact is that people are thinking like this all the time. Then, when they devise a scheme that works, instead of it just being them and maybe their small group of friends, they post it on the Internet. The idea spreads to such a large group that Disney can no longer just turn a blind eye.

I think Disney has a lot of new issues to deal with since people started sharing info so easily. People who were once surprised by a memento from Disney on a birthday are now demanding the best way to insure that they are given something.

It sounds like a similar mug program has been working at the water parks. It also sounds like they are going to roll this out resort-by-resort. If it creates the type of panic and mayhem people are predicting, it will probably be re-worked or dropped.

People predicted that WDW would close it's doors when they dropped early entry. If anything, WDW bookings have been increasing. Disney doesn't make decisions without doing research first and without a "Plan B" in mind.

I guess I'm still missing the desire to keep the program. I usually have a pina colada by the pool (can we have free refills on those?) or bring a drink from the villa with me. In the parks is where I'd really like to see a program -- but they hit us up for the big $$$ for Coke there. ;)

I understand the value for the non-DVC resorts -- I just don't see the value for DVC.

[manning]

Knwviking- This is not a perfect solution, but takes a big step forward. I don't think there is or will be a fool proof solution other than to eliminate the program. (oh boy, now what do we do with the mugs?)

Granny- As long as there is a system, someone will be trying to beat it, it takes the life time equation out of it. After the set time limit expires, another sticker has to be bought. You heard of K.I.S.S. . We had K.I.S.C. keep It Simple and Cheap.

PamOK - Your idea has a built in solution. After a number of Pina Coladas We won't care if anyone is cheating. Like the idea though.

After saying this and reading elsewhere, I'm beginning to think a mountain is being built. That poor little mole is probably wondering what has happened to his hill. LOL

[KNWVIKING]

Pam...

I'm joking to the extent I would not do that, but we all know something along those lines will happen.

As for a "park" mug-yeah that would be great, but Disney knows the $$$$$$$ it rakes in sellng a few pennys worth of product for $2.50. They also know that while we're at our resort, the enticement of a free refill will get people to go into the food courts and such and they know our nature: we will more then likely spend money on something that is highly overpriced. BUT, I got my free soda !!

If they really are changing the existing mug plan I guess I just don't understand the logic.

[manning]

Knviking- I think you hit on something Disney may not have thought about. You notice were the drink machines are at. The milk and meat counter aren't in the back of the grocery store by accident. Now if Disney could figure out how to put those machines next to the pizza and hamburgers. Come to think about it, the cashier can now be the policeman. Walk through, show your mug and be on your way. Buy something, stop and pay. Maybe those machines are in the wrong place.

[Caskbill]

We were at Typhoon Lagoon just last week, and the self-serve, scanned mugs were there. To use, you push a button, hold your cup up to the UPC code scanner. (Basically an opening in the front of the machine). When the green light goes on, you push the button for the flavor of drink you want. Presto, a refill.

The technology is already there and in use. To simply put these same machines into the resorts is no big deal.

I imagine the codes could be simple. Your mug works at your resort only.

If it really got out of hand, with people using one mug as the 'master', to get refills and then fill all their other mugs, then I suppose Disney could go the next step. Seralized Bar codes, where once you get a refill, you can't get another for some length of time, maybe 15 minutes or so. That would certainly stop people from filling up a half-dozen cups from one single mug. That technology wouldn't really be much different than the fast pass system now in use where you can't get a 2nd fast pass until after an elapsed time.

As for LOS mugs, refillable for lifetime. Isn't that an oxymoron? It's either good for LOS, or it's good for lifetime.

Anyway, it looks like all the old mugs might still be refillable. Just not for free. My guess is that a LOS sticker to put on the mug might be the way it'll work.

[disrailfan]

Originally posted by DebbieB
I heard the bottled water company has the same deal. It definitely is a cash cow for Disney or any food establishment, soda is cheap and they sell it for a big profit.

DebbieB, did you know that the Water that is sold at wdw is actually bottled and distributed by Coca Cola?

Another interesting twist! :smooth:

[disrailfan]

Originally posted by Caskbill
If it really got out of hand, with people using one mug as the 'master', to get refills and then fill all their other mugs, then I suppose Disney could go the next step. Seralized Bar codes, where once you get a refill, you can't get another for some length of time, maybe 15 minutes or so. That would certainly stop people from filling up a half-dozen cups from one single mug. That technology wouldn't really be much different than the fast pass system now in use where you can't get a 2nd fast pass until after an elapsed time.

Oh my Fast Passes for refillable mugs now there is an idea! haha!

:rolleyes:

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by disrailfan


DebbieB, did you know that the Water that is sold at wdw is actually bottled and distributed by Coca Cola?

Another interesting twist! :smooth:

I know Dasani water is Coke, which we usually buy at the store (6 bottles for $2.50). They sell Zepheryllis at Disney (1 bottle for $2.50), is it also Coke?

[Zimbubba]

Why is it so hard for people to understand. There never has been an established policy that these mugfs can be used "forever." It has been something people have made up. Cast members say sure, do it. Why not? It doesn't effect them. Reusing mugs after the visit when they were purchased is theft.

I know this will be popular.

[BIERMUGG]

Its not the idea of missing out on a couple of cups of free soda, but it was a unique perk that when we brought the mug we were told it was for life. At VB last summer the mugs said " Summer 2001" it was a very easy way to identify the mugs as seasonal and for 2001.

We do not drink a lot of soda so it is no big deal for my family, it was kind of neat to know it was there and not every place had it. The thing that gets me when they keep discontinuing the small things even if we did not use them a lot, Tthe place starts to lose a little bit of the Magic that made WDW so special to us in the first place.

George

[Muushka]

My sentiments exactly, BIERMUGG.

[KNWVIKING]

Zimbubba....

I don't know what Disney's official policy was for my mugs. All I can go by is what the CM's told me when I bought them- LIFETIME. If I was told LOS, I wouldn't have bought them because I probably only refill a few times a trip. We just bought mugs at VB, again we were told lifetime. Even the mug has no date on it,not even a VB logo. But the lid does say Coca Cola on it.

By all means I have gotten my monies worth out of my mugs plus I have a cool sovinere(sp), but it's disheartening when the rules keep changing. I shouldn't need to ask for a signed contract from a CM just to buy a mug.

[Lesley]

Pam, to answer your question about what appeal refillable mugs have for DVCers...

For us it was really kind of a souvenir thing....but one we could really get our money's worth out of. Now that we have a cabinet full of these mugs, I probably won't be buying more. Even with our upcoming stay at POR I don't think I'll buy a mug....we can keep drinks in our room. Of course it might be worth it for morning coffee and a few refills.

I do feel its a bit extreme to be calling folks who were told their refillable mug was refillable for multiple visits theives....they are following the rules as they were told them. Refillable mugs don't exactly come with a fine print contract that owners are required to sign...And how fair is it that someone can stay a month on one mug, yet another person can't use their mug for 2 or 3 weekend stays?

And I do believe we once had posts somewhere from someone in the know who definitively stated that WDW does get its Coke products free....advertising isn't cheap.
I can't imagine the few folks (in relative terms to how many visitors WDW gets...particularly considering that most folks are one time only) who are willing to haul mugs back for multiple trips are really putting that big of a dent in the bottom line. Of course some bean counter could probably show me evidence that it is....but at what cost to that wonderful feeling that you're being treated as an honored guest instead of feeling like there's a mouse with his hand in your pocket the whole trip?

Yikes, this is beginning to sound like a rumors board post...sorry!

[Carl]

I was one of the people who insisted that anyone who thought refillable mugs were for repeat trips was completely in error. So, last February at the Boardwalk bakery I was purchasing a mug and the person told me that I could bring it back anytime I was on the Boardwalk. I said, "You don't mean on future trips, do you?" They insisted that "YES, Anytime that you come back!" So, I had to eat my words. Now, that I have decided to bring it back, I guess that it will NOT be true anymore. Yep, that figures, with my luck. But, that makes the persons who have told us this in no uncertain terms into liers.

[Zimbubba]

Theft is theft in multiple formats. Just because Disney is a large corporation does not make it right to squeeze a bit out of them. It is a moral question.

I is unfortunate for those who were told misinformation. The plan was never to make it a lifetime committment to free beverages. It is a belief that has spread because of the rise in rapid communications....like these boards.

[joepoe]

Since I drink one Diet Coke a week, I am amazed that there are six pages devoted to refillable plastic mugs that have to get pretty yecchy looking after a year or two of use. Just my opinion.

[gary in florida]

refillable plastic mugs that have to get pretty yecchy looking after a year or two of use

Not if you wash them. ;)

[joepoe]

Originally posted by gary in florida


Not if you wash them. ;)


LOL! But don't they get all scratched up from dropping them and faded from handling and washing them? LOL!

[manning]

This E-mail 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

[crisi]

Here's my stab at this:

When Disney instituted the program, they probably made a guess that went something like this:

"Most people - say 98% of mug buyers - will not be back at the same resort within the next five years. Of the ones that come back after 5 years, only a small percentage of them will bring back a 5 year old mug. Therefore, the difference between a mug being length of stay and a mug being lifetime, represents only a small loss of revenue for Disney."

If they didn't think bringing mugs back year after year was going to have an impact, OKW would have had the same $10 mug.

Now someone has re-evaluated the data. They've discovered that people return more often than they thought, and will stay at the same resort over and over again, bringing their mugs with them. They may even suspect (or know) that owning a mug for a resort (say CBR) will make you more likely to stay at CBR over trying something new. Now they think they are losing a substantial amount of revenue, and maybe influencing undesireable patterns in guest behavior - thus the policy change.

And yes, its a policy change. Disney CMs told too many people that the mugs were good for a lifetime for it to be a misunderstanding.

[Zimbubba]

>>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 has been this way since the beginning of the program at CBR in the 90's.

[Muushka]

Originally posted by Zimbubba
Theft is theft in multiple formats. Just because Disney is a large corporation does not make it right to squeeze a bit out of them. It is a moral question.



Gotta tell you, I really have a problem being called a thief.

[PamOKW]

This certainly is turning into quite a thread!

I agree it's extreme to insinuate those who bring back the mugs are thieves. Many were either told directly by a CM or by hearsay on boards like this, that it was okay. They brought back the mugs and weren't questioned.

I also think it's extreme to discuss class action lawsuits or bemoan the downfall of Disney. It's a perk that's changing. I can see be disappointed, but it shouldn't life altering for anyone. After all, you got at least some refills and still have a nice souveneir. The one exception would be someone like the original poster who bought the mugs for future use and did not use them at all before the policy changed.

I found it funny that today I heard multiple radio ads for our local amusement park, Lake Compounce. Their "pitch" this summer is that they are offering "all the Pepsi you can drink" free with admission. ;) Maybe they saw the threads here. ;)

[TnRobin]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This topic is not really related to the topic of this board. Now it is beginning to degrade into a personal issue. I am locking this thread. If you wish to continue this discussion, please feel free to post to the the thread on the resort board.