"RapidFill" RFID refillable mugs coming back resort wide...

[disneydaveb]

To be honest I think this is going to be a pain. Scanning mugs to get soda, time limits, the inevitable defects in the system, and not to mention the inevitable crashes. What happens when the system goes down? Can people still get drinks?

The problem with implementing this time-lock system is that in adding the extra measures, they're also adding extra risk. Sure, people can't bring back a mug they purchased last month and use it, but now there runs the risk of someone's chip not being activated properly, expiring early, getting stuck in the "locked" mode, etc. Lines for beverages will build as people will not understand the whole "scan and fill" procedure, I'm sure.

And I am being critical of this system. Is that wrong? No. I'm sure Disney has thought of these things as well, but nothing is ever perfect, every system has its flaw. Just to appeal to those who love this idea, yes, it is fantastic that we can now have controlled portions of beverages, and people will stop abusing the machines. We are on vacation after all.

Yeah. I hear you. Wouldn't it just have been easier for Disney to crack down on the offenders? Change mug designs every year or 2 to make it easier.
I'm sure they would not let people walk into the gift shop and pick up a t-shirt or autograph book and then walk out without paying.

 

[disneynutz]

To be honest I think this is going to be a pain. Scanning mugs to get soda, time limits, the inevitable defects in the system, and not to mention the inevitable crashes. What happens when the system goes down? Can people still get drinks?

The problem with implementing this time-lock system is that in adding the extra measures, they're also adding extra risk. Sure, people can't bring back a mug they purchased last month and use it, but now there runs the risk of someone's chip not being activated properly, expiring early, getting stuck in the "locked" mode, etc. Lines for beverages will build as people will not understand the whole "scan and fill" procedure, I'm sure.

And I am being critical of this system. Is that wrong? No. I'm sure Disney has thought of these things as well, but nothing is ever perfect, every system has its flaw. Just to appeal to those who love this idea, yes, it is fantastic that we can now have controlled portions of beverages, and people will stop abusing the machines. We are on vacation after all.

Disney doesn't like to confront guests, this technology forces people to be honest while increasing Disney's profit. My guess is that there are more people bringing back mugs from a prior trip that we realize.

Once the bugs get worked out we won't give the new procedures a second thought. Disney will be able to offer different drink plans with just a software change and park packages are just around the corner.

Bill

 

[Lewisc]

To be honest I think this is going to be a pain. Scanning mugs to get soda, time limits, the inevitable defects in the system, and not to mention the inevitable crashes. What happens when the system goes down? Can people still get drinks?

The problem with implementing this time-lock system is that in adding the extra measures, they're also adding extra risk. Sure, people can't bring back a mug they purchased last month and use it, but now there runs the risk of someone's chip not being activated properly, expiring early, getting stuck in the "locked" mode, etc. Lines for beverages will build as people will not understand the whole "scan and fill" procedure, I'm sure.

And I am being critical of this system. Is that wrong? No. I'm sure Disney has thought of these things as well, but nothing is ever perfect, every system has its flaw. Just to appeal to those who love this idea, yes, it is fantastic that we can now have controlled portions of beverages, and people will stop abusing the machines. We are on vacation after all.

Probably why Disney recently tested the system at a resort. Hasn't Disney been using a similar system in the water parks for years? How many people pay with either a credit card or charge back to their room? The system goes down and Disney has bigger problems then with the soft drink dispenser.

Yeah. I hear you. Wouldn't it just have been easier for Disney to crack down on the offenders? Change mug designs every year or 2 to make it easier.
I'm sure they would not let people walk into the gift shop and pick up a t-shirt or autograph book and then walk out without paying.

This is easier. Avoids confronting guests who say they were told they could bring mugs back. edited to add Also guests who keep filling a mug/cup then transferring the contents to another container it so their entire family only has to pay for one drink and/or mug. Think of this as serving the same function as security tags in merchandise. Think of this as similar in concept to a red light camera. Unlike cops red light cameras don't take breaks, don't listen to excuses, don't miss some violates and the municipality doesn't have some shifts without coverage.

Articles at the time of the All Star test implied the soda company was using Disney as a test. Limiting the number of refills, and time between refills, might be used at fast food restaurants as a way to deter famlies from buying one small drink for their entire family.

 

[disneydaveb]

Probably why Disney recently tested the system at a resort. Hasn't Disney been using a similar system in the water parks for years? How many people pay with either a credit card or charge back to their room? The system goes down and Disney has bigger problems then with the soft drink dispenser.


This is easier. Avoids confronting guests who say they were told they could bring mugs back. edited to add Also guests who keep filling a mug/cup then transferring the contents to another container it so their entire family only has to pay for one drink and/or mug. Think of this as serving the same function as security tags in merchandise. Think of this as similar in concept to a red light camera. Unlike cops red light cameras don't take breaks, don't listen to excuses, don't miss some violates and the municipality doesn't have some shifts without coverage.

Articles at the time of the All Star test implied the soda company was using Disney as a test. Limiting the number of refills, and time between refills, might be used at fast food restaurants as a way to deter famlies from buying one small drink for their entire family.

Understood.
It's too bad this is the way it has to be. I just hope the problems are worked out and do not cause issues with lines, lock-outs and other messes for something as simple as getting a drink.
We definitely do not need to stand in another long line at WDW.

 

[Lewisc]

Understood.
It's too bad this is the way it has to be. I just hope the problems are worked out and do not cause issues with lines, lock-outs and other messes for something as simple as getting a drink.
We definitely do not need to stand in another long line at WDW.

Don't these machines fill the cup faster? You won't have people in front of you filling multiple old (and non-Disney) mugs. You won't have people filling the mug, drinking (or transferring to another container) the refilling the mug without leaving the soda machine.

I don't see any reason to think the lines would be longer then what we currently have. Obviously excluding the possibility Disney decides eliminating the "cheaters" means fewer machines are needed.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

To be honest I think this is going to be a pain. Scanning mugs to get soda, time limits, the inevitable defects in the system, and not to mention the inevitable crashes. What happens when the system goes down? Can people still get drinks?

The problem with implementing this time-lock system is that in adding the extra measures, they're also adding extra risk. Sure, people can't bring back a mug they purchased last month and use it, but now there runs the risk of someone's chip not being activated properly, expiring early, getting stuck in the "locked" mode, etc. Lines for beverages will build as people will not understand the whole "scan and fill" procedure, I'm sure.

And I am being critical of this system. Is that wrong? No. I'm sure Disney has thought of these things as well, but nothing is ever perfect, every system has its flaw. Just to appeal to those who love this idea, yes, it is fantastic that we can now have controlled portions of beverages, and people will stop abusing the machines. We are on vacation after all.

Here here...

I find time lock reprehensible on this. If you want to "limit" usage... Then don't sell "all you can drink" plastic cups.

Wasteful, greedy, and gluttonous.

Disney seems like they are sitting squarely on the fence post on this...I don't like it

 

[darnheather]

Here here...

I find time lock reprehensible on this. If you want to "limit" usage... Then don't sell "all you can drink" plastic cups.

Wasteful, greedy, and gluttonous.

Disney seems like they are sitting squarely on the fence post on this...I don't like it

If they don't do a time lock then people will simply poor from the reusable cup into another container over and over. You can always get water to gulp down the first time and then refill with soda.

 

[smitch425]

Here here...

I find time lock reprehensible on this. If you want to "limit" usage... Then don't sell "all you can drink" plastic cups.

Wasteful, greedy, and gluttonous.

Disney seems like they are sitting squarely on the fence post on this...I don't like it

Unless I missed it, we still don't know if there will be a lock out period. We should know soon. Someone posted that POP's rapidfill machines were installed today. They are not online yet, but they are there. Can't wait to hear how this is going to work.

 

[macraven]

i was at Sports when they were testing new mugs with the chips in them the first time around.

i bought the mug and used it for coffee in the morning and coffee and soda in the evening.


i had to exchange my mug 5 times.
the supervisor told me the reason my mug didn't work correctly is because i damaged the chip by doing the coffee/hot drinks, then the soda/cold drinks.

the dispenser gave me an "invalid" message and wouldn't allow me to use the soda dispenser.

each time i had to wait for a supervisor to help me.
(a waste of time especially if i bought food first and then went to the beverage island.)

hopefully that testing period i was there and using the new mugs, have the kinks worked out.

going back to sports this fall but might change that since the food court will be closed during my stay.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

If they don't do a time lock then people will simply poor from the reusable cup into another container over and over. You can always get water to gulp down the first time and then refill with soda.

Yeah...

But last time I checked the seller has the obligation to at least attempt to fulfill the promise of what they are selling in exchange for the money they are collecting.

This is margin squeezing to excess. Pretty simple: make them all you can use with intelligent design...or can them and go per fill only.

Not "all you can drink in 15 minute increments" crap.

This isn't an issue that is very "big deal"...but still
We don't know if there will be a restriction... But if there is it ain't right.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

i was at Sports when they were testing new mugs with the chips in them the first time around.

i bought the mug and used it for coffee in the morning and coffee and soda in the evening.

i had to exchange my mug 5 times.
the supervisor told me the reason my mug didn't work correctly is because i damaged the chip by doing the coffee/hot drinks, then the soda/cold drinks.

the dispenser gave me an "invalid" message and wouldn't allow me to use the soda dispenser.

each time i had to wait for a supervisor to help me.
(a waste of time especially if i bought food first and then went to the beverage island.)

hopefully that testing period i was there and using the new mugs, have the kinks worked out.

going back to sports this fall but might change that since the food court will be closed during my stay.

This is exactly why this whole idea is stupid...

Knowing disney, they have been overcharged for this stuff in the first place and will spend millions fixing this crap...probably so much that they won't even make it cost neutral with their soda cost savings

 

[d1gitman]

Seems like RFID and drinks would work well with a magic band rather than a mug. Then they could hand out disposable cups to those who have a drink plan on their magic band. We don't bother with refillables cause we don't want to lug a mug around or run back n forth to room before heading off to the park

 

[smitch425]

This is exactly why this whole idea is stupid...

Knowing disney, they have been overcharged for this stuff in the first place and will spend millions fixing this crap...probably so much that they won't even make it cost neutral with their soda cost savings

The good news is that it is an optional program. If someone doesn't like it, they are not required to use it.

 

[doconeill]

Yeah...

But last time I checked the seller has the obligation to at least attempt to fulfill the promise of what they are selling in exchange for the money they are collecting.

This is margin squeezing to excess. Pretty simple: make them all you can use with intelligent design...or can them and go per fill only.

Not "all you can drink in 15 minute increments" crap.

This isn't an issue that is very "big deal"...but still
We don't know if there will be a restriction... But if there is it ain't right.

The conditions will be spelled out. You don't have to accept them...just don't purchase the mug.

 

[robinb]

If they don't do a time lock then people will simply poor from the reusable cup into another container over and over. You can always get water to gulp down the first time and then refill with soda.

It's not right that I should drink water if I've paid for soda. As for the drink abusers, someone will always find a way around the system . It seems like the honest people will be inconvenienced for the actions of a very few bad apples.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The conditions will be spelled out. You don't have to accept them...just don't purchase the mug.

Normally...I'm all with you on "buyers choice"

Not this time...this seems more like a case of an upfront screw job - where they're attempting to set parameters intentionally to make it more difficult to get the value back out of the purchase...at least that is what it seems right now.

Just like when they changed the dining plan...gutting the "deal" out of it (and hammering employees...which is the REAL point)
...and then telling me that I wanted it that way.

I wonder if "guest feedback" is telling them to install temperamental and possibly limited use hardware that is begging for complaints?

I have no doubt.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

It's not right that I should drink water if I've paid for soda. As for the drink abusers, someone will always find a way around the system . It seems like the honest people will be inconvenienced for the actions of a very few bad apples.

i would also like to point out that this is what people HAVE been doing since disney put the mugs out there 15 years ago....first at (i believe) $10 bucks a pop...now at $16.

And we know why disney has to end this! the stock price has been hemorraghing, they've had no way to spend 10 billion on IP acquisitiions, and they can't find the cash to finance new badly thought out Shonda Rhimes shows...

oh....wait a minute...

 

[Lewisc]

Absolutely no reason why Disney couldn't have just made the soda free. Guests are spending $$$ on accommodations and food. It probably wouldn't have any impact on the bottom line. Disney is going that way, to a limited extent, by giving free mugs to DDP guests.

The present system. Guests bring back old mugs. Guests fill non-Disney mugs. Guests transfer drinks to other cups. Share drinks so they pay per family and not per guest. The present system is free soda for many guests.

It should either be free soda for all guests, not just "dishonest" guests OR a system which makes it more difficult to grab fee soda and a system which makes it 100% clear what the policy is.

I can't remember a trip where I didn't see significant number of guests grabbing free soda.

I don't understand why this change has to be revenue neutral. A policy which prevents customers from taking something they didn't pay for should produce revenue.

The system was tested. I assume most of the issues were dealt with. PP had a good idea. Maybe your mug purchase can also be programmed into your "magic bracelet"

People find a way around the system? Maybe a few. This will eliminate the casual soda "theft".

Time between fills. A way to ensure the deal isn't one mug per family. Why not consider overriding that if everyone person on your reservation bought a mug or is was given a mug via the DDP?

I don't agree with some of the PP. I think this is a good policy. Maybe have a CM available to override if they can see a guest finished the drink before leaving the area.

My opinion of the DDP on the other hand....Restaurants frequently offer complete dinners. Restaurants sometimes offer dinner specials and even specials on price fixed meals. Sometimes meals are included with a hotel stay. I don't recall seeing any such meal that didn't at least offer soup or salad as an appetizer. More often then not a selection of appetizers are offered. JMO but the plan is now a "food plan" and not a dining plan.

 

[Spacedog1975]

Mostly I'm not whinging about it. I will likely always get a mug as part of my dining plan. The 5 minute thing is an annoyance. It isn't a deal breaker but it is annoying. I would think a shorter frame would still inhibit the people who are gathering volumes of soda into other recepticals. That or simple observance.

I do hope it gets expanded into the parks. That would eliminate all concern about the 5 minute limit.

 

[disneydaveb]

Time between fills. A way to ensure the deal isn't one mug per family. Why not consider overriding that if everyone person on your reservation bought a mug or is was given a mug via the DDP?

This is a great idea!