Is the Freestyle Refill Cup Worth It, and How Can Families Maximise Its Value at Alton Towers?

A day at Alton Towers Resort is full of thrills, laughter, and family adventures — but it’s also thirsty work! Between racing from rollercoasters to shows, exploring CBeebies Land with the little ones, and enjoying seasonal events like Scarefest and Christmas at Alton Towers, drinks are essential.

 

 

That’s where the Freestyle Refill Cup comes in. Available across the resort, it’s a popular choice for families who want unlimited soft drinks throughout the day. But is it really worth the price? And how can you get the most out of it? Here’s a full guide to help you decide.

What Is the Freestyle Refill Cup?

 

 

The Freestyle Refill Cup is a reusable drinks cup that gives you unlimited refills of a wide range of Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages for the whole day.

 

With over 100+ drink options (including fizzy drinks, sugar-free versions, and flavoured waters), it’s perfect for families who want variety without constantly paying for individual bottles.
How Much Does It Cost? 

 

• A single Freestyle Refill Cup typically costs around £15–£18 per day (exact price can vary by season).
• You get unlimited refills during your visit.
• Reuse the cup on future visits at a discounted daily activation fee — great for families who come back regularly or hold a Merlin Annual Pass.

💡 Tip: Buying drinks individually can easily add up to £3–£4 each. With a family of four, even two or three rounds of drinks will cost more than a refill cup.

Is the Freestyle Refill Cup Worth It? 

For most families, the answer is yes — if you use it wisely. Here’s why:

• Big savings: If each family member drinks 2–3 soft drinks a day, the cup pays for itself quickly.
• Unlimited choice: With Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, kids can experiment with fun flavours (vanilla Coke, cherry Fanta, or raspberry Sprite!).
• Eco-friendly: Fewer plastic bottles mean less waste.
• Convenience: No need to carry multiple drinks around or keep spending cash.

However, if your family prefers to bring their own water bottles, drinks only occasionally, or buys mainly hot drinks, it may not be as cost-effective.

 

How Families Can Maximise the Value 

 

1. Share Between Kids (But Be Smart)

While the cups are technically designed for individual use, many families let kids share one cup between them. This works especially well for younger children who don’t drink large amounts.

 

2. Refill Often

With machines spread across the resort, it’s easy to top up before queues, after rides, and during breaks. Make a habit of filling up whenever you pass a station.

3. Choose Healthier Options

Not just fizzy drinks — the machines also offer sugar-free and flavoured water options. Great for kids who need hydration without the sugar rush.

4.Reuse on Future Visits Keep your cup! On your next visit, pay a smaller activation fee instead of buying a new one. Perfect for Merlin Annual Pass holders and repeat visitors.

5.Stay Cool in Summer

  On hot days, the cup is a lifesaver. Unlimited cold drinks mean you don’t have to worry about dehydration (or overspending on bottled water).

 

Coca-Cola Freestyle stations are located throughout the park, including:

• Near major rollercoasters like The Smiler, Wicker Man, and Nemesis Reborn.
• Inside food courts and snack stops.
• In CBeebies Land, with easy access for families with little ones.

They’re clearly marked, so you’ll never be far from your next refill.

Annual Passholder Benefits 

If you’re a Merlin Annual Pass holder, the Freestyle Cup becomes even more valuable. With regular visits to Alton Towers (and other Merlin attractions like Chessington and Thorpe Park), you can reuse your cup all season long for a fraction of the price each time.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, is the Freestyle Refill Cup worth it at Alton Towers? For most families — absolutely. It’s a simple way to:

• Save money compared to buying individual drinks.
• Keep everyone refreshed all day long.
• Add a fun, interactive element as kids mix and match flavours.

Tip for families: Buy your Freestyle Refill Cup at the start of the day, use it regularly, and reuse it on future visits. Pair it with your Alton Towers tickets or Merlin Annual Pass for maximum savings.