DDE, Where do I purchase?

[melissac]

I just purchased annual passes that we will start using in Dec. and would like to know how I purchase a DDE card. Do I have to have the annual passes in hand or is my confirmation # they emailed me enough. I would like to purchase and recieve before we leave so I don't spend a lot of time trying to get one when we arrive. Thanks for the help

 

[dianeschlicht]

Once your passes arrive, you can use the individual number from one of the passes to order the DDE card. It takes about 2-3 weeks to get the DDE card, so do it ASAP when your passes arrive. The confirmation number is not enough.

 

[lizanne]

You can reach DDE by calling 407-566-5858. You also can do it on line if you prefer, and they will give you the site information while you're on hold for a live person. The call center is open 8:30 am - 5:00 pm eastern time (not sure if this is the exact hours but it's no earlier and no later that this).

You'll need the green (that's what color mine is) exchange certificate that came in the mail for your annual pass. They ask for numbers that are on that card. They also ask your arrival date.

I called Thursday (11/1) for a arrival date of 11/23 and was told it was too late to receive the card on time. They will mail it, but shouldn't receive for 4 to 6 weeks. I was told to go to Guest Relations outside EPCOT to pick up a temporary card for use when we are there.

Last time I ordered it only took about 10 days to get the card but the girl said they're taking longer right now.

Enjoy your trip. Oops-trips

 

[melissac]

Thanks for the answers I was looking for.

 

[Tinkerdreams]

I have an additional question about DDE. I've heard that when you order it, it is automatically "active" for one year from purchase. If this is the case, is it possible to buy the DDE when you arrive at WDW and begin using it.

It makes no sense to buy it a month or 2 in advance and not be able to use it. I would much prefer to have it activated with my AP when I arrive. This way, I can get the best use out of it for several trips in that year.

 

[CarolAnnC]

I have an additional question about DDE. I've heard that when you order it, it is automatically "active" for one year from purchase. If this is the case, is it possible to buy the DDE when you arrive at WDW and begin using it.

It makes no sense to buy it a month or 2 in advance and not be able to use it. I would much prefer to have it activated with my AP when I arrive. This way, I can get the best use out of it for several trips in that year.

You can wait till you get to WDW but you will still have to call the DDE Monday thru Friday at the phone number above. Depending upon when you call they will have a temp card or letter for you at Epcot Guest Relations that day or the following day. The problem with doing this is you will not have it if you arrive on a weekend, or for a day or so.

I would call before traveling myself.

 

[lizanne]

The first time I ordered the card it was for a trip beginning Nov. 28, 2005. I called for the card about 2 1/2 weeks before and actually had the card in my hands when we left. The expiration date on that card was Nov. 30th 2006.

I don't know why the expire date was the end of the month because I clearly ordered it prior to the 30th. I used it before Nov 30, '05. I'm hoping they'll do the same this time but from what I read it pretty much seems that they all expire one year from the issue date.

 

[jekjones1558]

I have my AP voucher and am calling for my DDE tomorrow (Nov. 5). I was told that if I call Nov. 5 my card will not expire until Dec. 31, 2008. Since I plan to go in Dec. of 2008, this will allow me to get another trip out of the card. It means that I will have to pick up a temporary letter at Epcot for our trip beginning Nov. 11, 2007, but I am willing to accept that slight inconvenience for the benefit of a later expiration date. Temporary cards can be picked up any day at Epcot Guest Relations, but cannot be ordered on the weekend.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Didn't I read somewhere(on this board) that you can now pick up the ACTUAL DDE cards at guest relations? Seems like I read that recently, but I could be wrong.

 

[nunzia]

I am thinking DDE is Disney Dining Experience and you need to be AP holders for whatever it is? What do you get with this card and what's the cost?

 

[castleri]

I have an additional question about DDE. I've heard that when you order it, it is automatically "active" for one year from purchase. If this is the case, is it possible to buy the DDE when you arrive at WDW and begin using it.

It makes no sense to buy it a month or 2 in advance and not be able to use it. I would much prefer to have it activated with my AP when I arrive. This way, I can get the best use out of it for several trips in that year.

I did this by calling to order it a day or so before our trip and asked that the temporary one be at EPCOT.. I then activated my AP and picked up the DDE card at the guest services window at EPCOT. I picked it up the middle of Sept and it was valid until the end of Oct. the following year.

 

[lizanne]

I have my AP voucher and am calling for my DDE tomorrow (Nov. 5). I was told that if I call Nov. 5 my card will not expire until Dec. 31, 2008. Since I plan to go in Dec. of 2008, this will allow me to get another trip out of the card. It means that I will have to pick up a temporary letter at Epcot for our trip beginning Nov. 11, 2007, but I am willing to accept that slight inconvenience for the benefit of a later expiration date. Temporary cards can be picked up any day at Epcot Guest Relations, but cannot be ordered on the weekend.

If I had known this I certainly would have waited until the 5th to call. Can you tell me where you got this information. I want to call back, but I'd like to have something to reference.

Thanks.

 

[LisaS]

If I had known this I certainly would have waited until the 5th to call. Can you tell me where you got this information. I want to call back, but I'd like to have something to reference.

Thanks.

Many months ago, I read a post about this. If I remember correctly, someone said a CM in the DDE office told them the expiration date on the DDE card switches to the next month on the first Monday of the month. Taking November 2007 as an example, if you ordered prior to Nov 5th, you would get an expiration date of Nov 30, 2008. If you ordered between Nov 5th and Dec 3rd, you would get an expiration date of Dec 31, 2008. On Monday Dec 3rd, the expiration date would change to Jan 31, 2009, and so forth.

When you call to order the DDE card, the CM will tell you what your expiration will be. You can ask them how long you would have to wait to order the card to get a later expiration date.

 

[jekjones1558]

Can you tell me where you got this information.

As Lisa said, I called and asked the CM when would be the earliest date I could call back to get a card expiring at the end of Dec. and she told me Nov. 5.

 

[AKV707]

Love the DDE. DW and I used it for the first time on our last trip. Paid for itself in 4 dinners! We could never eat enough food to justify the DDP. And the DDE covers all beverages that you order with your meal. And it was also good at the Gurgling Suitcase at OKW! Love that place!