I love mail from Disney. Sometimes it’s the free planning video, and sometimes it’s the Pirates and Princess party tickets - but today it was my DDE card . That’s right,  I am now a card carrying member of the Disney Dining Experience.

And not everyone can become a member of Disney Dining Experience, so don’t be thinking you’re going to copycat me  and join tomorrow. DDE is for and only for annual passholders and Florida residents. From this day forward I will get 20% off all food and beverage (including alcohol) for up to 10 people at participating table-service Disney restaurants. And bars.

It cost me $60 but I’ll save that much  just in wine on the first trip - seriously. Oh, and they are automatically tack on a 18% tip so cheapskates need not apply, but my experience as a waitress at Dog and Suds Family Restaurant severely scarred me so I feel compelled to over-tip anyway.

I’ll bet you were thinking that there couldn’t be another single amazing thing about the DDE, but there is.  I’ll get free valet parking at resort restaurants and half price at Pleasure Island. Wait, they are closing Pleasure Island. Oh, well, it’s the thought that counts.

If you are an annual passholder or Florida resident and you too would like to join us, here you go -

MEMBERSHIP AND CARD INFORMATION: Call Disney Dining Experience office at (407) 566-5858, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern.

You can also visit Guest Relations at Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdrom, Disney's MGM Studios, or Downtown Disney to pick up a Disney Dining Experience Card.

BY MAIL: Disney's Dining Experience, Post Office Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.  Here’s a copy of the application form.

BY PHONE: (407) 566-5858.

Here’s a link to Mousesavers with more information and a list of participating restaurants - all my favorites are there.

And you are welcome!