Thread by @GailSimone

Okay, so here's a little thread, it doesn't have a punchline, it's just a fun thing that happened that I never thought would happen. 1/

As is obvious to most of you, @rocketspouse and I are fans of the classic theme parks, the ones with a lot of history. We have a library of books about the building of Disneyland, for example, and know a terrifying amount of trivia about it. 2/

@RocketSpouse We agreed to do Free Comic Book Day at a store with like in Southern Cal (@4colorfantasies!) and decided to spend a couple days at Knotts and a couple at Disneyland, at the Paradise Pier Disney hotel. 3/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies We were already pretty excited, and in the airport on the way down, I get a note on facebook from someone who follows me, that I don't really know that well, except that they are nice and funny. 4/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies And, it's a husband and wife, I can't say their names, but they are super nice, and they ask if I would like free passes, oh, and by the way, would I like to go to Club 33, do I have any interest in that at all? 5/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies My head exploded. Many of you know this already, but Disneyland has a secret club, a restaurant in New Orleans Square, that is hidden in plain sight, for a ridiculously exclusive cliental. I have always, always wanted to go, but thought it was a dream. 6/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies By 'exclusive,' I mean that it costs tens of thousands to join and some terrifying number of dollars for yearly dues. The waiting list to join used to be up to ten years, now they don't even have that option, you have to be referred. 7/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies Famously, it's the only place that serves alcohol in Disneyland and most people walk right by the door to it and never know it's there. It's supposed to be SWANKY SWANKINGTON. 8/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies It was one of the last projects at Disneyland that Walt helped personally supervise and his wife Lillian helped pick decorative items. I may get some of this history wrong, pardon me if I do. 9/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies So we of course said yes without knowing anything, when we were going, what it would cost, anything. When you agree, you get an email and itinerary that is very extensive, about what you are not supposed to do while there...don't film celebrities, for example. 10/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies You also can't take any photos at all in the bathroom, which became a bit of a thing later because MAN the bathrooms were gorgeous! But if you mess up, it reflects badly on the member who hosted you. 11/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies So, the scary thing is, there's a fairly serious dress code, and we brought NOTHING for that. We came for FCBD and theme parks. We were without a car, had to shop at Downtown Disney, where they don't really sell dress shoes, it was tricky, and we worried about it. 12/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies Every day we got more and more excited. They don't want people to give TOO much detail but I was told it was okay to show/talk about the meal. Which is five courses and takes up to three hours. Yikes! 13/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies All my life I have dreamed of going. This gorgeous, exclusive restaurant that was imagined by Walt and Lillian, that has props from various favorite Disney films, and it just never seemed remotely possible. But we were invited, and every day we got more excited/nervous. 14/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies I don't want to show a lot of pictures, I don't want to ruin it for anyone. But it really is special. You're treated like a star, and the entire thing is beautiful. It was a BIT amusing that the door was moved from where I heard it was, so we were almost late. 15/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies You're given a hot towel and warm Southern tea, which was delicious, while you wait briefly. Then you are taken through the restaurant and it's got beautiful Disney art and photographs on the wall, remarkable, historic stuff. 16/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies Then you meet your staff for your table, they couldn't be more lovely and polite and kind, and there you are, holding the menu, and it's pretty damn cool, is what. :) 17/

@RocketSpouse @4colorfantasies Outside is the theme park, people running and trying to get in queues, you're inside this lovely oasis. It's astounding. And here's what we had for dinner. Again, I know this is a bit inside baseball, but for Disney fans, maybe they'll appreciate it! 18/

First was the amuse-Boucher, which was a simple, but delicious ham and cheese croquette. Creamy and with a nice crunch. 19/

Next was the appetizer, we both had the Sautéed crab claws with garlic butter, chili flakes and lemon. I can not describe how huge and delicious these were. The best crab I’ve had. Ever. 20/

Next we both chose the Coastal strawberry salad with white radicchio, Belgian endive, and tangerine vinaigrette. This is, again, possibly the best salad I’ve ever had, it just burst with fresh berries and citrus. Also shown is the bread course...delicious. 21/

Then we varied. I had the roasted duck, with sautéed kale, gnocchi, hazelnuts, and sun dried tomato pesto, it was extraordinary.
@RocketSpouse had fa a bean and potato pierogi with morel mushrooms, English pea, and whipped creme fraiche. Also delicious. Getting full! 22/

At this point, we were maybe ninety minutes in, it’s a long experience. But the wait staff is incredible and you just soak it all in.

Next was a little mango sorbet palate cleanser. It was made from fresh juice and had pineapple in it, delightful. 23/

Main course! I had the best dish of the night, sea bass with duck sausage, fennel, sungold tomato nage, artichoke panel and carrot coulis. I am out of words for this, it was transcendent. Hubby had Creekstone New York with tarragon and thyme, and potato gratine. Loved it. 24/

They give you a little break, then bring desert...we asked for tea, which they bring in gorgeous pots. It was the best tea I have had in my life. We have traveled everywhere, this was the best we’ve had. It was also 14 dollars apiece. ;) WORTH IT. 25/

Desert course! I had the warm Valhrona chocolate bread pudding with bananas foster, and fresh pecan ice cream. Hubby had orange angel food cake with Harry’s berries and black sesame ice cream. These are what they serve in heaven. 26/

It takes a long time, but you never feel impatient, just spoiled and leisurely. Everwhere you look is something beautiful, it feels completely timeless. It was a dream come true for me. 27/

Then when you go, they give you a little box of truffles. Oh, and I may have bought a hat...;). 28/

This is why I don’t fret the weirdos and trolls online. These people I barely know reached out with a kindness,like this, that I’ll remember forever. A perfect dream come true.

And I miss those crab claws! Thank you, my new friends! 30/

Messed up the numbering right at the end!

Anyway, thanks for sharing this with us, it was a very happy evening!

And now, back to Cyclops... end/

Sorry for the typos, was typing in a hurry! End+1/