What is with all of the negative reviews? I can understand folks having an issue with receiving the wrong character cup, or having problems with spillage because they didn't follow the instructions. But honestly, this is a GREAT sippy cup - SUCH a better investment than Playtex or Munchkin straw cups (those have straws that are too little and flimsy, like a regular straw; and the straw always gets stuck in those flip lids).
My son has used this type of cup since he was about 18 months. The straw is thick and wide, and very simple to put the two parts together and insert into the lid. I never have to worry about juice spilling, or the straw breaking because of him playing with his cup. For some reason he always drinks by tilting the cup (ANY cup he uses) back, and this Learning Curve cup still doesn't leak! Perfect size for kids cup holders in the car, stroller, and carseat. The plastic of the cup is thick, but not truly 'insulated' as other cups are. The flip lid is oversized for chubby fingers; unlike the other brands, he has no problem opening and closing the cup. As for other reviewers saying that it's unfair that Learning Curve doesn't offer replacement straws, Playtex doesn't offer replacements either. Obviously, that's a bad practice for the industry.
If your toddler needs help learning to drink from a straw, or if you just want a travel or daycare cup with some extra protection from germs, definitely buy this one!
Edit, July 5 2011:
I just received an order of 2 of the Mickey Mouse straw cups, both completely sealed, but one had a pink/red colored straw either from a manufacturing defect or from bleeding of the red lid (I'm leaning towards a defect because either the bottom tube or the blue cup itself were stained). Still love these cups, but I'm disappointed in quality control. Waiting on an email response from The First Years. Great cups, but buyer beware!