DVC AP for the spouse of the owner

[bumbershoot]

I'm the spouse of the owner (and an Associate). I know I'm "entitled" to a DVC AP. But I don't have my own member card. And neither of us changed our last names. And this is a solo trip.

I'm wondering if I'm going to encounter any issues getting a DVC AP when DH isn't traveling with me?

I'm thinking of the options of buying the AP...online (did you guys know that if your account is linked to the DVC account and the DVC ID is in the My Account section that you can access DVC AP prices through the regular MDE section online?) for pickup, phone call for pickup, or even buy something lower and then upgrade.

I think I'm most worried about the upgrade part; what if they decide I have to have DH with me?

I'll be carrying the member card with me; will that and the fact that our addresses match be enough? Should I carry the marriage certificate as well? (don't laugh) (or at least not too hard, LOL)

I've been sitting at a very low level of worrying about this for months now (while reading many responses that seem to indicate it'll be OK), and suddenly it's go-time, my trip for Wine&Dine Half is next week, the worry is higher, and I would love to have the benefit of everyone's knowledge to my specific situation.


Thanks so much in advance!

 

[MouseMomx2]

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the DVC owner needs to purchase all tickets for any Associate members or non-member immediate family members who live at the same address. Unfortunately that means that you will not be able to buy your own AP if your DH is not present. We had a similar issue with our daughter who is an Associate member on our membership. She was not able to purchase her AP without us, even though she was entitled to have one. Even if you buy a ticket and plan to upgrade it, you will not be able to get the DVC discount without the member being there.

 

[bumbershoot]

Was that just based on your experience with one CM, or is it written somewhere?

Because it doesn't say that in the rules. It states that people living at the same address of an owner are entitled to the perk.

It's also opposite of thing I've read over the last several months, not in direct response to me but in response to other questions.

I can purchase it through the main account (we never even set up my own account), and the DVC account is linked to my disneyworld.com account. The AP can be purchased "by" the owner. He's just not going to be there when I pick it up.

 

[DizBub]

Can't the spouse call MS and purchase the AP over the phone, get a voucher or will call # and have it picked up at Guest Services? Just show ID and proof of address should do it. Or am I missing something?

 

[bumbershoot]

Can't the spouse call MS and purchase the AP over the phone, get a voucher or will call # and have it picked up at Guest Services? Just show ID and proof of address should do it. Or am I missing something?

Since they can be bought online we don't even have to do the call.

I don't have time at this point to get a voucher, but thought I could get the will call number and get it without a problem. But I'm a total worrywart and like things spelled out, which is why I finally asked. Was hoping to hear "his DVC card and your ID with matching address will be fine".

I was going to ask yesterday when i called DVC, but all their systems were down so she walked me through how to get the DVC AP through the MDE account. I just...didn't do it yet. It's the picking up part that has me nervous.

I did get a pre-purchased DVC AP once at willcall without DH, the specially priced Premium one. But he was there on property, just injured and lying in bed instead of at Epcot with me and DS. And he called someone to get a note put on the account that it was OK. Not sure if that was necessary or not.

 

[MouseMomx2]

A member with a blue card in his/her name must pick up or purchase the tickets or activate vouchers. Since you are an associate member you do not get a blue card so you would need a full member with you. Our daughter asked for a supervisor (nicely) who told her the same thing.

Only members are entitled to the perk. In the case of APs, the member can also get them for immediate family at the same address, but the member must handle the transaction.

 

[disneynutz]

A member with a blue card in his/her must pick up or purchase the tickets or activate vouchers. Since you are an associate member you do not get a blue card so you would need a full member with you. Our daughter asked for a supervisor (nicely) who told her the same thing.

Only members are entitled to the perk. In the case of APs, the member can also get them for immediate family at the same address, but the member must handle the transaction.

You are correct.

To the OP, you might want to consider being added to the deed and membership. As you have learned, names on the title are an important consideration.

Bill

 

[vicki_c]

That doesn't go with the reports I've read here (multiple) of people's young adult children getting APs at the park by showing the parents DVC card and their own photo ID showing they live at the same address.

I've seen it posted more than a few times that someone did that. And I don't even think that was exchanging vouchers, but just purchasing the DVC AP.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

As Bill said, the only sure fire fix is to be added to the deed. I suspect it's fairly easy to do.

Otherwise; you rolls the dice and you takes your chances.

Why risk it?

 

[disneynutz]

The policy is the policy, the fact that some CM's either don't know the policy or don't care to enforce it doesn't mean that you will be able to side step the rules.

Nothing worse than not being able to pick up the AP that you have paid for.

Not a good way to start a vacation.

Bill

 

[DizBub]

You are correct.

To the OP, you might want to consider being added to the deed and membership. As you have learned, names on the title are an important consideration.

Bill

I think this is probably the best advice for the future. I do wonder how much hassle this is and how much it costs though. It seems like it should be a simple process but as all things go with Disney it most likely isn't that simple.

I do want to cry foul on Disney here. If someone is an associate they have the ability to access the membership and book reservations. If an associate is a spouse of a member and shares an address they are entitled to an AP. A picture ID with the same last name and address as the member and a blue (member's) card should be enough for OP to pick up her already paid for AP at Guest Services.

The rules are the rules. They have rules for a reason. I know about the rules and respect them but this just seems a bit rigid given that this is the member's spouse. Is it also a rule that they must travel together at all times?

Rant over.

 

[disneynutz]

I think this is probably the best advice for the future. I do wonder how much hassle this is and how much it costs though. It seems like it should be a simple process but as all things go with Disney it most likely isn't that simple.

I do want to cry foul on Disney here. If someone is an associate they have the ability to access the membership and book reservations. If an associate is a spouse of a member and shares an address they are entitled to an AP. A picture ID with the same last name and address as the member and a blue (member's) card should be enough for OP to pick up her already paid for AP at Guest Services.

The rules are the rules. They have rules for a reason. I know about the rules and respect them but this just seems a bit rigid given that this is the member's spouse. Is it also a rule that they must travel together at all times?

Rant over.

Disney needs to draw the line somewhere. If the deeded owners are used as valid members, Disney doesn't care what the relationship is.

Could be a husband and wife, domestic partners, boyfriend and girlfriend, just friends, the list is endless. No special proof required.

Adding a spouse to the deed also adds some protection if one of the parities were to pass away, but it also adds legal responsibility.

Bill

 

[bumbershoot]

The trip is next week as I mentioned in the first post. Deed changes don't go that fast. And as I'm sure anyone who has paid attention to previous posts knows, we still have a loan. So no deed change can even be started yet.


As stated on the membership magic AP page, the member and their immediately family members that live with them get the perk of DVC APs. That should not change based on if the member is there. Other perks state "the member and guests STAYING with the member", which is specific and different. (and I know what you guys are reading beyond that so no need for further education LOL)


It's not a big problem if I don't brave it. Cheap cheap rundisney tickets, then we would just change the January plans a bit. I was the only one in the family who will have two trips to WDW in the forseeable future and the second trip can easily be done without WDW. It would be a cash stay anyway, since we have 10 points that could be borrowed to January and that's it. Easy enough to change it up! (We always keep Universal APs) Might have made the January decision easier!


Thanks for all of your replies!

 

[DebbieB]

I would try it. As Vicki said, children of members have posted that they were able to get it by bringing documentation.

 

[thebigman65]

The trip is next week as I mentioned in the first post. Deed changes don't go that fast. And as I'm sure anyone who has paid attention to previous posts knows, we still have a loan. So no deed change can even be started yet.


As stated on the membership magic AP page, the member and their immediately family members that live with them get the perk of DVC APs. That should not change based on if the member is there. Other perks state "the member and guests STAYING with the member", which is specific and different. (and I know what you guys are reading beyond that so no need for further education LOL)


It's not a big problem if I don't brave it. Cheap cheap rundisney tickets, then we would just change the January plans a bit. I was the only one in the family who will have two trips to WDW in the forseeable future and the second trip can easily be done without WDW. It would be a cash stay anyway, since we have 10 points that could be borrowed to January and that's it. Easy enough to change it up! (We always keep Universal APs) Might have made the January decision easier!


Thanks for all of your replies!

I would call MS (or have your husband call) and I believe they can courier the AP to you. You could probably get it in 48 or 72 hours. I know there was an option in the online purchase to have them shipped to you. Maybe try that.

 

[dzorn]

When my BIL picked his up he had a photocopy of my dvc and drivers license to show the same address, but that has been a few years.

Denise in MI