We just returned from our 4th stay at PO-Riverside. On all of my previous visits, I have taken our old mugs and reused them...but I was a "good" girl on this trip and I purchased new mugs while there. They're cute, and my old one's were looking pretty faded...but I will say that I saw JUST AS MANY old mugs (red/white) being used as the new ones.
You'll read MANY debates on these boards and it gets pretty ridiculous - people will accuse you of stealing, etc. You'll also read MANY different "official" statements from Disney in regards to this policy.
All I know is that Disney is very lenient when it comes to this. I would NEVER consider buying a mug from PO-Riverside and then trying to refill it at the Yacht Club, but as long as I return year after year to PO-Riverside, I will plan to reuse my mugs. On our 3rd visit there, I had an "original" Dixie Landings mug, and I then purchased one of the red/white ones. One of the CM's said to me, "Oh, you've got an original mug...it's sooooo good to see them still being used."
If Disney is really worried about this policy, then they will install the bar code system throughout the resorts. Until then, reuse your mugs and spend your money elsewhere on Disney property. I always feel that the $40 I saved on mugs is going to Disney one way or another.
I'm not trying to start a debate...so please don't flame me!!!
