I Had A Holiday Lunch At Disney's Invite-only Club 33 And It Made Me See Why Someone Would Sue To Keep Their Membership

Disneyland's Club 33, named for its address on 33 Royal Street in New Orleans Square, features the numbers throughout its decor.

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

• For Christmas, I was gifted a lunch at Disneyland's elite Club 33, an invite-only club in the park.
• The holiday prix-fixe meal featured roasted salmon, lobster tail, filet mignon, and specialty pastries.
• As a foodie and Disney fan, I had high hopes for Club 33 — and the meal still exceeded expectations.

This year, as a Christmas present, I was gifted a rare experience I doubted I'd ever get a chance to try: dining at the exclusive Club 33 at Disneyland.

As a Disney fan and a foodie, I'd long heard rumors about the elite, members-only club with a secret entrance on Royal Street in New Orleans Square. Business Insider previously reported that, in addition to a yearslong membership waitlist, there is a $25,000 to $100,000 initiation fee to join Club 33, as well as an annual price tag ranging between $12,500 and $30,000, depending on the membership level.

This year, the mysterious club again made headlines after an Arizona couple said they spent $400,000 on legal fees pursuing a lawsuit to regain entry after their membership had been revoked.

And while that's far too rich for my blood, after thoroughly enjoying my lunch there, I can see why they'd fight so hard to maintain access.

Here's a glimpse at the seasonal holiday experience being offered this year at Club 33's Le Grand Salon restaurant, which — despite my already high expectations — left me feeling surprised and delighted at every turn.

Club 33's theme is not subtle; the numbers are featured prominently in the restaurant's artwork and custom dishware.

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

Dining at Le Grand Salon, you won't ever forget you're having a luxurious — and exclusive — experience. The park's staff is already known for their commitment to customer service, but Club 33 takes things to another level.

Guests enter the club through a secret door across from La Mascarade d'Orleans, a store in New Orleans Square, using a buzzer to check in for their reservation. After passing through the Court of Angels — a pristinely appointed courtyard where you can get your picture taken — you're greeted by hosts who already know your name and seat you for your meal.

Photos are allowed in the dining area and courtyard but not in the bathrooms or members-only lounge.

Club 33's seasonal menu featured flavors like cranberry, sweet potato, and warm brown sugar.

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

The hosts whisk any nonessential items you're carrying to a complimentary coat check — no hoodies allowed inside, or yoga pants, or dirty tennis shoes, for that matter.

The club's iconic "33" logo is featured prominently throughout the venue, including on its dishware, menus, and artwork on the walls and floor.

While you wait for your food, you're encouraged to explore the balcony overlooking New Orleans Square, interact with the animatronic turkey vulture Alfred, the club's mascot, and admire the concept art and handpainted vintage harpsichord Walt Disney gifted his wife, Lillian, which now decorates the lounge.

The delicious meal at Club 33 was accented by impeccable service and attention to detail, like the dishes used to serve the roasted salmon appetizer and complimentary '1st Visit' pin.

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

The three-course prix fixe meal costs $140 per person for lunch, with an optional wine pairing available for an additional $75. The cocktail menu is just as thoughtfully curated as the rest of the experience, with classic options like mint juleps and whisky sours available alongside seasonal re-imaginings like the "Winter Solstice Spritz" and "Butter Rum Drummer Boy."

Alcohol is still served only in a few select locations at Disneyland, and Club 33 offers the largest variety of options anywhere in the theme park.

The tender and juicy filet mignon served at Club 33 had a beautiful crispy sear on the outside and was cooked to perfection.

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

Though it was difficult to choose — everything looked delicious, and there were more options than we had diners at the table — I decided on roasted salmon for my appetizer, a filet mignon cooked medium for my entrée, and a hot chocolate affogato for dessert.

My partner, who graciously called in a favor of a family friend to get us into the club, had the shrimp appetizer, lobster stew entrée, and warm sticky toffee cake for dessert.

The lobster stew at Le Grand Salon was topped with half of a Maine lobster tail and a flaky, golden puff pastry.

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

We'd had such a difficult time deciding on the details of our meal that our server, Beth, suggested we order her favorite dish — the sweet potato ravioli — à la carte.

While the option came with a $100 price increase, we were ultimately glad we splurged because the dish was one of the best things we tasted all day.

Our server, Beth, recommended the sweet potato ravioli entrée — and she was right, we ordered an extra serving à la carte, and it was among the best things we tasted that day.

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

Each dish was executed perfectly. The salmon was flaky, the steak was juicy with a beautifully seared crust, and the pasta was smooth and flavorful.

Throughout the meal, my partner and I traded surprised exclamations. While we occasionally enjoy fine dining experiences, we've sometimes found more pomp and circumstance than flavor in high-end restaurants. Not so at Club 33, where every dish prepared by Chef Gloria Tae, the chef de cuisine, was both beautifully presented and delicious to boot.

Club 33's hot chocolate affogato was served with peppermint ice cream and warm chocolate chip cookie bars.

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

I used to work in a bakery and have a particular fondness for desserts. When I tell you I was blown away by Club 33's sweet offerings, I mean it — from the moment I took my first bite, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

I'd ordered the hot chocolate affogato, which came topped with peppermint ice cream and served alongside warm chocolate chip cookie bars. My partner's choice of sticky toffee cake was also exceptionally tasty, with a brown sugar streusel and eggnog sauce.

Club 33's seasonal desserts, like the warm sticky toffee cake, were a highlight of the meal.

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

The dessert offerings were so surprising that I ended up asking our server who Club 33's pastry chefs are — and she mentioned they also cook for the Grand Californian, which means I'll have to plan a visit to the 4-star hotel in the future to try more of their creations.

Before we left, our server presented us with Club 33-themed macaroon cookies, which allowed me to continue enjoying the experience the next day when I finally caved and cracked open the box they were served in.

The Disneyland castle, with its seasonal decorations, lights up after dark.

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

Overall, the experience of dining at Club 33's Le Grand Salon lived up to the hype I'd heard over the years. I'd half expected that I'd have built it up in my head to an unattainable standard, but I really should have known the magic that Disney is capable of pulling off.

And while I haven't been invited to join the club myself — nor do I have $30,000 lying around to join if I did — I now completely understand why Club 33 has earned the reputation it has.