Pre-trip: My Disney Conference Adventure (and booksigning!)

[SBETigg]

Almost every year, I attend the Romance Writers of America annual conference to stay in touch with readers, industry professionals, and all my writing friends. This year, it was supposed to be in Nashville at the Opryland hotel, but nature had other plans. Flooding happened (and I am still so sorry for Nashville's losses), and we were rebooked to Walt Disney World's Dolphin resort. (Yes, about a thousand women booked into the Dolphin and Swan for a conference. If you're staying there, I am sorry and please know in advance that we are well behaved ).

If you love books, we're hosting a big booksigning to benefit literacy in the Dolphin ballroom on Wednesday July 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Signed books make great gifts, and there are about 500 authors signing. Nora Roberts, Meg Cabot, Suzanne Brockmann, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and me- to name a few. I would be so delighted to see any of you there.

I arrive on Tuesday, July 27. I plan to be in the parks (thinking AK) with my friends, which will be a new experience. I have only been with my husband and kids for years now. I've made us dinner plans at Kouzzina for that evening, and I can't wait to try it. Afterwards, we're headed to Epcot for EMH.

Wednesday, I'll be in the MK during the day until it's time to get ready to sign books. Then after the signing, I'm headed to DHS. I need to ride TSM while it's open, because when I come back with my family in August, it will be down. (That's right, I get two trips in a month! So excited! Feeling spoiled.)

Thursday and Friday, big conference days. I'll be able to steal some time in Epcot in the morning on Thursday. My publisher is taking me to dinner at the California Grill (Napa Room). (Yay! My favorite, and we're there for fireworks!)

Friday, lunch at Fresh, Mediterranean Market at the Dolphin. Another new-to-me place. I have a publisher event, and another booksigning. I might skip out of the cocktail parties early to head to MK for EMH (open late, how can I resist?). But I will be on my own, because I don't think my friends will skip out on the parties. Should be fun. I've never been alone at the MK.

Saturday, our big awards ceremony, the RITAs, and I am attending because it's always like going to the Oscars except authors are the celebrities. I'm not up for any awards, but dressing up is fun.

Sunday, I scheduled my flight late, and convinced my roommate to do the same. I will be showing her around Epcot until our evening departure time. She has never been to WDW!

Most looking forward to:
* Dinner at Kouzzina, new for me.
* Dinner at the California Grill, my favorite, and what a treat!
* Checking out the Cava del Tequila and maybe getting a glimpse of the new Via Napoli.
* MK, solo, late at night.
* Signing books at WDW! Two of my favorite things together.
* Seeing WDW through the eyes of a new visitor.

[yjgirl32]

Wow that is so cool. MY Mom would be in heaven if she was there. SHe LOVES to read. I hope you have a great time. Enjoy.

[DizNee143]

sounds like its going to a nice mix of things for you!! hope you have a great time!!

[Disney4us2]

Looks like you have great plans. Have a good trip

[princessgirls]

Have a wonderful trip!!!

Enjoy the time with your friends in your favorite place!

Julie

[Strmchsr]

Sounds like a great trip Sherri! I hope you have a blast.

[Melanie]

Ahhhh, wish you guys were doing the book signings Friday or Saturday.

Have a great trip/conference and enjoy your alone time. It's a whole new and exciting perspective.

[SBETigg]

Ahhhh, wish you guys were doing the book signings Friday or Saturday.

Have a great trip/conference and enjoy your alone time. It's a whole new and exciting perspective.

I always thought weekends would make more sense for the signing event, too. It's always on Wednesday, which limits the local crowds coming in at any given location. We do raise a lot of money every year, though, so I guess it's working. I just like to see long lines. Unfortunately, I usually see them for other authors, like Nora (line around the block). I get short lines. Which could be a selling point, I suppose. No wait! Step right up.

[magicofdisney]

I've twice had the opportunity to enjoy the MK at night, by myself. It was unique. I can't wait for next year to do it again.

Your trip sounds exciting. I hope you have a wonderful time.

[mouseketeer mom]

Oh, I wish I was there for the booksigning. We miss it by two days. I may see you at the MK Friday night, but thats debatable. Our flight out to MCO is super duper early on Friday so depending on our energy level will determine if we are at MK Friday eve as well. We may opt to watch the fireworks from the Poly beach instead. But I'll keep an eye out if we are there, and visa versa!!! I wish you a wonderful trip with your friends, and lots of signing opportunities. So we both have multiple Disney trips over the next month! Us, WDW and DL in August, then WDW in Sept again!!!

[DisneyorBust]

It sounds like a fantastic trip has been planned, between the conference and sharing WDW with someone who's never been there, it should make for some great memories.
And congratulations on two trips in one month!
Have a wonderful time.

[faline]

What a fabulous trip, Sherri! I hope you'll provide us with all the details when you get back home!

[SandmanGStefani24]

I always like to read about Intercotees in the planning, or Pre-Trip phase as you called it! It gives me a little of that joy one has they get ready to go.

BTW let us know how Cava del Tequila is..

[RedSoxFan]

Sherri: Have a great time. I'm still reading your book (almost 1/2 done). I don't spend a lot of time reading; but I am enjoying your book very much.

[KylesMom]

What a wonderful mix of business & pleasure you have going! Looks like we'll potentially be at AK & Epcot on the same days as you. If you hear someone yelling, "Hey INTERCOT Sherri!", you'll know it's me! And if we don't run into you, I hope it's a very successful event - and that you have a great time throughout your trip. Unfortunately, I don't think I could get the guys to head over to the Dolphin for this gig.

[vizsla]

Thanks for the report.

[MizMissy]

Sounds like a great trip! And, knowing you have a family trip planned shortly after you return, means you can enjoy this trip with no pressure and no depression when you leave!

[SBETigg]

Carol, we've had James Patterson and Andrew Gross signing in the past, but yeah-- it's a tough draw for the guys. I hope I run into you in the parks!

Tracey, thanks!

Forgot to mention that I'm probably most excited about trying a new resort, the Dolphin. I've never stayed close to Epcot before. We have a hard time breaking away from the monorail line. Can't wait to report on the Dolphin stay! Thanks for all the support.

[slegrant]

Sounds like a great plan, have so much fun

[betteratmk]

Just bought your book and am taking it to the hospital for when I have surgery! I know it will keep my mind off of everything! Have the best trip!! Aren't you excited?