When to purchase DDE

[goofy4wdw2]

I need help from the DDE experts out there to figure out when I should order the DDE card!! We're planning a trip for May 3-10, 2008, then another late April into early May of 2009.

When/how is the best way to order the card and be able to use it for both trips? Should I call on May 3 to order it and pick up a temporary card that evening in Epcot? Is that the best way to maximize the dates? If I order it in April to receive the actual card before we leave, when will it expire?

One more question...do I need an actived AP to purchase the DDE card, or can I use an AP voucher? We're planning to purchase the AP vouchers before out trip, but won't activate them until the day we arrive.

Thank you in advance!!

 

[bunnyfoo]

I'm hoping for an Oct 2008 trip and when I called to order my DDE card yesterday (Sept 12) the CM told me that it would be valid until Oct 2008. I will have to go and pick up a temporary card/letter at Epcot since I've order too close to our arrival date.

HTH

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First question - do you really mean May 3-10 2008, and another trip in May 2009?

Making the rash assumption you mean 2008 and 2009 there are a few comments.

First is that May 3 is a Saturday. I would suggest calling on May 1st since the DDE office is not open weekends. You would be able to give them the AP voucher number and they will have the temporary card ready and waiting for you at Epcot's Front Gate Guest Relaitons.

The DDE card will be good through May 31, 2009.

However, if you activate your AP on May 3, 2008, the last day of use will be May 3, 2009. Do you really want to spend the money for an AP with only an eight day tri where you will be using it?

 

[goofy4wdw2]

Oops-- our trip is May 3-10, 2008, and we're hoping to go again in April/early May 2009. Thank you for catching that error! I'll edit my post now. And thank you for your answers--very helpful!

 

[I'mNoPrince]

the DDE cards run from the 12th or 13th of the month.Just ask when you call they will confirm for you.

So ordering it on April 12th will be no differnt then waiting until the May 1st as suggested. it will still expire at the end of May2009.

However you do still have the chance to get the card in the mail at that point. If not then call back on the 1st as suggested tell them you haven't recieved the card and they will set up the Temp for you to pick up.

 

[tiggersmyguy]

I ordered my DDE this year on May16 for our June 6 trip. I had just ordered my AP that day so I did not have a voucher, no problem. The CM at DDE told me that it could take 4-6 weeks to receive my card so I could pick up a temp card at Epcot. No problem, my card arrived in the mail 2 weeks later. Also, the card that I ordered on May16,2007 has an expiration date of June 30, 2008. Hope this helps you.