Tell me about DDE

[JamesMom]

All of this fuss about kids and the DDP and since we are staying at a DVC resort with kitchen, we are not purchasing the plan, but we still want to save money. Can someone share how the DDE works and the costs?
Thanks in advance.

 

[OKWMom]

DDE is available to either Florida residents or AP holders. If, like me, you are from out-of-state, you need to have at least your AP voucher in hand when you order the DDE. I don't know the charge to Florida residents, but the AP charge is $60 for the card holder and there is an additional $25 for a card for your spouse/domestic partner.

The card gives you a 20% discount on food and beverages, including alcohol, at most table service locations. In resorts without a table service restaurant, you can get a discount on meals purchased at the food court. We did this when grabbing breakfast at POFQ while we were staying at OKW.

The card is valid approximately 1 year from purchase. Typically, if you call on or later than the 8th of the month, the month of expiration will be the following month. For example, a DDE order on January 3, 2007 will get you a card with a January, 2008 expiration. An order of January 10, 2007 will get you a card with a February, 2008 expiration.

We used the DDE during our December trip and it more than paid for itself.

 

[JimMIA]

In addition to the benefits above, there is one other key fact about the DDE.

You only need one.

Not everyone in your party needs an AP and DDE. The DDE card can be used for up to 10 people at one meal, and there have been occasional reports of 11-12 being accommodated. The only proviso is all must be on the same check (and therefore, you have to let the server know up front) and the cardholder must pay the bill.

Before DDP was made available to DVC members, we used the DDE...and loved it. The first trip we used it, we took Grandma and Great Aunt, and we paid for the card easily the first day. Because of the timing of our trips, we used it for 3 trips (14 days total) over a 13 month period.

It's a great plan, and an excellent alternative to the DDP.

 

[JamesMom]

Thanks for responding. Wasn't planning on getting an annual pass and they seem quite expensive since we probably won't be back for years. Probably just have to pay full price
Thanks again for the info.