Last week, before Global Traveler held its fourth annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards at the Sofitel Beverly Hills, the GT staff flew in and we all took a limo to Disneyland. Seeing Disneyland for the first time at age 31 was an absolutely entertaining experience and much different from what I saw as a child visiting Disney World in Florida. One of our Globility Board members is a member of the private Club 33, which is located in the heart of Disneyland’s New Orleans Square and features an exceptional supper club, and he invited us to join him for an elaborate dining experience. When we arrived at the park, we walked around and found ourselves in line for It’s a Small World. I was beyond impressed by the ride’s creativity and global representation. Then it happened, as I knew it would — the song was stuck in my head the rest of the night.

Club 33 highlights the many captivating visions of Walt Disney, and there is a backstory for almost every component. The second-floor balcony of Club 33 overlooks the park, and typically no one even looks up from eye level. It was like we were invisible. Certainly, it provided a different perspective. It was a truly magical experience, not to mention, the culinary adventure and wine pairings were perfect all around! I’m still daydreaming about the delicious seven-course meal and excellent service. After dinner, we walked through the now-closed park, which felt completely different from when we entered Club 33. The park was empty and quiet, and all we could stare at was the perfectly lit castle and Walt Disney’s statue with Mickey Mouse. It was a surreal moment and truly mesmerizing.

I’m grateful to finally visit the happiest place on Earth.

— Rafie Iannello, account director, Pacific Rim