When to buy DDE card?

[erikthewise]

I called the Disney Dining Experience number a few days ago to order a card for our Dec 3 trip this year. The CM pushed me hard to not order the card until Nov 8 so that it would expire in Dec 2006 and we could still use it on our trip next year. Sounds OK, but I don't think they will mail it to me; instead they apparently want me to pick up a "temporary card" at Guest Relations at the main entrance of Epcot.

The CM was so aggressive in putting me off, it's almost like they get a commission if I don't buy one! I decided to take a few days to think it over.

I don't really want a "temporary" card, I want a REAL card. And I don't want to pick it up at the main entrance of Epcot since we are staying at an Epcot resort and it's not at all convenient. So I'm very tempted to just order the card now even though it will cost me another $50 to get one next year. Also it is very likely that I will not renew my AP next year. Can you use your AP to buy a DDE card, then use it after your AP expires?

Any suggestions?

 

[disney queen]

i'm like you~i want the real deal. order the card. it is your $$. i am not sure how long it is taking to receive the cards now, but it took about 2 months for our card to arrive. i ordered ours in february and it expires april 30, 06. i don't understand the CM's reasoning.

 

[liamsaunt]

I just got off the phone with them and they told me the same thing. We are arriving November 17th and she said if I waited until October 1st (or 5th, can't recall) to get the card it would be good through the end of next November, whereas if I ordered it today it would only be good through the end of next October.

I was actually glad she told me because we are going to wdw next November also. I thought it was nice of her to let me know, and I am going to wait--it gives me $50 more to spend at Disney!

 

[travelitis]

I'm glad to get this info. I'd be glad the CM was trying to save me $50. It makes sense for them to be reluctant to sell a card that would be valid only a month or 2. Think of how mad people would be if they weren't told this info. That completely negates any savings you'd get.

What is this about a temp card? If I order after Oct. 1 and want it by Nov 22nd, are you saying I might be able to pick up a temp card if it doesn't arrive in time? Who cares if you get a temp card until the permanent one arrives? The point is you're getting the discount, now isn't it. The temp card IS the "real deal" if it gives you the 20% discount.

 

[rickdeni]

I just called today to order my card. We will be in WDW on October 29th. I was advised to pick up my temporary card at Epcot either on the 29th or 30th. After that, I will have to call DDE again since they will only hold the cards at Epcot for 30 days and they become available tomorrow. She stated that I "might" get the real thing but it is really cutting it close. I have to activate my AP at Epcot - does anyone know if it is the same place. I thought they used to mail a temporary card.

 

[KCMiller]

OK, I'm confused. I'm going to WDW in December of 2006. If I get a DDE card on November 1st, 2005, wouldn't it expire on November 1, 2006?


KC

 

[ccw]

From what I have read, it seems all DDE cards expire AT THE END OF THE MONTH, either 12 or 13 months after you order (13 months if you are ordering mid-late month, 12 months if you order the first few days of the month.) I am calling Monday for mine for upcoming Nov.3 trip. I expect that it will expire at the end of Oct.06. Temp card (actually it is a letter of authorization, i think) is ok with me.

 

[krbq]

I ordered the DDE card on September 6 and received it on September 28. The CM had told me 3-5 weeks, and I received it in just a little over 3. The expiration date is printed on the card -- 10/31/06.

 

[cristbaby]

I ordered the DDE card on September 6 and received it on September 28. The CM had told me 3-5 weeks, and I received it in just a little over 3. The expiration date is printed on the card -- 10/31/06.

I did the very same thing by ordering mine 9/06 and I received it 9/28. They are only trying to give you the benefit of having it good for 1 year from your stay. It is activated the day you are charged (unlike the annual pass-it is activated the first day you use it).

 

[ccw]

Just off the phone with DDE about ordering my card for Nov. 3 trip. She said if i ordered TODAY, the card will expire Oct.31, 2006 but if i wait til WEDNESDAY THE 5TH to order, then it will expire NOVEMBER 30, 2006. So i wait two days and I get a whole extra month! That is what I will do and just pick up temporary card if the real thing does not arrive before i leave.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

We are checking in december 4th and the CM advised I order after Oct 5th to have a expiration at the end of November 2006. Prior to Oct 5th would get me an exp date for 10/31/05. The Oct 5th date will still give me plenty of time to get my card and even better it falls on payday.