Refillable Mug Policy

[Cynderella]

Hi everyone. I did a search for this but nothing really answered my question. And if there was a thread already Im sorry but I couldnt find it. My question is...I have several Mugs from different resorts and for years I have brought them back to the resort and used them again and again...I heard a rumor or read it somewhere but I forget....that now you have to buy a new mug everytime you go and that they have this policy written on the new mugs now. I havent been down since Nov 03 and we stayed at Ft. Wilderness and didnt have mugs but I know in the past I had brought ones back and had no problem. I was just wondering if anyone has been down recently and noticed a change at all. Thanks in advance for any info! :wave:

 

[Gail Hayden]

They do have signs all over the food courts speaking of this policy. They NEVER had signs anywhere stating that these refillables were good for life. Written policy ALWAYS takes priority over verbal, especially verbal from someone who is NOT in any position to set policy.

 

[Gail Hayden]

Well id have to confess now that we bought refillable mugs back in 1996 and have used them every year since then without anyone really caring. This was at Dixie and the cups we got were the brer rabbit ones that were mainly white. We see folk with the really old yellow mugs. No CMs ever bother so we just bring them back every year, and they will be taken with us next year as well.

Yes ok its abusing the system but really there are a lot of people out there doin it, and its not goin to be something that can be stopped easily.

Because everyone is doing it makes it ok?

Like I said before, I really don't care except I would not like to see this program ended for those that follow the rules. BTW, I don't use the program, it is not cost effective because I stay at OKW and we have a full kitchen. Soda is very inexpensive in FL and I can buy a lot for 12.99.

 

[Gail Hayden]

First of all...Disney IS concerned about misuse of mugs or they wouldn't have changed the Policy to Length of stay.

Secondly...As someone who happens to Enjoy the use of this Refillable mug program, and someone who wants it to continue, I have every RIGHT to try and convince others not to abuse this policy.

If the policy is abused for long enough, it will eventually be cancelled and I, for one, don't want to pay $2.50 a cup every time I want a Coke.

This has NOTHING to do with me wanting to prove myself right or wrong and EVERYTHING to do with the Refillable Mug Program, and my family saving money when we stay for a week at a Disney Resort.

This is about a minority of people who refuse to follow the rules, possibly ruining a good thing for everyone else who DO follow the rules.

Great points Scooter!!!

 

[PurpleDragon]

They do have signs all over the food courts speaking of this policy. They NEVER had signs anywhere stating that these refillables were good for life. Written policy ALWAYS takes priority over verbal, especially verbal from someone who is NOT in any position to set policy.

Please state where!! I have never seen said signs.

In the past there was no stated polices whatsoever anywhere about the mugs. I'm not talking earlier this year or last year, I'm talking about all the way back to the mid 90s all the way up until recently. There was never any written policy on this. How can you enforce a policy that doesn't exist?

Over the years every cast member I spoke with from then till now said they were good for life. I know what people say about rampant rumors among CMs, and if it were just one or two here and there saying it, that would be a different story. But multiple CMs from different resorts over a number of years would tell me the same thing when I apporached them and asked "How long can I use this mug for refills?" and the response I was given was, "They are good for life, sir. You may use them as often as you like."


Answer me this. How can the CM's prove a mug is from this year or previous years if they are exactly the same design? Its virtually impossible. But you say "They have the disclaimer on them now" Well what about next year? The mug I bought this year will match the one for next year, disclaimer and all, and they'll never know the difference. So how can they enforce this policy? I'm telling you the whole thing is a scare tactic marketing scheme to boost resort mug sales.

I bought a mug from PO Riverside 3 years ago, and when I stayed there last year, the mugs they were selling were exactly the same as the old ones, no design change whatsoever. The only reason I know is that we forgot to bring our old ones and had to buy new ones and when we took them home we couldn't tell the difference between them. If I can't tell the difference close up, how is a CM going to be able to tell from across the food court?

 

[stuart]

Because everyone is doing it makes it ok?

did i say that specifically?

 

[PurpleDragon]

Just got thru discussing this with my wife, who is an ex Coca-Cola corporate employee of 10 years. She said that with large clients such as Disney, they are given "Mega Discounts" on Fountain Services(i.e fountain supplies and maintenance). We're talking pennies on the dollar, so I don't really think these issues with the soda fountains are really draining Disney's pockets. So I go back to my original theory that the whole policy thing is soley for the purpose of boosting resort mug sales.

I'm not arguing that anything is right or wrong on either side, I am just simply pointing out the facts surrounding the issue.

1. The cost of soda is probably a non issue in this given situation
2. The current policy is not clear enough to disuade guests from using older mugs (i.e. no statement on the validity of older mugs)
3. It is virtually impossible to differentiate new mugs from older ones ( no design changes from year to year)
4. CM's have been telling guests for years that the mugs were good for life, weather its right or not is beside the point, but its enough to keep the guests from believing otherwise
5. Disney cannot staff enough CM's to enforce said policy on a 24/7 basis

Again I am not trying to argue this issue, I am mearly presenting the facts, so please don't flame me for it.

But in my personal opinion, given the facts, I don't think people using older resort mugs should be the ones being flamed here. I think the goofballs who blatantly walk in there with a mega jug from their local QuickTrip and try to top it off should be the ones being severely repremanded. But thats just my opinion.:hammer:

 

[imagineer99]

Because everyone is doing it makes it ok?

When did he say this?

He never tried to justify his behavior this way.

I'm not going to try to justify the fact that I reuse my IDENTICAL mug.

I think you're insinuating that we are trying to compensate for our "illegal" behavior. This is not the case. We are simply stating what we do.

As I said before, I'm guilty. I don't care.

 

[Gail Hayden]

Please state where!! I have never seen said signs.

In the past there was no stated polices whatsoever anywhere about the mugs. I'm not talking earlier this year or last year, I'm talking about all the way back to the mid 90s all the way up until recently. There was never any written policy on this. How can you enforce a policy that doesn't exist?

Over the years every cast member I spoke with from then till now said they were good for life. I know what people say about rampant rumors among CMs, and if it were just one or two here and there saying it, that would be a different story. But multiple CMs from different resorts over a number of years would tell me the same thing when I apporached them and asked "How long can I use this mug for refills?" and the response I was given was, "They are good for life, sir. You may use them as often as you like."


Answer me this. How can the CM's prove a mug is from this year or previous years if they are exactly the same design? Its virtually impossible. But you say "They have the disclaimer on them now" Well what about next year? The mug I bought this year will match the one for next year, disclaimer and all, and they'll never know the difference. So how can they enforce this policy? I'm telling you the whole thing is a scare tactic marketing scheme to boost resort mug sales.

I bought a mug from PO Riverside 3 years ago, and when I stayed there last year, the mugs they were selling were exactly the same as the old ones, no design change whatsoever. The only reason I know is that we forgot to bring our old ones and had to buy new ones and when we took them home we couldn't tell the difference between them. If I can't tell the difference close up, how is a CM going to be able to tell from across the food court?

I have never said anything about any disclaimer or notice on the mugs, I said there were signs at the point of purchase. The first time I recall seeing a sign regarding the Length of stay was in January 2002 at AKL both by where the mugs were sold and the banner menu (that is the best way I can describe the menu that keeps on printing what they have to eat.). I also saw the same signs at the point of sale at: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs and PORS. I did this mainly because I had been reading about the policy and many people on the "other" site had been commenting on it. So, I went looking.
The fact people don't see these signs does not mitigate the fact that they are, indeed, there. As to how they would know, I have no idea nor do I care how of if they can tell.

This came from Deb Will's site:

This question comes up all the time, but it's worth repeating the answer every few months as the policy has changed over the years.

The current official policy is that refillable mugs can only be used at the resort where they were purchased for the duration of the stay in which they were purchased. The new mugs have this policy printed on them, and the policy is also clearly posted in many of the resorts' food courts. Mugs purchased on previous stays can no longer be re-used on a later trip.

Mugs from one resort cannot be used at another resort's food court. The one exception is that an All Star mug can be used at any of the three All Star Resorts' food courts.

Mugs purchased at the theme parks have never been refillable at any venue inside or outside of the parks.

You can read more about the resorts' mugs on All Ears Net's™ Refillable Mug page.

Policies change and whatever policy is in effect at the time you are at Disney is the one that should be followed. JMHO and what works for me.




Answer me this. How can the CM's prove a mug is from this year or previous years if they are exactly the same design? Its virtually impossible. But you say "They have the disclaimer on them now" Well what about next year? The mug I bought this year will match the one for next year, disclaimer and all, and they'll never know the difference. So how can they enforce this policy? I'm telling you the whole thing is a scare tactic marketing scheme to boost resort mug sales.

I bought a mug from PO Riverside 3 years ago, and when I stayed there last year, the mugs they were selling were exactly the same as the old ones, no design change whatsoever. The only reason I know is that we forgot to bring our old ones and had to buy new ones and when we took them home we couldn't tell the difference between them. If I can't tell the difference close up, how is a CM going to be able to tell from across the food court?[/QUOTE]

 

[Gail Hayden]

did i say that specifically?

This is what you said:

Yes ok its abusing the system but really there are a lot of people out there doin it, and its not goin to be something that can be stopped easily.

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[Gail Hayden]

Just got thru discussing this with my wife, who is an ex Coca-Cola corporate employee of 10 years. She said that with large clients such as Disney, they are given "Mega Discounts" on Fountain Services(i.e fountain supplies and maintenance). We're talking pennies on the dollar, so I don't really think these issues with the soda fountains are really draining Disney's pockets. So I go back to my original theory that the whole policy thing is soley for the purpose of boosting resort mug sales.

I'm not arguing that anything is right or wrong on either side, I am just simply pointing out the facts surrounding the issue.

1. The cost of soda is probably a non issue in this given situation
2. The current policy is not clear enough to disuade guests from using older mugs (i.e. no statement on the validity of older mugs)
3. It is virtually impossible to differentiate new mugs from older ones ( no design changes from year to year)
4. CM's have been telling guests for years that the mugs were good for life, weather its right or not is beside the point, but its enough to keep the guests from believing otherwise
5. Disney cannot staff enough CM's to enforce said policy on a 24/7 basis

Again I am not trying to argue this issue, I am mearly presenting the facts, so please don't flame me for it.

But in my personal opinion, given the facts, I don't think people using older resort mugs should be the ones being flamed here. I think the goofballs who blatantly walk in there with a mega jug from their local QuickTrip and try to top it off should be the ones being severely repremanded. But thats just my opinion.:hammer:

Not going to flame you and I respect your opinion, but, what is the difference between Joe Blow who bought his mug last year and a goofball who walks in with a mega jug? Both are, in fact, abusing the system.

 

[Gail Hayden]

When did he say this?

He never tried to justify his behavior this way.

I'm not going to try to justify the fact that I reuse my IDENTICAL mug.

I think you're insinuating that we are trying to compensate for our "illegal" behavior. This is not the case. We are simply stating what we do.

As I said before, I'm guilty. I don't care.

As I stated before, I don't care what anyone does, I have enough work to do to take care of myself.

 

[Woody13]

As I stated before, I don't care what anyone does, I have enough work to do to take care of myself.

I don't drink soda, so I don't use the mugs. However, if they refilled them with beer, I'd be very tempted to bring mine back on every return trip!:lol: :wave:

 

[longfamily]

***doubles over with insane laughter***
:lol::lol::lol::lookaroun:lol::lol::lol:

I can't believe that there is still a debate about the mug issue :lol:
You guys are funny!

 

[PurpleDragon]

I don't drink soda, so I don't use the mugs. However, if they refilled them with beer, I'd be very tempted to bring mine back on every return trip!:lol: :wave:

ROFL!! :lol: Here Here my friend!!:sohappy:


One last question, and then I'm done, I think.:lookaroun

Say I buy a mug during a visit, I then leave for a day, staying overnight with a friend, and then return to the same resort the following day. Doesn't it seem kind of assinine for me to have buy another mug because the duration of my previous visit was up, yet only for one day? I have done this before(staying offsite for a day or so), and know others that have too. Do you think the policy should apply then? Not very fair for the guests in that case.

Gail, I appreciate your honesty, and think it is very noble of you to be so mindful of the rules set forth by WDW.:wave: But basically what I'm trying to say is that WDW is not being very aggressive about enforcing this new policy. I personally have not yet noticed the signs you are talking about (not really looking I guess). I have also not heard of any CM's repremanding guests for doing the things we have discussed. SO I don't think Disney will be punishing all other guests with the removal of the fountains any time soon, for something so simple as a few cups of soda. I know it bothers you, but given the circumstances, its not something we can do anything about right now. Sorry!

 

[nibblesandbits]

Not going to flame you and I respect your opinion, but, what is the difference between Joe Blow who bought his mug last year and a goofball who walks in with a mega jug? Both are, in fact, abusing the system.

I think the point people are trying to make is that Joe Blow at least bought the mug on Disney property and at one time that was all that mattered, where as goofball didn't even have the decency to do that.

 

[nibblesandbits]

Gail, I appreciate your honesty, and think it is very noble of you to be so mindful of the rules set forth by WDW.:wave: But basically what I'm trying to say is that WDW is not being very aggressive about enforcing this new policy. I personally have not yet noticed the signs you are talking about (not really looking I guess). I have also not heard of any CM's repremanding guests for doing the things we have discussed. SO I don't think Disney will be punishing all other guests with the removal of the fountains any time soon, for something so simple as a few cups of soda. I know it bothers you, but given the circumstances, its not something we can do anything about right now. Sorry!

I agree. If they haven't done anything about it by now, why? They have obviously known it was a problem. They aren't blind. They can see what the people do.

 

[wannab@dis]

I can't believe this thread is still going strong about the mug policy. The problem that everyone is trying to point out is the policy has changed and as such, the previous mug holders can be grandfathered in... it's a common practice, even in the legal system.

My, my, Gail, you sure are worried about mug usage! :lookaroun

 

[Gail Hayden]

ROFL!! :lol: Here Here my friend!!:sohappy:


One last question, and then I'm done, I think.:lookaroun

Say I buy a mug during a visit, I then leave for a day, staying overnight with a friend, and then return to the same resort the following day. Doesn't it seem kind of assinine for me to have buy another mug because the duration of my previous visit was up, yet only for one day? I have done this before(staying offsite for a day or so), and know others that have too. Do you think the policy should apply then? Not very fair for the guests in that case.

Gail, I appreciate your honesty, and think it is very noble of you to be so mindful of the rules set forth by WDW.:wave: But basically what I'm trying to say is that WDW is not being very aggressive about enforcing this new policy. I personally have not yet noticed the signs you are talking about (not really looking I guess). I have also not heard of any CM's repremanding guests for doing the things we have discussed. SO I don't think Disney will be punishing all other guests with the removal of the fountains any time soon, for something so simple as a few cups of soda. I know it bothers you, but given the circumstances, its not something we can do anything about right now. Sorry!

Well, using your scenario, I doubt I would buy a mug for one day. Fair? I don't know. In my mind set, rules are rules. If you are informed of the rules ahead of time, then you make the decision on if the plan is sound for you.
If you make the decision to purchase the mug for one day, then, in all reality, that is your loss if you follow the rules.

I am anything but noble and I have fully admitted to not following all the rules in the world.

I doubt Disney will ever punish the guests, they will just eliminate the program if the rules continue to be broken. Like you, I doubt it will be anytime soon.

 

[Gail Hayden]

I think the point people are trying to make is that Joe Blow at least bought the mug on Disney property and at one time that was all that mattered, where as goofball didn't even have the decency to do that.

I got the point.

 

[Gail Hayden]

I can't believe this thread is still going strong about the mug policy. The problem that everyone is trying to point out is the policy has changed and as such, the previous mug holders can be grandfathered in... it's a common practice, even in the legal system.

My, my, Gail, you sure are worried about mug usage! :lookaroun

Quite the contrary, I could give a fig what other people do. I think I must have said that quite a few times, apparently you missed that part. Kind of like people not seeing the signs for the mug policy.