Time to Sip Smarter: Why Walt Disney World Needs Coca-Cola Freestyle Refillable Mugs Like Universal Orlando (and Epic Universe!)
We need to talk about a glaring gap in Disney World’s pixie-dusted playbook — and no, it’s not Genie+ (though that’s a whole other discussion). We’re talking about beverages. Specifically, the brilliantly simple, wildly popular, and unbelievably convenient Coca-Cola Freestyle refillable mug program at Universal Orlando Resort.
While Disney World guests are stuck buying $4.50 sodas one cup at a time or using refillable mugs that only work at resort hotel food courts, Universal guests are sipping in style all day long with one-time-purchase mugs and unlimited refills across the parks.
Here’s why we think it’s time for Disney to stop bottling up the magic and join the Freestyle revolution.
Related: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Adds Universal Express Pass
Universal Gets It — Disney, It’s Your Turn
At Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and now Epic Universe, guests can grab an RFID-enabled Freestyle cup for around $18 and enjoy unlimited drink refills every 10 minutes. Whether it’s a sweltering summer day or a theme park marathon, these machines offer dozens of customizable beverages — from classic sodas and flavored waters to Powerade and vitamin-enhanced options.
The system is so good it’s become one of the most popular guest perks across Universal parks. Families love it. Budget-conscious visitors love it. People just trying to stay hydrated without standing in another line love it.
Meanwhile, at Walt Disney World… guests are juggling bottled waters and one-time fountain drink cups while watching their vacation budget evaporate in the Florida heat.
Why Disney World Needs to Catch Up
Here’s why the House of Mouse should take a lesson from the House of Monsters, Wizards, and Plumbers:
- It’s Hot, Y’all: Florida doesn’t mess around. Walking from Fantasyland to Frontierland in August is practically an Olympic sport. Having refillable drink stations around the park would be a refreshing solution.
- Families Need Flexibility: When you’re traveling with kids, picky eaters, or soda aficionados, customizable drinks on demand are a dream. Whether it’s Orange Sprite, Grape Fanta, or unsweetened iced tea, everyone gets what they want — without shelling out $20 every few hours.
- Technology? Already in Place! Disney’s existing resort mug system uses RFID tech, so expanding it into the parks isn’t a stretch. Link mugs to MagicBands or the My Disney Experience app and boom — hydration harmony.
- It’s a Budget Win for Guests: A $19 mug might feel steep until you realize two sodas and a Powerade basically cost the same. Add in the convenience factor and it’s a no-brainer value, especially for full-day parkgoers. The ability to re-activate your mug on return visits for a discounted price further adds to the value!
- Universal Just Set the Bar Even Higher: With Freestyle machines now officially part of Epic Universe, with unique specialty drinks available within many of the lands, this drink system isn’t going anywhere. It’s the standard now, and we think its time Disney follows suit.
Related: In Depth Look at Dark Universe inside Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe
What’s the Holdup, Disney?
Walt Disney World is all about innovation — from MagicBands to mobile ordering — so this upgrade feels like the next logical step. Bring the Freestyle machines into the parks. Let guests buy a daily mug at park entry. Theme them by land, even! Imagine sipping your Batuu Breeze from a Star Wars-branded Freestyle cup or getting your Tiana’s Bayou Blend in a Princess and the Frog mug.
We’ve got immersive lands, themed rides, and next-gen storytelling. Now all we need is the ability to refill a Cherry Vanilla Coke without breaking the bank.
Final Sip
If Universal and Epic Universe can offer this level of beverage bliss across their parks, Disney can — and should — do the same. In a world where guests are asking for more value, more comfort, and less friction, Coca-Cola Freestyle mugs are the kind of magic Disney guests deserve.
So come on, Disney… let us drink around the parks the smart way.
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