If you enjoy having a beer or two while onboard, the Disney Cruise Line beer mug ($19) is often a very good value. When you use the mug, you receive a 21 oz pour for the same price as a standard 16 oz beer. That extra five ounces adds up over the course of a cruise, especially on sea days or while relaxing by the pool.
One nice feature is that the mug can be used for all beers served onboard, not just a limited selection. Before committing, it is worth taking a look at the bar menus around the ship to be sure there are beers you actually enjoy. Disney offers some domestic, imported, and craft-style options, but preferences vary, and the value really shines if you know you will be ordering beer many times.
You can pre-purchase a beer mug savings package before your cruise, and if you do, the glass mug will be delivered directly to your stateroom and waiting for you when you arrive. If you forget to pre-purchase or decide later, you can also buy the mug onboard at most bars. The price is the same either way, so it mostly comes down to convenience.
One of the best parts of the program is that you do not need to carry the glass mug around the ship all day. After finishing your beer, you can exchange the empty mug for a Beer Mug Token, which is a small card. When you are ready for another beer, you order as usual, hand the token to the bartender or server, and they will bring you a clean, chilled mug filled with your beer. When you are done, you can request another token and repeat the process.
On the last night of your cruise, be sure to exchange your token back for a physical mug if you want one. You are not required to take the mug home, unless you want it as a keepsake. If you prefer, you can simply keep the token and bring it back with you on a future Disney cruise to continue using the program. Some cruisers enjoy collecting the mugs and choose to take them home and purchase a new one on each sailing as a souvenir.
The beer mug program is available on all Disney Cruise Line ships, although the mug design may vary slightly from ship to ship. If you like beer and plan to enjoy it onboard, the mug is often a smart and convenient purchase that pays for itself surprisingly quickly.
