The plug is no different from pulling a plug on the oil pan. Your question does make me feel that maybe you should hire a professional in case something goes wrong.
Plus they can drop the pan and change the filter.

But the choice is yours.

 

Thanks for you advise, sorry for being so unknowledgeable. I tried to read all the posts and speak to my mechanic, but I'd hate to screw it up!

 

I get it. No one wants to break their car.

This service can't be that expensive. Let your mechanic deal with that worry. Oh and the mess. Have we mentioned the mess? LOL

I'd also change the differential if it hasn't been done.