Rapid fill Mugs are they a Bargain

[roylanc]

SMLXL
When Planning your Vacation there are a few things to consider.
Through the Year Disney will offer a number of items free or reductions on your vacation to draw you to Disney World.

But what if you decide to Travel to Disney World when there are no offers open to you.
There are still way's to get the most from the money you spend at Disney World.

SLXLM

One of the best & probably greatest value items you can buy at Disney world is a rapid fill mug.

This is available at all resort hotels ( not the parks) & comes in 4 different price plans.

Now before you buy a rapid fill mug, you need to know what it is you are buying.
Disney offers refillable mugs to their Guests staying at the resort Hotels.
You can buy one for different lengths of stay.
The mug has an RFID chip built into it that starts from the moment it is activated.
What you do is purchase the mug at 1 of the quick service restaurants at the hotel & at the till they will activate the RFID chip that is built into the mug.

So how does this RFID chip work.
At all the beverage stations in the resort hotels the pads you place the drinks on has a receiver that reads the chip in the mug.
The chip once activated lasts for 1 to 14 days+.
The reader will pick up the chips unique signature & will recognize when that was activated & how many days are left.
MXLLS

Now there is normally a wait time between fills, which is around 90 seconds.
A screen on the dispenser will tell you when you can re-fill your mug.

SLXLM

Once your rapid refill credit has expired the screen will also tell you this as well.

Now at all the resorts you can get a normal drink cup that is refillable & your probably thinking I will just buy 1 of them & keep it for the duration of my vacation!.
Wrong thought there unfortunately, Disney has started putting RFID chips in these also.
Once you get your first drink, it is only active for 1 hour after that.
MXLLS

There are 4 price plans:
1.$8.99 for 1 day's use
2. $11.99 for 2 day's use
3. $14.99 for 3 day's use
4. $17.99 for the length of your stay.

Depending on the length of your stay will depend on the savings you can make purchasing a rapid refill mug.

The mug can be used at any Disney World Resort Hotel.
It is not valid for use in the parks though.
So if you are visiting an hotel for a meal or just a look around, it will make sense to take the mug with you. ( we made the mistake of not doing this or leaving them in the car)

Now we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for 14 day's & took advantage of the rapid refill mug.
We did not go over the top when using the mugs.
Our average was 4 re-fills a day each, 1 day we managed 5.
For us Brits a trip to Disney world has to be 7 to 14 day's.

Here is breakdown of the Savings we made by having the rapid re-fill mug.

14 day trip to Disney World Staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge
All drinks were from the Mara

As you progress down the list there will be an over all running total on what the cost would have been if you paid for all the drinks out of pocket.
Once you see the savings you can make with a rapid fill mug, it would be a mistake for Guests at Disney Resort Hotels not to purchase a Rapid Fill Mug.


Day 1 arrival day



17:00pm 2 sodas as we walk around the resort $3.19each cost = $6.38
21:30PM 2 sodas to take to the room $3.19each total spend = $12.76

Day 2 Off to Magic Kingdom for rope drop & full day

07:00am Down to the Mara for 2 coffees to have in the room $2.99 each
Total running cost $ 18.74
08:15am 2 sodas to take in the car ride to MK $3.19each total running cost = $ 25.12
19:00pm 2 sodas on return to resort $3.19each total running cost = $30.05
22:00pm 2 sodas to take to room $3.19each total running cost = $ 36.43

Day 3 off to Hollywood Studios for rope drop & the daytime Disney Springs evening


07:00am Down to the Mara for 2 coffees to have in the room $2.99 each
total running cost = $ 42.41
08:15am 2 sodas to take in the car ride to HS $3.19each total running cost = $48.79
16:00pm 2 sodas on return to resort $3.19each total running cost = $ 55.17
18:00pm 2 sodas before going to Disney Springs $3.19each total running cost = $ 61.55
22:30pm 2 sodas to take to room $3.19each total running cost= $ 67.93

Day 4 Off to Animal Kingdom Morning Then Contemporary evening for Dinner at California Grill


08:00am 2 coffees to have in the room $2.99 each total running cost = $ 73.91
09:15am 2 sodas to take in the short car ride to AK $3.19each total running cost= $ 80.29
17:00pm 2 sodas on return to resort $3.19each Total Running Costs= $ 86.67
18:30 off to Contemporary resort


Day 5 off to Epcot & World Showcase then back to Animal Kingdom the Wanyama Safari


07:00am 2 coffees to have in the room $2.99 each Total cost so far $ 92.65
08:15am 2 sodas to take in the car $3.19each Total cost so far = $99.03
14:30pm 2 sodas on return to resort $3.19each Total cost so far= $ 105.41
21:30pm 2 sodas to take to the room $3.19each Total cost so far = $ 111.79


Day 6 morning around the pool Evening at Hollywood studios


09:00am 2 coffees with breakfast at the Mara $2.99 each Total cost so far = $117.77
10:30am 2 sodas whilst at the pool $3.19each Total cost so far = $ 124.15
12:30pm 2 coffees to take to the room to get ready for Hollywood studios $2.99 each total cost so far =£ 130.13
We caught the bus to Hollywood studios left Mugs in the room

Day 7 off to Art of Animation for a look around, Dinner in the evening at OHANA'S


09:00am 2 coffees to have in the room $2.99 each Total cost so far = $ 136.11
10:30am 2 sodas for the car ride $3.19each Total cost so far = $ 142.49
We had a tray meal here & made the mistake of leaving our mugs in the car
15:00pm back to the hotel & 2 coffees to have in the room $2.99 each
Total cost so far = $ 148.47
Got back late & decided to have a drink at the Victoria lounge


Day 8 off to Typhoon for the morning & then to Epcot for The evening

09:00am 2 coffees to have in the room $2.99 each Total cost so far = $ 154.45
10:30am 2 Sodas for the car ride $3.19each Total cost so far = £160.83
14:00pm Back to the hotel for a rest picked up 2 sodas for the room $3.19each $167.21
17:00pm left the Hotel by Bus for Epcot Mugs were left in the room.


Day 9 Magic Kingdom for the Morning then Fort Wlderness for Hoop De Do Review


08:00am 2 coffees to have in the room $2.99 each Total cost so far = $ 173.19
09:30am 2 Sodas to have in the Car on the way to MK $3.19each $ 179.57
15:00pm Picked up 2 Sodas to have in room whilst getting ready $3.19each
Total cost so far = $ 185.95


Day 10 off to Animal Kingdom in the morning Back to MK for Evening

07:30am 2 coffees for the room before we go $2.99 each Total cost so far = $191.93
08:30am 2 Sodas for the short ride to AK $3.19each Total cost so far = $198.31
14:00pm 1 coffee & 1 soda for the room $3.19 & $2.99 Total cost so far = $204.49
22:30pm Down to the Mara for 2 sodas before bed $3.19each Total cost so far = $ 210.87


Day 11 Epcot for Rope Drop & late Afternoon/ evening at Disney Springs

07:00am 2 coffees for the room before we go $2.99 each Total cost so far = $ 216.85
08:15am 2 Sodas for the car ride to Epcot $3.19each Total cost so far = $ 223.23
14:30pm 2 sodas on arrival back at the hotel $3.19each Total cost so far = $ 229.61

Day 12 Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare then off to International drive for a little shopping before An evening At Epcot


07:00am 2 coffees for the room before we go $2.99 each Total cost so far = $ 235.59
10:30am Back to the hotel 2 sodas before leaving for international drive $3.19each
Total cost so far = $ 241.97
17:0pm 2 coffees on return to Hotel $2.99 each Total cost so far = $ 247.95
18:30 Off to San Angel Inn Epcot for Dinner


Day 13 A relaxed morning around the pool before an evening at Disney springs & dinner at House Of Blues

09:00am breakfast at the Mara & 2 coffees $2.99 each Total cost so far = $ 253.93
10:30am 2 sodas around the pool $3.19each Total cost so far = $ 260.31
12:00pm 2 sodas as we explore the Hotel $3.19each Total cost so far = $ 266.69
15:00pm A little relaxation on the Balcony & 2 Coffees $2.99 each
Total cost so far = $ 272.67


Day 14 last Day Morning At The Magic Kingdom & Evening Meal at, SANAA


08:30am 2 coffees for the room before we go $2.99 each Total cost so far = $ 278.65
09:30am 2 sodas for the Car Journey to MK $3.19each Total cost so far = $ 285.03
16:30PM 2 Coffees to take to the room Whilst we get ready to go to Sanaa for dinner
$2.99 each Total cost so far = $291.01


Day 15 last Morning At The Hotel


08:30am 2 coffees for the room before we go $2.99 each Total cost so far = $ 296.99
11:00am 2 sodas for the Car Journey to Airport $3.19each Total cost so far = $ 303.37

Cost of Mugs $35.98
Total cost of drinks received $303.37
Saving $267.39
Daily Saving $17.82

 

[Eastern]

It's good if you drink soda but we don't so we usually just get a case of water from the gift shop.

 

[Judique]

Don't forget you can carry the mugs home as a souvenir!

I don't drink soda but occasionally buy a new mug even at the high price because I like to use them after my trip for carrying a coffee to work on my commute.

 

[bababear_50]

My stays are usually 5-7 days and I am an early riser, I love a couple of cups of coffee in the am as I walk around the resort.
I don't drink soda but with just two coffee purchases a day I come out ahead by buying the Rapid refill mug, plus I get a souvenir to take home.
2 coffee a day x 7 days = $41.86 (a savings of 23.86).
I also use the mug to get a Twinings tea in the evening.
Hugs Mel

 

[ElenaRN]

I am not a soda drinker either but they also have 4 types of Gold Peak iced tea: Sweetened, unsweetened, green tea & I think a flavored tea.

 

[roylanc]

We usually have the still drinks or diet sodas.
The teas you get are also great. (if you like tea unfortunately we don't)

 

[roylanc]

I am not a soda drinker either but they also have 4 types of Gold Peak iced tea: Sweetened, unsweetened, green tea & I think a flavored tea.

We normally get the still drinks or diet sodas. Being British you would think we would love tea, unfortunately both of us dislike tea. But again another option where you could save some money.

 

[roylanc]

Don't forget you can carry the mugs home as a souvenir!

I don't drink soda but occasionally buy a new mug even at the high price because I like to use them after my trip for carrying a coffee to work on my commute.

We love the mugs also as souvenirs. We have a few now & during the summer months use them out in the garden with cold iced lemonade.

 

[roylanc]

It's good if you drink soda but we don't so we usually just get a case of water from the gift shop.

That I understand especially as cold iced water is free at the resorts.
We always have a case of water in our room, mainly for taking to the parks with us.

 

[Paddy Pat]

If staying longer than 4 days, you really can not go wrong with purchasing the mugs. We take them everywhere we go, not knowing where we will end up each day. I love my coffee in the morning (good for at least 3 refills) other family members easily find what they like as well. Far as water, we order two cases each trip from Garden Grocer. It's another huge savings in lieu of purchasing water in the parks.

 

[roylanc]

If staying longer than 4 days, you really can not go wrong with purchasing the mugs. We take them everywhere we go, not knowing where we will end up each day. I love my coffee in the morning (good for at least 3 refills) other family members easily find what they like as well. Far as water, we order two cases each trip from Garden Grocer. It's another huge savings in lieu of purchasing water in the parks.

I think that's the best part of the re-fil system, something for everyone. We did not take advantage of using the mugs at other resorts.
But this summer when we are at Port Orleans Riverside, they will definitely be in our back packs.

 

[TJsMomSarahJane]

The refill system is good for us, as we typically stay more than 10 days. Last time we went, we had quick service breakfasts at our resort on the meal plan. We used the "free" drink in our mug to go with our breakfast (usually coffee or punch for the little guy) and took a bottle of water or juice as the drink allotment with the breakfast. Then we just took that bottle to the park with us to use during the day.

 

[supersnoop]

I thought they killed off the daily prices and only offer the length-of-stay option now. Did they get changed back?

For us, my wife makes coffee in the room or buys at Starbucks. Do to the inconvient locations of the refill station, I find that I buy maybe 3 drinks at the resort during a week-long stay. I've never been able to justify the price of the mug. And I'm a huge soda drinker. I just rent to order my soda at table service restaurants where refills are free anyway.

I also have to take issue with the math in the OP. Regular dink cups allow refills for a couple hours. About half of the "cost" would be covered by those free refills.

 

[spleuchan]

That is either a lot of calories or a lot of artificial sugars, neither of which are good.

 

[Judique]

That is either a lot of calories or a lot of artificial sugars, neither of which are good.

you are correct about that. But neither of us are going to reform the soda and coffee drinkers and convince them to only drink water.

I've been able to stop drinking soda after about 60 plus years, but not my coffee that I also put sugar in!

 

[TabbyShabby]

My stays are usually 5-7 days and I am an early riser, I love a couple of cups of coffee in the am as I walk around the resort.
I don't drink soda but with just two coffee purchases a day I come out ahead by buying the Rapid refill mug, plus I get a souvenir to take home.
2 coffee a day x 7 days = $41.86 (a savings of 23.86).
I also use the mug to get a Twinings tea in the evening.
Hugs Mel

And with this, I'm sold! Not a huge soda drinker, but have to have my coffee! Thanks for the heads up, both bababear and original poster!

 

[dhardawa]

We're not huge coffee drinkers, so for us, it is cheaper to buy cases of soda. Then, we also don't have to go to the food court every time we want a drink or carry around sticky mugs everywhere we go.

 

[danielocha30]

I thought they killed off the daily prices and only offer the length-of-stay option now. Did they get changed back?

they do, just one charge for the whole stay

 

[roylanc]

My mistake on the costs, I believe it's a single cost now. The picture I took of the prices is an old picture in my Archive.
When I originally wrote the thread I did not realise this.
The price breakdown though is correct based on the daily use we had.

 

[sk!mom]

It's good if you drink soda but we don't so we usually just get a case of water from the gift shop.

How much is a case of water from the gift shop?