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:

 

[PurpleDragon]

Good idea about the trans. guide, except, they do change routes. I did, however, receive one at OKW in Sept. And yes, the soap is smaller (and it is ivory now, ugh!!!!)and the shampoo is smaller and different.

Yeah the shampoo used to be Pantene Pro-V! My wife used to love that because thats the only shampoo she uses, so when we went to WDW she never had to worry about packing her shampoo. Now they use a shampoo called Jermak(sp?), its the same shampoo used by most hotel chains. I'm assuming because its cheap.

 

[Gail Hayden]

Yeah the shampoo used to be Pantene Pro-V! My wife used to love that because thats the only shampoo she uses, so when we went to WDW she never had to worry about packing her shampoo. Now they use a shampoo called Jermak(sp?), its the same shampoo used by most hotel chains. I'm assuming because its cheap.

Your wife and I use the same shampoo and I have not seen it in years. They had some citrus smelling stuff for the last 4 or 5 years. I did not even open the one this past Sept. I used to love the soap, but, I cannot use Ivory, make my skin blotch terribly.
Jermak is not expensive, but, they use it because it seems to fit the profile for the "normal" people. Personally, I hate it. Figures. LOL.

 

[PurpleDragon]

Your wife and I use the same shampoo and I have not seen it in years. They had some citrus smelling stuff for the last 4 or 5 years. I did not even open the one this past Sept. I used to love the soap, but, I cannot use Ivory, make my skin blotch terribly.
Jermak is not expensive, but, they use it because it seems to fit the profile for the "normal" people. Personally, I hate it. Figures. LOL.

LOL!! I know what you mean about the soap, its not like it used to be, and Ivory does suck, it drys my skin out. I can't even use that Jermak stuff because it stinks and it doesn't even lather up right. SO I just take my own shampoo nowadays. However I do still have a few bottles of the old Disney/Pantene shampoo at home.

 

[Gail Hayden]

LOL!! I know what you mean about the soap, its not like it used to be, and Ivory does suck, it drys my skin out. I can't even use that Jermak stuff because it stinks and it doesn't even lather up right. SO I just take my own shampoo nowadays. However I do still have a few bottles of the old Disney/Pantene shampoo at home.

LOL, I have more soap and shampoo in bags than you can imagine. Well, at least I will be clean. LOL
BTW, are those shampoo bottles refillable on subsequent visits?

 

[surfsupdon]

BTW, I remember the cost of CBR when it first opened, it was a great rate.

That it was. Cheaper then some of the Value rates now, and nothing compared to the 209/night rack rate currently during our travel rates.

Makes you think that in future years maybe Disney will add another category below value, lol.

 

[PurpleDragon]

LOL, I have more soap and shampoo in bags than you can imagine. Well, at least I will be clean. LOL
BTW, are those shampoo bottles refillable on subsequent visits?

Maybe you should auction them on e-bay!:lol: :hammer:

 

[Gail Hayden]

That it was. Cheaper then some of the Value rates now, and nothing compared to the 209/night rack rate currently during our travel rates.

Makes you think that in future years maybe Disney will add another category below value, lol.

Oh, I shudder to think what that would be like.

 

[Gail Hayden]

Maybe you should auction them on e-bay!:lol: :hammer:

LOL, nah, too much work and I do have a REAL problem with ebay items that were free to start with. I give them to little kids (after the age of when they would eat the soap or drink the shampoo) and they make cute guest soaps.

 

[PurpleDragon]

LOL, nah, too much work and I do have a REAL problem with ebay items that were free to start with. I give them to little kids (after the age of when they would eat the soap or drink the shampoo) and they make cute guest soaps.

Yeah I have a Mickey themed bathroom that I display my soaps and shampoos in. Come to think of it I need to take some pictures and post them up here. But I'll make different thread for that, because we have made a major thread drift here.LOL!!:lol:

 

[Gail Hayden]

Yeah I have a Mickey themed bathroom that I display my soaps and shampoos in. Come to think of it I need to take some pictures and post them up here. But I'll make different thread for that, because we have made a major thread drift here.LOL!!:lol:

Yes, yes we have drifted, but, in a much nicer direction, don't you agree?

 

[CRO-Magnum]

Remember that Disney gets to set their own fire code via the Reedy Creek Improvement District as long as the code is more restrictive than neighboring codes or state codes (otherwise they could lose that right). Disney learned long ago how to use this to their advantage. I have a friend who advises hotels as a fire engineer and he has assured me it isn't a code issue.

I doubt those other items apply either. I remember once in CRO when a manager came up with new reasoning for some rule and when I challenged her on its validity she told me that the issue wasn't the truth, it was ending the conversation quickly (reservationists are expected to meet a certain minimum number of calls per hour as are most call center staff). I only wish I could remember the issue...perhaps somewhere in my notes I wrote it down, but I believe it had to do with the park closing early for a buyout night.

 

[AEfx]

Oh I do disagree, apparently from reading these posts here, the policy was free refills for life, or so it was verbally stated. The policy changed, it is posted, but, folks who purchased before the 2000/2001 policy change still feel as though they can continue to use the mugs.

Well, I think the law would disagree on that one.

When you purchase something that includes a benefit like this, there is an implied contract. Those people that bought the mugs before the limitation of "same visit only" bought it with good faith that it was refillable for the life of the mug.

When Disney changed the contract, the existing ones are not nullified. It would only apply to mugs purchased after the contract was changed. There was no "Rules subject to change" or any other legal mumbo-jumbo on those old mugs. In fact, one could argue that it is not only "right", but their obligation. You can't start a contract with someone and change the rules mid-way unless the contract specificly states so.

In some of your analogies, I'm sure you know that when you open a bank account, etc., you fill out a ton of paperwork, and somewhere in there is a stipulation that fees/etc. change at any time. When you get your drivers license, you agree not to break the law - it does not specify the "law as it is right now when you get your license and shall forever be the rules for you". Disney made no such stipulations with the original mugs.

In the end, this issue is not about repeat visitors bringing back mugs. It's really about selling mugs on eBay. Which is why I bet you will find distribution changed for the Halloween/Christmas parties next year - I'm sure Disney noticed the sets of 4 tickets being resold on eBay for a thousand bucks. I do appriciate your opinion, Gail, but in my eyes life is not as cut and dry as you make it.

AEfx

 

[Woody13]

I propose we elect AEfx as president! But I want Gail as a special advisor to the president!:wave:

 

[Sledge]

15 pages of talking about a mug and still no sign of letting up soon. This is greatness. :lol:

 

[Gail Hayden]

Well, I think the law would disagree on that one.

When you purchase something that includes a benefit like this, there is an implied contract. Those people that bought the mugs before the limitation of "same visit only" bought it with good faith that it was refillable for the life of the mug.

When Disney changed the contract, the existing ones are not nullified. It would only apply to mugs purchased after the contract was changed. There was no "Rules subject to change" or any other legal mumbo-jumbo on those old mugs. In fact, one could argue that it is not only "right", but their obligation. You can't start a contract with someone and change the rules mid-way unless the contract specificly states so.

In some of your analogies, I'm sure you know that when you open a bank account, etc., you fill out a ton of paperwork, and somewhere in there is a stipulation that fees/etc. change at any time. When you get your drivers license, you agree not to break the law - it does not specify the "law as it is right now when you get your license and shall forever be the rules for you". Disney made no such stipulations with the original mugs.

In the end, this issue is not about repeat visitors bringing back mugs. It's really about selling mugs on eBay. Which is why I bet you will find distribution changed for the Halloween/Christmas parties next year - I'm sure Disney noticed the sets of 4 tickets being resold on eBay for a thousand bucks. I do appriciate your opinion, Gail, but in my eyes life is not as cut and dry as you make it.

AEfx

I also appreciate your opinion, and wish I did have "shades of gray" in my thinking. I am, as you probably have noticed, very "north/south".

I think many people purchased the mug before the rule change in 2000/2001 without knowing what the policy was and from what they read on a BB somewhere. I know many people purchased them after the rule change and have said, I did not see any rule, where are they posted, etc. etc. Or, my friend bought them years ago and they said you can use them for life.
Since they do not seem to change the design it is impossible to tell, so, many are ignoring the rule. Most especially the ones that purchased mugs at resorts that opened AFTER the rule change.

Obviously, the only place this is a hot spot is on BBs. Disney certainly does not seem to care, but, I do believe they are watching and there will be a cessation of the plan or some modification of the plan.

Verbal contracts do not stand up in court, most especially from folks who are not in a position to set policies. I bet IF this were to be tested in court, you would find Disney would win.

I pay very little attention to what is being sold on ebay. It used to be a great idea until people found a way around the system and have decided to sell stuff for a small amount and gouge you on shipping because they don't have to pay a fee on shipping. Ultimately, that will cost the folks that have been honest since the beginning of ebay. When I do purchase items (mostly drink coupons for SWA) I only purchase from the folks that charge a decent price and a reasonable shipping fee. IE: 2 books of 12 coupons = 6.00 and 1.00 shipping.

 

[Gail Hayden]

I propose we elect AEfx as president! But I want Gail as a special advisor to the president!:wave:

LOL, with the two of us, nothing would get done, we would be debating all day.

 

[rosebud's mom]

I also appreciate your opinion, and wish I did have "shades of gray" in my thinking. I am, as you probably have noticed, very "north/south".

I think many people purchased the mug before the rule change in 2000/2001 without knowing what the policy was and from what they read on a BB somewhere. I know many people purchased them after the rule change and have said, I did not see any rule, where are they posted, etc. etc. Or, my friend bought them years ago and they said you can use them for life.
Since they do not seem to change the design it is impossible to tell, so, many are ignoring the rule. Most especially the ones that purchased mugs at resorts that opened AFTER the rule change.

Obviously, the only place this is a hot spot is on BBs. Disney certainly does not seem to care, but, I do believe they are watching and there will be a cessation of the plan or some modification of the plan.

Verbal contracts do not stand up in court, most especially from folks who are not in a position to set policies. I bet IF this were to be tested in court, you would find Disney would win.

I pay very little attention to what is being sold on ebay. It used to be a great idea until people found a way around the system and have decided to sell stuff for a small amount and gouge you on shipping because they don't have to pay a fee on shipping. Ultimately, that will cost the folks that have been honest since the beginning of ebay. When I do purchase items (mostly drink coupons for SWA) I only purchase from the folks that charge a decent price and a reasonable shipping fee. IE: 2 books of 12 coupons = 6.00 and 1.00 shipping.

I wondered why shipping fees on eBay had gone crazy in the past year. The range is so broad as to be ridiculous. Now I know.

 

[Merlin]

Well, I think the law would disagree on that one.

When you purchase something that includes a benefit like this, there is an implied contract. Those people that bought the mugs before the limitation of "same visit only" bought it with good faith that it was refillable for the life of the mug.

When Disney changed the contract, the existing ones are not nullified. It would only apply to mugs purchased after the contract was changed. There was no "Rules subject to change" or any other legal mumbo-jumbo on those old mugs. In fact, one could argue that it is not only "right", but their obligation. You can't start a contract with someone and change the rules mid-way unless the contract specificly states so.

In some of your analogies, I'm sure you know that when you open a bank account, etc., you fill out a ton of paperwork, and somewhere in there is a stipulation that fees/etc. change at any time. When you get your drivers license, you agree not to break the law - it does not specify the "law as it is right now when you get your license and shall forever be the rules for you". Disney made no such stipulations with the original mugs.

In the end, this issue is not about repeat visitors bringing back mugs. It's really about selling mugs on eBay. Which is why I bet you will find distribution changed for the Halloween/Christmas parties next year - I'm sure Disney noticed the sets of 4 tickets being resold on eBay for a thousand bucks. I do appriciate your opinion, Gail, but in my eyes life is not as cut and dry as you make it.

AEfx

Have to agree with your points here. There is also a practice known as "grandfathering" which allows consumers to still have the rights they had before a particular policy was changed. Also, since so many CMs clearly told the "free for life" policy to so many guests, I think it WOULD hold up in court as a verbal contract. Disney is responsible for the conduct of it's CMs.

As far as the banking example, you are 100% correct. I was a corporate trainer in the banking industry for 7 years and one of my specialties was banking regulations. When you open a bank account, your signature card is your agreement to all the terms and conditions. The bank is required by law to to disclose all the terms and conditions to you (This is known as Regulation D). The bank also has the right to change these, but they have to give their customers at least 30 days notice in writing. And for anyone on these boards who has a bank account, you know this happens all the time.

 

[Gail Hayden]

Have to agree with your points here. There is also a practice known as "grandfathering" which allows consumers to still have the rights they had before a particular policy was changed. Also, since so many CMs clearly told the "free for life" policy to so many guests, I think it WOULD hold up in court as a verbal contract. Disney is responsible for the conduct of it's CMs.

As far as the banking example, you are 100% correct. I was a corporate trainer in the banking industry for 7 years and one of my specialties was banking regulations. When you open a bank account, your signature card is your agreement to all the terms and conditions. The bank is required by law to to disclose all the terms and conditions to you (This is known as Regulation D). The bank also has the right to change these, but they have to give their customers at least 30 days notice in writing. And for anyone on these boards who has a bank account, you know this happens all the time.

I believe granfathering is only good with written policy. While Disney may be responsible for the conduct of their CMs, the CMs are still not in a position to make or change policy and all too often they cite regs. and they are totally wrong if you read the written policy, basically, I don't trust anything a CM tells me.

Yes, I do know about the bank accounts and do read the Regulations that are presented at the time of opening the account. I was probably NOT the best analogy I could use, but, since I was "told" that it was free for life and since the person telling me was a rep. of the bank it should hold regardless of the regulations or change in policy and just to add, this account was opened over 30 years ago. Things have changed over the years.

 

[celticdog]

Must we continue to beat this dead horse. The new policy is simple and stated in bold letters on the side of the mug "Free refills until the end of your stay". I have gone back and looked at all of my old mugs, none have any type of "unlimited/lifetime use" written on them. I didn't get anything in writing claiming to give me a lifetime of free drinks.

For those who still have old mugs, the question then becomes of ethics. Do you wish to cheat the system or do you wish to comply? If you want dirty looks from other guests, then use any old mug you like.