I Won a Draw

So here’s the story: I received two promotional emails from AIB in February and May, respectively, and participated in both events.

This one is from February. I actually won the May draw, but couldn’t find that specific email.

Participation was quite simple. First, register online at aib.ie/visapromotion and answer a Disney-related question correctly. Then, spend with an AIB Visa debit or credit card: every transaction, whether in Euro or a foreign currency, earned one entry, capped at 10 entries per draw period. If I’m not mistaken, I didn’t even use up all 10 attempts.

The biggest prize for both events was a multi-day activity pass to Disneyland, one for France and the other for London. Each draw would ultimately see six lucky winners take the top prize, whilst a further 100 less fortunate participants received a merchandise bundle.

Apparently, I’m one of the 200 lucky dogs.

This congratulations email arrived out of nowhere on an otherwise unremarkable midday.

After waiting for 19 days, I finally received my Precious, delivered by UPS.

A Lion King tote bag, brochure, two mugs, and four plush toys.

I couldn’t resist writing a blog post to record this, because I genuinely can’t remember the last time I won anything from a draw. It’s definitely a dandy day for me, thanks to AIB, VISA, and the Goddess of Probability.

The day got even better when I found out the mug change colour with hot water. After consulting Gemini, it transpires that this is a typical piece of Disney merchandise known as a heat-reveal (thermochromic) mug.

At room temperature

Upon heating

Well, at least it’s new to me, and the science behind it is pretty fascinating.

According to Gemini, thermochromic (heat-sensitive) pigment works via a reversible physical and chemical reaction—microcapsules expand and become transparent when heated, then reset when cooled. Because it is a physical transition rather than a consumable chemical fuel, there is no fixed cycle countdown (like a battery).

However, the coating degrades over time due to environmental factors:

• UV Light / Direct Sunlight: The biggest killer of color-changing pigment is UV radiation, which breaks down the organic dyes and permanently locks the design in either its hot or cold state.
• Thermal Degradation: Extremely high temperatures (like microwave exposure or dry heating) permanently damage the microcapsules.
• Friction & Washing: Abrasive scrubbers or harsh dishwashing soaps will physically strip the outer protective glaze and ink layer.

So in the end, I decided to put it back in the box.

It came to to me, my own, my love… my… precioussss!