Honest question: why can't I add a water cup to my mobile order?

[MousetersInc]

The honest answer to the honest question is: I'm guessing there's no "code" in the system for a cup of water. It's not rung up, so it doesn't have a "barcode" as it were. And it's about demand: Although many people take the free water, and more probably should, I'm guessing it's not the majority. If there was a widespread demand for this ability, and if Disney saw a value to themselves to fill it, then they would, but meanwhile the finite resources are going to be spent solving either the problems that are the "squeakiest wheels," or the quickest pay-offs.

More practically: By all means, I wouldn't want to rely on my own memory. There might be some non-Disney ways to "hack" a reminder. At the most elaborate, a service like If This Then That miiiiiiight be able to do something like "when I receive an email with text matching a Disney counter-service receipt, then send me a text message reminding me about water." Maybe; those sorts of things tend to be fragile Rube-Goldberg devices. You could also just set a reminder for around mealtime, or maybe a location-based reminder using "geo-fencing" to remind you when you go to the particular quick-service location.

 

[whiteness]

Of course the pickup line. But not the order line.

Yes, and that was actually a surprisingly long wait. I didn't time it, but it subjectively felt like about 10 minutes. I wouldn't have wanted to leave my tray unattended for that period of time.

Anyway, I think reminding people that they can request water at the window (for example) in the app when the order pops up as "ready" should be technically doable and a greater benefit for some people than reminding them to purchase a soft drink or Genie Plus. It could be turned on only if people wanted the reminder, so nobody that is saying it is unnecessary would ever need to see it.

Considering that there are already very many pop-ups and nag screens in the app, I don't think adding one more to help people stay hydrated is unreasonably burdensome for Disney.

I respect all of the people that feel they would not benefit from this. Your opinions are duly noted. And don't worry, the chance that Disney would ever actually do something like this is virtually zero.

 

[Her Dotness]

My guess is that there's no water-please option on mobile ordering because the free cups of water are usually a smaller size cup than the soft drink cups for soda or iced tea. Thus, you must ask for those. Those we've gotten at park QS were, anyway.

Probably also as mentioned, that Disney hopes you won't know to ask for the free water and will order something else that costs.

We rarely eat at park QS and take old refillable mugs to get water at resort QS (and ONLY for that, I hasten to add) or simply refill the reusable water bottles we take to the parks. I think anyone with health concerns truly needs a reusable bottle.

 

[Anthony1971]

Most trips I bring an empty water bottle. All trips I end up with a kids CS meal at some point A 12 water is an option or you can buy in the gift shop or CS. That become my bottle for the rest of the time and it always has water. Fits in most short pockets, cooler weather jacke5 pockets neither and better buy a Fanny pack keep some of what would be in your pocket plus the water bottle and you will never forget it…. I am fine with the water from the fountains Been drinking it for 30 years.

 

[whiteness]

I think anyone with health concerns truly needs a reusable bottle.

When it comes to staying hydrated in a hot, humid climate, everyone has health concerns. I'd wager most people don't drink enough water while they are visiting the parks.

But sometimes people don't feel like carrying a bottle around or forget it at home (guilty on both counts.)

Again, I think that reminding guests that want a reminder to request a glass of water is not that hard for Disney to do, won't harm anyone, and may help some people. It would help me for sure. I think it's a good idea, and I haven't yet seen any convincing argument to the contrary.

 

[Disneyhanna]

I don't see Disney ever adding free water cups to mobile order because it would cost them more money in the long run. While cheap, cups usually cost a few cents (I used to work at a coffee shop and in training they drilled into our heads the cost of a cup, lid, oz of milk, oz of coffee, etc.). Seems pretty insignificant but if it's an option, many people would take it. Plus, some people would see the option and then choose that instead of a soda. With hundreds of thousands of guests per day, a 5 cent cup adds up. I imagine the people choosing water over soda would be the far bigger loss for Disney than the cups themselves though. Plus the extra time it would take CMs to fill up more water cups than they already do instead of just handing over over a bottle of soda.

I wish it was an option too, I just don't think it'll ever happen. I always just ask when picking up my food, most of the larger QS usually have a big stack of water cups ready to go. I usually bring a water bottle with me though so if I forgot it's not a big deal.

 

[FCDub]

It’s just not Disney’s responsibility to remind people to drink water. This seems weird.

 

[whiteness]

I don't see Disney ever adding free water cups to mobile order because it would cost them more money in the long run. While cheap, cups usually cost a few cents (I used to work at a coffee shop and in training they drilled into our heads the cost of a cup, lid, oz of milk, oz of coffee, etc.). Seems pretty insignificant but if it's an option, many people would take it. Plus, some people would see the option and then choose that instead of a soda. With hundreds of thousands of guests per day, a 5 cent cup adds up. I imagine the people choosing water over soda would be the far bigger loss for Disney than the cups themselves though. Plus the extra time it would take CMs to fill up more water cups than they already do instead of just handing over over a bottle of soda.

I wish it was an option too, I just don't think it'll ever happen. I always just ask when picking up my food, most of the larger QS usually have a big stack of water cups ready to go. I usually bring a water bottle with me though so if I forgot it's not a big deal.

You're right, of course. It does cost Disney money. Perhaps if you wanted to order through the app, then you'd pay something for it. Maybe get a nicer, bigger cup, too?

Otherwise, if you asked for it at the counter, you could get it for free?

Disney often gets us to pay extra for convenience and speed, and we do it willingly. I would, as long as it wasn't too much.

 

[whiteness]

It’s just not Disney’s responsibility to remind people to drink water. This seems weird.

They remind us to do things or avoid things for our safety and health. A lot of companies do. Why is that a bad thing?

Some companies even remind us to "stay out of the lakes." That's not their responsibility, either.

 

[Alan1972]

Probably because they want to sell you a soft drink or water bottle. While obligated to give you a free glass of water when asked, they don’t want to publicize it and consequently, many guests probably don’t know they can ask water and buy a soft drink instead.

they are not legally obligated,this is just one of those urban legends that people keep repeating.
there is no law anywhere in the entire US that requires businesses to give water to customers for free.only to employees.

 

[MousetersInc]

they are not legally obligated,this is just one of those urban legends that people keep repeating.
there is no law anywhere in the entire US that requires businesses to give water to customers for free.only to employees.

In fairness to isabellea, since this is the second response to say "there's no law," they just said "obligated." Obligated, as I understand it, by Disney policy if not by law.
(Scratch that; I see the later post saying "I thought there was a law.")

But the core point, regardless of law or "responsibility," is that this is a policy but not a widely publicized one. And honestly, I doubt it will go away; even as Disney tries to figure out places to charge us more or give us less, I doubt this is a place where they'd make back a lot of money, compared to raising the price of a churro another 50 cents.

 

[whiteness]

In fairness to isabellea, since this is the second response to say "there's no law," they just said "obligated." Obligated, as I understand it, by Disney policy if not by law.
(Scratch that; I see the later post saying "I thought there was a law.")

But the core point, regardless of law or "responsibility," is that this is a policy but not a widely publicized one. And honestly, I doubt it will go away; even as Disney tries to figure out places to charge us more or give us less, I doubt this is a place where they'd make back a lot of money, compared to raising the price of a churro another 50 cents.

I, for one, would be willing to pay for the cup that the water comes in if they would let me add it to my order. Charging for the cup wouldn't be a hardship for people, because we are free to bring our own water bottles. I know a lot of people, including my daughter, that won't request a free cup of water out of embarrassment, but if they paid 5 cents for it, that's different.

 

[Moliphino]

I, for one, would be willing to pay for the cup that the water comes in if they would let me add it to my order. Charging for the cup wouldn't be a hardship for people, because we are free to bring our own water bottles. I know a lot of people, including my daughter, that won't request a free cup of water out of embarrassment, but if they paid 5 cents for it, that's different.

What's embarrassing about asking for a cup of water? They give out free water all the time.

 

[whiteness]

What's embarrassing about asking for a cup of water? They give out free water all the time.

Ask my daughter. She would rather be thirsty than ask for a free cup of water. And she's plenty big enough at this point, trust me.

Honestly, anyone that has kids already knows that "I don't feel that way, and I don't understand why you feel that way, therefore you are wrong to feel that way" is often a pointless and unproductive argument. Even if you're "right" (which is not a given.)

 

[Allison]

They aren't going to let you order free water when they want to sell you a bottle of water. That doesn't make financial sense.

 

[whiteness]

They aren't going to let you order free water when they want to sell you a bottle of water. That doesn't make financial sense.

I agree that giving out free cups of water doesn't seem to make financial sense. Even if you have to go to the window to ask for it, it still doesn't seem to make financial sense.

However, I assume Disney gives out free water because Disney sees some benefit to it, even if it's not immediately obvious.

Good will, of course. And that is important to Disney, even though it doesn't always seem that way.

But I also think that keeping people healthy and hydrated is a good thing for Disney.
Being dehydrated makes people tired and grumpy. Tired, grumpy people probably don't spend as much. They probably don't make as many "happy memories", either.
Tired, grumpy children tend to cry and act out a lot, which impacts the enjoyment of others. Even grumpy adults can make the people around them, guests and cast members, miserable, too.

Finally, consider how many people visit Disney World every year. Most of those people come from places with cooler, less humid and sunny climates. They are not used to drinking enough water for spending a day walking around in Disney World.

We are probably talking about hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of guests annually that are borderline dehydrated. Most of them will be fine: just tired and grumpy. But some, especially the very young, elderly and infirm, may not be fine. Not really. Dehydration increases the risk of a lot of serious medical problems. Out of millions of visitors, some may well experience something very serious, even fatal, that could have been avoided if they had just drank more water.

Disney doesn't want their guests to get sick. Medical emergencies in the parks are bad show. Disney goes to great lengths to avoid them. Free water is pretty cheap insurance against dehydration related medical emergencies.

And, in my experience, Disney employees are all very kind and compassionate people. Even if there wasn't any financial benefit, I'm sure every Cast Member I've personally ever met would like park guests to stay hydrated and healthy, because they sincerely care about them.

Giving out free water and making it as easy as possible for guests to get it, is something nearly every individual Cast Member would personally agree with, even if it didn't make financial sense for Disney (but it probably does.)

 

[Simba's Mom]

You could have put down your tray and gone right back to the pick-up window to ask for a cup of water...no need to wait in line again, or eat your food with no water to drink.

Umm, as a solo, while it's a nice idea, I wouldn't chance it.

 

[Moliphino]

I agree that giving out free cups of water doesn't seem to make financial sense. Even if you have to go to the window to ask for it, it still doesn't seem to make financial sense.

However, I assume Disney gives out free water because Disney sees some benefit to it, even if it's not immediately obvious.

Good will, of course. And that is important to Disney, even though it doesn't always seem that way.

But I also think that keeping people healthy and hydrated is a good thing for Disney.
Being dehydrated makes people tired and grumpy. Tired, grumpy people probably don't spend as much. They probably don't make as many "happy memories", either.
Tired, grumpy children tend to cry and act out a lot, which impacts the enjoyment of others. Even grumpy adults can make the people around them, guests and cast members, miserable, too.

Finally, consider how many people visit Disney World every year. Most of those people come from places with cooler, less humid and sunny climates. They are not used to drinking enough water for spending a day walking around in Disney World.

We are probably talking about hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of guests annually that are borderline dehydrated. Most of them will be fine: just tired and grumpy. But some, especially the very young, elderly and infirm, may not be fine. Not really. Dehydration increases the risk of a lot of serious medical problems. Out of millions of visitors, some may well experience something very serious, even fatal, that could have been avoided if they had just drank more water.

Disney doesn't want their guests to get sick. Medical emergencies in the parks are bad show. Disney goes to great lengths to avoid them. Free water is pretty cheap insurance against dehydration related medical emergencies.

And, in my experience, Disney employees are all very kind and compassionate people. Even if there wasn't any financial benefit, I'm sure every Cast Member I've personally ever met would like park guests to stay hydrated and healthy, because they sincerely care about them.

Giving out free water and making it as easy as possible for guests to get it, is something nearly every individual Cast Member would personally agree with, even if it didn't make financial sense for Disney (but it probably does.)

Which is why they give out free water and have water fountains (some with bottle fill stations) throughout the parks. It's there, you just might need to ask for it.

 

[whiteness]

Which is why they give out free water and have water fountains (some with bottle fill stations) throughout the parks. It's there, you just might need to ask for it.

But allowing people to add free water to their mobile order would be a "step too far" for Disney, because it might cut into their soft drink and bottle water profits?

 

[Moliphino]

But allowing people to add free water to their mobile order would be a "step too far" for Disney, because it might cut into their soft drink and bottle water profits?

Disney IT isn't that great, if you hadn't noticed. Why is it such a hardship to have to ask for a cup of water? And I say that as someone who always uses self checkout to avoid having to talk to anyone.