DDE temp card pickup - where exactly?

[beezerdave]

We are going to WDW on May 7. We purchased the DDE and the card is being sent but might not be here before we leave. I'm told by the folks at DDE that if the card doesn't get before we leave we can get a temporary card at the Epcot Guest Relations. When I said we were coming in right around dinner, were going to eat at our resort (OKW) and wanted to make sure we could use it that night, the DDE rep. indicated the Guest Relations was right out front and we could just 'swing by' to pick it up. Did she mean there was a Guest Relations out by the parking lot? Or will we have to have to check-in at the resort to get the 'park at any resort free card', drive to Epcot, park, go in to get the temp card then drive back to the resort to eat? Hopefully the card will get here before then, but if not does anyone know exactly what we'd have to do? Thanks.

 

[nicolemarie]

We did the same thing for our trip in March. I would not exactly call Guest Relations "convenient", but it is before the entrance turnstiles to Epcot. It is on the far right. We were coming from the Yacht Club so we walked, but another morning we took a taxi to Epcot and noticed that the drop off for taxis and buses is pretty close to guest relations. You might could use that turn around area to get to guest relations. Have someone drive you and wait in the taxi drop off area while you go pick up the card.

Otherwise, unless you have a big party and are going to save big time on that first meal, I would probably go to Epcot that night and leisurely pick it up instead of going through all the hassle of getting it before your dinner at OKW.

Have a great time!!

 

[kcashner]

Guest Relations is right outside the front gate at EPCOT. You can only pick up the card at this GR spot, not at the one in the park.

Personally, I don't think it's that convenient to "swing by." You basically have to use transportation as if you were going to the park, and just stop at GR instead of entering the park.

On the good side...In December, the web site said 2 weeks for the card to arrive. When I called to order it, the CM said 6 weeks and told me about the pick up option. My card arrived in 16 days, on the day before we left.

 

[pezpam]

If you use the card when you visit a park only to eat, you're supposed to be able to go to GR after the meal to have your parking fee refunded. Perhaps they'd be willing to do that if all you're doing is picking up the card? I don't know if they do that, but it can't hurt to ask.....

 

[webray]

You are exactly right. If you are eating at Old Key West, and need to pick up your DDE card at the EPCOT outside the park guest services, if you want to get into the parking lot for free you would have to check in first.

Sounds like you might need to move your dinner seating to a later time. It took our friends forever to wait in line and pick up their temp card. I thought they had got lost..lol. Plan on a long line and allow yourself plenty of time.

Good luck!

 

[jwfla422]

Just for the record...I ordered my DDE card on 3-27 and received it on 4-13, just a little over 2 weeks. It came from Allentown PA (must be where they're made now) and was sent to FL. If you ordered your card by now and your trip isn't until 5/7 you should have it prior to leaving.

Not bad considering last year the first set took 2 months!! (of course they sent another set again which reached us sooner so I actually got an extra month!!) Couldn't believe the original set showed up (way after??)--a weird fluke. Actually besides this time it usually only took 2-3 weeks on average all of the other times.

That was when it was just for FL residents so I bet they changed sub-contractors since (of who makes the cards) since they are processing MANY more now!!

 

[Claire L]

If you have an AP, which you usually need to get the DDE if not a Fl resident, then parking is free anyway

Claire