Warning if picking up DDE card at Epcot Guest RElations

[erinch]

Since there wasn't enough time to get our DDE card in the mail, I requested that the temp card be held at the Epcot Guest Relations window. We planned on arriving at Epcot 45 minutes before our 12 noon ADR at Coral Reef, where we planned to use the card. We did get there at 11:15, only to discover a monster line at the guest relations window, and another exceedingly backed up line to enter the park. We were hoping to get a table by the tank, so really were feeling pressured.

In 25 minutes the guest relations line did not move at all. There were only 2 windows open, and the same 2 people were at the windows as when we got in line. (By that time, I left DH in the guest relations line, and got the kids in the park entry line.) It took 40 minutes to get through the park entry line. We gave up on the guest relations line, and "ate" the extra $16 we could have gotten off the lunch bill.

In the afternoon, we went to the inside guest relations, waited in a short line there, got a friendly young woman from Brazil, whose English was clearly a second language. She gave us the bad news that the only guest relations window we could get the card from was the outside one. She offered to call to verify that it was there. I was sure it would be there, but asked her to call to discover if they still had a long line.

She reached a very kind cast member named Robert, who heard the story, and walked the DDE cards over to us. We did not have to exit the park or go to the other window. Robert, if you're reading this, we love you!

I totally was not expecting this back up. If you're picking up your card, would strongly recommend leaving much more time than we did, or picking it up in off hours.

 

[952LisaR]

Also note as OP says, you can only pick it up at the guest realtions window OUTSIDE of EPCOT, the information I was given was to pick it up at Guest realations at EPCOT with no distinction between inside or outside. We went to the wrong place and while on my trip I saw several other people who did the same thing.

 

[olbear]

Thank you so very much for the "heads up". DDE had a problem so they say, with their programs or something and missed sending out renewal letters to everyone. I realized ours expired and called. This is what they told me. And they told me since I woulod not get it in time for our trip this weekend, we could pick it up at Guest Relations at EPCOT, outside of entrance gates.

So I appreciate this info. We will make plans accordingly.

Blessings,
Winnie

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

We are going to stay at the BCV this December and will be buying annual passes as well as DDE. Can we do this at the resort desk or do we need to go to the Epcot window just outside the park. Since we will be buying both we willl we have any problems?

Sorry you ran into a snag. I almost forgot to pick up Candlelight Processional tickets one year. It didn't even dawn on me that I had to do that as I had a ps number LOL and I didn't even know where to go to get them. What a panic I was in. Thanks for the heads up on the DDE

 

[erinch]

I ordered both the AP and the DDE over the phone. Received the AP voucher in the mail. We redeemed that at Downtown Disney last night so there would be one less thing to contend with today. Good thing too. It was no wait at Downtown Disney. I really think they should have some other arrangment for DDE pickup. This was just abysmal today.

 

[webray]

Since there wasn't enough time to get our DDE card in the mail, I requested that the temp card be held at the Epcot Guest Relations window. We planned on arriving at Epcot 45 minutes before our 12 noon ADR at Coral Reef, where we planned to use the card. We did get there at 11:15, only to discover a monster line at the guest relations window, and another exceedingly backed up line to enter the park. We were hoping to get a table by the tank, so really were feeling pressured.

In 25 minutes the guest relations line did not move at all. There were only 2 windows open, and the same 2 people were at the windows as when we got in line. (By that time, I left DH in the guest relations line, and got the kids in the park entry line.) It took 40 minutes to get through the park entry line. We gave up on the guest relations line, and "ate" the extra $16 we could have gotten off the lunch bill.

In the afternoon, we went to the inside guest relations, waited in a short line there, got a friendly young woman from Brazil, whose English was clearly a second language. She gave us the bad news that the only guest relations window we could get the card from was the outside one. She offered to call to verify that it was there. I was sure it would be there, but asked her to call to discover if they still had a long line.

She reached a very kind cast member named Robert, who heard the story, and walked the DDE cards over to us. We did not have to exit the park or go to the other window. Robert, if you're reading this, we love you!

I totally was not expecting this back up. If you're picking up your card, would strongly recommend leaving much more time than we did, or picking it up in off hours.

Why didn't you just ge the emailed letter and save yourself the headache. They offered this to me, even for my renewal incase the card doesn't make it in time.

 

[MHDTS]

I agree with webray. Get the emailed confirmation of your DDE...it works just as well as the card itself. Restaurant CM's are used to seeing the emails and will honor them. We used ours at least 10 times before the actual card came.

Good eating!

 

[CarolMN]

When did you get the email? I bet it was some time ago. My understanding is that DDE is no longer emailing or faxing confirmations. (Apparently, there was some abuse of those documents). Anyway, the only option if you don't have enough time to get the card in the mail is to pick up the temporary card at the Guest Relations booths outside of EPCOT.

Boardwalk Tigger - the only way to get the DDE card is to call DDE. You can't order the card in person anywhere. The Dining Experience office (407-566-5858) is open Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Best wishes -

 

[erinch]

you can no longer print the email and have it be accepted as valid. There is no confirmation number or any other identifying characteristics which would make it a valid instrument. The email very clearly says that you must have the temporary card to use in the restaurants.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Thanks Carol

 

[stellaxluna]

Thanks so much for the warning!! Do you know if I can activate my AP voucher at same window??

 

[chipscinderelly]

If you have the receipts from the meal you can call the DDE office and speak to them, send the receipts in along with the payment information (eg the cc you paid with) and get a refund. We left our temp letters at home over a weekend in May and they graciously credited us our almost $40 back.

 

[chipscinderelly]

Thanks so much for the warning!! Do you know if I can activate my AP voucher at same window??

That is exactly where I activated mine! After we realized we left our DDE letters at home we went to Guest Relations to get a new letter (no luck as the DDE offices are not open on weekends) and were also able to activate my AP.

 

[erinch]

thanks for the info about writing for a refund. That makes me very happy. It was only $20 for us, but $20 is twenty

 

[ChrisAlli]

Sorry, but what is a DDE card?? I'm new, never heard of this

 

[stellaxluna]

That is exactly where I activated mine! After we realized we left our DDE letters at home we went to Guest Relations to get a new letter (no luck as the DDE offices are not open on weekends) and were also able to activate my AP.

Oh wonderful, 2 birds w/ 1 stone.... Thank you!!!

 

[CarolMN]

Sorry, but what is a DDE card?? I'm new, never heard of this

DDE = Disney Dining Experience. Lots of info about it on ALL Ears Net:

Disney Dining Experience

Best wishes -