Do you have to do a meal deal to get a souviner cup and free refills?

[leannej613]

I am not sure if the meal deal is worth it for us, 2 adults and 2 kids but none of us eat very much especially at theme parks. However our money gets drained for drinks! I saw the meal deal package where you can add on the cup and get FREE refills in that cup and only one per meal deal. But can that be refilled anywhere in the park for free? Can we buy the cup at a restaurant and still get free refills or then is there a charge to refill it?

 

[AJA]

You can purchase a souvenir refillable cup for around $8 refills are .90 cents or so.

(Universal is much cheaper for refillable drinks than Disney!)

 

[deedee2177]

The Disney Refillable Mugs that you get with the Dining Plan can only be refilled for free at the Disney Resorts, not in the parks (at least that is my understanding).

This is what it says on the 2012 Disney Dining Plan brochure located on the Disney Website:

(eligible for refills at Quick-Service locations only in your Disney Resort hotel)

 

[leannej613]

Thanks! I didn't know if it was the same deal for free or at least cheap refills when you buy the cup. I know Disney isn't the same or have the refill option which is fine. We are only going to the Halloween Party there so I am not worried about Disney.

I just now noticed that the "express pass" they talked me into buying for Universal is only good for ONE time through the ride line?? Really? That seems like a rip off now that I paid an extra $30 per person to get it! I thought she meant it was for unlimited times on the rides, not a one time thing!

 

[damo]

Thanks! I didn't know if it was the same deal for free or at least cheap refills when you buy the cup. I know Disney isn't the same or have the refill option which is fine. We are only going to the Halloween Party there so I am not worried about Disney.

I just now noticed that the "express pass" they talked me into buying for Universal is only good for ONE time through the ride line?? Really? That seems like a rip off now that I paid an extra $30 per person to get it! I thought she meant it was for unlimited times on the rides, not a one time thing!

Yup, one time per ride. We on these boards always advise against purchasing the express pass in advance because it is really impossible to tell if it is actually necessary and also since it is date specific, your plans may change and then you are out of pocket for one express pass. They are available in many stores in both parks.

You can get unlimited express pass access by staying onsite or purchasing the VIP ticket (includes ticket and unlimited express).

Who is the "they" you are talking about?

If you purchase the sipper cup at Universal (discounted refills) you can use it for the entire trip and also when you return in the future. There is no date marked on them.

 

[leannej613]

Yup, one time per ride. We on these boards always advise against purchasing the express pass in advance because it is really impossible to tell if it is actually necessary and also since it is date specific, your plans may change and then you are out of pocket for one express pass. They are available in many stores in both parks.

You can get unlimited express pass access by staying onsite or purchasing the VIP ticket (includes ticket and unlimited express).

Who is the "they" you are talking about?

If you purchase the sipper cup at Universal (discounted refills) you can use it for the entire trip and also when you return in the future. There is no date marked on them.

Sorry... "they" would be the lady I spoke with on the phone when ordering the tickets. Complete newbie here! lol We will be at Universal IOA only on Thursday October 25th for the day. I wasn't planning to get it since we are only going the one park for one day but then after listening to her sales pitch and making sure we don't spend an hour in line for the main rides I decided to get it...without realizing it is for one trip on the ride.

I am sure it will end up being worth it so we can at least go on the main rides once and not wait too long I just thought it was unlimited use.

So after reading on here I won't bother with the meal deal and will just get the refillable cups when we get there.

 

[elovell]

Not to hijack the thread, but can refillable mugs be used at Universal Resorts or do they have something equivilant to the Disney Resort mugs?

 

[damo]

Not to hijack the thread, but can refillable mugs be used at Universal Resorts or do they have something equivilant to the Disney Resort mugs?

No, the resorts have nothing. The resorts are not operated by Universal.

 

[aubriee]

Sorry... "they" would be the lady I spoke with on the phone when ordering the tickets. Complete newbie here! lol We will be at Universal IOA only on Thursday October 25th for the day. I wasn't planning to get it since we are only going the one park for one day but then after listening to her sales pitch and making sure we don't spend an hour in line for the main rides I decided to get it...without realizing it is for one trip on the ride.

I am sure it will end up being worth it so we can at least go on the main rides once and not wait too long I just thought it was unlimited use.

So after reading on here I won't bother with the meal deal and will just get the refillable cups when we get there.

You do know that some rides don't even accept Express Pass don't you? I'd hate for you to be surprised. The ones that come to mind are: Forbidden Journey, Rip Ride Rocket, Pteranodon Flyers, and the Olivander's wand show.

 

[leannej613]

Yes she did say it wasn't for all the rides and I looked up which ones were not included. I am sure it will end up being worth the purchase in the long run so its ok. I was just irritated that I didn't know it wasn't unlimited.

Still can't wait to go! 11 more days!

 

[macraven]

i returned 3 days ago from UO.

they advertised in the parks if you buy 2 of the soda mugs/bottles, you get a third one free.

you can reuse these for cheap refills.