Help needed...

[auntsue]

Am I too late to get APs and a DDE card delivered before our Dec. 8 trip?

The story is we were moving to FL last month so I put off sending for the DVC AP because I was considering buying the FL resident AP after I checked it out.

In the meantime, we moved here on October 16, went for my driver's license on the 17th, went to the arthritis doctor on the 19th and the next thing you know, I needed surgery for a malignant melanoma. It was like whiplash or a ride on one of those teacups that I avoid. I saw more doctors here in FL in the past three weeks than I've seen in the past three years in NJ. However, I was one of the lucky ones, the surgery last Tuesday went well and it appears to have been caught in time. We were given the green light to go ahead with our trip to WDW and nothing lifts my spirits like WDW.

So, now that we can still go (I just have to take it easy), I have no tickets and time is running out. I can really use some help here. I assume my best options are the FL AP or the DVC AP. Is that true? Which would be better? We won't be going Christmas week, Easter week or summer. Can I buy either of them at AAA? Can I buy the DDE card with either one? We need it because we are not getting the DDP for our Dec. trip, only when we will be taking the nieces and nephews in Jan. and March. How long does it take to get the DVC AP by mail? After I get the AP, how much time is needed to get the DDE? Do I actually need an AP to get the DDE? Do I need to have it in my posession to get the DDE? Do I have the time to get both before we go?

Sorry this is so rambling, but it's my first day up. To clarify: I want two APs and the DDE card before Dec. 8. Can you please help with possible solutions? Thank you!

 

[spiceycat]

I would get the AP on this trip -unless you don't need it also until Jan. You would need your DVC membership card (dvc member get a better discount - unless you want the seasonal pass), your ID - you can go to guest services or any ticket booth at WDW (this includes DD).

then you can order the DDE card.

there was a time when you could order with the voucher - but someone says that was no longer true.

besides you don't need the AP voucher.

put in your zipcode - for the florida ticket discounts -
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/flresidents/floridaResidentsGate?id=FloridaResidentsGatePage

then decide if you a straight annual pass I would go with DVC

if you want the seasonal pass - then I might just go with Florida resident - however I would ask if you can get the DDE with either pass.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I ordered my passes from the member web site. It took about a week to get them.

 

[spiceycat]

you don't get passes from the DVC member only the voucher. then you have to replace the voucher with the annual pass when you arrive at Disney.

unless they have changed it big time.

 

[LisaS]

I ordered my DVC AP via the web and the voucher arrived in one week. Once you have the voucher, you can call to order the DDE card. The DDE card takes 2-4 weeks to arrive so it may not arrive in time for your trip. When you call to order it, they will ask for your trip dates and if it's going to be close, they will leave a temporary DDE card for you at Guest Relations at the front entrance of Epcot. As a FL resident you can order the DDE without an AP but it's more expensive ($85 instead of $60).

Here's a recent post describing which numbers you need from your voucher when you order the DDE: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1269817

 

[Deb & Bill]

I ordered my DVC AP via the web and the voucher arrived in one week. Once you have the voucher, you can call to order the DDE card. The DDE card takes 2-4 weeks to arrive so it may not arrive in time for your trip. When you call to order it, they will ask for your trip dates and if it's going to be close, they will leave a temporary DDE card for you at Guest Relations at the front entrance of Epcot. As a FL resident you can order the DDE without an AP but it's more expensive ($85 instead of $60).

Here's a recent post describing which numbers you need from your voucher when you order the DDE: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1269817

Yeah, what LisaS said.

 

[BCV23]

If you are sure you won't be going during blackouts, the FL seasonal pass will be your best bet I think. It is $237.50 according to Mousesavers.

You can also buy DDE with or without an annual pass since you are a FL resident. It is $85 for FL residents and $60 for AP holders. I'm not sure if Fl seasonal APs get the additional $25 off or not. You must have proof of FL reidency however.

BTW, DVCers can also order APs by calling member services and asking for the will call option.

Since you will be arriving on a Friday if you don't purchase your APs until then, you could still call the DDE office during the day and after 5:30 pick up a temporary card at Epcot Guest Relations.

Most importantly, congratulations on catching the melanoma and Sante!

 

[auntsue]

Thanks everyone! I didn't know I could get the DDE without an annual pass. For me, it seems that the Florida seasonal pass would be the best option (cheapest).

Now I need just a little bit more help. Should I use the above link to purchase my seasonal passes? Will I have them in time? Is there some place I can call and actually speak to someone who would know when I'll receive them? Should I just wait until I get to Disney? I already turned in my NJ license for a Florida one, so I do have that. Is that all the proof I need? My car is already registered in FL also, but I didn't do much else in the four days I was here, except register to vote.

How about the DDE? Should I order that today? I really don't mind paying the extra $25 just so that I definitely have it. Do you think I'll get it in time? Does anyone have the phone number to call? Since we don't have the DDP for Dec., I really need the DDE and am nervous about showing up without it.

Once again, thanks for all your help. I really appreciate it.

 

[sheryl0521]

I recently ordered & received my DDE card with a AP Voucher.

My experience:
Ordered AP online with DVC discount in early October '06.
Received AP voucher about a week later.
Filled out and & faxed my DDE order form with AMEX info & Voucher #.
Saw the $60 charge on my AMEX about a week later (we are now in later October)
Mid November - recieved my DDE CARD in the mail with an expiration date of 11/07.

Plan on activating my AP in December & will have the DDE card in hand for 11 of the 12 months of the active AP which works for me because our planned WDW trips span 12/06 through 10/07.

all is good with me!

 

[manning]

Wait to buy the DDE until the 8th of the month. You will get an extra month out of it.

Make arrangement to pick up the DDE card at guest services at EPCOT in the front.

 

[auntsue]

Thanks for the DDE tip about ordering it on the 8th. So, my plan is to call DDE (phone #, anyone?) before I leave home on the morning of the 8th and then pick up a temporary card at guest services in Epcot. Is there a guest services at the International Gateway entrance or only at the front?

Can I buy my FL seasonal passes the day I get there or do I have to order them in advance?

Thanks again.

 

[LisaS]

Thanks for the DDE tip about ordering it on the 8th. So, my plan is to call DDE (phone #, anyone?) before I leave home on the morning of the 8th and then pick up a temporary card at guest services in Epcot. Is there a guest services at the International Gateway entrance or only at the front?

Can I buy my FL seasonal passes the day I get there or do I have to order them in advance?

Thanks again.

The only place you can pick up the temporary DDE card is at the Guest Relations outside the main entrance to Epcot. If you order the card early in the day on the 8th, it will be available for pickup around 5pm that day (they print and deliver the cards at the end of the work day).

I had read somewhere that to get the latest expiration month, order the card on (or maybe it's the day after) the first Monday of the month. If that is the case, you could order the DDE card earlier in the week and then pick it up at Epcot as soon as you arrive at WDW rather than waiting until 5pm. Just give the DDE office a call and they can tell you exactly when you need to order the card to get that extra month.

For the phone number and other info about the DDE: http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dde.htm

 

[Dean]

Nothing to add other than I hope your medical problem goes well as expected.