​While strolling the streets of Batuu, like many other travelers we were thirsty. Wanting a beverage for then, and to take home, we tried to buy a total of 8 of the above drinks, only to be told there was a limit of 4. 

What, a family of 5 would do, I don't know. I left while the Cast Member was again, refusing to sell more than 4 drinks to the family of five behind us. That particular day, there were only two beverage stands open selling these specially shaped drinks, so yes, I moved on to the next stand which was just out of sight and bought 4 more. 

A word of warning. We didn't buy these drinks during the day on our first day at Hollywood Studios, fully intending to return to the park that evening. We didn't end up returning. Our second day there, I decided to get the drnks, and luckily, it was our last trip with the stroller so the stroller lugged them. Luckily I did, because 30 minutes later the skies opened, and even once the rain cleared out, and we stayed til partk close, the drink sellers never returned. 

If you are wanting to get enough drinks for everyone in your party, or some extras to take home, I'd suggest splitting up if you are a large group, and remember, Bright Suns, only. They don't seem to sell when it's cloudy. 

Ordering with food allergies right now at Disney is a little different. While all food carts are supposed to have an ipad or a green binder with the ingredients, often we discovered it was NOT available, and we had to look for another stand. 

Menus are more limited. Wile that's great, less desserts to drool over and wakl away from, it was harder for meal choices. 

Ordering at quick service varied. At the parks, there was always someone helpful, and the red trays were still used to signify an allergy order. At our resort, Pop Century, it was a mess. Instead of the wonderful chefs we had been given in the past, we had the rude one from Art of Animation. He barked at me, didn't really want to help answer questions, and shrugged me off, not wanting to answer questions. Thankfully, the next time I ordered, I had a friendlier chef, though he didn't inspire as much confidence in me as much as Joquan had last year. I pray he returns. 

The food court was chaotic, so if you place an allergy order, please be sure that it is flagged down, and you are watching to make sure that no one takes your order by mistake. 

We did not do table service this time. I have heard that some people are being charged to speak to a chef, but others are not. 

At Disney Springs, we ate at Wolfgang Puck Express, and as always, felt safe and confident in the meal choice and the staff in looking after our youngest. The meals were delicious there, and it was nice to have a good variety. 

First, an apology. I'm still here! We started virtual learning and it's been tricky to find our groove because our internet keeps going crazy! I'm long overdue here! 

Have you been wondering about the Rapid Refill mugs? Are the Disney resorts still doing them? How does it work? What should you expect? 

I've got all the details for you, from our recent trip there. 

The Rapid Refill Mugs ARE still for sale. We still feel they are a value. They are located within the gift shop, at the price of $19.99 plus tax. An available upgrade for an extra $10 is the Star Wars mug. Disappointingly, after buying one we realized those are NOT dishwasher safe. 

The process of getting your mug refilled is a little different, but it's not bad. 

First, after activating your mug, you'll let a cast member know you want to fill it. There are two drink stations active, and each has a cast member there behind a table. 
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The dots on the floor are to maintain social distancing. On the table are a variety of the drinks. Some, like tea or coffee you'll need to ask for. Everything is labeled. You just show your mug and grab your drink. 

Straws are available from the cast members, and here's the exciting part...sometimes there are LIDS on the cups! We saved ours to take for drinks in the park, so they wouldn't slosh out as we were walking. 

We loved the new paper cup, too! Aren't they pretty? I saved one to bring back. Yes, I'm weird.

Sometimes the lines were very long for drinks, but that was usually at the dinner hour. The rest of the time it was walk up and go. It's nice some things are still the same!   
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Have you ever started unpacking your suitcase only to find the handle snapped off your new Haunted Mansion mug? Or the brand new Minnie Ears snapped in half when you tried them on one more time? For us, it was the Donald Duck Hat, the back kept unsnapping, and we didn't know why until examining closely we realized there was a crack running the length of the adjuster. 

So what happens? Are you totally out the money you spent? Are you stuck with a glued on handle you hope won't break when you drink your morning coffee? 

Not necessarily. The same incredible customer service that Disney has IN the Parks and Resorts also often extends once you are back home. Stories of replaced mugs, ornaments and even toys like those light up bubble wands fill the internet. There's a bit of a trick though to make sure you have the best shot at getting your item replaced. 

Let them know ASAP

You have a better chance if you contact Disney as soon as you find the item was damaged. Be sure to be polite. Sometimes an item just breaks. It doesn't mean it was anyone's fault. They usually will want to verify that you were shopping when you said you were, so also:

Save your receipts! 

We needed to produce our receipt for that Donald hat. Luckily, I'd saved it along side of three zillion other ones. This proved to Disney that yes, I'd bought the item and that also, I had bought it recently, not a year ago. Next, be sure that you: 

Take photos of the item's damage

It's easier to see the damage in a picture, and it shows that you are being truthful. I'm sure that the readers here wouldn't ever try and scam, but people do. Be truthful. Point out the chip, the crack, the torn seam in your spirit jersey, whatever. If you have it, also take photos of any item numbers or the tags. It's also helpful to say which store you got the item in. Then: 

Be patient

It can take a while to hear back. Patience isn't one of my strong points. When I want something fixed, I haaaate waiting. But be patient. It can take up to a week to get that first email from them. Follow ups are usually quicker though! 

If all else fails

If you've done all you can and Disney can't help you, there are a few other ways to get your item replaced. A personal shopper, Ebay and even Amazon can help you locate a replacement.


While my fingers are crossed that you never arrive home with a broken item, if you do chances are good that Disney will take care of it for you. When it's all done and replaced, make sure you fill out a cast compliment for the person who helped you get the replacement so they can be thanked with a positive report on their work record. 

Previously we talked about how much money you should bring to Disney World. Let's go a little more in depth on the souvenir budget. How much is enough? How much do you need to actually get a nice lasting souvenir or two? 

Let's view a few budgets, then see what can actually be bought on those. 

There isn't really one answer other than what you can afford. I know of families who give each kid $25. I know some give their kids $200. You might be in the middle, however, it is never too early or too late you get your kids saving up towards all of the extras that they will want. Here's seven tips that work great!  

But what about you? What about adults? My husband and I each bring about $200 for spending money. Does it all get used? Not always, but it's Disney.

All magic has it's price, right? 


What are the average costs of items at Disney? ​

Here are some of the typical items bought on a trip by most people, and their prices

T Shirts: Adult shirts start at $25
Mickey or Minnie Ears: Start at $18
Key chains and Magnets: Start at $8
Pins: Start at $8
Mugs: start at $15
Plush toys: start at $23
Notebooks and pens: start at $10

While there are some good deals to be found near the registers and often Disney stores offer a heavily discounted item with purchase, it's very easy to spend your money and often there's more than one thing that you like, especially since the prices above are the base prices and from there they jump up quite a bit. 

(One thing I will say about Disney, is their quality is really good, in many items you do get what you pay for. I have a Disney wallet that I bought in 2014. I paid $50 for it. The most I've EVER spent on a wallet. Six years later, it still looks great. No tears, no major worn spots. Their t's last too if you aren't super rough on them) 


So how much money should you bring? What is right for you? 

One simple way to pre-check prices is with our friend, Youtube! Remember we talked about how it's a great planning tool? Type in a store instead of an attraction and you'll find a lot of videos, and prices mentioned too. 

Another way is to visit the ShopDisney site and click on the Parks tab. Those are a small collection of items that you will find in the parks and so the prices will be current. 

Lastly, overestimate. One thing everyone forgets about at Disney is the resort tax. It's HIGH! Like 12.5% or something. Whew! So, if you give your child a $25 gift card and say that's it, you might need to plan on an extra dollar or two for tax. 


Stretching your budget

This blog is full of great ways you can stretch your budget, but if you want one without having to really do any work, this is my number one way to get free money. how does 5% more money sound to you? Paying $95 for $100 of stuff? Those $5's add up! Maybe you want more. Maybe you want to save 10%. that's in there too. 

A good rule of thumb though is to always (if you can) plan to bring more than you expect, and to bring cash too. There are many things that you might want to do that you didn't know would be available. Henna or hair wraps, elaborate face painting or caricatures, tie dyed shirts, paintings and so much more. 

What are some of your favorite Disney souvenirs you've gotten in the past? Or what's something that you'd really like to have? Stop by our Facebook and let us know!