We are considering purchasing the DDP and we know that we are going to want to go out to some nice restaurants while we are in Disney. Are the nicer restaurants at the hotels included in the table service portion of the DDP? Or is only the dining within the theme parks included?
Yes
You can use the dinning plan for lots of nice resturants in the resorts. Just check the list though because some of them (i.e. Citrico's at the GF or Yachtsman steakhouse at the YC) take 2 table service coupons as they're considered "signature" resturants. But you can use them.
Some that come to mind that are just 1 table service coupon per person though are Concord Steakhouse at the Contemporary or The Grand Flordian Cafe' at the GF.
You can also use the dinning plan for dinner shows too! like the Hoop-de-doo but....again....takes 2 table service coupons.