A friend sent me today a patent application filed by WDW for a machine that would, in the words of the application, be a "token based self-vending machine for beverages and snacks."

From what he understands, this system (no time table on implementation, btw) is going to be used to close the loophole on refillable mugs--an issue of great discussion on many Disney fan sites, ours included. The basic idea is that you could purchase the unlimited refills and it would be keyed to your "key to the world" card, like the DDP, and you would insert this card each time before filling. Or, if you're purchasing a drink individually you'd be given a token at the cash register when you pay that you would insert. The idea is also that you could use your DDP snack plan at vending machines with this system.

Don't know if this will see the light of day or not, but it seems Disney is at least working to close the loophole of folks using the mugs over multiple trips (or even using their own mugs from home) which has been such a source of irritation for those who follow the rules.