Hiya Gary!
Welcome again to planDisney! It seems you are making a triumphant return to planDisney after quite a few years away. It has been quite a while since Walt Disney World Resort offered the "lifetime mugs." In fact, I think it was during the 90s when these mugs were in their prime and were the perfect vessel for my Hi-C Ecto Cooler and Crystal Pepsi. I'm glad to welcome you back and help you with your question!
After a few conversations with Cast Members and my fellow
planDisney panelists, the best answer I can give you is that "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get." Gary, your mug might be accepted but it's not guaranteed. One supervisor informed me that the mug if accepted would only be allowed at the original Resort they were purchased at which in your situation was Disney's Port Orleans Resort- Riverside. (By the way, if your mug is from Dixie Landings then its value has gone the way of Beanie Babies and is now just a memorable keepsake) If you wish to try to use this mug again then you would have to be staying at
Disney's Port Orleans Resort- Riverside and using its beverage stations as any guest. However, as the current beverage stations are now set up where Resort Refillable Mugs must have a chip then you will not be able to use this specific mug. It just won't connect to the system to release the beverage. Therefore, it is recommended that you bring your mug to a Cast Member and ask if they can assist you. It's a very unique and special souvenir that may lead to some excitement and even some confusion. Be patient, be kind and
Your mileage may vary but even if you are not able to use it for refills they are still perfect for ice water which is free for all. If you do end up having to purchase a new mug they are approximately $22 (prices are subject to change) and are good for unlimited refills at any Walt Disney World Resort beverage station but only till midnight of the day you check out. If you end up purchasing a Walt Disney World vacation package with hotel and tickets then adding on a
dining plan will result in mugs being included for every guest in your reservation. Maybe it can be time to restart your collection with some new designs. Either way, I do hope you enjoy yourself and relive the good memories from past trips and make new special ones.
Hasta la vista, Gary!
-Nimmy