No more unlimited refills on resort mugs?

[pilferk]

I sure would. There are numerous free water fountains throughout the park. They also sell bottles of water. You could also bring your own from home/resort.

The point is someone most likely from accounting said we are losing $X on each soft drink pour. So they invest in a new system. Next someone most likely again from accounting will say we are losing $X on each cup that goes out. Why should you get a free cup? Should I get a free reusable mug because I am also hot and thirsty?

The difference is giving the mug costs them significant revenue (both from the mug and from the free drink pours you'd be handing out, with it).

Giving out a <5 cent paper cup really doesn't. As a bonus (and probably the one the bean counters keep their eyes on) you keep the customer happy and spending money.

It's like handing out tschotskies. They (usually) cost very little, but they garner continued (or new) business from the customer. Likely "Eating" the relatively miniscule cost of the cup keeps their customers happy and their wallets open.

 

[SRM1981]

Well when I worked there, I was told by my manager, that is was law that they must provide free cups of water to anyone who asks for it. I am sorry that someone cut in front of you in line, but the free water is not going anywhere. Really, why does it bother you if Diseny offers free water? Besides the fact someone cut in front of you.

Because it is not free. The cup has a cost that let’s be honest is most likely passed down on us. And it is annoying and wasteful to go through 10 cups a day just because it is “free.”

 

[Schmeck]

If this spreads to Pop next year, I believe we will make more coffee in our room, drink more water and make ice tea! Can you imagine the lines for soda now when people may have to wait in between to get refills! Also, the soda machines are also used for cold water - I'm hoping these won't be impacted as well.

You lug a coffee pot to WDW? That seems to be more effort than waiting in a nonexistent line at Pop. We never encountered a line at the soda dispensers, as they have plenty of them there. We get coffee early too, and no lines then either.

So, if people have to wait a whole 5 minutes to get a refill, why would it create a line, unless they are filling up the one mug, and transferring it to other containers for others to drink. They don't have to wait in front of the machine for 5 minutes (I'd be quite vocally annoyed if they did that) they could step aside as they chug their mug.

 

[SRM1981]

The difference is giving the mug costs them significant revenue (both from the mug and from the free drink pours you'd be handing out, with it).

Giving out a <5 cent paper cup really doesn't. As a bonus (and probably the one the bean counters keep their eyes on) you keep the customer happy and spending money.

It's like handing out tschotskies. They (usually) cost very little, but they garner continued (or new) business from the customer. Likely "Eating" the relatively miniscule cost of the cup keeps their customers happy and their wallets open.

Now apply your same logic to soda. The cost is less than $.05 a cup and it keeps people happy. So why are they doing away with self-serve?

 

[Experiment_626]

Should I get a free reusable mug because I am also hot and thirsty?

You can get a free paper cup of water, just like everyone else. Would you push someone out from under the eaves because it was raining and they weren't paying extra for the privilege of staying dry? or would you ask if you can get a free house because it was raining on your head too?

On the one hand, we have people who complain whenever Disney stops doing something they once did, or charges extra for something they once included at no additional charge. On the other, we have people who complain that Disney doesn't literally nickel-and-dime people enough.

I'd go to the first-aid station and ask for some Tylenol to relieve the headache that results from reading some of these posts, but perhaps you think Disney should charge me a couple of dollars for it. After all, I sure would hate to think that Disney raised the price of your soda by a cent because I got a free drink of water. I got in free to the parks ... oh, wait ... well, I only paid a pittance to be there ... oh wait ... and it isn't as if you can get the same treatment ... oh, wait ...

You know, Walt once said that it didn't matter if the popcorn wagon on Main Street in Disneyland didn't make much or even any profit in and of itself. His reasoning was that the popcorn sold there contributed to the guest experience and the ambiance of the area, and as such, it contributed to the overall profit on Main Street -- and it certainly wasn't causing Main Street as a whole to show a loss. But what did that guy know? He obviously didn't know that he was missing out on an important segment of the vacationing public -- the one which has a primary purpose of making sure no one else is getting away with anything, however they choose to define it. How silly he must feel now.

You know, I think they should turn down the AC in the stores in the parks. After all, I'm not hot. Why should I subsidize the comfort of others by paying a tiny bit more for my Disney merchandise than I otherwise would? Those people who are hot can go ride Big Thunder Mountain or Dumbo and cool off in the breeze.

Scott

 

[Cafeen]

Now apply your same logic to soda. The cost is less than $.05 a cup and it keeps people happy. So why are they doing away with self-serve?

Because of lost revenue on mug sales by those reusing old or using "unauthorized" mugs. The chips in paper cups is a secondary feature of the system. It's all about the mugs.

Most of the in-park water things are not self-serve. Not sure what they do for the ones that are, but likely are monitored and utilize a different cup than they give for sodas.

 

[goofyernmost]

So you have to be rich to go on vacation now? Who are you? That's the whole point, Disney World is expensive, so why buy a new mug every year if you can get away with using an older version.

As long as you are alright with being dishonest...who am I to stop you.

You lug a coffee pot to WDW? That seems to be more effort than waiting in a nonexistent line at Pop.

Not a problem, you just bring it in wrapped up in the mattress.

RE: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2759824

Seriously though...I keep seeing references to "if Disney doesn't care how come everybody else does". Well the fact that Disney is trying to electronically control the abuse means that they do care. If they install all kinds of high tech electronics to ward off loses caused by abusive use of the mugs, it must be costing a lot more then all of us armchair accountants know. Face it...you have all been busted. You got away with it for a long time and it may be coming to an end. Count you blessings that you got as much as you did, and walk away happy.

 

[Tara922c]

Because it is not free. The cup has a cost that let’s be honest is most likely passed down on us. And it is annoying and wasteful to go through 10 cups a day just because it is “free.”

Then open up your own theme park, and charge for the cup. Customer Service goes a long way, and providing water for guests keeps them happy, spending, and returning.

 

[pilferk]

Now apply your same logic to soda. The cost is less than $.05 a cup and it keeps people happy. So why are they doing away with self-serve?

Actually...the soda would cost somewhere around 10 cents for a 20oz serving (unless, as has been rumored, Disney gets their syrup for free). That includes syrup and wax covered cup...and assumes 100% use on the box of syrup (about $40 a box, using 5:1 mix, and assuming ice in the cup), which you never get (typically you get about 98%). It costs COKE less than 1/2 penny per cup to make...maybe that's what you're thinking. I've no idea what the plastic mugs cost Disney.....more than a wax cup, I'd think, but I'm not sure how much more. And I"m not sure how much "amortized" by fills it would break down to be.

But that's another discussion. The thing is: You can generate revenue with soda and lose significant revenue if you're giving away "free" soda for mugs purchased in previous years. It's not entirely about COST...it's at least as much about REVENUE (present and future). And while you'd gain "good will" by doing it, it likely wouldn't be "worth it" to the bean counters because there is no expectation that soda is "free". At least not usually.

You can't really generate revenue with tap water, because it's not an item that people view as having value (or being worth paying for). All you're doing by providing cups is providing a guest convenience so they don't walk to the nearest fountain.

And your next point (because I'm clairvoyant) is that if you stop providing cups...people will have to make a purchase. Not so. If they wanted/decided to make a purchase of something (soda, bottled water, iced tea, whatever)...that's what they would have chosen to do. They've chosen tap water (for whatever reason)...so they'll either get it from the dispenser or from the fountain around the corner.

Incidentally: There ARE parks that give away free unlimited soda with your admission. One of the parks near by (Lake Compounce) does it with Pepsi products. Self serve "filling stations" all over the parks.

 

[SRM1981]

You can get a free paper cup of water, just like everyone else. Would you push someone out from under the eaves because it was raining and they weren't paying extra for the privilege of staying dry? or would you ask if you can get a free house because it was raining on your head too?

On the one hand, we have people who complain whenever Disney stops doing something they once did, or charges extra for something they once included at no additional charge. On the other, we have people who complain that Disney doesn't literally nickel-and-dime people enough.

I'd go to the first-aid station and ask for some Tylenol to relieve the headache that results from reading some of these posts, but perhaps you think Disney should charge me a couple of dollars for it. After all, I sure would hate to think that Disney raised the price of your soda by a cent because I got a free drink of water. I got in free to the parks ... oh, wait ... well, I only paid a pittance to be there ... oh wait ... and it isn't as if you can get the same treatment ... oh, wait ...

You know, Walt once said that it didn't matter if the popcorn wagon on Main Street in Disneyland didn't make much or even any profit in and of itself. His reasoning was that the popcorn sold there contributed to the guest experience and the ambiance of the area, and as such, it contributed to the overall profit on Main Street -- and it certainly wasn't causing Main Street as a whole to show a loss. But what did that guy know? He obviously didn't know that he was missing out on an important segment of the vacationing public -- the one which has a primary purpose of making sure no one else is getting away with anything, however they choose to define it. How silly he must feel now.

You know, I think they should turn down the AC in the stores in the parks. After all, I'm not hot. Why should I subsidize the comfort of others by paying a tiny bit more for my Disney merchandise than I otherwise would? Those people who are hot can go ride Big Thunder Mountain or Dumbo and cool off in the breeze.

Scott

Where to start?! First no one is taking away water. But would it kill you to use a water fountain or perhaps bring in a refillable mug? Maybe the same mug you just bought from Disney. Second, using 5-6 cups a day is just wasteful. Third, it takes time away from a revenue generating CM to turn and fill a cup of water. And yes, I do not want to pay a penny more because another person was too lazy to walk to a water fountain.

 

[macraven]

Right now, people worried about coffee, tea, hot chocolate probably shouldn't be. It appears this is just affecting soda dispensers.

thanx for your wisdom on that......
i guess i jumped the gun and assumed that the hot beverages would also need the chip.
my fault.

i don't need the soda dispensers.
i use car service and do a grocery stop for pepsi and bottled water before i arrive at the resort.

You go to the register...or someone at one of the counters...and tell them there is a problem. They grab a paper cup, scan it, and have the manager comp it...and then wait for them to fix the machine so the coke dispenses properly (or get something else).

Problem solved.

It's no more (or less) difficult than walking over to tell them that the Coke isn't working right and having someone adjust the machine. It might take an extra minute or so to do.

have you stayed at sports?
what you posted sounds logical, but there is a catch.
if you have ever been in the food court at sports at meal times, it is crowded. very crowded.

going to a register causes trouble if you don't get at the end of the line....
(that would be a good thread......) peeps do not like it when others butt up in line like that and take time away from them at the checkout register.

i have had issues where i needed assistance with the coffee urn.
it took over 12 minutes to get someone to assist me.

the cm cleaning the tables said only the manager can help and she is on break.

readers digest version: don't count on quick help.

if you go to the food court when an organization is booked at the resort, it could possibly double the time it will take to get help at the beverage stand.

As I said on the previous page, this is false. The RFID chips, at least for now, affect ONLY the soda machines.

double

 

[pilferk]

Where to start?! First no one is taking away water. But would it kill you to use a water fountain or perhaps bring in a refillable mug? Maybe the same mug you just bought from Disney. Second, using 5-6 cups a day is just wasteful. Third, it takes time away from a revenue generating CM to turn and fill a cup of water. And yes, I do not want to pay a penny more because another person was too lazy to walk to a water fountain.

Given the above....then you should stop frequenting businesses that you feel are overcharging to cover such things. Places like restaurants, movie theaters, grocery stores, department stores, and THEME PARKS....

Because this type of "guest convenience/customer convenience" happens in many, many, many places. Not just Disney.

And, since it seems like "reasonable" was left back a few stations ago...I think that's about all I have to say about that.

 

[pilferk]

have you stayed at sports?
what you posted sounds logical, but there is a catch.
if you have ever been in the food court at sports at meal times, it is crowded. very crowded.

going to a register causes trouble if you don't get at the end of the line....
(that would be a good thread......) peeps do not like it when others butt up in line like that and take time away from them at the checkout register.

i have had issues where i needed assistance with the coffee urn.
it took over 12 minutes to get someone to assist me.

the cm cleaning the tables said only the manager can help and she is on break.

readers digest version: don't count on quick help.

Movies and Music...not Sports.

The point, though, is if the Coke machine is not dispensing product correctly...don't you have to let someone know, anyway? And if you tell me that ONLY a manager will be able to fix, test, and maintain the machines (all of which would require you turning the key to switch off the RFID functionality), I'd be shocked. It might not be quick, but it will solve your problem...both of them. And since the Coke problem...you're waiting on with or without the new system, I don't see the DIFFERENCE between adding the extra fix (getting a new pour) and just getting the initial problem dealt with.

Given the changes, there will likely have to be some operational changes, too. That would go with the new system.

 

[Tara922c]

Where to start?! First no one is taking away water. But would it kill you to use a water fountain or perhaps bring in a refillable mug? Maybe the same mug you just bought from Disney. Second, using 5-6 cups a day is just wasteful. Third, it takes time away from a revenue generating CM to turn and fill a cup of water. And yes, I do not want to pay a penny more because another person was too lazy to walk to a water fountain.

To lazy to walk over to a water fountain? Are you kidding me? It is just as wasteful to drink 5 plastic bottles of water per day then it is to drink 5 paper cups of water per day, the only difference is one person is paying, and another person is not. It doesn't make a person lazy to get a cup of ice water rather than drinking from a fountain. Some people don't have the luxury of being able to stand up, and bend down to drink from a fountain. What about the people who buy a bottled water, but ask for a cup of ice? Are they wasteful? Should they have to pay for the cup?

Honnestly, if disney started charging for a cup of water, I would pay. I rarely get a cup of free water because Florida water isn't the best. There are so many things that Disney does for their guests, for their guests convience that they don't have to do, and free water is just one of them. You can argue that people shouldn't be able to bring their own food/drinks into the park. Afterall, Disney loses revenue, thoes people throw their food trash into the trash cans, and it cost disney money to properly dispose of it. If they eat at a table, a CM must then wipe it down, costing money.

I can see it now. Grandma and Grandpa sit on a bench while the family rides SM. Grandma doesn't look so good, and there isn't a water fountain in site. Grandpa waits in line to buy Grandma a water, but he forgets his daughter is holdning on to his wallet. The CM says "a cup of water is 10 cents, but there is a water fountain down the way". While Grandma and Grandpa look for a water fountain, Grandma passes out.Providing free cups of water is good customer service, and believe me, only a small majority of guest take advantage of it. Just like providing free bandaids at first aid, or giving a lost kid a free frozen coke.

 

[SRM1981]

Given the above....then you should stop frequenting businesses that you feel are overcharging to cover such things. Places like restaurants, movie theaters, grocery stores, department stores, and THEME PARKS....

Because this type of "guest convenience/customer convenience" happens in many, many, many places. Not just Disney.

And, since it seems like "reasonable" was left back a few stations ago...I think that's about all I have to say about that.

Sorry, but all those places still charge for the cup. Because why would they give their products away for free? Again, I need something for my free water, so why can't Disney just give me a free mug insteand of 350 smaller cups?

 

[pilferk]

Sorry, but all those places still charge for the cup. Because why would they give their products away for free? Again, I need something for my free water, so why can't Disney just give me a free mug insteand of 350 smaller cups?

No, they don't. At least not in any way other than the way Disney does.

If I walk into a restaurant, order a meal, and ask for tap water, I get a glass of tap water.

There is no charge on my bill for that water.

Yet a server brought it to me (which cost them something), they used the cup (and thus it will need to be washed or disposed of, costing them something), etc.

They made the money on my meal.

You're staying at the resort. You get a cup of water. There is no charge for that cup. But you're paying for the room, right?

They make the pittance it cost for the cup off the (green) backs of the rest of the money you spend there. And they keep you spending (like the restaurant keeps you coming back by giving you a "free" cup of water) by keeping you happy.

And now, I really am done. It's a simple (and time worn and recognized) tactic. That you don't get it seems to indicate to me you don't WANT to get it...and are just looking to argue for the sake of it. Enjoy that. I'll leave you to it.

 

[pilferk]

To lazy to walk over to a water fountain? Are you kidding me? It is just as wasteful to drink 5 plastic bottles of water per day then it is to drink 5 paper cups of water per day, the only difference is one person is paying, and another person is not. It doesn't make a person lazy to get a cup of ice water rather than drinking from a fountain. Some people don't have the luxury of being able to stand up, and bend down to drink from a fountain. What about the people who buy a bottled water, but ask for a cup of ice? Are they wasteful? Should they have to pay for the cup?

Honnestly, if disney started charging for a cup of water, I would pay. I rarely get a cup of free water because Florida water isn't the best. There are so many things that Disney does for their guests, for their guests convience that they don't have to do, and free water is just one of them. You can argue that people shouldn't be able to bring their own food/drinks into the park. Afterall, Disney loses revenue, thoes people throw their food trash into the trash cans, and it cost disney money to properly dispose of it. If they eat at a table, a CM must then wipe it down, costing money.

I can see it now. Grandma and Grandpa sit on a bench while the family rides SM. Grandma doesn't look so good, and there isn't a water fountain in site. Grandpa waits in line to buy Grandma a water, but he forgets his daughter is holdning on to his wallet. The CM says "a cup of water is 10 cents, but there is a water fountain down the way". While Grandma and Grandpa look for a water fountain, Grandma passes out.Providing free cups of water is good customer service, and believe me, only a small majority of guest take advantage of it. Just like providing free bandaids at first aid, or giving a lost kid a free frozen coke.

At this point...I think we're just feeding the troll(s). Because, honestly, I can't see a reasonable person objecting, seriously, to Disney giving out free water. Not even the most jaded, most cynical, most miserly of Disney's shareholders......which gets me to only one conclusion: Time to move on.

 

[SRM1981]

To lazy to walk over to a water fountain? Are you kidding me? It is just as wasteful to drink 5 plastic bottles of water per day then it is to drink 5 paper cups of water per day, the only difference is one person is paying, and another person is not. It doesn't make a person lazy to get a cup of ice water rather than drinking from a fountain. Some people don't have the luxury of being able to stand up, and bend down to drink from a fountain. What about the people who buy a bottled water, but ask for a cup of ice? Are they wasteful? Should they have to pay for the cup?

Honnestly, if disney started charging for a cup of water, I would pay. I rarely get a cup of free water because Florida water isn't the best. There are so many things that Disney does for their guests, for their guests convience that they don't have to do, and free water is just one of them. You can argue that people shouldn't be able to bring their own food/drinks into the park. Afterall, Disney loses revenue, thoes people throw their food trash into the trash cans, and it cost disney money to properly dispose of it. If they eat at a table, a CM must then wipe it down, costing money.

I can see it now. Grandma and Grandpa sit on a bench while the family rides SM. Grandma doesn't look so good, and there isn't a water fountain in site. Grandpa waits in line to buy Grandma a water, but he forgets his daughter is holdning on to his wallet. The CM says "a cup of water is 10 cents, but there is a water fountain down the way". While Grandma and Grandpa look for a water fountain, Grandma passes out.Providing free cups of water is good customer service, and believe me, only a small majority of guest take advantage of it. Just like providing free bandaids at first aid, or giving a lost kid a free frozen coke.

So our society has now become too lazy to simply bend down to get a drink of water? And yes, bottled water is extremely wasteful. Filling a tiny paper cup 5 times throughout the day is wasteful and does have some cost. Even if it $.01 that is still $.05 a person per day. It is the same argument as the mugs.

Why does Disney want to limit free refills – they want you to buy the mug with a nice markup. So I can foresee them stopping the paper cups as the larger markup is on the bottled water.

And Disney gives you the option to bring your own food and use their water fountains.

 

[macraven]

Movies and Music...not Sports.

The point, though, is if the Coke machine is not dispensing product correctly...don't you have to let someone know, anyway? And if you tell me that ONLY a manager will be able to fix, test, and maintain the machines (all of which would require you turning the key to switch off the RFID functionality), I'd be shocked. It might not be quick, but it will solve your problem...both of them. And since the Coke problem...you're waiting on with or without the new system, I don't see the DIFFERENCE between adding the extra fix (getting a new pour) and just getting the initial problem dealt with.

Given the changes, there will likely have to be some operational changes, too. That would go with the new system.

sports doesn't always have 98% occupancy.
from the other resorts i have been in, sports had the least amount of cm's working when i was staying there.

on more than one occassion, i have needed assistance.
cm's at the register can not leave their positions.
cm's doing the clean up in the food court, don't have authority to cover what i need.


someone has to get a person with authority that can help the guest.

so you have to wait until that happens.



i'm not the one that has issues with the soda dispensers.

whenever that new system starts, i'm sure it will be worked out by my fall trip.
travel goddess kayt ... posted the coffee is safe from the new system.


i am the coffee addict.......

my concerns are when the coffee urn is empty.
or when some fool has stuffed paper napkins in its spout.


btw, i do pepsi when i have a soda.
i bring my own.

 

[SRM1981]

No, they don't. At least not in any way other than the way Disney does.

If I walk into a restaurant, order a meal, and ask for tap water, I get a glass of tap water.

There is no charge on my bill for that water.

Yet a server brought it to me (which cost them something), they used the cup (and thus it will need to be washed or disposed of, costing them something), etc.

They made the money on my meal.

You're staying at the resort. You get a cup of water. There is no charge for that cup. But you're paying for the room, right?

They make the pittance it cost for the cup off the (green) backs of the rest of the money you spend there. And they keep you spending (like the restaurant keeps you coming back by giving you a "free" cup of water) by keeping you happy.

And now, I really am done. It's a simple (and time worn and recognized) tactic. That you don't get it seems to indicate to me you don't WANT to get it...and are just looking to argue for the sake of it. Enjoy that. I'll leave you to it.

Sorry, but your logic is flawed. So let’s use a real world example. Let’s say I am super cheap and bring my own tea bag into Starbucks. I walk up to the counter and I order one large cup of hot water. What does Starbucks gain here? They had to spend something for their cup. So not only did they lose out on the revenue but they also incurred a cost. Sure the first time might not be a problem. But repeat it every day and eventually someone will look at the product cost. All I am saying is that eventually someone will look at product cost at Disney.

Same thing with a CS in Disney. A family walks up to the counter looks at the cost of bottled water and says no thanks I will take 6 cups of free water. Disney has now lost that incremental revenue from a beverage sale and incurred a cost of six cups.