Tri-circle-D
05-08-2009, 10:37 AM
A lot of questions get asked on this Camping Board about refillable mugs.
In fact, if you go back and look at some of the earliest threads on this section of the Disboards, you will see folks have been asking questions about refillable mugs for years.
But there has never been a definitive thread in which all questions about refillable mugs have been accurately answered.
Until now.
I hope that our wise moderator will add a link to this thread in the FAQ section of this Board.
And from this day forth, anyone having a question about refillable mugs can come here for an answer.
So, let’s take a whack at it, shall we?
At the present time, every WDW resort offers refillable plastic mugs for sale. Fort Wilderness is no different. The price is the same. It is currently $12.99 plus tax. So the total cost is $13.84. This is what the new 2009 mugs look like:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20V/FW595102009052.jpg
As you can see, they come in three different color combinations. The art is the same on all mugs, the difference is that the handles and lids come in different colors. You can choose red, yellow or black. The same mugs are used at all WDW resorts, and all resorts charge the same price.
***NEW- Midway through 2009, the mug style changed again slightly. The mugs have not changed since. The second style introduced in 2009 varied slightly from the first 2009 design in that the multi-color character design on the mug covers the entire mug, while the bottom 1/3 of the previous design was white. Also, the current mugs taper gradually from the top to the bottom. Here's a photo of what the current (as of October 2010) mugs look like:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FW%20Screen%20Caps/newmugs.jpg
Some folks have stated that the new mugs hold less than the old ones.
That is not so.
Both mugs hold the exact same amount of liquid. Yes, I checked.
Prior to 2007, resorts sold mugs that were specifically designed for the resort. So, the Polynesian sold mugs that had the Polynesian Resort name on, Animal Kingdom Lodge had its own design, etc. In addition, the mugs came in two different sizes. Here is an example of the mugs that were previously sold at Port Orleans:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/RM3.jpg
So, before 2007, like the other resorts, Fort Wilderness sold mugs that were designed specifically for Fort Wilderness. The Fort Wilderness mugs were imprinted with the name of the Fort Wilderness restaurant, Trails End. The mugs had brown handles and lids. There is a photo of the old Fort Wilderness mug style on this sign, which still is on display in the Meadow Trading Post:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/FW42409148.jpg
In October, 2010, one of these old mugs sold on e-bay for $51.00 plus $12.00 for shipping! Here is a photo of that mug:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FW%20Screen%20Caps/FWMug.jpg
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FW%20Screen%20Caps/FWMug2.jpg
In 2007, all WDW resorts began to sell a universal mug design. The mugs only came in one size. There were two color choices: a black handle or a blue one. The mugs had the year “2007” imprinted on them. Here is what they looked like:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/DSC01254.jpg
In 2008, the same mug design was used. The only difference was that there was no date imprinted on the mugs. Here is what the 2008 model looked like:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/RM2.jpg
If you think it is indistinguishable from the 2007 mugs, you are almost right. The only difference is that there is no year stamped on the 2008 mugs.
The trend of having universal mugs has continued into 2009.
So, when and where can you use your mug?
The rules stated at all places where the mugs are sold state that the mugs may be used at the resort where they are purchased for the length of the stay during which they are purchased. For example, this is the language used on the drink dispensers at the Polynesian resort:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/FW42409008.jpg
You might ask yourself here the old question that if all of the mugs are the same, what is to stop me from using the mug I purchased at Fort Wilderness at the drink machine at the Contemporary? Or what is to stop me from using the 2009 style mug I purchased in February when I come back to visit the Fort in September? The answer, is: nothing. The use and misuse of refillable mugs has been a source of contention and debate not only on the Camping Boards, but all over the Disboards. So, no need to beat that dead horse. The rule is simple and clear. Whether you follow it or not is up to you. Please, let’s not have a debate about that.
Now, let’s get to the Fort specifics.
In the past, the mugs were only for sale at Trail’s End. Now, they can be purchased at Trail’s End, the Meadow Trading Post, or at the Meadow Snack Bar. Here is a photo of the mugs on display behind the register at the Meadow Trading Post:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/FW42409150.jpg
So, where can you use the mugs at the Fort?
The mugs can be filled at three different locations. Trail’s End, the Meadow Trading Post, or the Meadow Snack Bar.
Here is a photo of the choices at Trail’s End:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/FW42409193.jpg
So, at Trail’s End you can fill your mug with Cherry Coke, Water (wow), Minute Maid Lemonade, Mr. Pibb, Sprite, Diet Coke, and Coke. There is also regular and decaffeinated coffee (brewed, not NesCafe), and hot water for tea and cocoa. They keep cocoa packets behind the counter, so you have to ask an employee for one. There has been debate before about whether or not hot cocoa is included in the unlimited refills. But, if you read this sign posted on the Trails End drink machine, you will see that cocoa is included:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20V/FW595102009048.jpg
As far as iced tea is concerned, I asked a castmember working at the restaurant where I could fill my mug with iced tea. She offered to go and get it for me. So, iced tea is included, but a castmember will have to fill your mug with the iced tea. That is easier said than done in the morning and afternoon, as there is not usually anyone on duty at the front cash register in the during breakfast and lunch hours.
The Trail’s End restaurant opens at 7:30 am, and generally closes at 9:30 pm on weeknights and 10 pm on weekends. Refills are not available when the restaurant is closed.
The Trail's End drink machine was replaced some time around October, 2010. Here is a photo of the new machine. There is one slight change in the drink choices- the Minute Made Lemonade is now Pomegranate Lemonade:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FW%20October%202010/FWOctober2010256.jpg
*** NEW- The drink machine sign on the new machine was replaced in the first week of December, 2010. Here is a current (photo taken 12/11/10) photo of the self-serve machine in Trail's End:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FW%20Thanksgiving%202010/IMG_1533.jpg
*** NEW- The coffee machine at Trail's End was replaced sometime in late December, 2010. Here's a photo of the NesCafe machine at Trail's End:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/NYE%202010/100_1475.jpg
The choices for refilling your mug at the Meadow Trading Post are much more limited. Here is a photo of the drink station there:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/FW42409149.jpg
There are no soft drink (soda, pop, cola, whatever you call it) refills at the Meadow Trading Post. Just coffee (Nescafe) and hot water for tea or cocoa.
The Meadow Trading Post is open from 8 am until 10 pm daily. Refills are not available when the trading post is closed.
The third location for a mug refill at Fort Wilderness is the Meadow Snack Bar. Here is a photo of the sign posted there which shows your drink choices:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/FW42409042.jpg
So, at the Meadow Snack Bar, you can get Root Beer and Orange soda, but not Cherry Coke or Mr. Pibb. The Meadow Snack Bar is only open from 11 to 5 daily. This location is not self serve. You must hand your mug to a castmember, and he or she fills it for you. You may have to wait on line behind folks ordering food. In the past, the Meadow Snack Bar was closed more than it was open, but with the recent pool renovation, it appears that the hours will be more consistent.
For the sake of completeness, let’s review one other issue, because you might encounter it. There are folks who claim that there was a time in the past when Fort Wilderness sold mugs that were refillable for life. That is, once the customer bought the mug, he or she could use it for free refills at Fort Wilderness for the rest of his or her life. I do not know whether or not this is true. Most folks claim that they were told this by the castmember from whom they purchased the mugs. But, we all know that castmembers often mistakenly say things that are not 100% accurate. Well, whatever the truth is, the fact is that you will probably see someone with an old, brown handled mug , getting free refills from the drink stations. Here is a photo of folks enjoying their old mugs that I took on my last visit:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20II/FW42409194.jpg
Again, it is not my intention to start a debate. The fact is that if you have an old brown Fort Wilderness mug, you apparently can still use it to your heart’s content.
So, that’s it.
Everything you always wanted to know about refillable mugs at Fort Wilderness . . .
But were afraid to ask.
TCD
In fact, if you go back and look at some of the earliest threads on this section of the Disboards, you will see folks have been asking questions about refillable mugs for years.
But there has never been a definitive thread in which all questions about refillable mugs have been accurately answered.
Until now.
I hope that our wise moderator will add a link to this thread in the FAQ section of this Board.
And from this day forth, anyone having a question about refillable mugs can come here for an answer.
So, let’s take a whack at it, shall we?
At the present time, every WDW resort offers refillable plastic mugs for sale. Fort Wilderness is no different. The price is the same. It is currently $12.99 plus tax. So the total cost is $13.84. This is what the new 2009 mugs look like:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20V/FW595102009052.jpg
As you can see, they come in three different color combinations. The art is the same on all mugs, the difference is that the handles and lids come in different colors. You can choose red, yellow or black. The same mugs are used at all WDW resorts, and all resorts charge the same price.
***NEW- Midway through 2009, the mug style changed again slightly. The mugs have not changed since. The second style introduced in 2009 varied slightly from the first 2009 design in that the multi-color character design on the mug covers the entire mug, while the bottom 1/3 of the previous design was white. Also, the current mugs taper gradually from the top to the bottom. Here's a photo of what the current (as of October 2010) mugs look like:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FW%20Screen%20Caps/newmugs.jpg
Some folks have stated that the new mugs hold less than the old ones.
That is not so.
Both mugs hold the exact same amount of liquid. Yes, I checked.
Prior to 2007, resorts sold mugs that were specifically designed for the resort. So, the Polynesian sold mugs that had the Polynesian Resort name on, Animal Kingdom Lodge had its own design, etc. In addition, the mugs came in two different sizes. Here is an example of the mugs that were previously sold at Port Orleans:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/RM3.jpg
So, before 2007, like the other resorts, Fort Wilderness sold mugs that were designed specifically for Fort Wilderness. The Fort Wilderness mugs were imprinted with the name of the Fort Wilderness restaurant, Trails End. The mugs had brown handles and lids. There is a photo of the old Fort Wilderness mug style on this sign, which still is on display in the Meadow Trading Post:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/FW42409148.jpg
In October, 2010, one of these old mugs sold on e-bay for $51.00 plus $12.00 for shipping! Here is a photo of that mug:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FW%20Screen%20Caps/FWMug.jpg
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FW%20Screen%20Caps/FWMug2.jpg
In 2007, all WDW resorts began to sell a universal mug design. The mugs only came in one size. There were two color choices: a black handle or a blue one. The mugs had the year “2007” imprinted on them. Here is what they looked like:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/DSC01254.jpg
In 2008, the same mug design was used. The only difference was that there was no date imprinted on the mugs. Here is what the 2008 model looked like:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/RM2.jpg
If you think it is indistinguishable from the 2007 mugs, you are almost right. The only difference is that there is no year stamped on the 2008 mugs.
The trend of having universal mugs has continued into 2009.
So, when and where can you use your mug?
The rules stated at all places where the mugs are sold state that the mugs may be used at the resort where they are purchased for the length of the stay during which they are purchased. For example, this is the language used on the drink dispensers at the Polynesian resort:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/FW42409008.jpg
You might ask yourself here the old question that if all of the mugs are the same, what is to stop me from using the mug I purchased at Fort Wilderness at the drink machine at the Contemporary? Or what is to stop me from using the 2009 style mug I purchased in February when I come back to visit the Fort in September? The answer, is: nothing. The use and misuse of refillable mugs has been a source of contention and debate not only on the Camping Boards, but all over the Disboards. So, no need to beat that dead horse. The rule is simple and clear. Whether you follow it or not is up to you. Please, let’s not have a debate about that.
Now, let’s get to the Fort specifics.
In the past, the mugs were only for sale at Trail’s End. Now, they can be purchased at Trail’s End, the Meadow Trading Post, or at the Meadow Snack Bar. Here is a photo of the mugs on display behind the register at the Meadow Trading Post:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/FW42409150.jpg
So, where can you use the mugs at the Fort?
The mugs can be filled at three different locations. Trail’s End, the Meadow Trading Post, or the Meadow Snack Bar.
Here is a photo of the choices at Trail’s End:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/FW42409193.jpg
So, at Trail’s End you can fill your mug with Cherry Coke, Water (wow), Minute Maid Lemonade, Mr. Pibb, Sprite, Diet Coke, and Coke. There is also regular and decaffeinated coffee (brewed, not NesCafe), and hot water for tea and cocoa. They keep cocoa packets behind the counter, so you have to ask an employee for one. There has been debate before about whether or not hot cocoa is included in the unlimited refills. But, if you read this sign posted on the Trails End drink machine, you will see that cocoa is included:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20V/FW595102009048.jpg
As far as iced tea is concerned, I asked a castmember working at the restaurant where I could fill my mug with iced tea. She offered to go and get it for me. So, iced tea is included, but a castmember will have to fill your mug with the iced tea. That is easier said than done in the morning and afternoon, as there is not usually anyone on duty at the front cash register in the during breakfast and lunch hours.
The Trail’s End restaurant opens at 7:30 am, and generally closes at 9:30 pm on weeknights and 10 pm on weekends. Refills are not available when the restaurant is closed.
The Trail's End drink machine was replaced some time around October, 2010. Here is a photo of the new machine. There is one slight change in the drink choices- the Minute Made Lemonade is now Pomegranate Lemonade:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FW%20October%202010/FWOctober2010256.jpg
*** NEW- The drink machine sign on the new machine was replaced in the first week of December, 2010. Here is a current (photo taken 12/11/10) photo of the self-serve machine in Trail's End:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/FW%20Thanksgiving%202010/IMG_1533.jpg
*** NEW- The coffee machine at Trail's End was replaced sometime in late December, 2010. Here's a photo of the NesCafe machine at Trail's End:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/NYE%202010/100_1475.jpg
The choices for refilling your mug at the Meadow Trading Post are much more limited. Here is a photo of the drink station there:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/FW42409149.jpg
There are no soft drink (soda, pop, cola, whatever you call it) refills at the Meadow Trading Post. Just coffee (Nescafe) and hot water for tea or cocoa.
The Meadow Trading Post is open from 8 am until 10 pm daily. Refills are not available when the trading post is closed.
The third location for a mug refill at Fort Wilderness is the Meadow Snack Bar. Here is a photo of the sign posted there which shows your drink choices:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20III/FW42409042.jpg
So, at the Meadow Snack Bar, you can get Root Beer and Orange soda, but not Cherry Coke or Mr. Pibb. The Meadow Snack Bar is only open from 11 to 5 daily. This location is not self serve. You must hand your mug to a castmember, and he or she fills it for you. You may have to wait on line behind folks ordering food. In the past, the Meadow Snack Bar was closed more than it was open, but with the recent pool renovation, it appears that the hours will be more consistent.
For the sake of completeness, let’s review one other issue, because you might encounter it. There are folks who claim that there was a time in the past when Fort Wilderness sold mugs that were refillable for life. That is, once the customer bought the mug, he or she could use it for free refills at Fort Wilderness for the rest of his or her life. I do not know whether or not this is true. Most folks claim that they were told this by the castmember from whom they purchased the mugs. But, we all know that castmembers often mistakenly say things that are not 100% accurate. Well, whatever the truth is, the fact is that you will probably see someone with an old, brown handled mug , getting free refills from the drink stations. Here is a photo of folks enjoying their old mugs that I took on my last visit:
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/TCD%20II/FW42409194.jpg
Again, it is not my intention to start a debate. The fact is that if you have an old brown Fort Wilderness mug, you apparently can still use it to your heart’s content.
So, that’s it.
Everything you always wanted to know about refillable mugs at Fort Wilderness . . .
But were afraid to ask.
TCD