Lost in info about DDE and AP's! How do I get them?

[LuluLovesDisney]

I have a trip planned for August 16-29. We decided to get PAP's because we would like to plan a trip for next summer as well. Since we don't have our PAP's yet, we can't order the DDE card.

Do you purchase PAP's in advance and order DDE card in advance - (will they become active as soon as you order them thus losing days?) or do you wait until you get there, buy PAP's at the gate (do all parks sell them?) and get temporary DDE cards sent to Guest Relations? (do all parks do this, too?) How long does that take? And DDE is closed on weekends? I'm so confused!

We will be arriving at 6 pm and then taking a town car to our resort- the Swan, so I was planning on just relaxing at the resort, having dinner there, etc. If need be, I could make phone calls, walk over to Epcot, etc. if they're still open, whatever I need to do. I need the PAP's by the beginning of the second day and the DDE card by dinnertime (8 pm) of the second day.

If anyone can advise, I'd be really happy! Thank you!

 

[pezpam]

The PAP you can get at any ticket window. Either they or Guest Relations will be able to give you the number to call for a DDE card. The DDE card will be active when you order it, so it may help to get it at the park...

Here's what I did on my last trip:

I upgraded to an AP at a regular ticket window. They sent me to Guest Relations, who actually called DDE for me and handed me the phone. DDE wasn't open yet, so they wrote down the number for me. After 9am, I called DDE using my cellphone and gave them my AP number and credit card info. Since I called early enough, the temporary DDE card was ready for me at EPCOT's Guest Relations (the one outside the park and only at EPCOT) by 5pm. (Or 5:30, depending who was telling me....) We used it that night for dinner.

 

[Uncleromulus]

That seems to have worked out--
Bumping this in case anyone else has done the AP/DDE right on the spot.