Please Don't Hate Me - I Have a Mug ?

[safetymom]

They have had the clips on the mugs for quite a while now. Don't know why they didn't have them when you bought your mug.

 

[srcrmcky#1fan]

I agree with safetymom, the yellow clips have been on the refillable mugs for purchase for some time. When we were at WDW last May, they had the clips. I'm not sure when they began though.

 

[ribbot]

Don't know how long they've had the clips, but there were no clips the day I bought mine, therefore the reason I made the comment to my hubby. Maybe they were out of clips or something on that day.

The mug does read under the handle----Good for length of stay or visit (or something like that---haven't even unpacked yet).

I saw someone filling a 7-11 mug and the people cleaning the station (if that's what you actually call cleaning) didn't even bother. Heck, I watched a worker walk over a dirty plate of chicken bones that was on the floor near the trash about a half dozen times. They don't seem to care, they just want their paycheck at the end of the week.

At $12 they're still making a killing on the beverages.

 

[mickey12810]

When DH and myself were there in March we saw a little boy about 10 years old all by himself at the food court and he filled one of the popcorn containers that you get in the MK. We laughed and thought he was pretty clever. Obviously Disney does not care about the fact that people are using old mugs otherwise they would change them. As someone already said they are making a killing on these mugs.

 

[SuBeat]

As DH was purchasing our mugs on our second visit to WL, he made a comment to the CM about the larger mug (not the car one) not being available. She actually scolded him for NOT bringing back the mugs from our first visit. So, it isn't even a matter of enforcement, but even encouragement to reuse old mugs.

We'll be buying new mugs this year, but I sure wish they would come up with a new style at WL. Our cabinet is getting full and a little variety would be nice!

 

[MiaSRN62]

I was "scolded" by quite the snotty CM at the AS Music food court about 2-3 years ago. I was carrying my WL mug at the time. The scenario was that our family was staying there while our in-laws were staying at AS Music. We decided to meet-up for breakfast at the Music food court since sil/bil had a 2 year old and figured this would be easier on them. Our family had filled our WL mugs at the Roaring Forks food court prior to arriving at the Music food court. We were only buying food there. I couldn't believe how nasty the CM was. In front of a line of people she said to me "you can NOT use that mug here". I think I replied with a "no duh" type of response and prompty informed her we were meeting family for breakfast and we had no intentions of filling our mugs here. This was at the register. Technically, had I wanted to, I could have filled my WL mug there because there was really no "police-ing" of the drink station (but of course we did not). The unwarranted scolding I received was simply going through the line at the register.

 

[maryliz]

I was "scolded" by quite the snotty CM at the AS Music food court about 2-3 years ago. I was carrying my WL mug at the time. The scenario was that our family was staying there while our in-laws were staying at AS Music. We decided to meet-up for breakfast at the Music food court since sil/bil had a 2 year old and figured this would be easier on them. Our family had filled our WL mugs at the Roaring Forks food court prior to arriving at the Music food court. We were only buying food there. I couldn't believe how nasty the CM was. In front of a line of people she said to me "you can NOT use that mug here". I think I replied with a "no duh" type of response and prompty informed her we were meeting family for breakfast and we had no intentions of filling our mugs here. This was at the register. Technically, had I wanted to, I could have filled my WL mug there because there was really no "police-ing" of the drink station (but of course we did not). The unwarranted scolding I received was simply going through the line at the register.

Wow ... hadn't ever heard of a CM actually telling someone this before now. Based on all of the other replies, this is obviously a rare occurrence at Disney because they have better things to do with their time. I think I would have smiled sweetly and said "have you ever thought of becoming a CM in Epcot ... we could sure use you out there to help stop the smoking in non-smoking areas, because that's a HUGE problem"

We too are regularly encouraged by CM's to come back for another visit because "those mugs are just going to get too lonely in your cupboard... they need to come back to Disney".

 

[joliesmom]

I never realized that the whole Mug Drama existed until this forum. I would never have thought twice about using my mug at another resort (in all reality I rarely buy the mugs due to size and portability). I did buy an AKL mug in Jan and gave to my sister to use in Feb. I never knew I was commiting a Disney offense. I too have noticed people filling anything and everything at the soda stations. I'll keep reading to stay informed.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Maryliz says : I think I would have smiled sweetly and said "have you ever thought of becoming a CM in Epcot ... we could sure use you out there to help stop the smoking in non-smoking areas, because that's a HUGE problem"

LOL ! Wish I would have thought of something like this ! I was just so taken aback about being found guilty before she even knew the facts.

 

[Texian@WDW]

As the OP, may I just set the record straight and say that I have no intentions of ripping off Disney - I can afford new mugs. I would be appalled to see someone fill their ice chests or whatever with Coke at the resort I'm staying and paying for. Just my luck, I'd be next in line and it would be empty!

I was just wondering if anyone had been called down for it, especially since when we bought the darn things two years ago, they said to bring them back. I certainly wouldn't bring back a new one that says in plain english that they are good for visit only. Honestly, I'm not even sure I would want to fill up my suitcase with them. Thanks for your observations - it appears that nine times out of ten, it's ok.

 

[Lewisc]

The only resorts I recall guests being told not to take the soda is POLY and POP. The rules are enforced a lot more at the Boardwalk. There really aren't any self-service refills. The sign gives a discounted price, I think around $1, to refill other mugs.

The reality is self-service drink dispensers lends itself to guests taking more soda than they pay for. Really not unique to Disney.

Really not a matter of CM's having better things to do but an issue of what rules Disney choses to enforce. I'm sure in the course of an hour a CM could find more than enough people "stealing" soda to cover his salary.

Going back to the OP question, right now being told not to refill your mug seems to be about the same as speeding 8mph over the limit. You'll probably get away with it but you really don't have a good answer if you're caught.
If being told not to take soda would embarrass you then just buy new mugs.

I think a lot of guests would come out ahead just buying a case of soda and bottled water. You get the brands you want and don't have to bring an empty mug back to your room.

 

[MommaluvsDis]

Couldn't help myself, just had to reply. We bought mugs a couple of years ago when they were good forever. My DH asked the CM specifically and he was told that if didn't matter how long we used it or how many times we came back. It was good forever.

That being said, if I stay at WL again, I will be using my old mug. Forever means forever. If I'm stopped, then so be it. I'm not cheap, I just believe that when you tell me forever that's it.

Disney makes a fortune off of these mugs and EVERYTHING else.

 

[Texian@WDW]

Couldn't help myself, just had to reply. We bought mugs a couple of years ago when they were good forever. My DH asked the CM specifically and he was told that if didn't matter how long we used it or how many times we came back. It was good forever.

That being said, if I stay at WL again, I will be using my old mug. Forever means forever. If I'm stopped, then so be it. I'm not cheap, I just believe that when you tell me forever that's it.

Disney makes a fortune off of these mugs and EVERYTHING else.

Well put, Momma!

 

[opal]

We bought our mugs at CBR back in the early 90's when the posted and CM verbal policy was "may be used at CBR forever". They have accompanied us on every trip to CBR since. When the mug style changed, I double checked with a food court resort CM and was told definately...continue using them. We go a least once a year. Back then POR charged something like $.40 for refills, so it seems every resort had a differenct policy then.

On the trips that we stayed at a resort other than CBR, we left our mugs home. They were sad to miss the trip, but I think they understood. In the event we stay at CBR again, we will bring them. We have never refilled them anywhere other than CBR. Why, you ask, because those were the rules when we purchased them.

If Disney has decided to change the policy because they realized that we can't help ourselves and have to return year after year and spend more $$$$, that shouldn't change the policy we bought the mugs under. It should apply only to mugs purchased after the policy change.

If you have a park hopper with unused days, those unused days are good forever......not good forever or until Disney decides to change the policy.
Imagine the thread if Disney ever did that!!!!! Just my thoughts on the topic.....

 

[DisneyDotty]

Just so I get this straight--If you bought mugs before the policy of use during stay only, then you may bring them back to use at the resort where they were orignally purchased? That actually sounds fair to me, and I apologize to the OP for assuming the worst.
Nothing like these DIS boards to get my underwear in a bundle!

 

[Kaitysmom]

In answer to the original question, I have never seen anyone have any trouble using mugs from previous trips. I have seen the Dixie Landing mugs at Riverside which is an obvious example. Less noticeable are the other resorts where the design hasn't been changed, WL and FW are two examples.

As for the other comments, I bought my mugs with the "lifetime of refills." These boards have made me extremely uncomfortable with reusing them - I feel like the Mickey police will come and take me away. In all honesty, I probably would have thought twice before buying them now. They aren't terribly convenient to use and we usually only refill them once per day. For us, they have become a cool souvenir, not a reward to revisit a resort as it used to be.

 

[DMRick]

Just so I get this straight--If you bought mugs before the policy of use during stay only, then you may bring them back to use at the resort where they were orignally purchased?

Yes, and I sleep very well at night following what Disney themselves tell me is OK. Some were even told (and are STILL being told) to bring 'em back). Apparently it seems to still be up to the individual food court managers. I've seen all sorts of stuff being refilled. That I consider stealing, since I doubt a food court manager ever said, hey, bring back that bread container for some frozen coke, on any future trips. However, they did (and do..what is wrong with them..can't they read LOL!) still say that you may use your mugs bought way back when. I plan on bringing back my Dixie Landings (oh, bigger and a really nice mug) in May. The food court manager always teases me and offers to trade it for one of the new mugs, since he'd like the one I use.

 

[LoriZH]

What happened to "observations only?" People are backdoor forcing their opinions, some just walk through the front!

Please if the moderator asks to follow the rules, we all should.

Now, back to the OP, NEVER have I EVER saw ANYONE get scolded or embarrassed by a CM for filling a mug, whether it belonged to that resort or not, it's just never happened in my observations.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Lewisc says : The reality is self-service drink dispensers lends itself to guests taking more soda than they pay for. Really not unique to Disney.

I think if you factor in the folks that may only stay at the resort for 2-3 nights and buy mugs I think it all evens out in the end and Disney gets more than their fair share. You can't use the mugs in the parks and for families that are gone all day probably aren't using their mugs to full potential either.
I know our family of 6 (included grandmom) visited POR back when it was Dixie Landings in '98. We only stayed for 4 nights (were told the mugs were good forever) and spent somewhere around $60 for 6 mugs. I can honestly tell you we didn't drink anywhere near that amount of soda/coffee etc on that trip. The only reason we made the purchase is because we were explained they never expired. That was our very first experience with buying into the refillable mug program. We went on during the years to buy at the Movies, WL and POP. I feel that the majority of guests do not take more soda than they paid for when you factor in all the instances of people buying these mugs and maybe using them only a few times during shorter stays. I just recently bought a POP mug in Feb. I maybe used it 3-4 times during my 3 night stay. I just feel it all evens out in the end for Disney otherwise I think they would have discontinued the program awhile ago. As it is, they axed the "good for life" sales pitch they were giving back in '98.
I'm not trying to state what is good vs bad here, just my perspective/take on the mug program.

 

[bonnick98]

my only observation on the subject is that we stayed at the Poly in '03 and bought the mugs, when we returned to the Poly in '04 we noticed that the mugs looked exactly as they did in '04. Maybe Disney should change the mugs from year to year to prevent the abuse. Because the number of people who make multiple WDW trips within the same year is far out weighed by the number of people who only make yearly trips or less, there would be a relatively small amount of people who could actually try to get away with it.