DVC discount vs. DDE

[lisatx04]

I was not planning on getting a DDE card since we own DVC and I use the DVC discount for meals. Then I started to wonder~which would be better? We usually eat sit down meals every night in the parks, breakfast is in the room and lunch-it depends where we are and what we're doing. Our trip isn't until June, so I do have time to order the card.

Any ideas/thoughts?? Thanks!!

 

[athenna]

Depending on how much you much you really plan on eating outside of your room. If you plan on having 2 meals a day in your room, then it probably isn't worht it. Take a look at the disocunts offered (allears.net has a good list) to help make your decision. The DDE is good for up to 10 people in your party, offers 20% off the bill at the participating restaurants, and includes adult beverages, if those interest you. You do have time to think about it. Some folks have said it takes 4-6 weeks to arrive some other folks have said 6-8 weeks. I am going in April and ordered mine at thr 8 week point just to be safe. But (from what I've read here) you'll get an e-mail confirmation that you can show them. I didn't get one, but I'm going to give it time and call if I don't receive it.
BTW, are you an AP holder?

 

[DukeStreetKing]

I have gotten better discounts with the DDE card than from using my DVC card. More restaurants recognize the DDE card and usually the discount is 20% versus the DVC's 10% discount. I paid $70.00 for the DDE card just a few months ago and it has already paid for itself and saved us over $45.00 after figuring the cost of the card.

 

[lisatx04]

Yes I am also an AP holder.

 

[athenna]

Yes I am also an AP holder.

Good I just wanted to make sure. I thought of it as I was typing away and realized I forgot to put that in there somewhere.

 

[Chuck S]

AS others have stated, it will depend upon your eating habits. We tend to eat at least one (usually two) table service meal per day, and travel to Disney 20 to 25 days per year...so even for two adults it saves us money. The available DVC and AP discounts are usually in the 10% range and have limited times and locations, many are limited to weekday lunches only. There are (or at least were last year) a few 20% discounts for lunch only at EPCOT. The fact that DDE does not limit the dining times (breakfast , lunch and dinner), has a large selection of restaurants, and relatively few holiday blackouts makes it worth it for us.

 

[Al D]

Where do you order a DDE card?

Thanks,
Al

 

[CarolMN]

Where do you order a DDE card?

Thanks,
Al

Just call Disney Dining - (407) -WDW-Dine

You can also call the 800 numbers for WDWTC/CRO and listen to the options. Believe 3 is for Dining.

Best wishes-

 

[spiceycat]

call this phone
1-407-566-5858 - not opened on weekends.

 

[edith76]

Are the DDE discounts good on specials also - or limited to regular menu items? anyone know?

 

[BCV23]

Are the DDE discounts good on specials also - or limited to regular menu items? anyone know?

I think it is good for anything but I'm trying to recall any restaurants that offer "specials" at WDW restaurants? Did you have any place in particular in mind?

Another advantage of DDE for some of us is that it includes alcoholic beverages.

 

[Mike]

Does anyone know how the DDE works for a group of 14? I know it's only good for 10 people. Do they just apply the discount to ten of the meals on the total bill or would we have to ask for one bill for 10 of us and apply the discount and then get a separate bill for the remaining 4 which we would not be able to apply the discount to? Does anybody have any experience using the DDE card with a large group?


Thanks

 

[jennz]

Does anyone know if you have to have your ap to get the dining card discount? We plan on getting both, our trip isn't until May. I was asking because it sounds like it takes longer to get the dining card and thought maybe I should order it sooner.

Thanks!

 

[athenna]

Does anyone know if you have to have your ap to get the dining card discount? We plan on getting both, our trip isn't until May. I was asking because it sounds like it takes longer to get the dining card and thought maybe I should order it sooner.

Thanks!

Yes, you need at least the voucher because they ask for the # on the back of it. It is taking approx 4-6 weeks for the DDE to arrive, but as stated you need the AP first.

 

[DaveT1]

You need your AP or your AP voucher. They do ask for the codes on the back before you can order. I ordered mine last week with a voucher, they emailed a letter that can be used in place of the card, but the letter expires the end of March.

 

[jennz]

Thanks!!

 

[lisatx04]

I think I am going to order it. Now, here's another question...when you use the DDE card, do you need to show your AP as well? Our AP will expire prior to the DDE card and I am not sure if we are going to renew our AP's. If I need to show both in order to get the discount at the restaurant, then it isn't such a good thing for me in this situation.

Anybody have any ideas?

 

[cinderminnie]

Hello,
We ordered the DDE right from our trip last week. TIP- Listen to directory if you want to have it faxed to you cause there is a special number to hit. They faxed an email approval to our OKW resort. The front desk called and I picked it up. We did pay $50 using our DVC discount and AP #. We figured that we saved $76.80 on 3 major meals for 9 people. We only had to show the paper copy of DDE approval and ID. No one asked to see AP. Dh also used AP discount on golf for 25% off. 2 Days of golf was a savings of $49.50 at LBV. When we go back in Dec with a group of 13, we look forward to seeing the savings then as well. I think it is worth it to get the DDE.

 

[jennz]

I'm 99% sure that the two are not connected. You need your AP to get the discount on the purchase of the dining card and that's it, then they are completely separated.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I just called DDE because I was going to purchase for our June trip. I spoke to Rosa and explained that my AP would expire in June 2005 and asked her should I order my DDE now or wait until closer to June so that I could have the later expiration date.

She said that the AP and DDE expiration dates do not have to coincide and as long as I have a valid AP (#required) when I order the DDE I am eligible and can get the $50 price.

She told me that in my sitution with AP expiring in June, I could wait to order until May 15, 2005 or later and my DDE would have an expiration of June 30, 2006. They could email or fax my letter as soon as same day, so I would have it in plenty time for my trip.

This will work out great for us, because we always vacation at WDW in June and squeeze other visits in as bonusses, so our DDE renewal will always be June or later. I wont activate my next AP until next June but have the Member Cruise in September so we can use the DDE in September too.