My thoughts..
*** QSDP - Great for a first timer! ***
Despite a worry about choice throughout our 14 day trip, I only had a burger once. Another tip is Epcot world showcase - massive variety there, the sandwich place at HS (Starring Rolls) and of course Wolfgang Puck in DTD - this restaurant has a fantastic selection, a waiter service and best of all - you get to eat with metal cutlery!! (something you do miss on the QSDP!!)
Pros - No planning required, LOADS of food (we had 30 counter credits left!)
Cons - You do miss sit proper sit down meals - so you may end up getting a couple of OOP table service meals
*** DDP - Better when you know your way round ***
We are now coming to our third trip this October, I honestly do not believe I could have done the DDP on our first trip - the idea of planning where to eat, what parks to be in on what day completely overwhelmed me. However, after two trips we know the parks well enough to relax and have had great fun planning our meals at California Grill to tie in with Wishes, booking a Fantasmic package .
Pros - Better dining experiences, excellent value
Cons - Requires planning which is easier for Disney Vetrans as you know what to expect - much harder for first time visitors.
I discoverd this site before my first trip and was freaked out by how much people planned - I though my goodness - it's a holiday! why are people getting so uptight and frantic over their dining plans and reservations....3 years later - guess what I am now like!!