Confessions of a Romance Author: The RWA Diaries, Final Day, Final Thoughs

August 1, 2010

Alcohol units: 5 (gasp, really? Yes. But sample sizes.)

Workshops: 0

Ego: Grounded (conference is over!)

7:00 a.m. Awake and ready to enjoy the day! The plan is to shower, dress, finish packing, check out, and bring our bags down to bell services for the day while we (Julie and I) hit the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

8:00 a.m. Julie has never been to the Magic Kingdom, and I know she's going to love it. I hope she does. What if she doesn't? The bus is on time and we arrive for opening ceremonies. No doubt-- she loves it! We see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and other characters at the park opening, and we're ready to hit some rides.

Lines are low and crowds are almost non-existent. What a beautiful morning! I take Julie on a little tour, stopping for rides along the way. The theming and details have won her over, but wait until she gets on a ride. We start with Adventureland and the Jungle Cruise, laugh at the corny jokes, and then on to Pirates of the Caribbean, and a surprise-- "no roller coasters" Julie thinks she can handle Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

In fact, she loves it and wants to ride again! But so much to do, so little time. We're off to the Haunted Mansion. A walk through Fantasyland. I convince her to try Space Mountain. Fun, but not on her list of things to do again. It's getting late and we opt to head for Epcot for the rest of the day.

11:00 a.m. Julie has never ridden the monorail, so we catch the resort monorail to the Transportation & Ticket Center and then the Epcot monorail. We're in the park by 11:30, in time for lunch. We're hungry! We meander through Future World and catch the boat across the lagoon to Morocco, close to our destination, France! Lunch in France. We add our names to the list of walk-ins at Chefs de France and shop around France until noon. I buy a beret and French milled soaps for my daughter, extra birthday treats, and we're finally ready to wait to be seated.

Julie has the crepe basquaise, a large crepe filled with smoked chicken. peppers, onions, and a cheese, with a nice French white. I opt for the plat de cote de boeuf au cabernet avec pates, beef short ribs braised in cabernet with pasta, pearl onions, and mushrooms and a glass of French red, recommended by the server, from her hometown. Julie's crepe slightly trumps my beef, but both are delicious and service is wonderful. We finish lunch and step outside, where Julie is instantly enchanted by a little street performance, an adorable Frenchman doing handstands on a tower of chairs.

While Julie is caught up in awe, I pop over to the refreshment stand and buy us each a Grey Goose slush, dessert!

We shop in Morocco, in Japan, and head for Italy. In Italy, the charming server talks us into doing the Epcot Wine Walk, 2 2 oz sample glasses in each country, Italy, Germany, and France for $20. Why not? We take our wine and watch another street performance, this one an Italian clown having a ball with his audience (literally, throwing balls to people, too fun!). Then, on to Germany (more wine) and China (tea!), Norway for the Maelstrom (always too short), and Mexico for the boatride (just right). Time is running out. A brisk walk to France for our final wine samples, and back through the International Gateway for the ride back to the Dolphin to claim our bags and get the Mears Shuttle to the airport and home.

Reflections:

It was a productive, educational, fabulous conference! What I learned: networking with friends can be more informative and helpful than attending workshop after workshop. Publishers want to see more paranormal, historical, suspense, and small town contemporaries. The world is changing fast and with digital sales making up more of the sales pie, brick and mortar bookstores are feeling the crunch. Now more than ever, the author has to be their own promo machine and get the word out.

The Dolphin was a fabulous conference hotel. Great service, well-organized, able to handle a crowd. I wish we could have more conferences at Disney World. One plus is that I got to hang out with friends in a non-business setting, get to know people better as people, not just as authors, and we all had a lot of fun. Big Cheers to everyone who worked so hard for the RWA to make the conference possible.

Looking forward to next year, New York City!

Confessions of a Romance Author: The RWA Diaries, Day Two

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Alcohol units: 0

Social gaffes: 0

Ego boosts: 3 (I have a line at signing! People claim to have come in specifically to meet me! My publisher notices I have a line and tweets about it on Twitter!)

6:00 a.m. The phone rings and wakes me with a start. Ugh. The wake-up call I ordered before we went to bed at two a.m. Sleep is for wimps, I tell Julie. The Animal Kingdom awaits!

7:30 a.m. Julie O. and I are showered, dressed, and ready for adventure. We meet Julie K, Dee, and Dee's daughter at the bus stop. The bus never comes. But aha, author Jessica Scott, waiting with her adorable family, saves the day by suggesting we all share a cab. We're at the AK by the 8 a.m. opening.

8 a.m. Julie O. doesn't like big coaster rides. The rest of us can't wait to encounter the Yeti at Expedition: Everest. We split up, Julie heads to the Kilimajaro Safaris with plans to meet us at Dinosaur later. As we walk along, we're all truly overcome with the beauty of the park and Disney's painstaking way with details. Well done!

By ten, we've conquered Everest twice, met back up, and rode Dinosaur twice. Julie O. and I separate off to make lunch reservations and grab FastPasses for the safari (Julie's second of the day) while the rest of us ride Everest again (it's that good). We meet back up, go on safari and see all kind of animals (giraffes, elephants, hippos, warthogs, lions, hmm no zebra, must have been hungry lions.). The ride ends with a capture of some nasty poachers (some guys never learn) and we're off to lunch at the Yak and Yeti.

Among us, we have many tasty dishes: Seared Ahi Tuna, sesame crusted, with wasabi aioli and sweet chili slaw. Crisp Lettuce Cups filled with minced chicken breast, chopped vegetables, and a maple tamarind sauce. Tempura Shrimp with chili-plum sauce, coconut-ginger rice, and stir-fried veggies. Crisp Honey Chicken with broccoli and carrots. And Shaoxing Steak and Shrimp, marinated skirt steak with tempura shrimp, jasmine rice, chili-plum sauce, and stir-fried veggies. The veggies are crisp and delicious. The steak is tender and flavorful. The shrimp, yum, and that dipping sauce is a great touch. Everyone is very happy with their meals. After a wonderful, but filling, lunch, we all waddle like the ducks that wander around the park back to our bus. So much accomplished, and it's barely after noon!

It was pretty hot in the AK and an air-conditioned bus ride is not quite enough to undo the damage of a day in the heat. We're all looking scroungy. Fortunately, not many people are milling around near the elevators for the walk of shame back to our rooms. It's time for some R & R before the big multi-author RWA autographing to raise funds for literacy efforts in Orlando and Nashville (where the conference would have been if not for major flooding).

4:00 p.m. My dilemma begins. What to wear? What to wear? I ask my roomie Julie. Batik sundress with sweater? Or black cardigan with patterned white-black-green dress? Julie chooses the one I wasn't going to wear. It looks more "author of Jane Slayre." Though, none of my clothes actually look like "author of Jane Slayre." Hmm. Julie recommends I develop a signature style. Food for thought. (Fortunately not actual food, since I am still stuffed from our amazing AK lunch).

5:30 p.m. I went against Julie's recommendation and chose the batik print sundress. I feel good. Have a little trouble finding the autographing room. Go wrong way down hall, feel overwhelmed by huge line of waiting book fans, finally turn around and find my place. I set up and expect to have a few hours of sitting and watching the crowd line up for other authors, with the occasional buyer stopping to look at my book (my usual RWA signing experience).

Surprisingly, I stay on my feet awhile. People keep coming, stopping, not just walking by. People say things like "I saw this at the airport." (Yay!) Or, "I bought this last week." (Love it!). One woman (Colleen) has the book, loved the book, came in to the event hoping to meet me. (So cool!). And it's all a blur for a bit because people keep coming and picking up the book. (An actual line!) Then Linda and Gene from MA introduce themselves. They were vacationing at WDW and saw that I would be signing. (Wow, fellow MA residents meeting me in FL!). Then a line again. And Suzie Townsend from FinePrint Literary Management (I'm with Stephany at FinePrint) apparently recommended my book to a few people (xo Suzie, Thanks!). It's an incredible signing for me and I am overwhelmed by the turnout and the number of people who picked up Jane Slayre.

7:30 p.m. The signing is wrapping up and it finally feels quiet enough to leave. I sign the four books left just in case anyone comes in or wants them afterwards.

8:00 p.m. Julie, Dee, Dee's daughter, and I change clothes fast and head to Disney Hollywood Studios park. We can't get enough. The line for Rock n Roller Coaster is too crazy, but we manage to ride Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania, and Great Movie Ride plus grab a bite before park closing time. (Thank you, evening Extra Magic Hours). I tried the chicken and ribs with baked beans and coleslaw at Fairfax Fare. The beans are good, though not the New England style I prefer. The cole slaw, not bad. The chicken and ribs, though, have a fake smoky taste and are not that good. I recommend giving Fairfax Fare a pass. Dee and her daughter fared better with a cheese pizza and a hot italian deli sandwich at Catalina Eddie's.

We head back and I get to bed just after midnight. A good thing, because Thursday is the first full day of conference and I expect a busy day. But before bed, at midnight, a phone call to my daughter. It's her birthday! She's turning 17. And yes, I am at Walt Disney World without her, but I know she forgives me. "It's business." :)

Confessions of a Romance Author: The RWA Diaries Day One

Julie Ortolon, Sherri, and Dee Davis.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Alcohol units: 1 margarita, 1 wine flight (three 2 oz glasses).

Social gaffes: 1 *appearing at conference in disarray.

Ego Deflators: 2, not recognized by bigger authors in the room. Put off for seating at Kouzzina (do you know who I AM?!).

3 a.m, my bedroom. Radio alarm goes off. Tainted Love. I try not to take it as a sign... at least it isn't Bad Romance.

5:30 a.m, Bradley Airport. Have cleared security after five scans of carry-on bag. Who knew eyelash curler could be confused with a deadly weapon? March to gate and prepare to board plane. Flash smug grin to suckers who did not sign on to Southwest early enough to score prime A21 seating number as I have. Choose window seat in front of wing. Wonder if the Lost crew would approve my choice.

8:30 a.m. Orlando. Smooth flight, easy landing. Now to find ground transportation to whisk me to the Dolphin Resort, site of the Romance Writer's of America 2010 Conference, the 30th anniversary of RWA. At Mears counter, run into fellow romance authors. End up in motor coach with 5 women en route to RWA, and one lone businessman who looks very scared indeed. "Please drop me off first," he begs the male driver, as he moves from the back into the front passenger seat. The men will stick together. Safety in numbers. "I have appointments. And stuff."

9:00 a.m. I'm going to Disney World! I can't really see anything out the windows of the motor coach from my middle seat, but excitement builds. Especially after we drop off our businessman. Almost there!

9:30 a.m. At the Dolphin at last! I glance around the lobby as I head for the check-in line. It's beautiful, with whimsical decor and a large Dolphin fountain at the center. Disney theming, check. Though, technically, the Dolphin is a Starwood property, located at Disney, and not a Disney hotel. As I realize when they let me check in and my room is ready (actually ready!) before 10 a.m. (this almost never happens on Disney property for me). I check in, check my 10th floor view (of the Tower of Terror, yes!), fix my hair, hope I won't look like too big a dork in the lobby in my park clothes around other romance authors (navy polo dotted with Mickey silhouettes, tan shorts, white socks and Asics running shoes), and head out.

All clear, no authors spotted. I sprint past the Dolphin fountain to Guest Services to buy my park pass. My new publicist calls to discuss our PR plan. Not now, Tom, I'm in Disney World! But of course, I talk with him. He's sorry he can't make it. He would have been at conference if it had stayed in Nashville as originally planned. We'll have to meet in person some other time.

10:15 a.m. Time to get my ride on! I'm supposed to meet friends (authors Dee Davis, Dee's daughter, and Julie Kenner) at the parks, but I can't seem to get in touch. We discussed possibly meeting at the Animal Kingdom, so I head there on the bus. Halfway there, a text message. They're at Hollywood Studios. I get off the bus at Blizzard Beach (a water park, one stop before the Animal Kingdom) and change buses to go back to Disney Hollywood Studios. I wish I had managed to connect with them before bus. The Studios is an easy boat ride from the Dolphin. But-- I'm at Disney World! All is well.

11:14 a.m. By the time I arrive at the Hollywood Studios, my friends are on to the Great Movie Ride. I decide to wait at the ride exit so I don't miss them. (How did we survive before cell phones and easy texting?) I sip a frozen lemonade while I wait. Good stuff. I've been in Disney World for over an hour and I still haven't ridden anything! I'm sweating and I start to panic. What if I miss my friends and wait here all day while they are having fun? What if they think my park outfit is dorky and unprofessional? What if they notice the pounds I've gained and they all look fit and trim? What if... They come out and end my torture. They look the same as they always do to me (adorable and welcoming-- they're my friends! And also in park clothes and sweaty, yay! Hugs all around.)

11: 42 a.m. But everyone is hungry, so we head to the Backlot Express. It's air-conditioned, bonus. Dee's daughter grabs a table. The rest of us order and bring the food. I have the double cheeseburger (though I only want a single) with fries. Dee's daughter has chicken breast nuggets with fries. Dee has the grilled turkey and cheese with arugula and red peppers with fries. And Julie has the Southwest Salad with Chicken, mixed greens with tortilla strips, black bean relish, avocado, and cilantro vinaigrette. We all agree our food is okay, meets but does not exceed expectations with the exception of Dee's turkey sandwich, that she declares really good. The addition of the red peppers moves it beyond the ordinary. I remove a patty from my cheeseburger. It's just too much food. Even if I wasn't painfully aware of every pound I have gained since last RWA conference.

12: 30 p.m. After lunch, we head for Star Tours. Julie claims it as her favorite ride. I don't reveal that I get nauseated on Star Tours. Usually, I do better with a full stomach and the lunch was fairly filling. I think I will survive. And I do. Star Tours has a minimal wait, maybe ten minutes in line. We get the front row. I've ridden many times, but have never been in front. We all agree that the ride is dated and could use some updates, but it's still a lot of fun making our simulated journey to Endor that goes awry.

1:00 p.m. After Star Tours, we split up again. My friends have FastPasses to Rock n Roller Coaster and I decide to browse the Star Tours gift shop for a gift for my editor, a suspected fan of Star Wars. I find something that she probably already has, but pick it up in the off chance that she doesn't, and meet my friends outside of RnRC. We opt to ride Twilight Zone Tower of Terror next, and I'm thrilled. One of my favorite rides! And it does not disappoint.

2:00 p.m. We're all hot and tired and ready for a break. But, we're disheveled and a bit sweaty. Dare we walk through a hotel lobby of romance writing professionals? We call it our new Walk of Shame and brazen on through, of course running right into Teresa Medeiros, Christina Dodd, Emily March, and other professionally-attired authors who eye our appearance with suspicion, but manage warm and friendly greetings. Except, no one seems to know who I am. Perhaps that is best in my current attire. The worst has happened. We have been spotted in our natural park-going state. After picking up our registration packets, we might as well head for the lobby bar.

We run into my conference roommate, author Julie Ortolon, who is all checked in and of course lovely in fresh citrus colors and crisp white. Trademark big hair, chunky jewelry, and no sign of perspiration. Julie! She'll get to stand out in comparison to the rest of us. "Look, we do clean up nicely. When we clean up."

Claire Delacroix aka Deborah Cooke joins us at the bar and Eloisa James pops in to introduce her friend Laurie Kahn, who is producing a documentary on the romance genre. Julie O. and Deb get into a heated discussion of... well, what happens at the RWA bar stays at the RWA bar.

4:00 p.m. We all head to our rooms to unpack, refresh, and get ready for dinner. I feel much better after a shower. We all choose park clothes that will be acceptable for a casual restaurant, with plans to hit Epcot after the meal.

7:30 p.m. Julie Kenner, Dee Davis, Dee's daughter, Julie Ortolon, and I meet in the lobby and proceed to meet Whine Sister and friend Jacquie D'Alessandro at the Dolphin's sister resort, The Swan. Jacquie is, of course, adorable in peach sweater and skirt. We walk across the Boardwalk to Cat Cora's Kouzzina, admiring the sights and stopping for pictures along the way.

At Kouzzina, check in does not go smoothly. They mistake me for another party. I correct it on the way to the table. We return to the hostess desk and wait some more. They give us a buzzer so that we can wander around until our table is ready. The buzzer buzzes. They find my name, but try to seat the 6 of us at a table for 4. We return to the desk and wait some more. Finally, we're seated and eager for a great meal.

We opt to share some appetizers. Crisp Calamari and Lemon - Coated in Three Flours with Spicy Yogurt and Garlic Yogurt. Spanakopita - Traditional Phyllo Pie of Spinach, Feta, Leeks, and Dill. And some sort of grilled goat cheese served with thick crispy toasts. The calamari is the big hit. Yum.

Some of us order wine flights with our meal, like the Cat Flight, 'Cat Flight' - Cat Cora's Own "Coranation" Wines $17.00

Coranation, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley - Well structured, with ripe apple, blood orange, spice and pear notes that are juicy and refreshing, with terrific focus.

Coranation, Chardonnay, Russian River - Cat Cora designed the perfect Chardonnay for her cuisine with tropical fruit, vanilla, and spice.

Coranation, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast - Cherries, cranberries, cinnamon, clove and rose petals with clove, vanilla, and roasted pecan nuances.

Yum, yum, and yum. All good. We toast our absent sisters, Kathleen O'Reilly (joining us tomorrow), Julia London, who could not make it to conference this time, and Kathleen Givens. But the big highlight of the evening, besides the love and laughter that flows faster than the wine, is the food at Kouzzina. Once the food arrives, we all sample each others and the conversation ceases except for occasional exclamations like "OH." "Ohhhhh." and "Oh my gosh." I joke that we were having foodgasms. Yes, the food is that good. Jacquie and I have the Fisherman's Stew - Scallops, seasonal Fish, Shellfish, Fennel, Grilled Bread, and Ouzo Butter. Julie, Julie, and Dee's daughter have the Slow-cooked Lamb Shank served with Oven-baked Gigantes Beans and Pepper Sauce. Dee orders the Kouzzina Trio - tasting size portions of Pastitisio, Char-grilled Lamb Burger, and Cinnamon-stewed Chicken with Orzo, and the lamb burger was the biggest surprise of them all. Not your ordinary burger. Well worth a try.

And finally, dessert. We decide to split the traditional Baklava, and it's amazing, served warm with a scoop of pistachio ice cream. We linger and say our goodnights to Jacquie, who will not be joining us in parks. (I don't know how she could pass it up).

10:00 p.m. We fight off our urges to descend into food coma bliss and move on to Epcot, where the Cast Member (Disney employs cast members, not mere employees) at the gate goes above and beyond the call of duty to make our night extra special (I can't say more, but yay for CMs who go above and beyond). It's just after IllumiNations, and the crowds are headed to the main entrance. Epcot is open till midnight for Disney resort guests only. It's dark and the countries are all lit up and twinkling. I enjoy showing Julie O (who has never been) all the sights and she is obviously impressed, as we all are, by the beauty of World Showcase at night. But we're here to ride and Test Track awaits.

The standby line at Test Track advertises a 40 minute wait, but we don't have long to enjoy the park. We opt to break down the group to take advantage of the much shorter Single Rider line. Great idea! We're on the ride in 10 minutes. Julie K and Julie O (our first timer who declares herself scared of roller coasters) get to ride in a car together with a really sweet family. The rest of us are all broken up. But it's so fun! I love the rush of that last high speed ride around the track. Julie O says "Can we do it again?!"

But no, we're off to Spaceship Earth. The animated ending and Judy Dench narration is new to Dee and daughter, and they laugh when they see their future selves. After Spaceship Earth, we decide to wait in the long line for Soarin. It's a half hour to park close, so why not give it a go? And no one is disappointed. The wait is just about the whole half hour followed by one excellent ride (even though we end up in the bottom row). After a wonderful time, we drag our way back through World Showcase, keeping each other from falling down in exhaustion along the way, to the International Gateway, straight onto the boat, and to our beds.

Tomorrow, it's the Animal Kingdom, the big booksigning, and maybe more time at Disney Hollywood Studios at night.

Romance Writers of America: We're Going to Disney World

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

For updated park schedules and parks with Extra Magic Hours, check the resort's website or the Walt Disney World Calendars.

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.