Are you planning a stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Bay Lake Tower? If so, you might consider purchasing a resort refillable mug. We see many questions about whether they’re worth it, what drink options are available, and where you can refill them. With those thoughts in mind, we’ve put together a guide to help you discern the value. We’ll also look at what beverages are available at the resort and where you can refill them.
Here is a photo of the current design. However, note that designs change from time to time. Sometimes, we see designs for special celebrations or seasonal options during the holidays.
Are Rapid Fill Mugs Worth It?
Rapid Fill mugs allow you to enjoy refills of fountain drinks, coffee, and tea at any resort self-service for the entire length of your resort stay (up to 14 days). Guests can get a Rapid Fill mug one of two ways. You can purchase one, or they come with the Disney Dining Plans.
Here are a few quick need-to-knows that will help you decide whether or not they’re worth it.
- Cost of the Mug in 2024: $21.99
- You get to keep the souvenir mug.
- You can use them at any resort quick-service that has a self-service refill machine. It doesn’t matter where you’re staying. For example, if you stay at All-Star Music and visit the Boardwalk, you can refill your mug at the Boardwalk.
- You cannot use them in theme parks, water parks, or Disney Springs. However, you can refill one before you leave the resort and bring it with you.
The Bottom Line: Since most beverages cost approximately $5.00, you’ll more than break even if you drink five or more beverages (at the resort) during your vacation.
How Rapid Fill Mugs Work
When you arrive at the Contemporary, you can pick up or purchase your mug at the resort’s quick service, Contempo Cafe. It’s also the only location at the resort with a self-serve beverage fountain. (However, a cast member will fill them for you at the pool. We’ll explain further below.)
*Guests of Bay Lake Tower are privy to an additional refill station at the Bay Cove Pool. Contemporary Resort guests cannot access this pool.
Rapid Fill mugs are usually located near the checkout stand. If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, the cast member will take your information and activate your mug, or you can purchase one, and they will activate it. The entire process only takes a few minutes. (You also have the option to purchase one via mobile orders in the My Disney Experience app.)
Each mug has an RFID chip that is activated at the time of purchase. After activation, you can visit any resort beverage refill station. When you place the mug under the soda dispenser, you’ll usually hear a small magical tune that sounds like the waving of a wand. You’ll then be able to refill your mug. However, you’ll want to remember not to pull your mug away until you’re satisfied with the refill. When you remove your mug from the station, the chip is reset; it will not work for the next 2-3 minutes. This prevents guests from taking advantage of the system by turning around and filling extra cups.
In addition to sodas, most stations will have a Gold Peak Tea dispenser with sweet, unsweetened, and green tea options. All soda stations have ice and water. Joffrey’s coffee is available in caffeinated and decaf. (Milk and juice are not part of the refillable mug program.)
Locations to Refill Mugs at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower
Resort Quick Service Contemporary
- Location: Contempo Cafe
- Type: Regular Dispenser (2)
- Drinks: Coca-Cola, Diet co*ke, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Minute Maid Lemonade Zero, Powerade Mountain Berry Splash, Fanta, Coca-Cola Cherry, Coca-Cola Zero, and Barq’s Root Beer*
Resort Pool Bar (The Feature Pool)
- Location: The Sand Bar
- Type: No Self-Serve Option (But the cast members refill drinks for guests at this location.)
- Drinks: Drinks are limited. They only have co*ke, Diet co*ke, Sprite, Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade, Fanta Orange, and Club Soda.
Bay Lake Tower Guests ONLY
- Location: Cove Bar Pool Bar
- Type: Regular Dispenser
- Drinks: Coca-Cola, Diet co*ke, Sprite, Minute Maid Lemonade Zero, Fanta Orange, Coca-Cola Zero, and Barq’s Root Beer*
*These were the drinks available on the day we photographed the machines. They could change.
Contempo Cafe has a sink where guests can rinse their mugs. The Gold Peak Tea is sitting next to the creamer and sweeteners.
It is essential to note that all of the refill stations at the resort usually close by 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. each evening. After they close, there is no way to access them. For example, if you visit Magic Kingdom and stay late one evening, you won’t have the option to refill your mug upon return to the resort.
For more information about Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you might enjoy the following:
- The Best Dining Spots at Disney’s Contemporary
- The Pools at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Contemporary Resort Transportation Guide
In the Comments
Do you plan to purchase a refillable mug at the Contemporary or Bay Lake Tower? Did you find this information helpful? Let us know below in the comments!
