"Rapid Fill" Mugs Coming to Walt Disney World Hotels
Something new is coming to the Disney hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort in the next few weeks:
A new refillable mug program — Rapid Fill — will roll out at resort locations with self-service beverage stations at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. The introduction of these new mugs will take place in a phased approach beginning in July with Disney’s All Star Resorts, where the program originally piloted in 2011.
The new Rapid Fill mugs have a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip installed in the mug that allows it to be programmed for multiple days (with the option of adding additional days) all the way through Guests’ entire length of stay (even more than 14 days, but they have to be CONSECUTIVE).
Mugs will allow Guests to refill beverages at any resort self-service beverage station. Guests also will be able to check their remaining days available on the fountain beverage dispenser’s LCD communication display. Rapid Fill mugs may be purchased and used at any resort self-service beverage island. Disney Dining Plan Guests will receive this mug as part of their package.
The new Rapid Fill mugs have a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip installed in the mug that allows it to be programmed for multiple days (with the option of adding additional days) all the way through Guests’ entire length of stay (even more than 14 days, but they have to be CONSECUTIVE).
Mugs will allow Guests to refill beverages at any resort self-service beverage station. Guests also will be able to check their remaining days available on the fountain beverage dispenser’s LCD communication display. Rapid Fill mugs may be purchased and used at any resort self-service beverage island. Disney Dining Plan Guests will receive this mug as part of their package.
Here you are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) you may have about the "Rapid Fill" mugs:
- What's the difference between the current Resort Refillable mugs and the Rapid Fill mugs?
The Rapid Fill mugs offer Guests flexibility by allowing them to choose one, two, or three days of refills or for their entire length of stay. The RFID (radio frequency identification) chip installed in the mug alerts Guests as to how many days they have remaining on their mug. The program was tested in 2011 at Disney’s All Star Resorts and is similar to the technology currently used in mugs sold at Disney water parks.
- Can non-Walt Disney World Resort Guests purchase and use the mug?
Yes. Anyone can purchase and use the Rapid Fill mugs at any resort self-service beverage station.
- Can the Rapid Fill mugs be used in multiple resort hotels?
Yes. The Rapid Fill mugs may be enjoyed at any resort hotel self-service beverage station.
- Can I bring the same Rapid Fill mug each time I visit the Walt Disney World Resort?
No, past mugs cannot be activated for future visits. Guests who purchase the Length of Stay option for Rapid Fill program can use the mug for fourteen (14) consecutive days after activation. Guests can extend the mug beyond the 14-day Length of Stay option as long as it’s still within the current length of stay.
- If the mug is activated for first use at 5 p.m., will the one day count until 5 p.m. the next day?
No, the day will end at 11:59 p.m. that night. Each day is a calendar day (12:01 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.), not a 24-hour period. Whenever the mug is used for the first time, regardless of time of day, the mug will expire for that day at midnight.
- Can the current water park mug be used in resorts?
No. The current water park mug is only valid in water parks, with no resort add-on option. However, Guests soon will be able to add a water park option for their mug.
- Can Guests purchase a Resort Rapid Fill mug anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort?
Resort Rapid Fill mugs may only be purchased at Walt Disney World Resort hotels with self-service beverage stations.
- If a Guest prefers not to purchase the Rapid Fill mug, can they purchase a regular mug instead?
The Rapid Fill mugs will be the only refillable mugs available at this time. Guests may choose to purchase nonrefillable paper cups for their drinks if they prefer.
- Can mugs be microwaved?
No, the mug cannot be microwaved.
- What is the price of the Rapid Fill mug?
The prices of the mugs vary based on Guest preference for number of days for refills, as follows:
- $8.99 for 1 day
- $11.99 for 2 days
- $14.99 for 3 days
- $17.99 for length of stay (4+ days)
So, what do you think? Are you looking forward to use these new mugs? Tell us what you think.
I have a couple of silly wee questions to ask... I'm a bit confused by the term 'resort'. Does this mean that if I buy a cup I can only refill it in resort hotels or will there be areas in the parks themselves where I can refill? The reason I ask is that I think this would be great for when we visit in 5 weeks. We're not staying in a Disney Hotel ( :( ) but we will be visiting a lot. It says that anyone can buy a cup in the hotels, they don't need to be guests. If we could buy a cup each and refill throughout all the parks then this would be great value. If you can only refill in hotels though it wouldn't be good for us.
ReplyDeleteSo does anyone know if you can refill these cups in Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Downtown Disney or is it just in the hotels?
Thanks for reading!
es resort=hotel. The mugs only work at the hotel you are staying at during your stay. They wont work in the parks, and actually for health code reasons arent supposed to be used in them.
ReplyDeletethey are hotel only. and disney discourages you from using them in the park. allegedly for health code reasons. but no they arent designed to be bought and used in park.
ReplyDelete"I do notice the biggest complainers about this are annual passholders and DVC members---you've already, literally, spent tens of thousands with WDW----why is a $2 on a quite good bargain (that you can sometimes get completely for free during free dining promotions) so upsetting?"
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to point out that Annual Passholders and DVC members are not really able to participate in the free dining because you have to purchase a package that includes lodging (which DVC members have already purhcased) AND tickets (which annual passholders clearly already have). Also, one of the biggest reasons people join these two "entitled" groups is to be able to take short trips to WDW that normally would be out of the question. I'm not saying anyone should get the mugs (or drinks in previous mugs!) for free, but I can see why a discounted/long term program would be more appealing to these groups.
Jeff-
ReplyDeleteI have a question that I don't think was asked/answered.
We have a trip coming up next summer. We are staying on property 7day/6nights. We are getting the dining plan. We purchased 6 days of park tickets so that we can have a down day to enjoy the resort/pool/Downtown Disney. Will the RFID chip be active for the entire stay or just for 6 days since the meal plan seems to be attached to the # of days of park tickets? Just need to plan ahead. I know that our last stay in 2012, we could use the DP credits up until midnight of our last day. We are still nubees when it comes to all this stuff as this will only be our 2nd stay.
Thanks in advance
The bottom line is choice. No one is making you spend your money with Disney. It is business not the government. People vote with their money in businesses. You like, you buy. I am delighted for the sanitation improvement this new system brings! No more mugs from years past brought from homes all over the world touching the same drink fill heads. This new set up is touch free. I have shuttered at the filthy items used in the past. Hooray for this new system.
ReplyDelete