Yes, I'm a member of the Romance Writer's of America, and I'll be headed to Walt Disney World's Swan/Dolphin Hotel for the RWA annual conference from July 28 - July 31.
I have some answers for RWA members who maybe aren't as familiar with the parks and resorts as I am. (I have a little Disney obsession. I even honeymooned at WDW's Grand Floridian Resort 20 years ago and have been back too many times to own up to since).
Our resort:
The Swan and Dolphin are gorgeous hotels that share some Disney perks but are not actually Disney hotels. They're part of the Starwood group of hotels. Don't worry, there's a Starbucks-like Java Cafe! Why is this important? Coffee at most of Walt Disney World is notoriously bad. If you're on your way to the parks and you need your morning buzz, make a stop at the Java Cafe for your fix before heading out.
Transportation:
Parks closest to the Swan/Dolphin: Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios (formerly known as MGM). Both are within walking distance, but you might want to take one of the boat launches to the park gates instead. Believe me, you'll be doing plenty of walking at the conference, or in the parks. (Comfortable conference shoes have never been more important!).
There is bus service to the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom, the Downtown Disney area, and the water parks. Transportation to any Disney location is easy and you probably won't require a cab unless you're in a hurry. As a general rule, count on an hour to get anywhere not in our resort's immediate area (and be happy if you get there sooner).
Resorts within walking distance of the Swan/Dolphin (for dining, drinking, or shopping):
Disney's Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is not just a resort-- there are nightclubs and fun activities. You can rent little boats to zip around the lagoon, or tandem bikes. (You can rent boats at our hotel too, and bring your bathing suit! Fabulous pool, with poolside bar for drinks and snacks).
There is no direct resort to resort transportation, but you can catch a bus to any resort from Downtown Disney or any park. Similarly, there is no park-to-Downtown Disney transportation, but you can pop to the nearest resort and grab a bus to Downtown Disney from there.
Parks:
There are four major parks at Walt Disney World.
1) The Magic Kingdom. The most popular park, known for Cinderella Castle and the classic rides you've always associated with WDW. In fact, many people accidentally refer to the Magic Kingdom as Walt Disney World, when it's really just one part of it all. Highlights: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
2) Epcot. There are two parts to Epcot- Future World and World Showcase. Bonus, you could walk over to World Showcase from our conference hotel, grab a Grey Goose Slush from the France Pavilion, and head back for your next workshop before you're even missed! (Okay maybe you would miss half a workshop, but then try the Grand Marnier Slush next, or a Fiesta Margarita, or a bubble tea...). Highlights: World Showcase (shopping!), Norway's Maelstrom, Soarin', Test Track, Spaceship Earth (the official name for what a lot of people refer to as "The Big White Ball"-- yes, I am really this much of a Disney geek, thank you).
3) Disney Hollywood Studios. The park formerly known as MGM. Highlights: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock n Roller Coaster, Toy Story Mania (challenge your friends!), the Great Movie Ride, Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, and the new American Idol Pavilion.
4) Animal Kingdom. Not a zoo! Disney actually promoted it that way when they opened. There is an animal reserve, and plenty of animals and animal education programs. But there are also attractions (rides aren't just rides at WDW, they are attractions). Highlights: Expedition Everest, Dinosaur!, Kilimanjaro Safari, Kali River Rapids (you will get soaked). Also, Legend of the Lion King and Finding Nemo.
Also, there are two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon) and the Downtown Disney area, which used to be an adult oasis of dance and comedy clubs, but has become more of a family destination with a few great shops and restaurants. The clubs have closed, but there's still an incredible Irish pub (Raglan Road) and House of Blues for live music at night.
But isn't July really busy at WDW? How can I avoid the crowds?
Aha, stick with me kids. I'll give you the inside scoop.
If you plan on hitting parks, you might want to buy a multi-day park hopper pass. This will allow you to visit as many parks as you like per day. Breakfast at one, lunch at another. A base ticket will restrict you to one park a day.
How many days? A six day pass is only a few dollars more than a three day pass, so if you spend a few extra dollars, you can steal away to the parks whenever you want throughout conference (some parks are open until one am, with extra magic hours). Remember what I said about the Grey Goose Slushes? Right inside Epcot's gates.
Now which parks on which days to avoid crowds can get a little complicated with Extra Magic Hours thrown into the mix.
If you're not planning on taking advantage of Extra Magic Hours, (getting into certain parks early on certain days, or staying in certain parks up to three hours past closing on certain days), stick to the parks not holding EMH(Extra Magic Hours). Listed as below.
Best Bets:
Sunday July 25: Animal Kingdom
Monday July 26: Magic Kingdom or Epcot
Tuesday July 27: Animal Kingdom
Wednesday July 28: Magic Kingdom or Epcot
Thursday July 29: Animal Kingdom
Friday July 30: Epcot
Saturday July 31: Magic Kingdom or Disney Hollywood Studios
Sunday August 1: Animal Kingdom
Dining:
The most popular dining places can book up to 180 days in advance at Walt Disney World, so it's important to plan ahead and try to make
ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) for places you really want to try. Don't worry, you'll be able to find great dining on short notice, too.
Best Place for a Publisher Dinner: California Grill. There's a private dining room with access to a fireworks observation deck. Really special views!
Runner-Up: Jiko, due to the excellent South African wine list and the unique atmosphere of the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Best in and around our hotel:
Il Mulino- Italian.
Todd English's BlueZoo- Seafood.
Flying Fish- Seafood (Boardwalk).
Cat Cora's Kouzzina- Greek/Mediterranean.
Best place to grab a bite without reservations. This includes lunch. Also best place for lunch: World Showcase. Runner up: Lunch or tea at the Grand Floridian.
Best park for dining: Epcot. Worst? Disney Hollywood Studios. The very best dining at Disney tends to be in the resort hotels. Bonus: No park admission required.
Best place for breakfast with your agent/editor: Outside the conference hotels, for more privacy, try Grand Floridian Cafe, Kona Cafe, or, close to our resort, Kouzzina (Kat Cora's place).
Most unique atmosphere:
San Angel Inn (Mexico, WS), Sci Fi Dine In (A Drive In theater! DHS), Sanaa (Indian/African at Animal Kingdom Lodge, with a view of animals). Raglan Road (Irish pub, Downtown Disney), 'Ohana (Polynesian Resort, always crowded, hard to book). Biergarten (Bavarian village, Germany, WS.)
Best Place to Feel Like a Princess: Cinderella's Royal Table at Cinderella Castle, but I prefer the Grand Floridian (also, best place for the Harlequin Party, at a Grand Floridian Ballroom, or maybe they can rent out the Atlantic Dance Hall, fun!). *Apparently, Harlequin went slightly off property to an also lovely location.
My Favorite Disney Dining:
California Grill (Contemporary Resort)
Narcoossee's (Grand Floridian Resort)
Grand Floridian Cafe (Grand Floridian Resort)
Raglan Road (Downtown Disney)
Boma (buffet, and I usually hate buffets- Animal Kingdom Lodge)
'Ohana (cheesy fun at the Polynesian)
Flying Fish Cafe (Boardwalk)
Chefs de France (World Showcase)
Tokyo Dining (World Showcase)
My Favorite Quick Service Dining at WDW:
MK- Columbia Harbour House
Epcot- Yakitori House, Tangierine Cafe.
Animal Kingdom- FlameTree Barbecue
Downtown Disney- Earl of Sandwich, Cooke's of Dublin
Dolphin- Picabu, a 24 hour cafe.
Best Places to grab a drink:
Dolphin's Lobby Lounge
Boardwalk's Jelly Rolls (Dueling Pianos) or Atlantic Dance Hall (Yes, Jacquie D'Alessandro, I said Dance!)
ESPN Club (Boardwalk)
Beach Club's Martha's Vineyard
Yacht Club's Ale and Compass
Grand Floridian's Mizner's Cafe
Polynesian's Tambu Lounge (try a Lapu Lapu!)
World Showcase- Pick a country. Wine Tastings in France, Germany, Italy. Refreshing frozen drinks at France, Mexico, China, Japan (non alcoholic green tea slushes and bubble tea!).
Cheers, RWA! Looking forward to a fabulous conference!
Still have Disney questions? Ask in the comments, and I will do my best to answer.
