Marktheboilerman,
Welcome to DR1. This is the place to get the answers to those question that you have concerning the DR. Drloca has given you some insight and others will shortly also.
We know that you will have a wonderful time on your vacation and we would enjoy it very much if you could give us a report of your experiences in our "Trip Report" forum when you get back home. Your report lets us know how we have done in preparing you for your trip and informs other new members as to what to maybe do or don't do, where to go, what to see etc.
Rick