DDE and AP Timing Question......

[TXMommy]

I hope I am posting this in the right forum - since it involves the DDE card, I figured it would go here......

My question is this: We have about 7 weeks until our trip. We were planning on purchasing AP's for this trip, and therefore want to get the DDE card. Do I need to do this in advance and do I have time? Or can I buy the AP's when I get there and also the DDE and get some type of "temporary" card?

Also, compare the DDE to the DDP for me - we are DVC members and we always have breakfast in our villa - usually do counter-service for lunch and we like a sit-down dinner in the evenings. There are 4 of us - myself, DH, DD-12 and DS-9. Was thinking of doing the DDP for our November trip, since it will be available to DVC Members then, but if I purchase the DDE card on this trip maybe I should just use it instead of the DDP? Need advice!!

 

[Dizzy4Dizney]

When I ordered my DDE, I had to give them my AP pass number. You might want to call and ask what would happen in your situation.

I did an analysis of the DDE VS DDP and compared them. Accounting for the cost of the purchase, it would be almost even. The one thing is that on the DDE, I did not include appetizers or desserts because we hardly ever eat them,so if you are an app and dessert eater, the DDP is a better value. We feel that we would eat too much to get out "full value" of the DDP. Also, the DDE gives you 20% off alcohol where DDP it is not included. I do like a glass of wine with my dinner!

 

[tjmouse]

If you purchase your AP while at WDW, you can call DDE immediately and request a card. Tell them you are already at WDW and they will have a temporary card for you to pick up at Epcot, hopefully that same day if you call early, definately within 24 hours. You have to have an AP or voucher number to order the DDE card in advance.

 

[Allison]

If you purchase your AP while at WDW, you can call DDE immediately and request a card. Tell them you are already at WDW and they will have a temporary card for you to pick up at Epcot, hopefully that same day if you call early, definately within 24 hours. You have to have an AP or voucher number to order the DDE card in advance.

I just wanted to add to this that the DDE office is not open on weekends.

 

[TXMommy]

Is there someplace I can find a list of all the places that accept the DDE card? I already have a list of the DDP restaurants.......

 

[TXMommy]

And if I ordered them both in advance, how long would it take to get them?

 

[tjmouse]

I got both my DDE and AP vouchers in about 2 1/2 - 3 weeks. So, if you order the AP's and get your vouchers, you can call and order the DDE card then. Even if the card doesn't get to you in time through the mail, they can have a temp card for you at Epcot. You just have to go pick it up when you arrive.

Here is a list of restaurants and lounges:

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Boma - The Flavors of Africa, Jiko - The Cooking Place, Victoria Falls
Disney's Beach Club Resort – Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (excludes take-out shop), Cape May Cafe, Martha's Vineyard Lounge
Disney's BoardWalk – ESPN® Club, Flying Fish Cafe, Spoodles, Bellevue Lounge
Disney's Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge Golf Club – Sand Trap Bar & Grill
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort – Shutters at Old Port Royale
Disney's Contemporary Resort – California Grill, Chef Mickey's, Concourse Steakhouse, Outer Rim Lounge
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort – Maya Grill
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – Crockett's Tavern, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (9:30 p.m. show only), Trail's End Restaurant
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – 1900 Park Fare, Citricos, Garden View Lounge, Grand Floridian Cafe, Mizner's Lounge, Narcoossee's, Victoria & Albert's (excludes Chef's Table)
Disney's Old Key West Resort – Olivia's Cafe
Disney's Polynesian Resort – Kona Cafe, 'Ohana, Tambu Lounge, Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (Late show only)
Disney's Pop Century Resort – Classic Concoctions
Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter - Scat Cat's Club
Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside - Boatwright's Dining Hall, River Roost
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort – The Turf Club
Disney's Wide World of Sports™ – Official All-Star Cafe
Disney's Wilderness Lodge – Artist Point, Territory Lounge, Whispering Canyon Cafe
Disney's Yacht Club Resort – Yacht Club Galley, Ale and Compass Lounge, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Crews Cup Lounge
DOWNTOWN DISNEY® – Marketplace - Cap'n Jack's Restaurant
DOWNTOWN DISNEY® – West Side - Wolfgang Puck® Cafe, Planet Hollywood®
Epcot® – L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Restaurant, Chefs de France, Nine Dragons Restaurant, San Angel Inn Restaurante, Bistro de Paris Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Biergarten Restaurant, Restaurant Marrakesh, Restaurant Akershus, Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room, The Garden Grill, Coral Reef Restaurant
Disney-MGM Studios – Hollywood & Vine, 50's Prime Time Cafe, Tune-In Lounge, Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, The Hollywood Brown Derby
Magic Kingdom® Park – The Crystal Palace, Cinderella's Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, The Plaza Restaurant, Tony's Town Square Restaurant
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – Tusker House Restaurant, Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbeque, Restaurantosaurus

Entertainment & Dancing

DOWNTOWN DISNEY® Pleasure Island*
Half-price admission for each Club Member, except for specially priced events.
Atlantic Dance Hall – Disney's BoardWalk
Admission is free for members and guest.

 

[TXMommy]

Wow! Thank you, tjmouse!

 

[goofy4tink]

As a DVC member I also have the same quandry. I do have the DDE card now, and will be renewing it in May for my trip in Oct. I did sit down and compare the two dining plans...I came out very close in price...I think there was a $40 difference with the DDE being the one that was slightly higher since I had to add in the $60 to renew it. But, since I've saved $40 at HDDR in Oct already with my DDE card, it makes sense to keep it. I will be using the DDP for most meals, and using the DDE card for those meals, like breakfast, and our 'adult' beverages.
My best advice is to make a sample eating plan...where and what you would be eating. Then, compare what it would cost with each of the two plans.

 

[TXMommy]

I think that since our next trip is in March - before the DVC DDP is available - we will keep track of what we spend on meals using the DDE and compare it to the cost of the DDP. We already have another trip planned for the week after Thanksgiving, so this will give me a good idea of whether we should go with the DDP or not.....

 

[popstar7867]

Is the DDE valid for one year?

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Is the DDE valid for one year?

Yes. I ordered mine mid July just to make sure I would get it before my August trip and it expires 8/31/07 so it's good for a year plus a little extra. I guess they considered that I wouldn't receive it or use it until August so that's when it expires.