If I book room-only (and hopefully with a code!), can I put off deciding on the DDP right up until 5 days before check-in? Or do I have to buy a full package - including tickets - to be eligible for the DDP?
Is the DDP available only on rack rates, or on discounted room rates?
In order to get the dining plan, you have to purchase a package which includes tickets. The only exclusion to this is if you are a DVC owner staying on points or renting points from a DVC member.
You can get a package with the dining plan at a reduced rate through AAA. Otherwise, you will be paying rack room rates.
Also, just so you know, you only have to buy a one-day base ticket per each person to get the dining plan. That's what we did and we're staying for 10 nights. We have unused tix from prior trips.