So - I just had an interesting experience with calling about TiW that is relevant to this post. I called TiW because I was interested in getting the plastic card instead of waiting to get the card when I go to the park. Two specific things I got from the call.
1) The CM asked me "You do have a DVC membership that you bought directly from Disney, correct?" This is contradictory to what others have said that you can use any membership over the phone. While I didn't buy direct from Disney I do have a "blue card" membership, so I said yes, but I don't know what would happen if a non-blue card member gave them their information. perhaps they are cracking down on this.
2) They indicated that because the card takes 2-3 weeks to arrive - they give you a slightly extended timeframe on your TiW card. If I ordered the card today - it would be valid through the end of October 2020. If I wait until October 1st, it would be good through November 2020. So actually it seems like they give you current month + 13 months over the phone, whereas in person I think they only give you 12 months from date of purchase, or maybe until the end of that month.
Hope this helps.