No more unlimited refills on resort mugs?

[Experiment_626]

Maybe the same mug you just bought from Disney.

Not me; I don't buy the refillable mugs. When I go on a family trip and we have a place to stash extra stuff, we do bring bottles and refill them at the water fountains. It is usually quicker and easier than standing in line at a counter-service place.

Second, using 5-6 cups a day is just wasteful.

Well, I agree up to a point. But I'm pretty sure they don't want to handle used cups for health reasons. Even places outside WDW that do refill cups for you generally don't allow employees to remove the tops; you have to do that yourself.

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.

Well, I don't know what to tell you, except that you have other vacation options. I, on the other hand, would not mind at all if Disney specifically charged me an extra couple of cents (mine and yours together, I suppose) on my soda in exchange for providing me and other guests with a cup of water -- or they can add a couple of dollars to the cost of my annual pass if they will earmark for that cost.

Seriously, you think Disney isn't already making up the tiny cost of this sort of thing well before the price of a soda is even calculated? What if a cast member accidentally drops or damages a sleeve of cups? Should they dock his or her pay?

And again, guest goodwill and satisfaction is worth money -- as in dollars -- to Disney. The whole point of running theme parks as a for-profit business the way Disney does it is not to make sure they squeeze every possible penny out of every guest (and before anyone snarkily suggests otherwise, the fact that they don't charge for water and any number of other things they could put a price-tag upon proves otherwise) -- it is to get as much money out of you as they reasonably can and also to make sure as many people as possible have a good enough time that they come back again in the future, and that they tell their friends what a great place Walt Disney World is and what a good time they had there. Is five cents, or 10 or 15 cents on a cup of water worth more than that? Maybe it is to you, but you're not the one making the profit on the business.

Now, you mentioned someone cutting the line in front of you to get water. Cutting the line is a different matter altogether, and of course should not be tolerated. But the logic you use makes it seems as if you would be okay with it if the person cutting in front of you were ordering more food than you were. And that's just silly, so I know that isn't something you'd endorse. But really, there isn't much difference. If I'm ordering twice as much food as you, then that "revenue-generating" cast member's time is worth a lot more when he's working on my order than he is when he is working on yours, so maybe I should get to go ahead of you. Silly? Yes (at least to me). But so is grousing about the moments it takes that cast member to fill a cup of water based on "lost revenue." Or is that the real reason?

EDIT: I do suspect a little bit of trolling going on here, but I'm having so much fun blasting the argument to smithereens that I really don't care. This argument might have some merit if the majority of guests were asking for free water much of the time, but in my experience, it is a relatively rare guest -- even among WDW veterans -- who even knows Disney will do this. It isn't costing Disney much to do this because they aren't doing it all that often, in the grand scheme.

Scott

 

[pilferk]

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.

Right, but whoever that is....if the machine isn't dispensing Coke correctly...don't you have to wait for them, anyway, to fix the machine? Irrespective of needing a new pour....that's true under the "old" system, too?

If the machine isn't working, you're waiting. Just like you would have had to wait before the new system.

See what I mean?

Spills....that's a different problem. Under the new system, you're going to HAVE to at least visit a register to get a comp cup.

The other thing is: You'd think that the test phase (going on now) would bring these operational issues to light and they'd find ways to address them (if they haven't already). I mean...the stuff we're talking about here seems to happen frequently enough (they're not oddball scenarios) that Disney would have them crop up and either have a guest friendly plan in place, or would develop one when they see the dissatisfacton that occurs when they happen "in the field".

 

[BrerRabbit1114]

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



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.

How's it being dishonest? It doesn't say anywhere on the older version when you can no longer use that mug. 2nd, you said if I can't afford a new mug I shouldn't even be in Disney, who are you tell anyone what they can can't afford. It's called you save enogh money to go to Disney and you spend wisely.

 

[udsweetpea]

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.

It's called "the cost of doing business". Some businesses expect to lose minute amounts of money on things like free cups of water. It's an expense they account for and are okay with losing that money.

But then again, you're probably one of those people who complain about anything and everything, don't you? Those people who butt in line really ticked you off, didn't they? Tone down the bitterness, why don't you?

 

[SRM1981]

It's called "the cost of doing business". Some businesses expect to lose minute amounts of money on things like free cups of water. It's an expense they account for and are okay with losing that money.

But then again, you're probably one of those people who complain about anything and everything, don't you? Those people who butt in line really ticked you off, didn't they? Tone down the bitterness, why don't you?

Lots of words, comma question? Repeat words, comma question?

Sorry, but these costs add up. I would gladly do away with paper cups if it meant a CM could get a few extra hours a week. Let’s assume the Magic Kingdom “loses” $5,000 a quarter in lost product. Just a fraction to the bottom line, but could be a nice little boost to a working CM. Or maybe they turned that $5k savings into some paint for Main Street or an extra shift for a bathroom attendant.

 

[macraven]

Right, but whoever that is....if the machine isn't dispensing Coke correctly...don't you have to wait for them, anyway, to fix the machine? Irrespective of needing a new pour....that's true under the "old" system, too?

If the machine isn't working, you're waiting. Just like you would have had to wait before the new system.

See what I mean?

Spills....that's a different problem. Under the new system, you're going to HAVE to at least visit a register to get a comp cup.

The other thing is: You'd think that the test phase (going on now) would bring these operational issues to light and they'd find ways to address them (if they haven't already). I mean...the stuff we're talking about here seems to happen frequently enough (they're not oddball scenarios) that Disney would have them crop up and either have a guest friendly plan in place, or would develop one when they see the dissatisfacton that occurs when they happen "in the field".

pilferk, i have no idea why you are addressing my post.......
you posted the same thing twice already today towards me.


i have been talking about coffee.


i don't even drink coke.

 

[BrerRabbit1114]

This blog is getting heated! I love it!

 

[Experiment_626]

This blog is getting heated! I love it!

You're completely wrong to say such a thing! Take it back!

This isn't a blog -- it's a forum.

Scott

 

[brunette8706]

That sticky is written assuming "you can" means "no one will stop you." But, Disney's written material over the past many years has always been pretty clear; only at the resort at which you purchased it, for the duration of your stay. Whether split-stays at a single resort are "one stay" or not is not as clearly defined, but I'm guessing if you asked Disney's accountants, I know the answer they'd give you...

*
So you are telling me that if you stayed at 4 different resorts within a 2 week period you would have to fork over $60.00 plus for 4 different mugs because you are staying at 4 different resorts? Please!

 

[brunette8706]

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?

*
Your logic is very much skewed. You are equating a .02 cent cup of water for a $15.00 mug? Okay!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

We have been discussing this for DAYS. Already threads about it and moderators have been merging them as it is. I would delete this one if I were you, but if not, don't be surprised if you can't find it later. Not trying to be mean at all...I just didn't want it to disappear and you not know why.

Still here after 4 days!! I'm surprised it's still too!!

 

[webshark3]

This blog is getting heated! I love it!

 

[dizzneebabe]

 

[webshark3]

I'm not sure of the specific wording in Florida (or if they have such a law...though they are very common) but USUALLY it's phrased something like this:
"an owner or operator of a public accommodation shall ensure that clients have convenient access to a supply of potable water that meets with the local authority’s approval."

Splash Mountain, Pirates, heck bring a cup on It's a Small World. Disney provides plenty of convenient access to water.

 

[POOHsie]

They do. There are numerous water fountains throughout the property. and I’m sure in an emergency no one would care. I’m talking about the family of four that every hour or so gets four new cups. This cost will add up.

Every sit down restaurant I go to offers me water. No charge. In addition, I will order a drink. If you have medicine to take, a water fountain is a difficult way to take and swallow a pill. And lots of folks, like me, have pills to take during the day, vacation or not. That's just one of a million reasons why people get in line to ask for water.

What other brilliant accounting ideas do you have? Paper napkin rationing? 3 sheets of toilet paper only? Hotel room lights out at 11? There's more to accounting than what something costs (tangibles). There's intangibles, like goodwill towards your guests, being competitive with other tourist outlets, guest return rate. MBA you're not.

Who are you kidding with your cynical rant?

 

[skater]

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.”

Maybe some people go through 10 cups a day because they're hot and thirsty.

 

[SRM1981]

Every sit down restaurant I go to offers me water. No charge. In addition, I will order a drink. If you have medicine to take, a water fountain is a difficult way to take and swallow a pill. And lots of folks, like me, have pills to take during the day, vacation or not. That's just one of a million reasons why people get in line to ask for water.

What other brilliant accounting ideas do you have? Paper napkin rationing? 3 sheets of toilet paper only? Hotel room lights out at 11? There's more to accounting than what something costs (tangibles). There's intangibles, like goodwill towards your guests, being competitive with other tourist outlets, guest return rate. MBA you're not.

Who are you kidding with your cynical rant?

Clearly, you are not going to get this, but let me try. There is no magic fairy that simply creates a paper cup. Disney has to source this cup from somewhere. Now they most likely have an amazing discount, but they still pay SOMETHING for the cup. Let’s throw some crazy number out there like $.05 a cup and some lowball figure like 3,000 people across all parks. When you add these pennies up it’s close to $55,000. I’m not sure where you are employed, but most employers would welcome a suggestion on how to save the company $55,000.

My second point is that these cups are wasteful. Using paper products in general for a single serving is wasteful. It adds to the garbage and it ultimately ends up in a landfill. This can all be solved by bringing a mug from home or purchasing ONE bottle and refilling it.

Lastly, this is not goodwill. They have water available, guests simply cannot be bothered to use the water fountain. Also there really is no more to accounting (especially with Disney) than the accurate recording of financials. Again, show me on the 10K the goodwill impairment relating to "free" water.

 

[SRM1981]

Maybe some people go through 10 cups a day because they're hot and thirsty.

Well that is pretty wasteful. And the fact that you see nothing wrong with this is sad. Invest in a travel mug and fill it as needed.

 

[bsmcneil]

Technically, it's three separate trips. Just like you did Pop Century and went home, then returned to SOG and went home, and then returned to POR and went home. But your going home only lasts as long as it takes to empty your room and get to the new one.

If you purchased a package for each of those three stays, you would have to purchase at least a one day ticket for each of the stays. You couldn't buy one longer ticket for the first part and use it for the other stays. And tickets cost a lot more than mugs.

If you try to use an unchipped vessel or one that has expired, you will get ice water.

O/T but couldn't you save the one-day tickets for another trip and continue to use the MYW pass from the first package?

 

[vivianmarie244]