Howdy, Jessica.
Welcome back! I'm so glad you've stopped by planDisney again to chat about your upcoming vacation. I bet you're more than a little excited to finally be returning to The Most Magical Place on Earth after your lengthy hiatus, so welcome home!
May is one of my favorite months to visit Walt Disney World Resort, because the
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom. I love walking around World Showcase to admire the
topiaries and gardens while savoring samples of tasty eats and drinks from the
Outdoor Kitchens. I could spend hours being mesmerized by the butterflies in Bambi's Butterfly House too. I'm excited for you to experience this EPCOT Festival for yourself!
Jessica, the good news is many of the experiences that were modified due to the outbreak of
COVID-19 are slowly but surely returning to what they once were. While there is no definitive list of Quick-Service locations that offer self-service refills, I can say that some of them have started allowing this once again.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue in
EPCOT is one location I know of that allows Guests to fill their own drinks at self-service stations. They usually have the nugget ice too, so it's a win-win in my book! You'll be pleased to know that most of the Quick-Service dining locations at the Disney Resorts Collection hotels are back to allowing Guests to refill their own drinks as well. When I stayed at
Disney's Pop Century Resort in November and
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort in January, for example, I was able to refill my own cups and refillable mugs. Every restaurant's timeline of "returning to normal" is unique though, so it's best to ask a Cast Member once you arrive to eat whether they allow Guests to refill their own drinks or not.
It sounds like the refillable mugs would be a perfect fit for your trip. You can typically purchase these at your Disney Resort hotel gift shop or
Quick-Service dining location. For one low price, you can get refills of soda, tea, coffee, and more for the length of your trip. They make a great souvenir since you can take them with you at the end of your vacation. I love sipping on tea at home out of my refillable mugs from past
Walt Disney World Resort vacations. It makes me feel like a small piece of the magic is still with me when I do.
Jessica, I hope your upcoming trip is practically perfect in every way. We look forward to seeing you again here at planDisney!
You are the magic,
Alyssa