Confused about how to purchase AP & DDE

[SylviaL]

We are planning a big family trip in November so we think we would get a lot of use out of the DDE. So, I would like to purchase the AP and DDE for our November trip (we also have a trip planned for March 06 and hopefully can squeeze one in for Oct. 06 to maximize use of the cards). I recently (January) bought a PH pass from AAA. DH and I have a quick trip planned for next weekend without the kids. We will spend all day Sunday at Epcot and MGM. We're staying at SSR (1st trip as DVC members) and on Monday are having breakfast at Kona Cafe and then will probably just go shopping before we go home.

So, when should I purchase the AP? Could I purchase it at Downtown Disney using my unused PH days while I am there next weekend and not activate it until November? Then, maybe in September, order the DDE? I wish purchasing the DDE could be simple--I don't understand why they make it so difficult.

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[DeeDeeDis]

Its a toss up, How long are you going to be at wdw in October 2006
Activiting an Annual Pass NOW would give you Nov. 2005 and March 2006, but NOT OCT. 2006. Purchasing your AP now will only benefit you if they give you a voucher and not an actual Annaual Pass (the pass would be active the day of purchase and expire one year from that date). A voucher is not active until you activate it which i assume would be November giving you your november trip, march trip and October trip.

the DDE dinning card is good from one year of purchase, i purchased mine Feb 28, 2005, Disney Activated it on March 28, 2005 so it will expire March 28, 2006. You do not need to have an active Annual Pass to purchase the DDE Card, as long as you have a pass holder voucher, they can give you the discount with the number on the back of the voucher.

I did not find purchasing the DDE Card difficult at all, and received an email confirmation within 24 hours of purchasing plus an email list of restruarants were the discount is valid. Within the first two days (we had 9 people with us) i recouped my $50.00 fee.

good luck and have a bunch of great trips

 

[SylviaL]

Thank you DeeDeeDis. We'll only be spending one day in the parks next weekend so I don't want to activate the AP until November. Can I request the voucher instead of the actual AP card or do they automatically give you the card if you buy it onsite?

DH and I are so excited for next weekend. Can't wait to see SSR and hopefully tour a GV. While we love bringing our kids (DS2 & DS3 1/2), it will be nice to not have to worry about diapers and naps and long lines. We're planning to have another baby next year so this may be our last trip alone for a very, very long time!

 

[CarolMN]

If you buy an AP anywhere on site (I think it's now actually if you buy anwhere in the state of Florida), you get the actual pass and your year of admission starts on the day you buy.

If you want the voucher, you need to buy online or via phone. OF course, then you can't apply the value of your unused PH days to the purchase.

Best wishes -

 

[DebbieB]

Are the parkhoppers you purchased in January the new MYW or the old ones? If they are the new MYW, make sure they have the no expiration option on them or they will be worthless after 14 days. If they are the old park hoppers or MYW without expiration, you should be apply to apply the unused days to your annual pass when you go in November. The problem is you need an AP voucher or Actual AP to purchase DDE. If you are arriving on a weekday, you could call DDE after you get your actual AP's and they can send the temporary letter to Epcot Guest Services (assuming the procedures are the same then).

 

[SylviaL]

Thanks for your replies. Would this work:
--Upgrade my new PH to 10-day MYW with no exp at Guest Services
--Order the AP online later.
I'll be out a bit more money but I know I'll use the MYW pass eventually.

 

[ColoradoBelle1]

Confused: I ordered my pass through Disney online. It didn't say anything about it being activated on the day of sale.. I have a ticket confirmation, a code and a res numuber....I'll be upset if my pass startes on 4/27...tho I feel sure that if it does, Disney Guest SErvices will correct it when I show up at their window to get it....least I hope so!

 

[CarolMN]

Confused: I ordered my pass through Disney online. It didn't say anything about it being activated on the day of sale.. I have a ticket confirmation, a code and a res numuber....I'll be upset if my pass startes on 4/27...tho I feel sure that if it does, Disney Guest SErvices will correct it when I show up at their window to get it....least I hope so!

When you order an AP or PAP online, you receive a voucher. Your year of admission starts when you exchange the voucher (on site) for the actual pass.

When you buy an AP or PAP on site (and at certain other places in the state ofFlorida), you get the actual pass. Your year of admission starts on the day
you purchase.

Best wishes -

 

[CarolMN]

Thanks for your replies. Would this work:
--Upgrade my new PH to 10-day MYW with no exp at Guest Services
--Order the AP online later.
I'll be out a bit more money but I know I'll use the MYW pass eventually.

It will work, but why do you want to upgrade? You already have a pass (new PHP) that will never expire.

If it were me, I'd just use the PH for this first trip and save the remaining days for a trip after the AP expires.

Best wishes -

 

[SylviaL]

I didn't fully understand the ticket options when I purchased my 5 day PH from AAA in January. I have to use it w/in a year or it expires (unlike old PH). The 10-day MYW ticket is much more cost-effective which is why I would like to upgrade the 5 day PH to the 10-day MYW (actually would like the AP but it wouldn't work for my timeframe). You'd think after all the time I spend reading the boards, I'd understand!

No worries--we'll be in WDW next weekend!!!!