Disney Cruise Line has changed the cups at the poolside drink stations on the Disney Fantasy. In place of the previous disposable paper cups, there are now white reusable plastic cups.

The cup design in the Cabanas buffet restaurant has also changed.

What was replaced

The previous paper cups at the poolside stations carried colourful icons of classic attractions alongside the Coca-Cola and Disney Parks logos. Cabanas previously used large transparent cups with hidden Mickeys.
Both are details many guests had known for years – which is precisely why a change of cups becomes a topic at all.

Disney has not given a reason

Waste reduction is the obvious explanation. Disney Cruise Line has, however, published no explicit statement on why the cups were changed. We report that as the likely reason, not a confirmed one.

The rollout is still rough

Feedback on social media is mixed, and it names specific problems:
  • Signs were needed at the stations – “Reusable Cups – Do Not Dispose – Thank You” – because cups were being thrown away
  • Reports that not all cups were clean, some with residue
  • Used and clean cups being mixed together
  • The new cups are not stackable, creating space problems on trays and carts
These are teething problems rather than fundamental objections – but they land in an area where hygiene is a sensitive matter for guests.

Does this apply fleet-wide?

The change is confirmed so far only for the Disney Fantasy. A rollout across the rest of the fleet is likely but not confirmed.

Also new: complimentary DOLE Whip slushies

Another addition on Disney Fantasy: the Concierge deck now offers complimentary self-serve DOLE Whip slushies.
That applies only to guests in the Concierge categories – the most expensive staterooms on board.