Hi Andrea, and welcome back to planDisney!
If you still have one of the refillable resort mugs from a past
Disney trip, you can bring it back, but Disney doesn’t actually “reactivate” old mugs. Instead, you’ll need to purchase a new activation for the length of your stay. The cost for this activation is the same as buying a brand-new mug, which right now is around $21.99 plus tax for unlimited refills (soda, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate) at any
Disney resort quick-service location for up to 14 days. The price of the mug is subject to change without notice, so be sure to ask a Cast Member once you arrive on property.
The key difference is that if you bring your old mug, you’ll save a little on waste since you’re reusing it, but the price won’t be discounted just because you already have the cup. The RFID chip at the bottom of the mug is what controls access to the drink stations, and those chips are programmed for your stay when you pay for the activation. Whether your mug is brand new or one you’ve brought from home, the chip still needs to be linked to your trip for the system to work.
I hope this helps, Andrea! Please stop by and visit with us again if you have dining questions. Also, remember that once you purchase the mug for your trip, you can use it at any quick service location at all of the Disney resorts!
Toodles,
Korliss