Why Everyone Is Buying a Refillable Mug in Epic Universe

Universal’s newest theme park in Florida already has people buzzing about its rides, food, and immersive worlds.

Freestyle Souvenir Cup

But one of the most talked-about purchases isn’t a souvenir or a snack. It’s a plastic cup, and guests can’t seem to stop buying them. Here’s everything you need to know about the Epic Universe refillable mug, including whether it’s actually worth it for your trip.

What Is the Refillable Mug at Epic Universe?

The refillable mug at Epic Universe is part of Universal’s Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup program, and it’s been a fan favorite across the resort for years. The cup includes an RFID chip in the bottom that tracks your refills and keeps everything running smoothly at the Freestyle machines scattered throughout the park.

NEW Universal refillable mug

One cup costs $19.99 plus tax, but if you’re buying for a group, the price drops to $17.99 each for two cups, or $15.99 each if you’re grabbing three to six. That bulk pricing is genuinely great if you’re heading out with family or friends.

You Can Reactivate It on Future Visits

This is the part that really makes guests do a double take. After your first day of use, you can reactivate your cup on a future visit for just $11.99. That means you’re not buying a new cup every time you visit, which is a huge deal for those who make regular trips to Epic Universe.

Time for a refill!

Some of our team members have kept the same cup going for a while now, reactivating it visit after visit. That adds up to real savings over time.

It Works at All Four Universal Parks

One of the best things about this program is how far your cup stretches. The cups work at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines all around the parks, and even if you don’t see a Freestyle machine, you can often get a refill at any snack stand with a regular soda fountain. You can also use your cup to grab an ICEE frozen beverage, which is a seriously underrated perk on a sweltering Florida afternoon.

Freestyle Coca-Cola machines

And it’s not just Epic Universe. Guests can use their Coke Freestyle cup at all four Universal Orlando theme parks, including Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, Epic Universe, and Volcano Bay, plus Universal CityWalk. If you’re doing a multi-park trip, that coverage is hard to beat.

Epic Universe Has Exclusive Drinks for Mug Holders

Here’s where things get extra fun. Universal has released secret soda flavors at Epic Universe that are exclusive to the park:

Celestial Spritz: Located in Celestial Park, this drink features a blend of Seagram’s, with cherry and orange flavors, and a secret “added tartness” mixed in.
Screaming Bury: Located in Dark Universe, this beverage blends Fanta Cherry and Fanta Fruit Punch with added grape and vanilla notes.
Dragon Splash: This Isle of Berk specialty is a “zesty, citrus-forward mix” made with Minute Maid Lime, Fanta Lime, and Mello Yello.

These novelty sodas are only accessible through the Freestyle machines, which means mug holders get to try something you simply can’t find anywhere else on the resort.

Special Celestial Spritz drinks

That kind of exclusive access makes the cup feel like more than just a drink holder. It’s part of the storytelling experience built into each land.

Anyone Can Buy One (Not Just Hotel Guests)

This is a big point of difference compared to how refillable mug programs work elsewhere. Universal refillable mugs have a leg up because anyone can buy them, not just hotel guests, and they’re refillable inside the theme parks. You don’t need to be staying on-site or meet any special criteria. You can just buy a cup and start refilling.

Coca-Cola machine at Oak and Star Tavern

That kind of accessibility makes it a no-brainer purchase for day guests, especially during the summer months when staying hydrated in the Florida heat is a real priority.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re spending a full day at Epic Universe, the math tends to work in your favor pretty quickly. A single fountain drink in a theme park can easily run $5 or more, so a few refills and you’ve already broken even. Add in the reactivation option, the multi-park coverage, and the exclusive flavors, and the refillable mug starts looking like one of the better value plays in the park.

Freestyle Coke Machine

That said, if you’re only popping in for a few hours or you’re not a big soda drinker, it might not be the right call for your trip. Know your habits and plan accordingly.

The refillable mug isn’t a flashy souvenir, but it’s the kind of practical purchase that makes a long park day a whole lot more comfortable.

You can find them all over the resort.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

And make sure you stay tuned to AllEars for the latest updates from Universal Orlando and beyond.

I Paid Over $700 for a VIP Tour of Epic Universe and It Was Worth Every Penny

Have you already grabbed a refillable mug at Epic Universe, and if so, have you tried any of the exclusive Freestyle flavors yet? Let us know in the comments.

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