DDE Card order questin - timing?

[las3888]

Hi!

We are going back and would like to purchase the DDE card in advance so we don't have to go to EPCOT first thing for pick-up. Does anybody know when I should time my purchase to make my card last the longest? I believe the card doesn't "activate" upon my check-in, but it's active from the time I order it (unlike ordering an A/P in advance). I would just like to order it in enough time to have it shipped to my house without having a heart attack wondering if it will make it in time, but not too early so that I can use it as long as possible into next year.

Hopefully this makes sense to somebody!

TIA!

 

[roryc]

I ordered mine on June 14. It arrived June 30, so 2 weeks 2 days, and was valid through July 31, 2007. We left the evening of June 30 so I was thrilled I wouldn't have to go to Epcot Guest Relations.

From what I've been told, if you order after the 5th of the month, the card is good through the end of the next month, next year. So, if you ordered today, your card should conceivably be valid through August 31, 2007.

I ordered mine over the phone and the CM told me that the card would be valid for me through the end of the next month, next year.

Hope that helps!

 

[las3888]

Thank you! Do you think if I ordered it August 7 (a Monday - are they open on Sunday?) I would have it in time to leave for 8/26? What number did you call to order? Thanks!

 

[roryc]

Generally I've heard about a 2 week turn around, but it has been a bit longer for some. But you're getting almost 3 weeks if you place the order on the 7th.

I can't recall the number if I ever even knew it. I think they transferred me. I just used the 1-800-828-0228 number.

 

[DLBDS]

If you order it over the phone from home and, for whatever reason, it's not received before you leave for WDW, you can always get it once you arrive (at Epcot) right? It would be nice to know that there's a back-up plan if things don't go exactly right.

 

[denecarter]

If you order it over the phone from home and, for whatever reason, it's not received before you leave for WDW, you can always get it once you arrive (at Epcot) right? It would be nice to know that there's a back-up plan if things don't go exactly right.

You can get a temp card (or whatever)... that's what I did in November. My "real" card came after I got home. When you order, ask about the current procedure in case "the card is in the mail".

 

[maine_jennifer]

I ordered mine in early May. They asked me when my trip was and I told them mid-June. She explained that if I waited 1.5 weeks, it'd be vaild through the end of June and I'd still have plenty of time for it to arrive. May / June didn't matter to me, so I just ordered it anyway. I think they have a middle of the month cut off to extend the exp date. If you're looking for comfort, I'd call on August 1st and ask them if you ordered it that day, when it would expire. Then, ask them when you could order it next for the exp date to be extended.

Good luck! I saved about $64 on my first trip using it. By the end of my next trip, it'll have paid for itself.

 

[Esmerelda]

I ordered mine last year...had it within one week...quick turnaround time for Disney we thought! This card was worth gold...we saved a lot of money last year...even on wine with dinner! How often does that happen at WDW...lol :

If it does not arrive..they leave a voucher at the guest services for you to pick up instead. No worries..

Esmerelda

 

[Sinderelli]

Can anyone tell me how much this card costs? Would you recommend it instead of the dining plan?

 

[BCV23]

Can anyone tell me how much this card costs? Would you recommend it instead of the dining plan?

It costs $60 if you are an AP holder and I think $75 for a FL resident. You have to be in one of those categories to order it.

The DDE is great and I would pick it before the DDP. But total savings can be greater on the DDP even without going through any of the shennanigans that some people seem to be doing.

DDE is good in most full service restaurants and lounges. It is not good for counter service except for AK and the foodcourts at the value restaurants and POFQ (since those resorts have no full service option).

So if you enjoy a mix of counter service and table service, go for the DDP. If you prefer all full service meals, DDE is the way to go.

 

[las3888]

We had one last year and loved it. DH and I enjoy a cocktail or two at meals and the discount also applies to alcoholic beverages so it really helps add to our savings. We were tempted by DDP and I actually took the time (approx 1 hour). I looked up all the menus for the restaurants we are most likely to dine at for all of our meals and I calculated what we usually order -- we don't usually get desserts, so just because they are included in the DDP we didn't add them. Basically I added up what we are most likely to order and for our 4 day trip the savings with DDE and DDP were just about the same. Since DDE will be good for 1 if not 2 more trips for us, it's the best way for us.

Do you know if you have AP and are looking for the $60 price -- I assume you need to have your AP or voucher so we can get the discount?

Thanks!

 

[ahmo]

I have a one day pass, and plan to upgrade it AP when I am at WDW in Sept. May I get call to get DDE and get a temp card while I am at WDW?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have a one day pass, and plan to upgrade it AP when I am at WDW in Sept. May I get call to get DDE and get a temp card while I am at WDW?

Yes, you can.

A few things to remember.

The office is only open Monday-Friday (except holidays) from 8:30 to about 4:00.

You must have the AP in hand so you can read them the string of letters/numbers at the bottom of the pass.

The temporary card can be picked up only at the Guest Relations outside of Epcot's main entrance, and it will become available after 5:30 on the day you talk to the DDE office. (and they will hold the card for up to 30 days until picked up.)

 

[ahmo]

Thanks Cheshire Figment! Just the info I needed.

 

[newholidayx2]

I just ordered mine this past week. They said expiration date will be Aug 07
We'll be at WDW 15days this August (leave 4wks from today!).
We have the Dining Pkg 3nights while at AKL. Will use the DDE card the other 12 days.

 

[lovethattink]

When I ordered my DDE card last year, I was sent an e-mail to use as a temporary card until my card arrived.

 

[Soccer Princess]

Okay we are arriving on Aug 5 (a Saturday). Could I just call on the 4th to order my card and pick it up at Epcot the next day? Also, I will only have an AP voucher until I get to WDW so I can just use that number to order it with? Thanks!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I just ordered mine this past week. They said expiration date will be Aug 07
We'll be at WDW 15days this August (leave 4wks from today!).
We have the Dining Pkg 3nights while at AKL. Will use the DDE card the other 12 days.

Note that when using your table service credits, if you purchase anything not covered (such as alcoholic beverages) by the Dining Plan you can have them put on a separate check and use the DDE discount on that check.

 

[las3888]

So can I not order a DDE card with my AP voucher? I won't be able to exchange that until I get there. Can I read off the string of numbers from the voucher?

Hmm...

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Yes, you can use the number from the voucher to get the DDE card.