Dollywood has a very guest friendly refillable mug program. You hear these refillable beverages called souvenir cups, bottles and sports bottles in some places, but at Dollywood they’re mugs. On top of competitive pricing, one of the things that makes Dollywood’s program great is that it’s all automated with QR codes at easily accessible drink stations. This means you’ll very rarely have to wait in a line to get a refill on your drink.

Dollywood offers both daily and multi-day beverage options. A multi-day will cover you for a whole season starting at $24.99 with discounts for buying multiple mugs. There are also daily options starting at 17.99 with discounts for multiple mugs there too. If you have a daily mug from this year or a previous year you can still use it as a daily option by recharging it for just $7 per day. Therefore, if you only go to Dollywood a couple days a year this is probably your best option. You’ll generally be limited to Coke products with things like an ICEE refill being a small up-charge that’ significantly cheaper than a regular ICEE. If you do want a more unique beverage you can get iced tea at the new snack stand by Night flight Expedition where they also sell their new refillable popcorn bucket.

The system is pretty easy to use. Each mug has a QR code which you scan to activate the beverage fountain. Once you do a countdown will begin on the adjacent screen, so best to have added your ice and decide on your beverage before you start the process. There’s also a limit on total ounces that will count up to a maximum. You are limited to a refill once every 15 minutes. If you reactivate an older mug you’ll be given a wristband to scan and everything else from there will operate the same.

A refillable drink can be a great way to save money at a theme park. Not everyone offers them (Disney) and the programs vary by company, but Dollywood’s program is quite affordable and flexible. This is especially great if you have a season pass and the multi-day option makes a lot of sense if you’re spending a lot of partial days in the park. It’s unfortunate that unlimited ICEE drinks are not included as an option like some locations, but the price point is also lower than the locations that do. If you’re going to Dollywood this will save you money even if you’re visiting for a single day. Unless you’re a “water only” (which is free) drink person, this is the way to go.