PAP, DVC and DDE (oh my!)

[Pocahontas1]

We are leaving for WDW in less than three weeks. I planned to buy a PAP for myself and DS (5) for our trip, since we headed back in December. Well, since we are DVC, I knew we got a discount and also knew I wanted the DDE card.

So, I called today - the regular Disney number. They told me I can't buy a DVC PAP over the phone. It has to be done on property, through the DVC website or on the phone with DVC.

Then, I called DVC. They told me I couldn't buy a PAP from them, but I could buy it from the regular Disney folks over the phone. They would send me a voucher and then I'd have to show my identification and DVC membership card when I picked up my pass. So, they gave me the AP phone number.

Next, I call the AP number. They tell me I can't buy a PAP with a DVC discount over the phone. I have to do it in person at the park or on the website (heard that one before). I explained one of the reasons I wanted to buy the PAP early was to get the DDE card. I told her what the DVC CM had told me. She said "boy you are really getting the run around", and then went to check with a supervisor.

So, the official word was I could not buy the pass/voucher over the phone and get the discount. They gave me the number to DDE in case I needed to call them about the card.

Finally, I called DDE and explained the whole situation to them. They told me as long as I call them by 5pm the day I arrive, they will have my DDE temporary card ready to pick up at Epcot by 5:30pm.

Looks like we'll just wait to buy passes when we are on-site and will get the DDE card right before our PS at CM.

All the CM's were very nice and helpful, but I was just a little frustrated by the lack of communication between departments. Anyone know the "real" story?

I certainly burned up the cell phone minutes today. DH will have a fit (again).

 

[Melrosgirl]

You need to go to the dvc member website, there is a link there to buy your AP's with your $100 discount. Then about a week later you will get your vouchers. Then call the DDE # and they will ask for your vouchers #s. Give them to them for the AP discount. You'll be able to get your DDE temp card at Epcot (or an email from them if they are still doing those) if you happen to go to WDW before you get your real DDE card in the mail. (I ordered my DDE card in March and still don't have it.) hth!

Edited: Just got my real DDE cards in the mail today, lol !

 

[slimplaw]

I bought my AP over the phone with DVC just 3 weeks ago. The person who handles this was away from her desk the first time I called. They took my name and number and she called me back within 24 hours. I received my voucher in less than a week. I did try to buy it over the DVC website but they do not have the option of using the old Disney credit card over the internet. They will take it over the phone. It sounds like you got someone who had bad information. I would think that if they sell APs they would also sell PAPs. Call DVC back on Mon and check on it. The person I spoke with also gave me a number I could use to go ahead and purchase my DDE.

 

[Pocahontas1]

Thank you for your suggestions. I'll try DVC again next week. They did take my number and said someone would call me, but it sounded more like it was to answer my questions than to take an order.

I'll try the website also, but I think we misplaced the ID and PIN number. Maybe I can order without it.

I knew someone could give me guidance.

 

[rmontgo892]

I ordered my DVC PAP's about 2 weeks ago via the DVC phone #. A CM told me only a few of them are handling this. They took my info and said someone would call me back. Sure enough Larry did. I wasn't home and had to play phone tag but finally reached Larry!

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

We did exactly as Melrosgirl said in her post. You can pay upgrade postage and get your AP voucher in just a few days. Then pick up your phone and get your DDE. You can then pick up your temp DDE letter at Epcot.

It worked perfectly for us. We were on a tighter schedule then you are. Don't worry.

 

[momsgoofy]

You need to go to the dvc member website, there is a link there to buy your AP's with your $100 discount. Then about a week later you will get your vouchers. Then call the DDE # and they will ask for your vouchers #s. Give them to them for the AP discount. You'll be able to get your DDE temp card at Epcot (or an email from them if they are still doing those) if you happen to go to WDW before you get your real DDE card in the mail. (I ordered my DDE card in March and still don't have it.) hth!

Edited: Just got my real DDE cards in the mail today, lol !

I'll second that! I ordered our PAP's through the DVC website, received the $125 discount, $3 regular mail delivery, received them within 2 weeks, waited a couple of weeks to order the DDE so it would expire closer to the PAP (DDE CM suggested this when I called right after receiving the PAP), and received the temporary letter within 10 days. We are set to go except for activating the PAP's upon arrival on June 1. It was a painless process, except if you count the waiting part!

 

[rowmac2000]

You need to go to the dvc member website, there is a link there to buy your AP's with your $100 discount. Then about a week later you will get your vouchers. Then call the DDE # and they will ask for your vouchers #s. Give them to them for the AP discount. You'll be able to get your DDE temp card at Epcot (or an email from them if they are still doing those) if you happen to go to WDW before you get your real DDE card in the mail. (I ordered my DDE card in March and still don't have it.) hth!

Edited: Just got my real DDE cards in the mail today, lol !

Can you please educate me in what all those acronyms stand for? ie. PAP, DVC, DDE, CM, etc. Thank you!

 

[Tiger Fan]

Can you please educate me in what all those acronyms stand for? ie. PAP, DVC, DDE, CM, etc. Thank you!

PAP = Premium Annual Pass
DVC = Disney Vacation Club
DDE = Disney Dining Experience
CM = Cast Member (what Disney calls their employees)

Hope this helps!
Lisa
Tiger Fan

 

[NJmouse]

I called MS on Thursday (5/12) to renew my ap's. They took my info and said the girl who takes care of this will call you back. She did and she helped me, I was able to use disney rewards points and charge the rest to my Disney Visa. I should receive my tickets vouchers in 7 to 10 business days.

p.s. If she calls you back and you are not there, you will have to give all you info again (name member# and phone#) to the cm after that just tell her/him you want to talk to .... and they will either connect you or tell you she will call back..and she will call you back. This is what happened to me.