Despite Backlash, Disney World Enforces Strict and "Outdated" Rule

Walt Disney World has been making a real effort lately to win fans back. From rolling out resort discounts to reintroducing some classic perks, it’s clear Disney is listening—at least a little—to what guests have been asking for. After years of price hikes and stripped-back offerings, things are finally starting to feel a bit more guest-friendly again.

Some Major Changes

Just look at some of the new/restored perks: guests staying at Disney resort hotels once again get free overnight parking—something that should’ve never gone away in the first place.

There are also limited-time ticket and room deals, with discounts up to 30% off select resorts. And for families checking in during the hotter months, Disney also includes free admission to one of their water parks on your arrival day. Not a bad way to cool off after a travel day.

These changes have been a breath of fresh air for Disney fans. But one small rule continues to frustrate many guests—the resort’s refillable mug policy.

Why the Mug Rule Feels So Outdated

For those unfamiliar, Disney sells refillable mugs at its resort hotels for about $23. You get unlimited refills of fountain drinks, coffee, and tea for up to 14 days—but only at resort quick service locations. That’s the catch. Once you leave the hotel and head to the parks, the mug is useless. You can’t refill it at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or anywhere else unless you happen to hop back to your resort mid-day.

This feels like a missed opportunity. Guests are encouraged to stay hydrated and keep cool in the Florida heat, but unless they’re willing to pay $4–$5 for a fountain drink or bottle of water in the parks, they’re stuck. Yes, free ice water is available, but for guests who just paid for a refillable mug, it’s hard not to feel a little burned when they realize it doesn’t work everywhere.

Another annoyance? The size. The mugs aren’t huge. In fact, they’re just 16 ounces. On a 95-degree day, most guests could down that in just a few minutes. The mug is cute and a nice souvenir, but if you’re going to carry it around all day, it’d be nice if it held more than one decent swig of Powerade.

Easy Ways Disney Could Fix It

Disney wouldn’t have to overhaul the system to make things better—just tweak it a little.

1. Allowing resort mug refills at select park locations (even just a few kiosks or quick-service counters) would instantly add value. No one’s asking for unlimited refills everywhere, but even one or two options per park would make a big difference.

2. Increase the mug’s capacity. A 20- or 24-ounce option would better match the needs of park guests walking around in the Florida sun all day.

3. Disney could offer discounted refills in the parks for those who’ve already purchased the mug. Even just a $1 or $1.50 refill price would go a long way toward making guests feel appreciated instead of restricted.

Disney’s been making the right moves lately—and if they can bring that same guest-focused energy to this small but meaningful perk, they might just win even more fans back in the process.