DDE for AP Holders! (Merged)

[Johnie]

This is listed on the AP website

Dining Discounts
Disney Dining Experience
Receive $25 off the regular price of the Disney Dining Experience Membership.


Benefits include:
20% discount on all food and beverages at over 70 participating Resort hotel and Theme Park restaurants (discount is valid for a party of up to 10 Guests).
Resort and Theme Park parking for dining purposes
Invitations to special member-only food and wine events, winemaker dinners and celebrity chef dinners
And more!
Call (407) 566-5858â€* (Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. E.S.T.) for more information or to purchase your annual membership at the Passholder price of $50 (plus tax). The Disney Dining Experience Membership card is not accepted on holidays, including New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Mother's Day, Easter, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Once you order your Disney Dining Experience membership card, please allow 2-3 weeks for processing.

â€*Remember: If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your parent or guardian's permission to dial this number.
__________________

[Mickeymac]

Hi Johnie,

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you have to be a Florida resident, with a valid Florida photo ID, unfortunately.

You're really working hard on the meal discounts!

[OKWTink]

Trust me Johnie. I had the DDE card for two years in a row. I spent the entire second year sending letter after letter specifically detailing the problems I was having using this card. Details down to the name of the server and the manager that I spoke to with each problem.

Not once did I get a call, or acknowledgement regarding my concerns or my experiences. I did get Guest Relations telling me how to educate Disney employees when I went there with the first initial problems.

I did not renew the card. The hassle simply wasn't worth it. :nono:

[Johnie]

Hi Johnie,

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you have to be a Florida resident, with a valid Florida photo ID, unfortunately.

You're really working hard on the meal discounts!

That was the way it was in the past. However, I went to the AP website and put in my pass# and it lists what I copied and pasted above. So, it appears as the DDE is a NEW benefit for ALL AP holders.

I have no idea whether this is a good deal or not. I probably wouldn't use it myself but I am just passing on the info for others.

[Cinderella]

That is correct - Anyone with an AP will be able to get one of these now. As per the AP website.

I used it for the first time last year (My MIL is a florida resident and has one). We had no problems at all using it. The only thing that was asked of us is to let the server know when you are ordering so that they can scan it before totaling the check.

I also just used it in December and no problems then either

[Johnie]

Definately check out the AP website because there seems to be a whole slew of new benefits listed.

[PaulaK]

That is correct - Anyone with an AP will be able to get one of these now. As per the AP website.

I used it for the first time last year (My MIL is a florida resident and has one). We had no problems at all using it. The only thing that was asked of us is to let the server know when you are ordering so that they can scan it before totaling the check.

I also just used it in December and no problems then either

Is that the card you used when we went to dinner Jo? If it is I need to get one of those if we're eligible! We could save loads! :D

[uscwest]

Wow, that sounds like a good deal. You could save the price of membership in one trip to Disney.

[Mickeymac]

Johnie, I'm sorry I can't get on the new website for some stupid reason so I called the number and that's what it said on the voice prompt so I didn't go further. :D Jo sent me the TA blurb last night, and I'll be calling again this morning! I'm so psyched! I've got so many clients that would be interested in this, too! Thanks!!

[PaulaK]

Our meal at California Grill was almost $300 for the 6 of us. If you could use it at places like that with 20% off, it would pay for itself straight away. Sounds good to me! :thumbs:

[OKWTink]

It used to be that the card was good in all full service resort restaurants, full service park restaurants and the AK restaurants.

Again, at the risk of sounding like a doomsayer, the card is presented as a wonderful thing. Once you start using it, and I did, heavily (I used to dine at Disney nearly weekly and definitely several times a month.) the cracks begin to show.

I am by no means saying don't get it. I am just saying be alert to the fact that it is not as easy to use as it will be presented.

If you do get it, carry the information that comes with the card on you at all times. You will most likely need it to educate the CM who will invariably tell you that they can't give you the "castmember" discount on that item (particularly alcohol, which WAS INCLUDED when I had the card). I spent forever explaining that I was NOT a CM, that this was NOT a CM discount card...

I honestly got to the point where my stomach would hurt at the thought of using the card. Isn't that silly? Needless to say. Didn't renew it for the third year.

Just be aware that it may be problematic. That's all I'm saying. :)

Let's hope that they worked out some of the problems in the years that the program has been up and running!

[uscwest]

Gee I wonder if V&A is included. :lol: I think probably not.

[PaulaK]

The CM at Kona Cafe where we ate with Cinderella never batted an eye, he went straight off to adjust the cheque no problem. Maybe they have already trained to recognise it? let's hope so.:D For $50 plus tax, I don't think we could lose. We eat out at a Disney restaurant once, sometimes twice a day, for 2 weeks and some years we will use it for 2 trips.

I used my Disney Club Card at the Disney Store in the Florida mall once and they gave me a CM discount, I wasn't complaining :lol:

[Cinderella]

Is that the card you used when we went to dinner Jo? If it is I need to get one of those if we're eligible! We could save loads! :D

Yes Paula, that is the one I used for our dinner

[Cinderella]

For anyone calling about this, be patient, that department is run by only a two people and I think they are overwhelmed with the response they got from this offer. If you aren't going soon to Disney, wait a while to call. Order it about a month to six weeks before you go so that it's good for one year from that time. No sense in ordering it now if your trip isn't until September.

[Cinderella]

Here is the current list of restaurants

Please note that once information for application is received, it takes 3-4 weeks for your card to be processed, mailed, and delivered to your address.

Please plan in advance. Disney's Dining Experience is not sold or processed for its immediate use at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Here's the most current list of restaurants participating in Disney's Dining Experience. You can even print this page for future reference.

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort - World Premiere Food Court
Disney's All-Star Music Resort - Intermission Food Court
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort - End Zone Food Court
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Boma - The Flavors of Africa, Jiko - The Cooking Place, Victoria Falls
Disney's Beach Club Resort - Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (excludes take-out shop), Cape May Cafe, Martha's Vineyard Lounge, Rip Tide Lounge Disney's BoardWalk - ESPN® Club, Flying Fish Cafe, Spoodles, Bellevue Lounge
Disney's Bonnet Creek Golf Club - Sand Trap Bar & Grill
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort - Shutters at Old Port Royale
Disney's Contemporary Resort - California Grill, California Grill Lounge, Chef Mickey's, Concourse Steakhouse, Outer Rim Lounge
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort - Maya Grill
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground - Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (9:30 p.m. show only), Trail's End Buffeteria
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - 1900 Park Fare, Citricos, Garden View Lounge, Grand Floridian Cafe, Mizner's Lounge, Narcoossee's, Victoria & Albert's (excludes Chef's Table)
Disney's Old Key West Resort - Olivia's Cafe
Disney's Polynesian Resort - Kona Cafe, 'Ohana, Tambu Lounge, Polynesian Luau (Late show only)
Disney's Pop Century Resort - Everything Pop Shopping and Dining and Classic Concoctions
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter - Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, Scat Cat's Club
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside - Boatwright's Dining Hall, River Roost
Disney's Wide World of Sportsâ„¢ - Official All-Star Cafe
Disney's Wilderness Lodge - Artist Point, Territory Lounge, Whispering Canyon Cafe
Disney's Yacht Club Resort - Yacht Club Galley, Ale and Compass Lounge, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Crews Cup Lounge

DOWNTOWN DISNEY® Area - Cap'n Jack's Restaurant and Bar, Wolfgang Puck® Cafe, Planet Hollywood

Epcot® - L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Restaurant, Les Chefs de France, Nine Dragons Restaurant, San Angel Inn Restaurante, Bistro de Paris Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Biergarten Restaurant, Restaurant Marrakesh, Restaurant Akershus, Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room, The Garden Grill, Coral Reef Restaurant

Disney-MGM Studios - Hollywood & Vine, 50's Prime Time Cafe, Tune-In Lounge, Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, The Hollywood Brown Derby

Magic Kingdom® Park - The Crystal Palace, Cinderella's Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, The Plaza Restaurant, Tony's Town Square Restaurant
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park - Tusker House Restaurant, Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbeque, Restaurantosaurus

Entertainment & Dancing
DOWNTOWN DISNEY® Pleasure Island*
Half-price admission for each Club Member, except for specially priced events.

[Cinderella]

Gee I wonder if V&A is included. :lol: I think probably not.

YES IT IS!!
:D

[Cinderella]

For anyone getting this card - remember to add the tip for your waiter/waitress on the total before the discount

[uscwest]

Wow, JO I am really surprised that V&A is on this list.

[PaulaK]

:woohoo: Thanks Jo!

[Cinderella]

Wow, JO I am really surprised that V&A is on this list.

Me too but I'll take it. I think I am going to dine at V&A's for our anniversary in August. Wasn't planning to but might as well take advantage of it

I think that this may be the answer to the request if AP holders could get the new dining plan added to room only reservations. I have no proof of this, just my thoughts on it.

[Johnie]

If you do get it, carry the information that comes with the card on you at all times. You will most likely need it to educate the CM who will invariably tell you that they can't give you the "castmember" discount on that item (particularly alcohol, which WAS INCLUDED when I had the card). I spent forever explaining that I was NOT a CM, that this was NOT a CM discount card...


This is good inofrmation for any type of discount program you might belong to. We belong to the Safari Club (good for Rainforest Cafe, Joe's Crab Shack, etc) and almost always does someone get it wrong. I just show them the card when we sit down and tell them if they don't know how to work it, then get a manager, in a nice way of course :D

I like the half price admission for PI that's included.

[OKWTink]

Johnie, even with all the accompanying paperwork, I had managers refuse to honor the card. :sigh:

At any rate, let's just hope all the bugs have been worked out.

[Johnie]

WHAT? Wow I would NOT expect that at Disney.

[Mickeymac]

OMG, is that every restaurant on property! :eek:

[OKWTink]

Nor did I, Johnie. It was not a pleasant experience either. And it happened more than once. So, you'll forgive me for being less than pleased by the service I received with this card!

[manda0125]

I just bought an AP and I keep hearing about all the discounts and cool stuff, like this DDE card. Can anyone tell me the AP website? I would love to check it out, I leave in 2 1/2 weeks and I want to take full advantage of it. Thanks:lol:

[Johnie]

Is your AP activated? If not, you won't be able to access the website. You can call Disney and get the card now. They will email you the info so you can use it on your trip.


http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/index
You click on the Passholder button on the bottom right.

[manda0125]

I'll give them a call. Thanks so much!!:wink:

[jetboy]

I just read on Allears that one of the newest perks for season pass holders is the option to purchase the "Disney Dining Experience" card at a discount of $25 which brings the overall cost to $50. In addition, it said that you no longer need to be a Florida resident to purchase the card if you are indeed a season passholder.

So my question is, can anyone confirm through first hand knowledge that this is the case, and if so, do you have a sampling of the restaurants that allow the use of the 20% discount? For example, Cape May Cafe, Narcossi's, or any number of eateries in the parks.

I thank you in advance for your assistance.

Jetboy

[jetboy]

Sorry for the question. I didn't realize that the questions I had raised were answered in a post just a little further down the page.

[Mickeymac]

Dont' worry about it Jetboy! I've done that a zillion times.

I'm going to include the link here, so that others drawn to your post can find the same information you did:


Disney Dining Experience for Annual Passholders (http://www.wdisneyw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33185)

[Mickeymac]

FWIW, I ordered mine yesterday, and was on hold for 17 minutes. She asked for my email to send me a letter to show my membership status, since we are traveling within 6 weeks, and she said I should receive it in the next couple of days. It was wicked cool!

[Johnie]

I called yesterday to order. I was on hold for a bit, got another call and had to hang up. They actually close at 5pm cause I got the message when I called back. You can leave a voice mail or email them and they will call you back.

I received a call back today from Rosa. I ordered the card and she is going to email me the info. I was very impressed with them calling me back.

Mickeymac, how long did it take you to get the email?

[Mickeymac]

I got mine the next day. It was wicked quick. I thought it was going to be more official looking than it is. So, ya going within the next six weeks? :D

[Johnie]

If things go as planned, yes.

[Mickeymac]

Ack, screwed up the coding. i'll try this:

:D :D: D:D :D :D: D

[Johnie]

I got the email today! Very quick. When is your expiration date? Mine is 2/28/06. I'm wondering if this is a benefit just for 2005?

[Mickeymac]

Wow - the letter as proof of membership is good until 2/28/05, but I'm a paid member until 1/31/06 on the letter. You dun good!

All AP benefits are brought on year to year, but I do think if it's popular, they will hopefully keep it going. (No, wait, the Disney Club card was popular and they nixed that, and the AP lounges were popular and they nixed those, and...)

[Johnie]

It seems that everyone calling this week has the membership good until 2/28/06. You might want to call back and ask about it. They didn't ask me a thing about my AP though.

[Mickeymac]

They can look it up in the system with your name and address. I would not be surprised if they do that before they send out the emails.

I'm not worried about the difference in the expiration date. I'm sure I'm going to renew it anyways. :blush:

[Tinker]

I called and ordered my card yesterday . :thumbs: I was on hold for 16 minutes . Not bad ! :D I stayed on remembering that Johnie had told me that they close at 5:00. Thanks, Johnie for the info !:hug: I received my email today and I don't go to WDW till May 9th . Do you think I may have the card by then ? I'm going to have to print my email out at work . When my computer was down , my hard drive was completely deleted along with my printer . I had just bought a new color cartridge,too. :shrug:

[Johnie]

The cards took about 6 weeks to get here. If you don't get it in time, the email will work just fine. You might want to make a couple of copies. Mine got a bit tattered toward the end of my trip.

[Tinker]

Good Idea, Johnie ! Thanks for the tip ! :eek: 6 weeks that is just about the time ordered , I just may get them in time , but just in case . Thanks again , sweetie ! :hug:

[andrea9873]

Definately check out the AP website because there seems to be a whole slew of new benefits listed.

What is the link to the AP web site? Do you have to be an AP/PAP holder to access it?

I want to purchase PAPs for the 4 of us, and the DDE. Will I be able to purchase the DDE card without the PAP as it will be picked up as Will Call when we arrive? When I buy online will they give me my codes or whatever I need to purchase the DDE?

[Mickeymac]

the website is www.disneyworld.com/annualpassholder

You do have to be an active AP or PAP holder to access it.

There are mixed reviews on whether or not you can buy the DDE card without having bought your pass - lately, the answer has been 'no' and you need the numbers on the back of your voucher in order to purchase one. What many Guests have done is to order it at Disney once you've activated your pass. Let them know that you are AT Disney and need to have an email sent immediately. They will send the confirmation email to Guest Services, who can print it out for you, for identification. The card takes 4-6 weeks to get.

if you purchase them online, you will receive vouchers, which can be turned in at any Guest Services at the main parks. On the back of the vouchers are serial numbers. You might be able to use this for ordering, if you order off the website.

your best bet is to call the DDE office directly. They've had a number of minor adjustments since the first of the year, and so any information is likely to be older than what you get directly.

I hope this helps!

[Johnie]

and the DDE office is only open Mon- Fri from 9am to 5pm.

[luvthemouse]

This may be a bit late to add, but when I ordered my card last week, I had to give them my AP number. So I am assuming that you need to have your AP or PAP before you can get the DDE card...

[Tinker]

Strange, the CM didn't ask for my AP number . :shrug: I did, however, tell her I was an AP holder that it expired May 1st and I had just renewed it . So, perhaps I was in the system . :D

[luvthemouse]

:shrug:

[Mickeymac]

If you are an active AP holder, you are in the system and they should be checking before sending it out. If you are not an AP holder, just give them the number on the voucher (you must have voucher in hand when purchasing DDE membership) and you can still order. It's relatively recently that they started checking. I just ordered one for a Guest a couple of days ago and they verified the number.