DDE timing question

[southgal]

Can this be gotten when we're down there, or does it have to be done prior to going (and do ya know how much lead time)? We've just over a week and I'm thinking of getting AP then the DDE card. Thanks!

 

[disneynutz]

You should call DDE to confirm but I think that with 24 hours weekday notice you can have a temp card delivered to GS.

 

[LisaS]

Can this be gotten when we're down there, or does it have to be done prior to going (and do ya know how much lead time)? We've just over a week and I'm thinking of getting AP then the DDE card. Thanks!

Once you have an AP or voucher in hand, you can call the DDE office (open 9am-5pm M-F) to order the card. It takes 3-4 weeks for the card to arrive. Since you have a trip coming up soon, they will leave a temporary card for you at Epcot's Guest Services (outside the front entrance) that you can use on this trip.

With just over a week to go, your options are:

- buy the AP online and pay the $10 (or whatever it is) for express delivery, then call to order the DDE card as soon as you get the voucher, and pick up the DDE card at Epcot when you arrive.

- buy the AP when you get there. Call the DDE office at the first opportunity (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) to order the card. Pick up the card later that afternoon at Epcot (I think they deliver the temporary cards to Epcot at the end of their workday, so around 4:30-5:00pm).

 

[Chuck S]

It took my DDE about 3 weeks to arrive. Get you AP as early as possible i the morning, and then call DDE. They will arrange for you to pick-up a temporary card at EPCOT guest services about 5pm. Remember, though, that you have to call DDE Monday-Friday I think they are open 9 to 5. So if you are arriving on the weekend, this may not work for you.

 

[boscoj]

Actually, you don't have to wait to have your AP "in hand" in order to order DDE. When I purchased my AP last month from MS I informed them that I also intended to purchase the DDE. She promptly placed me on hold and connected me with Disney dining after she confirmed with them that I had bought an AP. I was pretty grateful since it saved a lot of time!

 

[southgal]

Great ideas, thanks! Now to convince dh it's a wonderful plan!

Thanks again.

 

[doconeill]

Does the DDE attach to the AP in such a way that they expire at the same time? I'm looking at getting both, but we won't actually make it down there until July...

 

[disneynutz]

Does the DDE attach to the AP in such a way that they expire at the same time? I'm looking at getting both, but we won't actually make it down there until July...

No they are separate.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

Really? Since you can't get a DDE without AP purchase........Will the DDE card wait to be activated like the AP first use type of thing? If I buy both now with trip in Sept. I would lose that time?
Thanks
Chris

 

[disneynutz]

Really? Since you can't get a DDE without AP purchase........Will the DDE card wait to be activated like the AP first use type of thing? If I buy both now with trip in Sept. I would lose that time?
Thanks
Chris

Other way around. When you order the DDE they date the card expiration around 13 months from time of order. You will want to wait and time the order just before your trip. You can also get a temp card issued available for pick up at Epcot Guest Relations. We have used DDE and we feel that it is a good deal. We try to get in two trips during the 13 months.

 

[doconeill]

Ugh...wouldn't it be easier to just attach it as an option? I didn't realize Id face quite so many timing issues with ownership...

 

[DISNEY FIX]

Ugh...wouldn't it be easier to just attach it as an option? I didn't realize Id face quite so many timing issues with ownership...

AMEN.

 

[LisaS]

Ugh...wouldn't it be easier to just attach it as an option? I didn't realize Id face quite so many timing issues with ownership...

The DDE started out as something available only to Florida residents. It's only in the last 2-3 years that they have offered it to AP holders as well. And I suppose, like other Disney perks, the option for AP holders to purchase the DDE could be discontinued at any time. (Though I hope they don't opt to do that!) So, since the DDE program wasn't designed to be tightly coupled with APs, we have this 2-step process if you want to purchase it.

 

[LisaS]

Actually, you don't have to wait to have your AP "in hand" in order to order DDE. When I purchased my AP last month from MS I informed them that I also intended to purchase the DDE. She promptly placed me on hold and connected me with Disney dining after she confirmed with them that I had bought an AP. I was pretty grateful since it saved a lot of time!

That is good to know. For people like the OP who are a week away from their trip, it gives them the option of ordering the AP with "will call" pickup and pre-ordering the DDE with pick up of a temporary card at Epcot.

 

[DisneyMama27]

Ok, if my AP expires Sept. 30, but I buy my DDE card this summer, can I use the DDE after my AP expires? Or do I have to renew the AP in order to use the DDE?

Hadn't thought of this before - you all are such a big help!!

 

[disneynutz]

You don't need a AP to use the DDE card but you do need the AP to order it.