Refillable drink bottles

[Briggykins]

Hi!

This is a very basic question, so sorry in advance! But I've seen these referenced on quite a few trip reports without any explanation for us neophytes.

Could someone explain what the deal is with a refillable drinks bottle that you buy in the parks? People talk about activating them and getting value out of them but they seem to be constantly buying new ones, unless I'm getting confused which I probably am.

Also, as our kids aren't that bothered about sweet drinks (which is weird because I bloody love em), are you allowed to just take a normal water bottle in and fill it with water somewhere?

Thanks! Sorry again for the basic question

[loldis]

For Disney, the refillable mugs only work at the resorts, you can't use them in the parks. But yes, you can take in your own bottles and refill them at the water fountains. Or quick service locations will hand out cups of free ice water if you ask for it.

I know Universal is different but I don't know enough about their system to answer for certain. You could try searching for Universal Freestyle if you don't get responses though.

[The Fatadder]

With Universal and SeaWorld (and at Disney waterparks) you buy your bottle and get refills for that day (there is something like a 10 minute timer between refills). The next day you return to one of the stands with your bottle and have to pay a small fee to reactivate it for another day. (In theory this also can be done on future trips if you bring back the bottle).

No idea what (if any) impact Covid has had on the process though.

[zece87]

Just to jump on, does anyone know if you can buy the resort mug for the duration of your stay at a Disney hotel?

Obviously we won’t get them next May as the DDP isn’t there, so it would be great to buy one for the 14 days as it was a life saver last time we went!

Thanks

[loldis]

Originally Posted by zece87

Just to jump on, does anyone know if you can buy the resort mug for the duration of your stay at a Disney hotel?

Obviously we won’t get them next May as the DDP isn’t there, so it would be great to buy one for the 14 days as it was a life saver last time we went!

Thanks

See more...

Yes you can, they're $20 for length of stay. All the hotels will have them available in the QS restaurants.

[Gill H]

No refillable mugs in the parks (only the resorts). But you can get free iced water from any vendor. Some places like Starbucks have jugs of iced water so you can help yourself.

And thank you for using the word ‘neophytes’ in a post, and helping to keep the Dibb classy!