When staying on property at Walt Disney World you have the option to purchase a Refillable Mug. You can use this for refills of hot and cold drinks for 14 days from date of purchase or for the length of your stay, if longer. Each Refillable Mug costs $21.99 plus tax or you get a free mug per person when using either of the Disney Dining Plans available.
These Refillable Mugs can be divisive. Some love them, others think they’re not worth the cost. I am firmly in the ’love’ camp though and won’t stay on Disney property without one! I’ve even found some additional benefits which make them even more worthwhile for my family.
The Most Obvious Benefit – Free Refills
The biggest benefit of the Refillable Mugs are the free refills whilst staying on Walt Disney World property. The resorts will often have multiple refill stations offering a wide selection of sodas, iced teas and hot drinks including coffee, hot tea and even hot chocolate. With a single soda costing upwards of $4 plus tax, it really doesn’t take long before you’ve got your money’s worth. They’re also great for helping you to stay hydrated in the hot Florida sun. The mugs can be refilled at any Disney World Resort Hotel, not just the one you’re staying at. Which brings me nicely onto the next benefit.
Refillable Mugs Encourage me to Resort Hop
Whilst sadly the Refillable Mugs can’t be refilled within the parks or water parks, as mentioned above, they can be refilled at any Disney World Resort Hotel.
I love visiting as many resorts as I can. Having a Refillable Mug gives me an incentive to do this more often. On a park day, I fill my mug with a beverage of choice on my way out. I keep the mug with me throughout the day, often filling it with cold water and ice within the parks. When we want some downtime away from the hustle and bustle of the parks, we’ll go to a nearby resort and make the most of some refills.
Magic Kingdom
At Magic Kingdom you have the Resort Monorail, Boats and even walking paths right outside the main entrance, taking you to a wide choice of resorts. Our favourite is a quick trip on the Resort Monorail over to the Polynesian. We’ll refill our mugs in Capt. Cook’s, and then relax on the beach overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon.
Epcot
From Epcot you can take the back exit, through International Gateway, almost right onto the Boardwalk. From here you’ll have the choice of Beach Club, Yacht Club or Boardwalk for a cheeky refill. The Market at Ale and Compass in Yacht Club even has Coke Freestyle Machines, taking those soda refills to the next level!
Hollywood Studios
With the addition of the Skyliner, Hollywood Studios is now connected to a whole host of resorts. The closest being Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and where better to relax with an ice cold drink from Centertown Market.
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom doesn’t have the same ease of access to resorts as the other parks. However, taking a bus ride over to Animal Kingdom Lodge is 100% worth it. The resort is absolutely beautiful. You can refill your mug in The Mara and then relax whilst watching the animals roam the savanna within the resort.
Pre Cruise Stay
When combining a Walt Disney World trip with a Disney Cruise, I feel the Refillable Mugs are a must have. You can not only enjoy your free refills whilst in your resort before the cruise, you can then take your mug with you on the cruise. I know what you’re thinking – yes you do already get free soft drinks on a Disney Cruise, so you don’t need the mug to be able to get free drinks. However, these mugs are perfect for taking on board.
You can use your mugs at the refill stations allowing you to fill up a larger drink, as those small disposable cups provided really are tiny. It also allows you to easily carry multiple drinks elsewhere on the ship. Have you ever tried walking back to your stateroom carrying four cups of soda? It’s not easy! Four Refillable Mugs though are a cake walk. With their lids to prevent spills and handles allowing you to carry more than one in each hand, you can easily carry them around the ship.
Plus, if you’re heading back to Walt Disney World after your cruise, you can take your mug back with you and use it for refills at your next resort too.
Travelling Around
If you’re combining your Walt Disney World vacation with a trip to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort or Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort you can also use your Refillable Mugs at both resorts. Even if your total vacation is longer than two weeks, you can ask a cast member to extend the end date for your refills.
Using at Home
The benefits of a Refillable Mug don’t end when your vacation does. Once you’ve bought them, they’re yours to keep. We often take ours home with us and use them as a regular travel mug. They’re insulated, so are perfect for taking a hot drink to work in the morning or for a trip out with the kids. We’ve even taken them camping with us, to add a little bit of Disney magic!
What are your thoughts on Disney’s Refillable Mugs? Are they a must for your vacation? Let me know in the comments below.
Eric M
September 11, 2024We love getting tea, hot chocolate and coffees with them. All three are great when you need a break from the pop.
Also if you do a DCL cruise and stay on the front and back end, example 2nights pre and 5 nights post cruise, CM will extend your window to match the entire length for you!
My wife and I always get them!
HS
September 11, 2024Drink water. It’s healthier and cheaper.
John
September 11, 2024Why don’t they have this at Disneyland Resort?