Aloha Anne!
Welcome back to planDisney! I’m so excited it sounds as if you’ve booked a trip to
Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai’i! We had an amazing visit there in June and I cannot wait to go back. In terms of actual Disney Vacation Club Resorts, I think Aulani is my favorite. I need my visits to the theme parks for sure, but if we are just talking about the resort itself, Aulani wins hands down. The pool area is amazing, the beach is just steps away, and live music at The ‘Olelo Room was the perfect end to our days. I’m already planning a return in 2023!
Your mug question brought up other fun memories, Anne. During my college graduation mother-daughter trip in 1998, we bought the LIFETIME refillable mugs at the then newly opened Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Oh man, do I wish we didn’t get rid of those mugs! If you still have those mugs from the late 1990's you may still use them at the Walt Disney World Resort. Do know, that only the very old, fatter style refill mugs that were purchased with the “LIfetime Refills” sticker are eligible to be used. You may need to explain to Cast Members, but they are still honored! Since they were only promised to work at the Walt Disney World Resort, however, you won’t be entitled to complimentary refills at Aulani.
All other refill mugs sold since the early 2000s were sold as good for your length of stay. If you have one of these newer mugs, they make great souvenirs and they certainly make my morning coffee more magical, but they cannot be brought back to Disney resorts for additional refills.
I hope we’ll be seeing you with more questions as you plan your vacation, Anne. There is so much to see and do in Hawaii!
Mahalo, for sending your question, and see ya real soon!
- Kate