Changes coming to Disney Refillable Mugs: RFID chips, Rapid Fill program, limits per trip

Well, the testing began way back in 2011 at the All-Star Resorts, and after much research…it appears as if the new program for the Walt Disney World refillable mugs is coming into reality. RFID chips will soon be in the resort refillable mugs, and they will limit guests.

Now, they won’t limit you while on your trip…but they will limit you to using them on one trip and not return trips.

Orlando Parks News reports that the “Rapid Fill” program is coming to resorts in phases beginning this very month. Yes, as of July, 2013, resorts with beverage stations will begin getting the new RFID mugs and Rapid Fill restrictions and it is going to happen in phases.

No, the order of the resorts has not been revealed yet and as a matter of fact, Disney hasn’t publicly announced this whole program yet, but it appears to be on track soon as you can see by this new logo that will be on the mugs:

Guests will be able to purchase days for their refillable mugs in increments of one, two, three, or length of stay (four or more) and here is the pricing:

  • $8.99 for 1 day
  • $11.99 for 2 days
  • $14.99 for 3 days
  • $17.99 for length of stay (4+ days)
As of now, there is no official word on how this new Rapid Fill program will work with or affect the Disney Dining Plan.

More info on the Rapid Fill mugs per Orlando Parks News:

– What’s the difference between the current Resort Refillable mugs and the Rapid Fill mugs?
The Rapid Fill mugs offer Guests flexibility by allowing them to choose one, two, or three days of refills or for their entire length of stay. The RFID (radio frequency identification) chip installed in the mug alerts Guests as to how many days they have remaining on their mug. The program was tested in 2011 at Disney’s All Star Resorts and is similar to the technology currently used in mugs sold at Disney water parks.
– Can non-Walt Disney World Resort Guests purchase and use the mug? 
Yes. Anyone can purchase and use the Rapid Fill mugs at any resort self-service beverage station.
– Can the Rapid Fill mugs be used in multiple resort hotels? 
Yes. The Rapid Fill mugs may be enjoyed at any resort hotel self-service beverage station.
– Can I bring the same Rapid Fill mug each time I visit the Walt Disney World Resort?
No, past mugs cannot be activated for future visits. Guests who purchase the Length of Stay option for Rapid Fill program can use the mug for fourteen (14) consecutive days after activation. Guests can extend the mug beyond the 14-day Length of Stay option as long as it’s still within the current length of stay.
– If the mug is activated for first use at 5 p.m., will the one day count until 5 p.m. the next day?
No, the day will end at 11:59 p.m. that night. Each day is a calendar day (12:01 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.), not a 24-hour period. Whenever the mug is used for the first time, regardless of  time of day, the mug will expire for that day at midnight.
– Can the current water park mug be used in resorts? 
No. The current water park mug is only valid in water parks, with no resort add-on option. However, Guests soon  will be able to add a water park option for their mug.
– Can Guests purchase a Resort Rapid Fill mug anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort? 
Resort Rapid Fill mugs may only be purchased at Walt Disney World Resort hotels with self-service beverage  stations.
– If a Guest prefers not to purchase the Rapid Fill mug, can they purchase a regular mug instead?
The Rapid Fill mugs will be the only refillable mugs available at this time. Guests may choose to purchase
nonrefillable paper cups for their drinks if they prefer.
– Can mugs be microwaved?
No, the mug cannot be microwaved.
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