Disney Refillable Mugs

I guess it is a slow week in Disney news when the world is a buzz about mugs, but the resort refillable mugs have been a hot topic for years and now it seems that Disney may be putting an end to the questionable practices.

Reports: Disney World to test software to limit refillable mugs

A soda machine at Disney's All Star Sports Resort is outfitted with new levers for an upcoming change to the refillable mug program. (MouseSteps.com)

UPDATE: A Walt Disney World spokesperson said that the test, which is only in its early stages, is limited to Disney’s All Star Sports Resort.

Walt Disney World is testing technology that would limit guests’ use of the refillable resort mugs, StitchKingdom.com reported via MiceChat.com this week. Although Disney had not officially confirmed the trial before it started, passionate fans have taken to their websites and Twitter to discuss the change.

The issue centers on mugs that are for sale at each resort. Guests pay a one-time fee in exchange for unlimited refills at soda fountains in their hotel food courts during their length of stay. Now, it seems, Disney is trying to close the loopholes for guests who are flaunting the rules by not purchasing new cups each time they visit, using one mug and pouring the refills into other cups for members of their party, or using personal containers at the fountains.

Beginning Monday, the mugs at Disney’s All Star Sports Resort will have RFID chips that the soda machines recognize, MouseSteps.com reports. The new embedded software will allow guests to fill their mugs for one minute every five minutes, the site reports, and the mugs will be programmed to only work for a certain length of time, so guests will be unable to use them on future vacations.

MouseSteps.com also reports that a similar trial is scheduled for one of the Disney World theme parks. 

If this last report is true, it makes one wonder if the refillable mugs might be usable in both the parks and resorts, which I personally think would be a great improvement on the current plan.

I would love to hear your thoughts!