[gatour]

Got the following email from the DDE. This is good news for me as I didn't realize my card had expired and was afraid I wouldn't get a card in time for my next trip....

Greetings from the Disney Dining Experience Team!

As 2008 quickly approaches, you will begin to see some exciting new developments for the Disney Dining Experience Membership Program. You asked and we listened! Effective November 11, 2007, you will no longer have to wait 3 – 6 weeks to receive your permanent membership card(s).

Guest Relations locations at Epcot®, MAGIC KINGDOM® Park, DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Disney-MGM Studios, DOWNTOWN DISNEY® West Side, and DOWNTOWN DISNEY® Marketplace will now be able to print permanent Disney Dining Experience membership cards for immediate use. This service is designed for existing and new members. Cards produced at the Guest Relations locations will be printed on paper stock similar to the annual pass tickets.

The Disney Dining Experience office will still be available to take applications for current and new members, via the phone, fax or mail for those who do not want to take advantage of the in-park service. Membership cards ordered through the Disney Dining Experience office will be received within 2 - 3 weeks of purchase.

All Guests who have ordered their Disney Dining Experience membership cards prior to November 11, 2007 date will have to pickup their temporary cards at the main entrance Epcot® Guest Relations. Your permanent card will be sent through the mail and arrive in 3-4 weeks from the date of purchase.

We would also like to inform you that the Walt Disney World® Resort will be implementing an across property policy change regarding gratuity at all food and beverage locations. Effective January 1, 2008, 18% gratuity will be added to all transactions, regardless of party size. Thank you for your continued support.

Cheers!


The Disney Dining Experience Team




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New Dining Location


Tutto Italia Ristorante, in the Italian Pavilion at Epcot® is now a participating Disney Dining Experience location. The casual-elegant restaurant features handmade mozzarella and pasta, Italian regional specialties and wonderful breads and pastries. Tutto Italia Ristorante location is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Please note that L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Restaurant is no longer operating at the Italian Pavilion.

[Jen]

Originally Posted by gatour

We would also like to inform you that the Walt Disney World® Resort will be implementing an across property policy change regarding gratuity at all food and beverage locations. Effective January 1, 2008, 18% gratuity will be added to all transactions, regardless of party size. Thank you for your continued support.

What??? I'm assuming that this is not just pertaining to the DDE....I don't like this one bit.... Does "all food and beverage locations" include counter service as well? Better not...or I'm going to be complaining something fierce in Feb....

[joseph3947]

Just got back from WDW 11/8 and found that the Japan restaurant Tepan-Edo does NOT take the DDE anymore.