National EA hotline to call for DC members

[disneyberry]

okay, so tonight... since i was surfing the DIS anyway, i tried to call that EA number for DC members so i could request a waived-fee application.

and... i ended up being on hold for over 2 hours!!! i felt like Phoebe on Friends in that episode where she was on hold overnight.

so... i thought i'd post here to ask if anyone happens to know what the operating hours of that hotline is.
i'll be mad if i find out they were closed, but still accepting calls into a queue.
what... are we supposed to be on hold until Monday?!?!
they should really close down the phone line or have a different message if their office isn't open.

anyway.

guess i'll try again tomorrow, but i'll only wait 5 minutes max. urgh.

 

[EllenJ]

I tried calling also last night... I gave up after 15 minutes... I will try again on Monday also.

 

[trish474]

I did the same thing....on a Sat/Sun the message said my wait would only be one minute and after 15-30 each time I gave up. Called on Mon and the message said a two minute wait and sure enough it was...they finally answered!! This was over a week ago and I still have not received my info. I sent an e-mail last Wed, but I have not heard anything yet.

 

[erikthewise]

I also had the experience of being told "the wait is less than one minute" then giving up after five or ten. I soon decided that this is the message provided when they go home for the day. This is definitely not a 24-hour operation! Why they don't turn the answering system off, I don't know.

I got through a few days ago (it's not too bad when there's actually someone there to answer the phone). It turns out they just take your name and address and mail you an application form. So you have to return the application form, and then they will apparently send you a card, when they feel like it. If the deadline for submitting the form is 9/1/01 and they drag their feet sending it, it could be close. If anyone needs the card soon, you're not likely to get it soon.

 

[erikthewise]

Just got my application today. It turns out that although they say you'll receive your membership kit in 4-6 weeks, if you need to rent a car sooner, you can "present this application at a National counter... You'll receive your Emerald Club membership kit on the spot - and your benefits will begin immediately."

So it may be practical to use your membership benefits within 1-2 weeks of making the phone call!