I’m afraid I’ve been very remiss in writing this entry, but it is finally here. I have loved this blog and all of the wonderful people I’ve met through it, but I never expected this blog to make one of my lifelong dreams come true.

What’s this?

That’s right–thanks to an incredibly generous and sweet blog reader, I finally got to eat at Club 33. This exclusive club is open to members only and I have coveted an opportunity to eat there. When one of my readers offered to sign me in as a guest, I just about wet my pants from excitement.

The happy couple

It really was ideal start to finish, especially with my mother-in-law wrangling the little Mouseketeers at home.

Ringing the special doorbell was a real trip. It was like knocking on the wardrobe leading to Narnia. In fact, the whole thing was rather surreal. It’s one of those things that you’ve dreamed about and waited so long to do that when you’re actually doing it, it barely seems real. Because it’s so awesome.

The table is set

Did you know that those placeholder plates are called “chargers”?

I did.

But I don’t know why.

I really really really really really really want one of these

Our seats were perfect. We were right against a window looking out over New Orleans Square to the Rivers of America (which would become important later).

Love the wrought-iron balcony

We were in the main dining room, which was not large, but grandiose.

Elbow not included

Also the menus were very classy. You had to order a minimum of $80–or the general equivalent of a park admission, since members are allowed to invite a certain number of guests into the park for free to dine at the Club. We conveniently had our annual passes, but decided it might be a little tacky to ask if they had an AP discount. Instead we both decided to order the prix fixe chef’s menu. What a fantastic choice.

The wine list was also quite satisfying and we found a nice bottle to share.

And I’m not gonna lie–this was back in May so I honestly don’t remember what it was that we ate. I’ll have to ask Kevin.

Wow, I was having a great hair day!

I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from the food. Everyone said the food was excellent, but I’ve found that I occasionally have different taste opinions than many others.

I’m delighted to say that everyone was right.

Duck appetizer. I love duck.

I think the Napa Rose in the Grand Californian serves some of the best food in town, and Club 33 was definitely of that quality.

These short ribs were amazing

It was at that point that we had to take a break in our dining, because Fantasmic! started and for realz, people–how often do you get the opportunity to watch Fantasmic! from your dinner table at Club 33 (well, probably often if you’re a member, but not often if you’re me).

Skinny balcony

At first I just scooted my chair over, but then I realized that people were going out on the balcony! Well, when in Rome…

Crowd view

The balcony is very skinny, no more than two people long. Wide? I mean the distance between the building and the rail–about two people or one chair. The other problem was that there was a giant tree directly in our view.

Obstructed view! I demand a discount!

The only way to get a good look at Fantasmic! was getting close to the floor of the balcony and peeking through the bars. And you know what? I’m not too proud to do that.

It did get a little chilly

It was amazing seeing the show from up there. Especially with the zoom lens.

As usual, the photography is not great, but I can’t convey how exciting it really was up there.

Afterwards we headed back inside to finish our meal. I couldn’t help but savor every minute. And then we decided to take a few pictures of the place.

The visible wine racks

Did you know that Club 33 is the only place you can buy alcohol in Disneyland Park?

Of course you did.

They do serve alcohol in CA Adventure though.

The gorgeous bar

And then…yep, I had to use the facilities. And yep…I brought my camera with me.

I mean seriously people, you’re talking about the person who parked her rear on the balcony to watch a show she’s seen several times already.

Like I’m going to pass on this experience.

The art on the way was fabulous. I completely want this:

Yo ho!

The ladies room had an entrance area, then a small vanity and two stalls. It was all quite lovely.

This was just regular Kleenex

Nice and private

The toilets had an old-fashioned feel. Actually they seemed a bit weird, but I got used to it once I realized that I was using the restroom in CLUB THIRTY-THREE.

They flushed normally though

Cheese!

I almost did take one of these, but what would I do with it?

And cool little decorations

And I hate to leave you in the restroom, but this entry is getting quite long, and we still haven’t covered dessert and the grand circle tour! Stay tuned…

Thank you so much, everyone, for all of the wonderful emails and comments wishing us well!!! Our trip to China was wonderful and our new daughter is amazing. And yes, she’s already been to Disneyland :). It’s been a whirlwind of activity since we got home–feels like we haven’t stopped moving once. Literally. Violet is a very fast walker with tons of energy, just like her brother, except they’re always running in opposite directions. I don’t have much time to blog, but I thought I’d share a few pictures. Enjoy!

Meeting Violet for the very first time

The mischievous grin

Happy girl!

Theo’s a great big brother (most of the time)

First trip to Disneyland!

Violet LOVED Francis’ Ladybug Boogie, and the tea cups

This is a “roller coaster” we have in the back yard

Theo adores holding Violet while they ride

Hey MYWTM fans-missed me? Well it’s been crazy around here. Last Sunday I went to the hospital with a rather unpleasant stomach ailment and within the space of a week found myself having major emergency abdominal surgery. Oops.  Everything is good now, the surgery was on Friday and I’m having a bit of a rough recovery, but I made it home today and it’s SO good to be in my own bed with my family again. Thanks to everyone who sent good thoughts and pixie dust on Facebook! I’m sure it helped. I’ve got some pictures stored up here so keep an eye on the site (or subscribe or friend me on Facebook) and see when some entries pop up. This is the first I’ve been on a real computer (as opposed to my phone or iPad) in over a week so I’m easing back into computer life. Keep checking back! And I hope YOUR week was better than mine!!!