Just Got A Message About The Mugs

[CamColt]

Since we were some of the people who had been told numerous times(even when we didnt ask) about the refillable mugs being good for a lifetime, we sent an email to WDW when the news about the bar codes, etc... came about. I just got a message about it now. Basically she said the rumor about the bar codes and scanning is just that, a rumor.

She also said the "official official"(kind of sarcastically)thing(yes, she said thing) is that they are "supposed to be intended for the length of stay". However most resorts will honor previous mugs. Again she reiterated that the "official version"(sarcastic again) is for length of stay , but the "unofficial version" is that if a guest has a mug, it can be refilled. She then went on to say again, from resort to resort the policy is if a guest has a mug, refill it

From this message I got one of things. Either 1)this woman didnt have a clue, or 2) while the "official" policy in writing in the head offices or wherever of WDW is that the mugs are for the length of stay, the resorts sort of have their own rules about it. So take that answer for what its worth.

 

[polyfan]

We were at Disney for the 4th of July. The bar codes are not a rumor. they are already in place at the waterparks. the resorts will be next after evaluating the system at the waterparks. I did not see many people using the bar codes to get their drinks. We did purchase one and used it without any problems. We were also told that we could bring it back next time and pay $5 for a new bar code. I don't know the accuracy on that, but they are using the bar codes.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I thought I saw a barcode on a Boardwalk mug when we were down, but no one questioned the Boardwalk mug I already had. On the other hand they were fixing the Polynesian soda machine and didn't put a barcode in--and we bought 2 WL mugs and there was no bar code.
We also had a barcode on our TL mug, though. The funny thing was last year I bought a BB mug and had a heck of a time getting the sticky stuff off. So right after we buy the TL mug, DD#1 says "here mom, I already got the bar code off for you!!" I hadn't even used it yet! But they gave me a new bar code without any problem when I explained.
Robin M.

 

[polyfan]

I think the bar codes may become a problem at the waterparks escpecially. Ours got to the point that it could not be read because of wet hands picking it up. the bar code got wrinkled. they were very nice though about replacing it.

 

[CamColt]

Sorry, I should have specified. My letter and the message I received were in regards to just the resort mugs, not the waterparks.
Again, I dont know how accurate any of this information is, but it is exactly what the WDW rep left on my machine(and we all know how 100% correct that can be. )

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

There was a recent thread here that said the resorts getting bar codes was just a rumor started on the internet. Many people are getting replies like you did Camcolt, that it was just a bad rumor. Even went on to say how it would slow down guest and they would not want that! Of course, now that we have given them the idea they may use it !

 

[dcedwards]

I got a call today from the Executive Office regarding the mugs. I was told that the barcodes were not going any further than the waterparks. There were several reasons with the most mentioned being that the sheer volume of refills at the resorts no way compares to the waterparks.

Official disney policy is length of stay .... BUT ... they realize that this policy is not being enforced. In addition, she stated that she wasn't even sure how they could enforce the policy since they didn't change the mugs often enough to know (had to do with costs, I'm sure). And, if you were using the same mug that they were selling...CMs would have no way of telling the difference.

I mentioned the number of upset people regarding the two versions of the story that were being told. She said they realized this. She also indicated that whatever they did would probably not be radical and not soon. But, she said she would definitely review with the person in charge of the mugs -- my concern about everyone being told a different policy.

In otherwords...nothing has changed or looks like it will change in the near future. CMs will not question you on your mugs.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The barcoded mugs at the water parks is not a new thing. They have been around since some time last year. Nothing recent at all.

 

[minniemick]

We bought mugs at TL & BB this year and it saved time being able to scan your own mug instead of waiting in line at the kiosk's. When we returned we just paid for a new bar code for the mug. This was very good value.