I would like to wait until we get to the park to buy our discounted DVC APs. Can we do this--buy at the gate and get AP or PAP discount? Or do we have to pre-purchase them to get the DVC discount?
Sure can buy them right at the gate. Just make sure you have your blue member ID and driver's license or other photo ID.
If you want to buy the Disney Dining Experience discount card you may want to pre-purchase the AP vouchers via the DVC member website. Otherwise just wait until you arrive.
DDE costs $50 and saves you 20% at most dining locations. That makes the breakeven $250 in food & beverage purchases over the year.
Most counter service locations are excluded (except those at the Animal Kingdom), as are a handful of other restaurants. Character meals are included, which is nice.
The card is good for the discount for you and up to 10 in your party on the same check. Alcoholic beverages are also included, which I imagine would save some folks big bucks.
We had no problems buying our AP using the DVC discount at the International Gateway last month. We had our blue member cards & our driver's licenses available.
Yes, we purchased ours at MGM. We turned in partially used hoppers from a few years ago. CM told us we couldn't use them, but I explained their policy on getting the cash value, she disappeared in back and in a few minutes came out and got us going. After she also had to figure that out, I told her we were also DVC.