Disney World Refillable Mugs: A Complete Guide

When you’re planning your trip to Disney World, the last thing you expect to think about is where you’re going to get a drink. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort during your trip, you’ll be pleased to know that one of the perks of the resort life is the Disney World Refillable Mugs, which allow unlimited free refills during your stay. 

Disney World Refillable Mugs are insulated coffee mugs (16-ounce) that Disney World introduced in August 2013. Disney World Resort hotels offer these mugs that you can use to have unlimited access to different types of drinks around the resorts, including fountain drinks, coffee, or tea. The mugs come with an RFID bar code that enables the refills independently.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or think you know all the ins and outs of these mugs, you’ll find answers to all of your questions below.

How Do Disney Refillable Mugs Work?

Each refillable mug has a radio-frequency identification, or RFID, chip at the bottom. Consumers must swipe their RFID chip over the RFID reader when they want to refill the mug. The RFID will then let you access various drinks at the resort without requiring the help of an attendant.

After purchasing the refillable mug, you will be eligible to receive refills for up to 14 days, which hopefully fully covers the duration of your trip.

How Do You Activate The Mug?

The activation process of the Refillable Mug is simple. After purchasing a Disney World Refillable Mug, the person responsible for cashing you out will verify whether you are eligible for the Disney Dining Plan. If you qualify and your purchase succeeds, the cast member will activate the RFID chip inside your mug.

Some Disney dining plans come with refillable mugs. When you add this plan to your resort package, it includes your mug in the cost. 

Once your chip activates, it will immediately allow you unlimited refills of fountain drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or water at the resort.

The Benefits of Disney World Reusable Mugs

Aside from being an excellent gift, these mugs have several benefits. 

Good Investment

As a Disney World Refillable Mug owner, you can save money without changing your routine. With unlimited access to hot or cold drinks, you’ll be able to get a refreshment whenever you want at any of the Disney World Resort hotels.

Great Gift Idea

Not only do Disney Refillable Mugs come with unique designs, but you’ll also be given the gift of free drinks!

Easy to Use

These mugs are so easy to use. The barcode scans automatically when you swipe it at the drink dispenser. With these refillable mugs, you also won’t have to carry any heavy bottles around or worry about spilling your drink.

Environmentally Friendly

As you may already know, these mugs are eco-friendly. Disney World Refillable Mugs are 100% recyclable. You’re not only saving money; you’re also saving the planet! 

Affordable Price

These mugs are a pretty good deal. The standard cups cost $19.99 each. If standard drinks cost around $2, you only have to refill the mug 20 times to make it worth your while. 

Durable

Unlike most other mugs, these are incredibly durable. They don’t break easily since they are of high-quality material. They can hold hot or cold drinks and the opening can close so you don’t have to worry about drops spilling out.

Easy to Clean

Another good thing about these mugs is that they’re super easy to clean. All you need to do is wash them in warm soapy water or hand wash them. You can also choose to put them in the dishwasher if needed.

Disney also provides mug-cleaning stations near their refillable drink stations. If you want to make sure there won’t be any lingering coffee grounds in your soda, give your mug a quick wash at one of these locations. 

Variety of Designs

There are a variety of designs that you can choose from, including special designs that come out around the holidays, like Halloween and Christmas. 

Keeps Your Vacation Memories Alive

Another great thing about these mugs is that they will keep your vacation memories alive. Even though you won’t be able to get refillable drinks outside of the resort, the mug will become a wonderful souvenir when you return home. Who doesn’t want to relive their vacation memories time and time again?

No Hidden Fees

Another brilliant thing about these mugs is that there are no hidden fees. You don’t have to pay service fees, as the purchase of the mugs already includes them.

The Drawbacks of Disney World Refillable Mugs

Now that you know all the benefits, we can dig deeper and discover the drawbacks of using Disney World Refillable Mugs. If you’re planning to buy one of these mugs, you may want to be aware of these drawbacks, as they could alter your decision.

Challenging to Access Refill Stations

If you’re planning to use this refillable mug, you should know that accessing the refill stations can sometimes be challenging. Since you can only use these mugs at specific buffets, restaurants, and other places within the resort, you may have difficulty accessing these stations quickly if you’re in desperate need of something refreshing.

You Can Only Use Mugs at Resorts, Not Parks

You can only use the mugs at the Disney World resorts. This means you’re not eligible to use them at any Disney Parks, except to get water refills. If you don’t want to carry around an empty mug all day, it’s best to leave it at the resort.

Don’t Come with Food or Snacks

Another drawback of this system is that it doesn’t come with food or snacks. Remember, the mugs are only for use at coffee shops, restaurants, and other places where you can fill them with common drinks. The system doesn’t come with food or snacks, which cost extra.

Design Is Impractical for Some People

For some people, the design of the mugs may be impractical as they are not entirely leak-proof. Your drink may leak if you accidentally tip it over, especially when you place your lid incorrectly. Children can also have a difficult time opening and closing the mugs. 

Where Can You Purchase Disney World Refillable Mugs?

Individuals can buy refillable mugs at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, which include the following:

• Disney’s All-Star Resorts
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Some of these mugs may come with a unique design on the lid, while others may come with a Mickey Mouse or Star Wars design. When buying one, see what other designs may be available before purchase.

What Drinks Can You Put in Disney World Refillable Mugs?

Now that you know where you can buy these mugs, you probably want to know what type of drinks you can refill in them. As stated earlier, you can get refills of different drinks at any Disney World Resort hotel. 

Fountain Drinks

Several different fountain drinks can be available at any Disney World Resort hotel. Some of these drinks include:

• Coca-Cola products
• Diet Coke products
• Lemonade

You can find these drinks in standard soda fountains. Powerade and fruit punch may also be available. However, it is crucial to note that fruit juices and milk are not eligible for refills. 

Coffee/Tea

You can now enjoy unlimited access to coffee or tea whenever you want. You can refill your mug with regular and decaf coffee or tea to assist you with your daily caffeine needs or when you need to relax. They hold hot liquids very well, so you don’t have to worry about burns. 

Hot Chocolate

For those who don’t like coffee, you can choose to have regular or sugar-free hot chocolate in your refillable mug.

Will You Need To Purchase a New Mug if You’re Moving from One Resort to Another?

If you are moving from one Disney World Resort hotel to another, you should know that you can use the same refillable mug at the other resort. However, if you’re planning to stay in a non-Disney Resort hotel, you will not be eligible to use the refillable mug for your drinks.

Can You Bring the Refillable Mug to Non-Disney Places?

While you can bring the mug along with you, you will not be able to refill your mug anywhere except the resorts. If you’re planning to visit other places, you will not be able to use this refillable mug.

What Are the Mug Restrictions?

Certain restrictions may also apply to using these mugs. Some of them include the following:

• Hotel guests can only use the mugs at the Disney World Resort hotels
• The mugs will deactivate at the end of their time frame. After this, you will not be able to refill them.
• You may only purchase a refillable mug if you stay at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. You can use the regular paper cups if you’re not staying at any Disney World Resort hotels.
• You cannot refill the mugs at the water parks or theme parks
• The interval between refills cannot be less than 2 minutes

What Is the Difference Between Forever Mugs and Rapid Fill Mugs? 

There are specific unique differences between the two types of Disney mugs. This section will outline these differences so you can choose the best refillable mug for yourself.

Forever Mugs

Disney World used these types of mugs in the past. Here they used a physical stamp to determine when and where you could refill your drink. They later replaced this system with a different one, which is the Rapid Fill system that incorporates the use of RFID technology.

Nevertheless, Forever Mugs are still in use and circulation; you can easily distinguish them with their physical stamp. Therefore, if you possess a Forever Mug, you can still use it and make later refills with it.

Rapid Fill Mugs

The Rapid Fill Mugs are part of the new system that uses RFID technology. Disney uses this system to determine if you’re eligible for a refill or not. There is no actual stamp you need to look for when finding out whether or not you’re eligible for a refill since the chip keeps track of when and where you can use the mug.

Rapid Fill mugs are available in various designs, including some of your favorite Disney characters. These mugs are a lot more convenient to use because of the RFID technology. When you want to refill your cup, you simply wave it under the dispenser and select your drink of choice.

If you’re looking for a more convenient way to refill your mugs, choose the Rapid Fill mugs.

Upgraded Disney World Refillable Mugs

Stainless steel refillable mugs are a significant upgrade from regular cups. Although the cups are more costly than regular ones, they are more aesthetically appealing and are much more convenient. Here are a few features of these mugs:

• This type of mug is much more durable than the first generation of cups
• The stainless steel mugs are also heavier than the old ones. This is the reason why some people prefer to use upgraded versions
• Another advantage of the upgraded stainless steel refillable mugs is that they provide insulation. As a result, your drink will remain at the same temperature while holding the cup
• The mugs are also available in various designs, so choosing the best one for you should not be a problem

Tips for Using the Disney World Refillable Mugs Program

For individuals planning to visit any Disney World Resort hotels, purchasing a refillable mug could be a good idea. This system allows you to enjoy your favorite drinks anytime, anywhere, and at an affordable price. If you’re planning to use these mugs, here are some tips that could help you out.

Buy the Mug at the Beginning of Your Trip

Buying a refillable mug when you first arrive at the resort ensures you’ll have plenty of chances to get free drink refills and make the cost worth it. 

Check the Expiration Date

You must check the expiration date when purchasing any refillable mugs to ensure that they will cover your entire stay at the resort. These mugs will expire after you complete your stay at the Disney World Resort hotels. Once you check out of the hotel, you will not be able to refill your mug.

Attach the Mug to Your Bag

Attaching your refillable mug to your bag can be an excellent way to prevent it from getting lost. It will also be easier to find your cup when it comes time for a refill.

Use Your Mug Everyday

When purchasing any refillable mug, it’s essential to make sure that you are using it every day. This will ensure you get the most out of your refillable mug. If you use it every day, you save a lot of money on drinks! 

Check for Refill Stations

You should always know where you can find the refill stations around you. This will help you make the most out of using a refillable mug. If you know where these stations are, you will be able to get all the refills that you want on time. You can ask cast members where the stations are. They will typically be near the front desk or at dining locations. 

Final Thoughts

The refillable mugs program is an excellent opportunity for all guests visiting Disney World Resort hotels. If you’re planning to vacation at any of these hotel locations, you can make the most of this program using Disney World Refillable Mugs, which allow you to enjoy your favorite drinks at an affordable price.

Even if your Disney vacation is over, you can still keep and enjoy your refillable mug! It will be a good souvenir to remind you of your trip. Every time you take a sip, you’ll remember the wonderful memories you made at Disney.