Disney World All You Can Drink!
I recently had someone ask me about getting drink refills in the parks. While generally this is not an option, there are locations where you can go to quench your thirst without spending $3 per cup! Bonus: If you read to the end I also reveal where you can find all you can drink adult beverages on property for only $16!
Who Cares?
At most quick service locations (QSR) you get one drink with no refills. On a hot summer day I might want to refill my drink cup with Powerade 3 or 4 times. Luckily there is a location in each on of the parks (sort of) where you can get unlimited drink refills if you are particularly parched.
Epcot:
The Electric Umbrella has self serve soda fountains, so you can refill your drink as many times as you want. Sure, it might not be as glamorous as the food in the World Showcase, but you can't go wrong with burgers and fries, especially with kids. However, if you are feeling a little more adventurous and want to try some international flavors you can walk right across the plaza to Club Cool. I think Club Cool is one of the most underrated stops in Epcot. It is completely free and you get a chance to sample soda from all over the world. Yes, the cups are small, but you can have 2 or 3 if you find a flavor you want. Don't worry, nobody will judge you, they are all doing the same thing.
Animal Kingdom:
Restorantosaurus, or Resto as it is called by cast members is the place for you if you need a break and something to drink. Resto also has unlimited drink refills at the self serve soda fountains. In the heat of the summer we will often sneak off into one of the back rooms to get a little bit of peace and quiet. If you go at an off time, like 3 or 4 pm, you can often get a whole room to yourself and take a minute to decompress. The kid can even catch a nap in the stroller. On your way out of Resto, if you still need a boost, you can stop by the little ice cream window to the right of the door and get an ice cream sandwich, they are amazing.
Hollywood Studios:
Go to Backlot Express, not much left to say here. I will make a note that although Backlot tours is gone, so the confusion has died down, Backlot Express is behind Indiana Jones. It is not the QSR that used to be behind the Backlot tour ride.
Magic Kingdom:
This one is a little iffy. When Be Our Guest first opened it was just a regular walk up quick service for lunch. It also has self serve soda fountains, so it was great to get a drink and wander through the rooms looking at the music box and the enchanted rose while you cooled off. Now that this restaurant basically requires reservations for breakfast and lunch it is harder to do this. I still have a friend who works at this location, and if you get there early enough they can sometimes seat you for lunch, but during the busy months of the summer, I wouldn't hold my breath.
Bottomless Mimosas?
You read that correctly. Bottomless Mimosas are offered at The Wave inside the contemporary for $16. I am not a mimosa guy, but if you like them it might be one of the better deals on property.
As always thank you for reading, and feel free to e-mail me if you have article suggestions or specific questions about your trip. I would be happy to help.