Refillable Mugs.... Disclaimer

[chobie]

That might be the case if you ask an manager, which is what I did. I asked several food managers, and they were the ones that shared the info on the fact that Disney pays for the Coke and what current policy is. I am sure if you asked some minimum wage employee that works for a major newspaper they could care less too.

To me it really is a mute point as the policy is stated on the mugs. I have no problem that it changed since the unwritten orginial policy.

I truly don't care if someone ignores the current policy, for whatever justification they come up. I am not there to enforce the policy. I guess I just can't understand why some presist in ignoring the policy.

If you ask a manager and they tell you they don't care, go for it. It is their budget they have to worry about, not some CM cleaning tables. I will agree that if a guest is going to have a fit over the situation then Yes, most CMs will just say go ahead. And you know I can see the CMs point.

I guess I just can not see going to Disney spending thousands on a vacation only to worry about whether I can refill a mug I purchased 10 years ago.

I was referring to the people who say that the CM volunteered the information without being asked. Just because someone works for minimum wage does not mean they are dishonest.

 

[Muziqal]

That might be the case if you ask an manager, which is what I did. I asked several food managers, and they were the ones that shared the info on the fact that Disney pays for the Coke and what current policy is. I am sure if you asked some minimum wage employee that works for a major newspaper they could care less too.

To me it really is a mute point as the policy is stated on the mugs. I have no problem that it changed since the unwritten orginial policy.

I truly don't care if someone ignores the current policy, for whatever justification they come up. I am not there to enforce the policy. I guess I just can't understand why some presist in ignoring the policy.

If you ask a manager and they tell you they don't care, go for it. It is their budget they have to worry about, not some CM cleaning tables. I will agree that if a guest is going to have a fit over the situation then Yes, most CMs will just say go ahead. And you know I can see the CMs point.

I guess I just can not see going to Disney spending thousands on a vacation only to worry about whether I can refill a mug I purchased 10 years ago when I know how the policy has changed. I would never even consider asking a CM.

Sammie's really not getting the point either. Scenario:

Family is standing there looking at their old mugs without a disclaimer and comparing it to the sign above the soda dispenser. Looking confused and lost as to why there's a sign that contradicts what they were told 5/10 years ago. A CM cleaning tables, making minimum wage and who "cares less" sees this and approaches them....again, because he/she cares less. He/she remembers the lesson they learnt in Traditions, they go over to "lost" family and "volunteer" information and allow the family to fill their mugs for the rest of their current stay and every future stay at the resort. Manager of CM sees this and congratulates minimum wage making CM who cares less. Now CM cares a little more about making Guest stays magical. Tells other minimum wage making CM's about exceeding "lost" family's expectations. Other CM's try to emulate magical experience. They all get promoted to Manager and stop making minimum wage and continue the vicious circle of creating magic.
God forbid.

Exactly what Walt wanted, no?

 

[Geoff_M]

And would that CM feel like they are breaking the rules? Of course not...they did exactly what they were trained to do and probably got a Guest Service Recognition Card from their Manager for how they helped a family out and "saved the day" - no matter how p'd off Geoff M. and family are as they sit there with their new mugs and berate the family for their horrific set of values.

Apparently you've mistaken me for someone else... I don't care if people re-use their mugs, or use mugs from a different resort, or use their Universal mugs at WDW, or fill up empty bread wrappers with Coke to take back to their rooms (as DMRick once witnessed). If Disney doesn't care, why should I? My only reason for posting what I did was because someone hoisted the old internet petard about WDW not having to pay for their syrup. All logical indications are it's a false rumor and something that's only known for sure by people that signed the exclusivity deal or people in Coke's corporate accounts receivables department. But as I said, true or not, the topic isn't germane to the debate. Whether something was given to me free or not, it's not OK for another person to take it from me unless I give that person permission.

 

[Muziqal]

Apparently you've mistaken me for someone else... I don't care if people re-use their mugs, or use mugs from a different resort, or use their Universal mugs at WDW, or fill up empty bread wrappers with Coke to take back to their rooms (as DMRick once witnessed). If Disney doesn't care, why should I? My only reason for posting what I did was because someone hoisted the old internet petard about WDW not having to pay for their syrup. All logical indications are it's a false rumor and something that's only known for sure by people that signed the exclusivity deal or people in Coke's corporate accounts receivables department. But as I said, true or not, the topic isn't germane to the debate. Whether something was given to me free or not, it's not OK for another person to take it from me unless I give that person permission.

Fair enough...mistook you for the family I was watching as they gawked at the family using their old mugs. Or the family I overheard walking through Epcot griping about it. Please omit your name and replace with their's if it wasn't you.

 

[buzz2400]

Just pulled out my old mug from the disney cruise. Look for me in July, resort hopping, refilling my Magic mug for free.

by the way, I am just joking.

 

[Geoff_M]

Fair enough...mistook you for the family I was watching as they gawked at the family using their old mugs.

Thanks...

On a site note, while I understand Disney's philosophy of "GO OUT OF YOUR WAY TO EXCEED EVERY GUEST'S EXPECTATIONS", there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. A CM winking and telling a guest something like "Normally they're only good for one visit, but you can go ahead..." is a lot different than a cashier telling a guest considering a mug purchase that "They're good for life!" (as many here have reported being told). The former gives the guest a "perk" while acknowledging the policy while the later builds an expectation. If that expectation isn't met, hard feelings are a likely result. CMs shouldn't be telling people the mugs are good forever... it's not a promise they can deliver on. CMs should limit such comments to what they can personally influence... the here and now.

 

[Dan Hill]

canned corn, anyone?

 

[Muziqal]

Thanks...

On a site note, while I understand Disney's philosophy of "GO OUT OF YOUR WAY TO EXCEED EVERY GUEST'S EXPECTATIONS", there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. A CM winking and telling a guest something like "Normally they're only good for one visit, but you can go ahead..." is a lot different than a cashier telling a guest considering a mug purchase that "They're good for life!" (as many here have reported being told). The former gives the guest a "perk" while acknowledging the policy while the later builds an expectation. If that expectation isn't met, hard feelings are a likely result. CMs shouldn't be telling people the mugs are good forever... it's not a promise they can deliver on. CMs should limit such comments to what they can personally influence... the here and now.

I don't think the philosophy goes into detail as such though. If the company wanted to, or yourself, wanted to re-write the philosophy with a whole bunch of do's and don'ts, by all means I would agree with you. You're arguing the pronunciation of 'tomato'. There is no answer, as the person who made up the word isn't alive to tell you so.

Not once in my Traditions seminar was I told that I must beware stingy guests and only to allow perks as a means to make magic. Nope, I could get out all of old crap and I'm pretty sure somewhere in there it says 'do what ever you can to create Disney Magic'. With an open ended policy like that, who are you to dictate what is 'right' and what is 'wrong' for a CM to do for you, or the family next to you while on a visit?

Your argument is based on speculation...and unless you get confirmation from Eisner...or the head of Disey World Food and Beverage Services would suffice...I think you're outgunned.

To make my point, you know what I'll do? I'll hand down my CBR mug from 97 (with no disclaimer written on it) as a family heirloom. From now and until it falls apart from acidic corrosion, CM's will honor the fact I bought it with the policy of free refills for life being practiced at the time. Debate what you will about perks or misinformation, the fact is that the company doctrines are established and set it apart from the competition. Unlike McDonalds, they'll kick you out if you brought your supersize cup from the last meal you had to refill where as Disney World will honour anything once said by the company (within reason). I think it's safe to assume that free refills are within reason (unless you happen to read these boards)?

Valid park hoppers from 91 will be honoured at the gates without having to pay the difference. So will pop refills at the soda machine with a mug you bought before the new policy was implemented. Perhaps you could go over to Busch Gardens if you want to see an employee yell at a visitor for filling up a cup he bought there years ago...or you could go back to Disney (again, which is reasonable to assume we're all doing since we take the time and effort to read and post on these boards). If they did end up changing the policies to be more like their carnival-like competitors, I doubt they'd be worrying about revenue lost at the resort soda machines...

Unless you become a board member of the Disney Company Philosophy steering committee...I think your 'right' and 'wrongs' mean very little.

Oh and sorry, to answer your question. No one is debating the fact that lying is completely different than expecting a company (who prides themselves in exceeding expectations) to honour a statement made at the point of sale during a tmie when policy was such. 2 very different things and 2 completely different arguments. Employee error is in every company, but I suspect the instances that the new CMs are telling guests that the mugs are good for life are minimal compared to the family who brings their old mugs, they purchased before new policy was implemented, expecting their purchase to still be valid. Again...2 completely different arguments.

 

[WorldlyWise]

Wheww-wee! Folks sure do have some vested positions on this. Me - I just think its funny!

 

[crzy4dsny]

What.....You guys are still using old mugs???? I just bring an empty 5 gallon spackle bucket and fill'er up. This way I only have to make one trip. I LOVE THESE MUG THREADS

 

[Muziqal]

What.....You guys are still using old mugs???? I just bring an empty 5 gallon spackle bucket and fill'er up. This way I only have to make one trip. I LOVE THESE MUG THREADS

ME 2!!! This is the only thing I frickin' bother posting about! Lovin' it.

 

[Beachangel]

I am always surprised to read that people believe that a mug you purchased back in 1997 for soda was good to use forever. Not a bad return on a $9.99 investment!

 

[chobie]

I am always surprised to read that people believe that a mug you purchased back in 1997 for soda was good to use forever. Not a bad return on a $9.99 investment!

Of course they only spend thousands of dollars at WDW for each trip where they refill those mugs they were told were good for life, but who's counting?

 

[Muziqal]

I am always surprised to read that people believe that a mug you purchased back in 1997 for soda was good to use forever. Not a bad return on a $9.99 investment!

And I'm surprised at people's audacity the way they throw their air of condescension around a WDW message board telling people what they can and can't do...when they weren't there when the purchase was made, nor do they work for Disney World and know what the policy or condition of sale was at the time.

Not a bad investment at all! No wonder I bought it!! I'm quite happy with my purchase and plan to use it any return trip! It really is one of the best souvenirs I bought at WDW! And believe me, I've spent a lot of $ there.

Hmmm...for the amount of times I'll go back in my lifetime...I'm sure I'll have "scammed" WDW out of so much profit...stupid suits they were - who ever started selling those mugs in the beginning with an open ended clause like that. Bet they're kicking themselves for the amount of revenue they've lost over that mistake.

And while we're at it...I'll buy all of the tickets I ever need to visit in a lifetime, including my future kids, just to save $ at the gates when inevitable increases do happen. Sounds like a deal, doesn't it? Too good to be true? But they'll honour them. Just like they'll honour my mug. I'm not gonna pass up a deal when I see one...haha!

Next...

 

[Karate Kid]

Assuming the Karate Kid pose...
For those of you who do not know - this is the best way to stop a mugger from using an old mug:
1. Slap the just filled 1987 Disney Inn mug out of their hand
2. Assume the Karate Kid pose when they turn around

works every time (also works for pool hoppers and people who use strollers and ECV's as weapons)

 

[Muziqal]

Assuming the Karate Kid pose...
For those of you who do not know - this is the best way to stop a mugger from using an old mug:
1. Slap the just filled 1987 Disney Inn mug out of their hand
2. Assume the Karate Kid pose when they turn around

works every time (also works for pool hoppers and people who use strollers and ECV's as weapons)

The Karate Kids Days are over...he's got a receding hairline and can't get an acting gig. The only waxing he's doing these days is that of his balding forehead...see link.

The Days of the Karate Kid are Over

Get a new pose...it's over has been.

 

[MouseMan]

The Karate Kids Days are over...he's got a receding hairline and can't get an acting gig. The only waxing he's doing these days is that of his balding forehead...see link.

The Days of the Karate Kid are Over

Get a new pose...it's over has been.

 

[rascalmom]

Well then, there's always The Other Karate Kid:

http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0005476/

If she tells me to drop the mug, I'm droppin' the mug!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

The Karate Kids Days are over...he's got a receding hairline and can't get an acting gig. The only waxing he's doing these days is that of his balding forehead...see link.

The Days of the Karate Kid are Over

Get a new pose...it's over has been.

Oh my god!!! That picture is BRUTAL!!! Rock on, Muzigal!!
And your positions on this post are very well thought out. I've always wondered why people get upset at the guests who refill their mugs on second and third trips when Disneys policies were not clear and open to interpretation in the first place. I've also read on this very board that CMs have given little treats to kids, free stuffed toys, and the like, and everyone gushes about how great WDW is. No one complains that how dare they give away the toy to child X, while child Y's parents had to pay for it. It's all about "wow"ing the guests, and exactly why WDW is unsurpassed in it's field.

 

[Karate Kid]

The Karate Kids Days are over...he's got a receding hairline and can't get an acting gig. The only waxing he's doing these days is that of his balding forehead...see link.

The Days of the Karate Kid are Over

Get a new pose...it's over has been.

Ouch! That hurts.