Refillable Mugs no more at Water Parks

[Tigger Trainer]

I can confirm, we were at Typhoon Lagoon today. I was told by several cast members and managers that as of today the refillable mugs at the water parks are no more. During the refurbishment they will also be removed from Blizzard Beach.

 

[karen4546]

Is this a quote from the Disney website?

I would be curious how it works in practice. Once again, in reality, this morning, no cabanas were drinking sodas. Pretty unusual to me.

Yes direct from their website.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

When we went last summer, bees were a serious problem at the refill stations. Not a few ... dozens and dozens. To the point that they actually closed the stations a couple of times during our afternoon there. The cast members at the time said it was an ongoing problem so possibly that contributed to the decision.

 

[cwis]

When we went last summer, bees were a serious problem at the refill stations. Not a few ... dozens and dozens. To the point that they actually closed the stations a couple of times during our afternoon there. The cast members at the time said it was an ongoing problem so possibly that contributed to the decision.

<rant>
Because of course Disney is a small family-owned business with limited resources, and surely can't replace/fix/buy more soda machines.
</rant>

 

[Mle8308]

<rant>
Because of course Disney is a small family-owned business with limited resources, and surely can't replace/fix/buy more soda machines.
</rant>

I don't think that was the point the other poster was trying to make. The bees can be very dangerous, especially for guests who are allergic. Those machines, because of the sweeteners in the soda, attract hundreds of bees - an unintended consequence. And they can't just move or install new machines (the machines aren't broken and putting in a new one is still going to have the same issues, soda spilling and attracting the bees). There are only certain locations they could move the machines, they require water lines and electricity. Not like they can plop one down just anywhere. The best solution would be an area with indoor seating, and there really isn't such a place.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I don't think that was the point the other poster was trying to make. The bees can be very dangerous, especially for guests who are allergic. Those machines, because of the sweeteners in the soda, attract hundreds of bees - an unintended consequence. And they can't just move or install new machines (the machines aren't broken and putting in a new one is still going to have the same issues, soda spilling and attracting the bees). There are only certain locations they could move the machines, they require water lines and electricity. Not like they can plop one down just anywhere. The best solution would be an area with indoor seating, and there really isn't such a place.

Thank you! You said it better than I did!!

 

[cwis]

I don't think that was the point the other poster was trying to make. The bees can be very dangerous, especially for guests who are allergic. Those machines, because of the sweeteners in the soda, attract hundreds of bees - an unintended consequence. And they can't just move or install new machines (the machines aren't broken and putting in a new one is still going to have the same issues, soda spilling and attracting the bees). There are only certain locations they could move the machines, they require water lines and electricity. Not like they can plop one down just anywhere. The best solution would be an area with indoor seating, and there really isn't such a place.

Ah yes, bees were serious contenders, I agree!

Thank you! You said it better than I did!!

Hopefully we are now able to align our views! Though not an ideal solution, I am sure Disney could have done something about it while still keeping the refillable mugs. Out of curiosity, does anyone know how they do it at Volcano Bay?

 

[HopperFan]

Ah yes, bees were serious contenders, I agree!

Hopefully we are now able to align our views! Though not an ideal solution, I am sure Disney could have done something about it while still keeping the refillable mugs. Out of curiosity, does anyone know how they do it at Volcano Bay?

Not Volcano Bay but I HATE the refillable cups at Universal (even though we buy one). The machines are always so dirty, sticky, gross or broken.

At Disney we've bought the mug a few times but I hate keeping up with it, the bees etc. I really won't miss them, I just assume getting bottles of water to keep us hydrated OR when we are with whole group we bring in a cooler of drinks.

 

[cwis]

Not Volcano Bay but I HATE the refillable cups at Universal (even though we buy one). The machines are always so dirty, sticky, gross or broken.

Ha!

Never been to Volcano Bay. DW sometimes tries to bring up the subject of going to Universal but, so far, I resist.

At Disney we've bought the mug a few times but I hate keeping up with it, the bees etc. I really won't miss them, I just assume getting bottles of water to keep us hydrated OR when we are with whole group we bring in a cooler of drinks.

Interesting, I was wondering how many people would be upset. I figure out Disney did their research. As far as I am concerned I am not a “water guy”, and this seriously makes me reconsider before going back to a water park. And I would have gladly booked a cabana so that's not even a question of price, just of convenience.

 

[HopperFan]

Ha!

Never been to Volcano Bay. DW sometimes tries to bring up the subject of going to Universal but, so far, I resist.

OFF TOPIC but - DEF a different animal although DS says Volcano Bay is above and beyond the other water parks ... for adults. Not sure there is enough for my less adult less adventurous DS.

I explain them like this ~ Disney and Universal are both fruits (aka theme parks). But Disney is apples and Universal is oranges. Disney (apple) is everyone's palate, apple pie, wide range, mostly mild with lots of feel good and dining options. Universal (orange) leans to teens and older, a bit tart and citrusy, more edge and spice. Less effort in to aesthetics (other than Harry Potter & Epic) and def not great for eating, sit down dining and coziness. It is MNSSHP to Halloween Horror Nights.

We like them both but while we constantly have WDW AP and go 3-6 times a year, we get Universal AP for a couple years then take a few years off. It is static and right now UO & IOA are is high need of love, no surprise as all efforts are on Epic. I have no desire to go back to UO & IOA until some serious work is done so I'll be waiting a few years.

Interesting, I was wondering how many people would be upset. I figure out Disney did their research. As far as I am concerned I am not a “water guy”, and this seriously makes me reconsider before going back to a water park. And I would have gladly booked a cabana so that's not even a question of price, just of convenience.

My guess is that the cost of the mugs (which will go up as I'm sure they are not made here), the cost of upkeep of the machines (outside), the issues with bees and cleanliness VS how many people are buying them. We buy ONE for the family to share, don't think that was their plan.

I am sure with the Cabanas (they still offer some soft drinks) will still have some type of drink process for you. We'll find out soon what it is.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

A more important question - what about the discounted beer cups?


I'm fine with this change but get we may be in the minority. We usually get a patio/shack and I frankly hate those big bulky cups - not really usable in real life and we already have gobs of drinking devices anyway. Ends up being a total waste of plastic/resources. And I have seen some bee situations over the years. We don't really drink soda anyway other than my son gets an occasional sprite. Won't really be missed by my crew.

 

[cwis]

A more important question - what about the discounted beer cups?

I was wondering as well so I checked on the app when I was there, and they still show.

I'm fine with this change but get we may be in the minority. We usually get a patio/shack and I frankly hate those big bulky cups - not really usable in real life and we already have gobs of drinking devices anyway. Ends up being a total waste of plastic/resources. And I have seen some bee situations over the years. We don't really drink soda anyway other than my son gets an occasional sprite. Won't really be missed by my crew.

I don't drink soda at home — only Perrier, but when I leave my France to vacation in the USA, I do expect all the typical American fares: burgers, fries, chicken wings, sodas, peanut butter sandwiches and so on

 

[DisBuckMan]

I explain them like this ~ Disney and Universal are both fruits (aka theme parks). But Disney is apples and Universal is oranges. Disney (apple) is everyone's palate, apple pie, wide range, mostly mild with lots of feel good and dining options. Universal (orange) leans to teens and older, a bit tart and citrusy, more edge and spice. Less effort in to aesthetics (other than Harry Potter & Epic) and def not great for eating, sit down dining and coziness. It is MNSSHP to Halloween Horror Nights.

Or, to be more blunt....Universal is "hood" Disney. It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea at all. Not a lot to do for small children, and many older folks dislike it. Things that wouldn't be ignored at Disney are allowed at Universal....starting with the dress code. More than once we've seen gals waking around Universal in sheer shirts with only pasties covering their nips.

We love both. AP's at both. Like you, we go to Disney a couple of times every year.

Universal is a bit different for us. We will be making our first visit there this coming week in 4 years.

Most things Disney does A LOT better than Universal, but Universal owns Disney on the refillable cup thing. We still have ours we originally bought 9 years ago. Use them every trip. Unlimited drinks including ICEEs all day, every day for $10-11 dollars...about what you would spend per person on drinks just at meals at Disney every day.

I would LOVE it if Disney would institute a FreeStyle refillable cup program for the parks.

 

[HopperFan]

Most things Disney does A LOT better than Universal, but Universal owns Disney on the refillable cup thing. We still have ours we originally bought 9 years ago. Use them every trip. Unlimited drinks including ICEEs all day, every day for $10-11 dollars...about what you would spend per person on drinks just at meals at Disney every day.

I would LOVE it if Disney would institute a FreeStyle refillable cup program for the parks.

Thank you for that info ~ I guess I always thought the Universal Cups were annual, like a Six Flags. We are going to a preview day at Epic and I still have my cups from a few years ago. Looks like I'm packing one for us, it will help on the expense of the day ~ lots of foods we hope to try.

Disney did a test drive of one at Animal Kingdom the first few years. I think I still have mine. You bought the mug (they had like 4 different animals you could choose from) and then each refill was about $1-2. It didn't last too long. I'm okay with no refillable mug, while the access is nice at Universal ... the sticky, the bugs, the lack of consistency in working machines ... we didn't even bother last few trips. We just try to eat/snack at the WDW QS with refillables.

 

[Artemis Fowl]

does anyone know what the "select soft drinks" includes with the polar patios?
One of the big features (bees aside) of the refillable drinks was not really having to wait in line to get a refill.

 

[brockash]

does anyone know what the "select soft drinks" includes with the polar patios?
One of the big features (bees aside) of the refillable drinks was not really having to wait in line to get a refill.

Yes, we'd be very interested in this info. A big draw for my kids was getting to just go get their own drink whenever they wanted and no line really. I'm not sure how this will work now.

 

[5kidsmommy]

We booked a Beachcomber Shack for a couple of weeks from now with the promise of the refillable mugs, so that's disappointing.

Same. I did look and it has changed to "select soft drinks." I am assuming they'll give bottled drinks which honestly seems more expensive for them. Guess I'll find out in a few weeks.

 

[brockash]

Same. I did look and it has changed to "select soft drinks." I am assuming they'll give bottled drinks which honestly seems more expensive for them. Guess I'll find out in a few weeks.

Yuck to bottled drinks. Hoping someone reports back soon.

 

[yorkieteacher]

We booked a Beachcomber Shack for a couple of weeks from now with the promise of the refillable mugs, so that's disappointing.

Same with us. Kind of smacks of bait and switch, doesn’t it?

 

[Mle8308]

Same with us. Kind of smacks of bait and switch, doesn’t it?

As long as it's unlimited drinks, I don't see how it's bait and switch.