Getting to Know Universal – Coca-Cola Freestyle Cups & Machines
In the beginning, there was one flavor: Coke. And it came in bottles. Glass bottles. Then came towering black slabs dotting the landscape, calling us to them, towards enlightenment. Or refills of Coca-Cola, either or. Today we look at Universal Orlando’s Coke Freestyle machines and souvenir refillable cups. We’ll discuss how they work, the pricing of refillable cups, how to find secret menus, and more! Grab a refill of that orange vanilla Coke and let’s go!
[Article updated June 13, 2025]
What is Coke Freestyle?
Plan smarter with daily Universal Orlando crowd predictions
Plan smarter with Universal Orlando crowd predictions
Accurately predict wait times and beat the crowds with the TouringPlans interactive Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar.
Accurately predict wait times with our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar.
- Crowd Levels for each park
- Compare dates to find the best time to visit
- Track your trip with the Crowd Tracker
- Powered by 57 million wait times over 15 years
- Crowd Levels for each park
- Compare dates for the best time to visit
- Track your trip with the Crowd Tracker
Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines (also known as Coke Freestyle) are self-serve soft drink stations that enable guests to customize their drinks. Guests use a touchscreen to choose from dozens of syrups and flavoring combinations to customize their drinks – from Chocolate Cherry Coke Zero to Vanilla Melon Fanta, plus all the classics.
While identical to Freestyle machines at Wendy’s, Universal’s Freestyle machines utilize RFID technology to dispense drinks into single-serving or refillable cups, eliminating the need for soda fountain hijinks.
What is a Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup?

Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cups are plastic, refillable cups used at Freestyle machines. New cups with a full day of refills are $18.99 per person, and recharging the same cup for an additional day of use is $11.99 per cup per day. Universal will shave some dollars off the price if you purchase new cups in bulk – $16.99 per cup when you buy two and $14.99 per cup when you buy 3 or more.
How does it work? Each cup has an RFID chip on the bottom that verifies the cup refills are purchased for that day. When cups are placed on the stand in the Freestyle machine, it unlocks, and guests can refill their mugs. After the refill, the cup is blocked out from refilling for another ten (10) minutes.
Where are Coke Freestyle Machines Located?
Coca-Cola Freestyle machines are located throughout the parks at select counter-service and snack stands. Each land has at least one Freestyle machine in it, except The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for thematic reasons (we think Mr. Weasley would be impressed by the Muggle ingenuity, though).
Universal Studios Florida
- Minion Cafe
- Mel’s Drive-In
- Louie’s Italian Restaurant
- Richter’s Burger Co.
- San Francisco Pastry Company (outside)
- Lagoon Lemonaid Cart near Diagon Alley (outside)
- ICEE at World Expo (outside)
- Roboasis
- KidZone Pizza Company (outside)
Islands of Adventure
- Port of Entry Lemon Slush (outside)
- Marvel Super Hero Island Cotton Candy (outside)
- Captain America Diner
- Comic Strip Cafe
- Beer Cart outside Thunderfalls Terrace (outside)
- The Burger Digs
- Pizza Predattoria (outside)
- The Watering Hole (outside)
- Oasis Coolers in Lost Continent (outside)
- Moose Juice Goose Juice (outside)
- Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
Epic Universe
- Oak and Star Tavern
- Frosty Moon
- Meteor Burger
- Pizza Moon
- Super Nintendo World
- Toad Cafe
- Das Stakehouse
- DeLacy’s Cottage
- Grogg & Gruel
- Spit Fyre GrillMeade Hall
Volcano Bay
- Group Sales Area (outside park)
- Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club
- Whakawaiwai Eats
- Bambu
CityWalk has one Coke Freestyle machine set at the Coke Icon outside Vivo.
Where Can I Purchase a Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup?
Purchase a new cup for $18.99 or recharge a Universal theme park cup for $11.99 at most counter service locations in the theme parks, excluding the Harry Potter dining locations.
Can I Use A Universal Hotel Cup at the Theme Parks?
No.
Universal’s hotels sell a Coke Freestyle souvenir cup that functions the same as the theme park cups but they cannot be used in the parks. This includes buying a theme park day with a resort mug – it will not work. There are Universal theme park cups and there are Universal hotel cups, and the two cannot cross.

Can I Use a Coke Freestyle Machine Without a Freestyle Souvenir Cup?
Yes! Free water and ice are available from all Freestyle machines. Cold, filtered water from the machines is great for filling water bottles brought into the park.
I Am Having Issues With My Freestyle Cup, Who Can I Talk To?
Having issues with your cup? Take the receipt for your cup purchase (or refill) and souvenir cup to the cashier or Team Members at a counter service restaurant for assistance.
How Do I Access the Universal Coke Freestyle Secret Menu?
Universal will promote “secret” Freestyle flavors based on Universal attractions throughout the year. To access this menu, press the bank vault icon in the lower right corner of the main screen. A window will pop up, and a large U will be drawn across the screen. From here, choose your secret menu drink and enjoy.
Secret menu drinks are not always available. During the writing of this article, Universal removed the 2023 list of exclusive flavors that debuted in December. If you do not see the vault on the home screen, then the menu is locked up.
TouringPlans Tips
- Official rules say Souvenir Cups are for one person at a time, and sharing is not permitted, but this is rarely enforced. Use this information at your own risk.
- Cups have a 10-minute cool-down period between refills. Confirm your selected drink option before you pour.
- Souvenir Cups must be emptied before being placed in a locker. There are sinks and liquid trash bins in the lockers for disposal and a quick rinse.
- Save your receipt—it’ll come in handy if you encounter any issues.
Love Coke Freestyle or do you just use it for free water? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
[Article updated June 13, 2025]
I am seeing “Day-Of Only” but I can’t seem to find out if this means till midnight of that day, 2am (or whatever time) of the following day when City Walk closes, or if it’s 24 hours. Does anyone know?
Can you bring the cups into restaurants?
If you are on property they do not seem to care if you bring your cups in at the various restaurants.