RFID Chip Technology in Refillable Mugs at Disney

Refillable mugs at Walt Disney World have been around for a long time.  You used to get a different style mug at each resort, and after some years Disney started having one style mug at all the resorts.  The idea was that you could use the refillable mugs for the length of each stay at your resort’s food court.  You were not supposed to use the refillable mugs on future trips, but Disney really had no way to enforce that rule.  This was especially true when they stopped theming the refillable mugs for each resort.

This is changing, and the technology being used is really very simple and not overly costly for Disney.  I expect the guest is picking up part of the cost of producing the refillable mugs with this technology.  Disney is incorporating RFID chips into their mugs, and you will only be able to use the mugs for a short period of time.  The soda dispensers simply won’t work after the time frame is done.

One of the Disney Resorts is already using this technology, put into place without any fanfare attached.  The new refillable mugs are being sold at the End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All Star Sports.

If you have come across this during a stay in Walt Disney World, I would love to hear your comments.  Do you think this is fair?

I think  the refillable mugs are a good deal, even for use on a trip by trip basis.  What would make me happy would be if Disney thought more on the ‘Go Green’ wave length;  maybe offer the option to pay a small price when you return with a mug and get your chip reactivated.