Rapid Fill Resort Mug Program at Walt Disney World
Rumors have been swirling around the Internet about the possible launch of a brand new refillable mug program at the Walt Disney World called 'Rapid Fill.' We've held off talking about it because it is still a rumor with no confirmation from Disney. Our friends over at the Disney Food Blog have been keeping an eye on the development. With new soda machines being installed at both Disney's Beach Club Resort and Disney's All Star Music this week, it seems that the launch of the RFID Chip driven beverage program is imminent.
The information being reported by several sources right now says that the new Rapid Fill mugs contain a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that allows the mugs to be programmed for consecutive, multiple days of use. The price of the mugs will vary based on the number of use days that it has been purchased for. Once the purchase period is over, the mugs will be deactivated and cannot be used on subsequent visits: as was always the intention with the refillable mug program. The RFID enabled refillable mugs will continue to be included in the Disney Dining Plan. Guests preferring a more traditional beverage system should still have the option of purchasing non-refillable paper cups for their beverages.
Refillable Resort Mugs
The new Rapid Fill Program, as it's being talked about, offers guests two obvious benefits. First, those guests staying at the Walt Disney World Resort for a shorter length of time will have a lower purchase point for their mugs. Second, rumor has it that the new resort mugs will be able to be filled at any resort beverage station regardless of which resort hotel it was purchased at.
It's important to remember that this is still a rumor, and as with all things Disney it is subject to change. Many thanks to the DFB for keeping us up to date on all things Disney Food. For more details, information, and pictures of the new self-serve soda machines visit our friends at the Disney Food Blog today!
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Bob wrote on Sat, 07/27/2013 - 14:18:
I was Port Orleans Thursday night and they were switching all the soda heads with new ones capable of implementing the new system. The guy doing it told me it would be property wide by the end of August.
Suezq wrote on Sat, 07/27/2013 - 15:43:
So, what if you live in the area, visitors come and stay at the resorts and we visit and eat with them, that means they don't want anybody to purchase the mugs unless staying on property...Disney has gotten extremely greety with something that has cost them nothing and and now just cents per cup...We have been annual pass holders for almost 2 decades and have always purchased the mugs when we have visitors staying the WDW resorts and used them each time (new mugs purchased each time they have come) and was very convenient that you just didn't have to purchase a reg cup each time, as the cost ends up more than the mug as the mugs don't hold very much at a time. you end up spending more on drinks that you could have had more expensive dinners at! I Love ...Love... Love Disney and I am very disgusted with this decision they are moving towards. I know I am not alone with this issue...and yes I understand both sides of the story , but really?
Kristen K. wrote on Sun, 07/28/2013 - 15:08:
Suezq - Please remember - everything that we're hearing right now is still rumor.
What I'm reading right now says that *anyone* will be able to purchase the rapid fill mugs, not just people staying in a room at the Resorts. So you should be able to purchase the mugs just like before - you would just reactivate it each time the number of days on it runs out. For honest people like you that bought a new mug every time, it shouldn't change much. It will just prevent abuse of the system.
Bob - Thanks so much for the update from Port Orleans!
AnonWdwCM wrote on Mon, 07/29/2013 - 03:33:
Following along with some "inside" info the mugs will be able to be purchased for around $9 for one day $13 for 3 days and $18 "for the course of your stay" which is determined by your reservation information. I have heard talk of the single use cups also getting an RFID that would be valid for 2 hours. A lot of places are also switching from Nescafe coffee to Joffreys which is brewed instead of instant. The new coffee is much better and is a huge hit.
Kristen K. wrote on Mon, 07/29/2013 - 12:25:
Thanks so much Anon!
Here's a link to the coffee story we posted when the press release occurred.
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