AP discounts vs. DDE card?

[dtuleya]

Am I missing something? What is the advantage of purchasing a DDE card for $60 just to get another 10% off. Can anyone tell me the pros/cons of the benefits associated with either one?

Will be purchasing my first AP for our upcoming trip in July.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The AP will get you and up to three people 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages during lunchtime at a selection of about 20 restaurants property wide. there are a few exceptions to this, but not many.

DDE will give you 20% off all food and beverage (including alcoholic beverages) for up to ten people at all Disney table service and buffets (except Japan) for all meals.It is also valid in AK for counter service, the value resorts food courts and the food court in the side of PO that does not have a restaurant.

 

[clkelley]

We have saved well over $400 with our Disney Dining Experience Card in the last year. Over 200 in this last trip alone (Got home yesterday). We eat one table service each day and we stay at All-Stars so pretty much most of our meals have the discount.

Trip last July, 4 adults, 8 days

Trip last October, 1 adult 3 days

Trip last December, 1 adult 8 days

Trip in January, 2 adults, 2 days

Trip in May, 6 adults, 9 days

We paid $50 last year. It has gone up and will cost us $85 total for (one card, +spouse card), but will be well worth it again.

Carol

 

[dtuleya]

What's the advantage of a spouse having a card also?

 

[goofy4tink]

If perhaps the family split up and went off in two different directions, both would have a card to get the discount. But, now it's $25 extra to get a second card, if I remember correctly. My dh will not be getting his own card this next time!!!
But, I have to say, that I love the DDE card. It has saved me about $400 this past year...a 7 day trip in June, a 5 day trip in August, 6 days in Dec and just back from 6 days a week ago.

 

[clkelley]

We don't always travel together. For example. Hubby went with friends last July while I was at National Jamboree in DC. This October he plans to travel with some friends while I'm on some extended travel with work.

Also, we tend to go to the food court at separate times for breakfast, or a late night snack and while that isn't much, it does add up.

I just added up where our kids dropped by the food court without us and the savings would have been an additional $44.00.

 

[dtuleya]

So if I'm the AP holder and the DDE card holder does that mean that only I can use it? Does it matter if we pay for meal with DH's cc??

 

[DIS4MYGIRLS]

How do I order a DDE card? Also is it too lated we leave June 30th?

 

[dtuleya]

From Allearsnet.com

MEMBERSHIP AND CARD INFORMATION: Call Disney's Dining Experience office at (407) 566-5858, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Membership is not available on property. Membership is only available by mail or phone.

BY MAIL: Disney's Dining Experience, Post Office Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

BY PHONE: (407) 566-5858.

NOTE: Allow several weeks for processing. If you will visit Walt Disney World before you receive your membership card, you can arrange to pick up a letter of authorization from a Guest Relations office. You will need to show a photo I.D. to pick up this letter.

HTH!

 

[Skylarr29]

Another advantage of the DDE card over the AP is restrictions. For example you can only use your ap for discounts at certain times.. usually lunch and not dinner. The discounts are also not available everywhere where as with the DDE card the discount is for anytime except holidays and most TS restraunts and like was stated counter service at AK, allstars and pop.

 

[PatriciaH]

The DDE is not good at Swan/Dolphin and DD (except Planet Hollywood and Cap'n Jacks) restaurants either. You also get 20% at some lounges (Tambu Lounge at Poly, Victoria Falls at AK) and 1/2 price admission at PI (who knows what will happen with PI soon though.)

 

[Destination Disney]

Here, go to this link, it will show you everything you need to know!


www.allearsnet.com/din/dde.htm

 

[Kycha]

The DDE is not good at Swan/Dolphin and DD (except Planet Hollywood and Cap'n Jacks) restaurants either. You also get 20% at some lounges (Tambu Lounge at Poly, Victoria Falls at AK) and 1/2 price admission at PI (who knows what will happen with PI soon though.)

We used our DDE card at Raglan Road on Pleasure Island in March.

 

[Uncleromulus]

dtuleya:
I think that with just one card the cardholder must be present to use it. But I don't think which CC you'd use to pay for the meal would make any difference. We always just put things on the room card, but last trip our friends offered to pay for breakfast at Olivias and used Travelers Checks--we got the DDE discount using my DDE card and their $$$.
We used the card twice now--saved hundreds of dollars each trip.
And you also get valet parking free at any resort hotel where you might be dining on the DDE. That worked out just fine at the GF and Boardwalk!!

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We have used the card a few times where I would get the discount and someone else would pay. They don't have any problems with this as long as the cardholder is there.

 

[Amyrlin]

We love the DDE as well. it has saved us loads, it paid for itself in one meal when we ate at V&A.

 

[dtuleya]

Thanks for all the info! I wasn't going to get my AP until we get to the airport at MCO. Could I just call the number after I get my AP and then go to guest relations to get my letter?

I was just hesitant to get my AP until the last possible minute since we're going in hurricane season and I certainly don't want to get tied into passes if I don't have to. Our DS will be a senior this year and with sports and everything else a school year trip would probably be out of the question.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I wasn't going to get my AP until we get to the airport at MCO. Could I just call the number after I get my AP and then go to guest relations to get my letter?

Yes. But note you must call the DDE office during "normal" business hours and the temporary card can be picked up onlyt at Epcot Guest Relations outside the front gate beginning at 5:30 of the afternoon you have called (and up to 30 days).