disney club 33 tour

Disney World Club 33 - Secrets, Cost, Membership, Perks & More

One of Disney World's biggest secrets is Club 33, an elite, exclusive dining club steeped in Disney history and limited to members-only only and invited guests. 

Club 33 came from the mind of Walt Disney himself as a place within the park to host Disneyland VIPs and corporate sponsors.

The first-ever club opened above Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in 1967 and is still in operation today. However, the allure of a secret in-park dining club led Disney to open Club 33 locations at its other theme parks, including Walt Disney World in Florida. 

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Everything To Know about Disney World's Club 33

Like Disneyland's original Club 33 and Disney California Adventure's 1901 Lounge, Disney World's Club 33 locales are also fine-dining restaurants and lounges showcasing Disney's long history.

However, Disney World's Club 33 is different in that it offers four different locations (one at each park), and all uniquely designed to reflect Walt Disney's globe-trotting adventures. 

Where Is Disney World's Club 33?

The following is a breakdown of Walt Disney World's Club 33 locations and where to find them:

• Disney's Hollywood Studios - Spotlight Lounge

Walt Disney World's first Club 33 opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2018 and can be found on the second floor of The Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant. 

Known as Spotlight Lounge, it's rumored to reflect the restaurant's Old Hollywood theme. 

• EPCOT - Constellation Club

EPCOT's Club 33 is called the Constellation Club; but despite its somewhat sleek and modern design, it's housed inside The American Adventure show building, which is inspired by Colonial American architecture like Monticello and Independence Hall. 

As Constellation Club operates in what was previously EPCOT's Disney Visa cardholder lounge, the space offers stunning views of the World Showcase Lagoon and Epcot's nightly fireworks show. 

• The Magic Kingdom - The Captain's Quarters

The Captain's Quarters is Magic Kingdom's Club 33 location and sits right at the entrance to the Adventureland. 

In addition to views of Cinderella Castle across the way, Captain's Quarters is filled with tributes to the now-defunct Adventurer's Club. 

• Animal Kingdom - Harambe House

Tucked between Pandora - The World of Avatar and Africa is Animal Kingdom's Club 33 location, Harambe House. While walking between the two lands, guests can spot the building just off the path which bears the phrase "Thelathini na tutu," which is Swahili for thirty-three. 

How To Join Club 33 - Membership Application Details

To reach out about applying for Club 33 membership, fans are encouraged to contact Disney via [email protected] .

However, the waiting list is known to take years and membership requires a multi-step screening process including written applications and an interview. Ultimately, it's up to Disney who receives the invite.

Still. That's not all. Once approved, prospective members still have to pay an initiation fee to become members and then be prepared to pay an annual fee.

How Much Does Disney World's Club 33 Cost?

Thought the Disney Parks were expensive? Buckle up. 

The last reported cost consisted of a hefty $35,000 upfront fee for membership, followed by an annual fee of $16,000.

What Perks Come With Club 33 Membership?

For those able and willing to fork over the cash and endure the lengthy application process, Disney World Club 33 members enjoy a variety of perks, such as:

• A Walt Disney World Annual Pass for the primary member, a spouse, and any kids under the age of 18 years old (some reports claim the Annual Pass is limited to the park where the individual is a member)
• 50 single-day Park Hopper tickets for family and friends
• Access to Club 33 lounges at all four theme parks
• 5 VIP tours each year
• Entry to VIP events and experiences, including attraction previews and exclusive parties
• Club 33 concierge access
• A select number of Genie+ reservations for Walt Disney World visits
• Ability to purchase exclusive Club 33 merchandise

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Club 33 Membership

The value of membership, frequently asked questions.

Q: What is Club 33?

A: Club 33 is a private Membership club with a variety of tailored experiences for its Members.

Q: Who can I talk to about Club 33?

A: To express interest in Club 33 Membership at the Walt Disney World Resort, contact [email protected] .

Q: I emailed my interest in Club 33. Why haven't I heard back?

A: We are pleased with the interest we’ve received in Club 33 at Walt Disney World Resort. As membership opportunities are evaluated, Club 33 may contact you for further information.

What is Club 33? A Look Inside Disney’s Most Exclusive Club

by Evelyn Long | Jun 14, 2024 | Disneyland , Disneyland Parks , DLR News , Walt Disney World

What is Club 33, and what is in there, anyway? Here is the history of this exclusive club and how to get inside…

If you’ve had the pleasure of enjoying pillowy beignets in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, you may have been chowing down directly below world-famous celebrities. That’s right – an exclusive VIP lounge is hidden in plain sight, where world leaders, pop culture icons, and corporate bigwigs discretely gather.

Known simply as Club 33, the lounge is an ultra-exclusive venue for important figures to duck out of the crowds, cool down with a beverage, and enjoy gourmet cuisine. Membership is highly coveted by powerful Disney fans – so much so that the waitlist is rumored to be over 15 years long (but that’s just a Disney myth!). But if the most prominent big shots are frequenting a lounge located in one of the most popular destinations in the world, how are so many fans unaware of Club 33’s existence?

Well, the answer is simple – Disney does its best to keep the club under wraps. Despite Mickey’s best efforts, a thorough internet deep dive might reveal the park’s best-kept secret! We’ve compiled all of our insider knowledge here – so even if you can’t get past the fifteen-year waitlist, you can still get the scoop on Club 33.

What is Club 33?

So what’s the big deal, anyway? Between the waitlist and the price tag (we’ll get to that later…), it’s easy to question what the appeal of Club 33 really is. In short, Club 33 is a sophisticated and luxurious fine dining establishment for elite guests who value their privacy—and are willing to pay for it.

Club 33 celebrating its 55-year Emerald Anniversary.

For well-known visitors enjoying the park, the club serves as an oasis from gawking fans and the California heat. For business associates such as valued investors and corporate leaders, the club acts as a sophisticated venue for business dealings right in the heart of where the Walt Disney Company began.

To protect the privacy of members and maintain its prestigious reputation, Disney has gone to unmatched lengths to protect the anonymity of members and the air of mystery that surrounds Club 33. However, in the 55 years since the opening of the club, leaked photos and anecdotes from members were bound to slip through the cracks. When curious fans like us piece together info from members and rare news from Disney, the puzzle of Club 33 starts to come alive.

Today, award-winning executive chef Andrew Sutton serves as the culinary leader of Club 33. He and his team present gourmet cuisine in a fine dining setting, accented by the regal sophistication that can only be done by Disney. Members can also enjoy a chilled martini or rich glass of wine in their upscale bar area, prepared by master mixologists, all while looking over crowds of guests below.

The History of Club 33

Any Disney history buff will tell you that the roots of Walt’s classic attractions come from the World’s Fair. Club 33 is no exception to this. The 1964 World’s Fair was highly significant for Walt Disney. There, he engineered and debuted a variety of iconic experiences such as It’s A Small World, Ford’s Magic Skyway, and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln for a handful of major corporations. At the Fair, Walt visited private lounges hosted by corporate sponsors, where potential investors and other special guests were invited to enjoy refreshments and engage in important conversation.

As Disneyland developed, General Electric was set to sponsor the classic attraction, the “Carousel of Progress”— but only under the condition that Walt constructed a private lounge within the park. Although it was originally supposed to be located inside the Carousel of Progress, Walt convinced executives that it would be a better fit within a new area of the park that was under construction: New Orleans Square.

Inspired by the VIP lounges that Walt Disney first witnessed at the 1964 World’s Fair, Club 33 opened in May of 1967 as a private arena within the park where Walt could entertain important visitors. Over half a century later, the club continues to host diplomats, celebrities, and corporate agents in an upscale environment. New Orleans Square, along with Club 33, would be the last land expansion that Walt Disney ever directly oversaw.

Inside the Original Club 33

In 2011, before an extensive refurbishment, Disney Parks Blog described the interior of the club and shared photos.

Elevator Inside Club 33

An incredible elevator Inside Club 33 circa 2011. Photo via Disney Parks Blog

“ Club 33 include[d] two dining rooms and several adjoining areas , all of which [held] a variety of antiques and original works of art. After ascending to the second floor in the unique Victorian-age, French-style lift – a reproduction of one Walt had admired during a trip to Europe – you [would] enter The Gallery. Here [you would] find an oak telephone booth with beveled leaded glass panels adapted from the one used in the Disney motion picture “The Happiest Millionaire” and a rare console table that was found in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Also in The Gallery [were] original works by Disney artists and design studies for New Orleans Square and the Pirates of the Caribbean.”

The Original Lounge

The original Lounge inside Club 33 at Disneyland Park. Photo via Disney Parks Blog

In Lounge Alley, [there was] a beautiful harpsichord – one of the results of the “shopping” trip to New Orleans. It feature[d] a scene showing Jackson Square and the Mississippi River in the 19th Century, hand-painted by WED artist Collin Campbell.

The Main Dining Room

In 2011 this was the Main Dining Room inside Club 33. Photo via Disney Parks Blog

The Main Dining Room [was] decorated in First Empire style, recalling the era of Napoleon and the early 19th Century. The room, decorated with framed artwork by Disney artists, [was] lit by wall sconces and three chandeliers. Fresh flowers, parquet floors, and antique bronzes create an atmosphere of serenity and warmth.

The Disney Room

In 2011, Disney Room, or Trophy Room, was the second dining room inside Club 33. Photo via Disney Parks Blog

The Disney Room, or Trophy Room , [was] the second dining room. It was originally to be the setting for a show featuring five Audio-Animatronics figures: two magpies, an owl, a raccoon, and a vulture who would entertain the guests and even participate in their conversations through the use of microphones which were hidden in the chandeliers above each table. The show never developed, however, and only the vulture remain[ed] on his perch in the corner of the room.

While the original Club 33 was elegant and refined, Imagineers envisioned a fine dining experience that truly leaned into the surrounding area’s devotion to 19th-century New Orleans. Erin Glover, Former Manager, Social Media and Print for Disney Parks Blog, commented at the time that her favorite artifact at Club 33 was a table from the filming of Mary Poppins .

What is Inside Club 33 Now?

 In 2014, Club 33 underwent a major renovation , which included a full re-theme. In 2022, Disney announced that Chef Gloria Tae was named the first female chef de cuisine at Club 33. Disney doesn’t publish any official photos of Club 33 on their websites, brochures, social media, or other promotional material. Glimpses of the club can be trudged up online by determined fans, typically taken by third-party publications during occasional media events. Distributing photos of the interior is strictly prohibited within the club (unless individually approved by management), so photos are still quite rare.

Rare Photos and Videos

Some YouTubers have published photos of their visits to the club, but no video has been permitted for publication:

Disney Parks Blog has occasionally posted stories that include updates or special events at Club 33, and these can offer brief glimpses of the inside.

A Club 33 countertop lined with champagne flutes to honor a fallen marine in 2021. Photo via Disney Parks Blog

Snapping pics of the elite is a major faux pas anywhere, but that mistake can come with some harsh consequences at Club 33! If it’s discovered that a member or their guests posted photos to social media, they risk the suspension of their membership – which includes admission to the park. That being said, getting a peek inside Club 33 is a rare privilege that’s well worth the wait. 

Disneyland’s Club 33 is inspired by the land it resides in – New Orleans! The Big Easy is one-of-a-kind, influenced both by the historcal landscape of the American South and the artistic and architectural contributions of French culture. This marriage between the charming old South and the French art nouveau movement is palpable in all areas of the club, creating a uniquely upscale atmosphere in the middle of Anaheim.

A Club 33 Tour

Visitors enter the club through a quaint courtyard known as the Court of Angels, where New Orleans-style balconies look over a cobblestone area dressed with wrought iron patio tables. A curved staircase welcomes esteemed guests to ascend to an inviting, yet unassuming door, where a small plaque reads “33.” Here, members can scan in and enter the foyer. They are greeted by reception staff at a desk, and they continue through the foyer.

The quiet Club 33 Entrance at Disneyland.

The decor is that which you would perhaps find in a wealthy baron’s estate in the Crescent City, furnished with luxurious antique pieces including a handpainted grand piano that depicts a beautiful Southern landscape. Hallways are lined with bright expansive windows overlooking the park, guiding members toward the two main areas enjoyed by guests: Le Salon Nouveau and Le Grand Salon.

Le Salon Nouveau Lounge

Le Salon Nouveau is Club 33’s very own watering hole, where prestigious members can sip artfully crafted cocktails and savor sommelier-selected wine. The design of the bar is heavily inspired by the art nouveau movement (hence the name), employing the use of ethereal stained glass along the ceiling and elegantly rounded woodwork across the back bar. Several intimate tables are scattered around the lounge, inviting members to sit and converse as they wait for their table.

Le Grand Salon Dining Room

The main dining room, or Le Grand Salon, sends guests back in time to dining parlors of a bygone era in heart of Louisiana. Marble-checkered flooring, wicker-backed dining chairs, and elegant chandeliers continue the New Orleans theming while maintaining the level of upscale dining that Club 33 members are accustomed to.

But this visit to the past isn’t the only in-park oasis that prestigious guests can enjoy across Disney parks…

Club 33 Locations Around the World

Believe it or not, more VIP Disney clubs are tucked away across the globe. No attempt to replicate the original Club 33 in Anaheim, California, could ever capture its one-of-a-kind magic. Thankfully, the other Club 33 destinations hidden around the world are inspired by unique themes that take members on entirely new journeys.

Walt Disney World Clubs

Walt Disney World followed suit just a few years later when not one but four  Club 33-style exclusive dining locations were opened in each of the four parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios. Unlike the other three worldwide locations, these VIP clubs would be coined with their very own names. Although members get access to all four clubs, they do not include the full-service dining that other Club 33 destinations do.

• Hollywood Studios welcomed the Spotlight Lounge, resting above the beloved Brown Derby Restaurant. One could guess that the lounge pays homage to old Hollywood, although our team couldn’t uncover any hidden photos on the web.
• EPCOT now boasts the Constellation Club, hidden away within the America pavilion at the midway point of EPCOT’s World Showcase. The space was previously a lounge for Chase Visa cardholders but has of course since been refurbished. Leaked photos show dark wooden interiors accented by modern touches, while black-and-white photos of Walt Disney watch over members.
• Animal Kingdom offers Harambe House which, as you may guess, is located in Africa.  Unlike the other clubs, the exterior of Harambe House is visible to all guests. The building reads “Harambe House”, with the words “thelathini na tatu” underneath – which means “thirty-three” in Swahili. Snooping guests have managed to snap photos of the interior through the club’s massive windows, which show sweeping hallways, bright open rooms, and organically modern decor.
• Magic Kingdom welcomes members to Captain’s Quarters , which honors the extensive background of the Adventurer’s Club and is appropriately housed in Adventureland. The club is located just beyond the Adventureland sign to the left of Cinderella Castle.

Tokyo Disneyland Club 33

The second exclusive club to open in Disney parks made its debut in 1983 in Tokyo, Japan. The lounge and restaurant venue is located within World Bazaar. World Bazaar is Tokyo Disneyland’s take on Main Street, U.S.A., but is covered by an almost Parisian-style glass ceiling.

Tokyo Disneyland Club 33 members enter the club through a discrete doorway, where they are treated to lavish fine dining presented over multiple courses. The club is exquisitely decorated in an elegant style reflecting the World Bazaar’s turn-of-the-century inspiration. Guests also have the privilege of accessing a spectacular private balcony where they can enjoy incomparable views of Cinderella’s castle.

Shanghai Disney Club 33

It would be 33 years until the next Club 33 destination would be introduced to elite parkgoers. In 2016, Shanghai Disney Resort opened to the public – but not all features of the park would be accessible by everyone. With the park’s opening, Imagineers included the third Club 33 location on Mickey Avenue.

Mickey Avenue, like Tokyo’s World Bazaar, is the equivalent of Main Street U.S.A. Instead of calling upon 19th-century influences like its predecessors, Shanghai Disney’s Club 33 took a more magical route. Inspired by Fantasia , this location pays tribute to the animated classic film through whimsical yet sophisticated furnishings as well as hidden motifs that fans will recognize as they dine.

Who Can Get Into Club 33?

Club 33 is extremely exclusive, only accepting a few hundred members per destination. Additionally, membership to one Club 33 location won’t grant you access to other destinations. With such limited allowance for membership, not just anybody can join the club.

Membership comes with a hefty price tag that filters out most people – for the original Club 33 in Anaheim, members must deposit a $60,000 initial invitation investment along with $25,000 in annual dues. It’s rumored that membership cost varies based on destination, but either way—Club 33 ain’t cheap.

• An annual pass for each year you are a member of Club 33
• 50 single-day guest passes to the parks
• Private VIP tours, offered yearly
• Club 33 merchandise offered only to members
• Miscellaneous VIP services
• Sneak peeks on park news
• Complimentary resort hotel upgrades
• Valet parking
• Access to 1901, the exclusive lounge in Carthay Circle Theater

Club 33 at Disney Parks

On top of monetary cost, an even more challenging obstacle lies in the way of those seeking membership. Club 33 is accessible by invite only – so even if you’ve got the cash, there’s no guarantee that Disney will deem you worthy of the club. Several factors play into whether or not someone is eligible, but as you may expect, the primary variables are fame, money, and influence. Known members include Elizabeth Taylor, Christina Aguilera, Elton John, Tom Hanks, Tiger Woods, Michael Jackson, and Katy Perry.

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INSIDE Disneyland Club 33 – Review, Membership Details, Photos

Nestled in a quiet corner of the park guests stream by the exclusive Disneyland Club 33 dining room & lounge headed for the New Orleans Square bathrooms or a Mickey-shaped beignet. Behind a green door that's painted with a derivative of Disney's “go-away-green” color that's meant to repel guest eyes is a private club that dates back to Walt Disney's era planning the Disney theme parks. The private Club 33 has a sky-high annual membership cost and access is limited to members, their guests, and the most high level Disney executives. Members include notable celebrities, local Southern California business owners, and wealthy Disney fans.

In recent years Club 33 has become much more widely known due to social media and a general growth in the membership of the club – there are now locations in each of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World though they require a separate membership. We frequently get asked how to get into Club 33 to eat and even my most well-connected friends wonder how to join Club 33. I'll dive into all of these questions and the history of Club 33 in this guide based on my own personal experience.

Each time I visit Club 33 I am grateful to be back and always appreciate the kind friends who are members that have taken me into the Club. Note – I am unable to help anyone get a Club 33 reservation personally though we do discuss this below.

Today I'll share what I know about Club 33 based on my personal experience, dispel some urban legends, confirm others, and share the unique hidden touches that are key parts of the experience visiting Club 33. Most importantly, I'll share my Club 33 photos!

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Club 33 Disneyland History

Club 33 came about when Walt Disney decided that they needed a place to entertain corporate partners and friends of the company within Disneyland Park. Initially there was actually a separate private dining room within the Red Wagon Inn (this is the Plaza Inn Disneyland restaurant today) where Walt Disney could entertain corporate guests at the parks. That private dining room, often called “the Hideaway” according to MousePlanet , could be accessed via a a super secret entrance. The dining room had a fully stocked wet bar and was the only place at Disneyland that served alcohol at the time.

As the amount of guests and dignitaries that visited Disneyland grew, a larger VIP space was required. Around this time Walt Disney also visited the 1964 World's Fair in New York where Disney was exhibiting four iconic attractions including Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln and “it's a Small World”. While there Walt experienced the various corporate lounges at the pavilions at the fair. He wanted his own expanded area to host special guests at Disneyland.

During the planning of New Orleans Square, the team decided that it was the right place for an upscale VIP club at Disneyland. Club 33 was added to the plans for the area. Unfortunately, Walt Disney never set foot in the completed Club 33 location as he passed away months before the official opening of the area.

How Club 33 Got Its Name

There are seemingly countless theories of how Club 33 got its name, including:

• There were 33 original investors in Disneyland, whom Walt wanted a place to entertain.
• There were 33 “yay” votes received voting to continue building the club after Walt's death.
• If you turn 33 to the side, you get “mm”, for Mickey Mouse.
• There were 33 lessees of Disneyland while the club was being built.
• Because Club 33 serves liquor, it needed an address in order to obtain a liquor license and the club's official address became 33 Royal Street.

Some have pointed to Club 33 as some sort of “Walt Disney is a free mason, masonic”, connection but that is never anything I have seen or heard from an official source. Club 33

When Club 33 opened in 1967 at Disneyland, the club offered corporate membership but also had an individual membership tier. These membership options have remained to this day over half a decade later.

Though urban legends give a variety of surprising takes Club 33, the location really is just a private lounge and restaurant that can only be accessed by those who are members and their guests. Everyone there just has some connection to a member or is a member themselves. The additional club activities – like a backstage tour of Indiana Jones Adventure or book signing with a Disney Legend – are all just cool experiences that any Disney fan would really enjoy.

The lounge and restaurant are special places that still reflect a feeling of honor as do so many of the aspects of Walt Disney's original theme park.

Club 33 Membership Cost & Price

Disneyland's Club 33 membership requires an initiation fee and annual dues. Information about Club 33 membership costs are very protected; it is believed that initiation fees range from $25,000-$50,000 based on membership type and annual dues range from $10,000-$30,000. These fees have likely also been increased since we last discussed them.

Reportedly there has been a decades-long Club 33 waiting list for years. Current waiting time is really unknown which definitely adds to the mystique of Club 33. The club has in recent years added the requirement for member referral which is a slight change to the club process which previously did not have a membership approval component.

The Walt Disney World version of Club 33 has even higher membership fees with a reported $33,000 initiation fee and $15,000 annual membership fee. We haven't heard details on that Club 33 waiting list.

Inside Photos Club 33 at Disneyland

There was a large renovation of Club 33 that took place in 2014. Before that renovation the Club footprint was much smaller and just had the main dining room and no lounge area. Actually, the announcement of the renovation of Club 33 was one of the first stories that I really got involved with covering Disney here on MickeyVisit.com as it was announced right around the first time that I visited the original club.

Previously videos were allowed in the club, but today we are only allowed to take photos. The above photo is the old front door of the club. That door is now not connected into the club and the old club lobby is actually now merchandise storage for a New Orleans Square shop.

When the renovation was completed the Club was expanded to have the new lounge, a larger industrial kitchen, and take over the Court of Angels area that previously was accessible to all guests. The Court of Angels was a very nice quiet spot in Disneyland that was a disappointment to lose for all guests, but it's great to see it again when visiting the club. Let's dive into our review of what it's like to visit Club 33 at Disneyland today.

To enter Club 33 you'll arrive at this green door located across from the Pandora Jewelry store in New Orleans Square. You'll be greeted by the door seen above.

If you have a membership, you'll simply tap your card on a the Club 33 logo to gain access (the RFID technology is the same tech that is used to power Magic Bands in Walt Disney World ). If you're a guest of a member, you'll need to be buzzed in to a beautiful courtyard where your picture will be taken before you head upstairs to the actual restaurant.

This courtyard was previously the publicly accessible Court of Angels. The area is now the waiting area and entrance for the club. This is a great place to pose for group photos or see the latest display based on the current theme at the club. Above see a group photo from our recent family tour taking my 85-year-old grandmother to Disneyland .

Here's a look at the recent Tiki room theme and below a look at the Club 33 Disneyland Christmas decorations .

From here you'll proceed up the stairs to the main entry walkway.

Just beyond this beautiful tile mosaic is the upstairs lobby which has as gift area and walkways to the lounge and dining room. Inside the lounge you'll be welcomed by an animatronic vulture sitting on top of a grandfather clock. Walt originally wanted to install microphones in the chandeliers of the club so listening employees could eavesdrop on conversations and the vulture could interject at any given moment, but in the renovated version of the club the vulture serves to greet incoming guests.

I most frequently enjoy the Le Salon Nouveau lounge. To access the lounge guests walk down a dark corridor that is flanked by intimate booths and wine racks.

Le Salon Nouveau Lounge

The lounge feels like an upstairs retreat that could be located in New Orleans or Paris. Filled with stained glass that draws inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement, the lounge has a special upscale charm. On one side of the lounge is a long bar with made to order cocktails. Opposite the bar is a beautiful set of windows with a large grand piano in front. This location is just above the Tiana's Palace Restaurant that opened recently at Disneyland .

The room is comfortably appointed with booths and tables. The prime location is made up to two long couches and a coffee table located right in the center of the room. This bar and lounge features jazz music and tributes to Disney history throughout. Paintings come to life in the booths with special magical touches.

Inside the lounge you will see what is left of the original club French lift. Rumor has it that Walt Disney was shopping in New Orleans when he saw a gorgeous lift inside a French Quarter hotel, but when the hotel would not sell it to him, he had an exact replica made for the original Club 33 lobby. When they moved the entrance to the club during the 2014 renovation, they turned the classic Club 33 French lift into an intimate booth in the lounge.

You'll also see several nods to The Haunted Mansion inside Club 33 like paintings and sculptures, as well as other classic Disney rides. You might even find a hidden Mickey in the bar.

The number 33 is used as a central decorating theme throughout the club. You'll find it everywhere, among the many other rich details that make Club 33 so special.

The lounge has a great rotating menu but the Club 33 hamburger is always featured. This might be the best, most rich, hamburger I have ever had. Multiple times we have split the $33 burger which features cheese, bacon, and a delectable truffle-bacon marmalade topping. You have to see this burger in person to believe it, but the below photos capture it pretty well.

And, though we were dining in the lounge we still always ask for a basket of the incredible Club 33 bread I'll describe below.

The lounge (as well as the one at Disney California Adventure – see photos below) serves as a great place for club members to gather, have a drink or a bite and visit with guests or see friends. The food is great in the lounge and the Club 33 servers, many of whom have been here 20 years plus, make this a wonderful place to relax.

Le Grand Salon Main Dining Room

Going back to the main upstairs lobby you can follow the other hallway entrance to Le Grand Salon. The hallway has big bright windows that give views down to the people touring New Orleans Square. Along the way to the…

You'll also find movie props in Club 33, including a functioning phone booth built form the parts of the phone booth in 1960's movie “The Happiest Millionaire” and an ornate table used in Walt's beloved “Mary Poppins” and again in “Mary Poppins Returns”.

The dining room itself is well appointed and brighter than the lounge with incredible paintings reflecting the grandeur of Louisiana. After my trip to New Orleans with Walt Disney Imagineering to learn about the new Tiana's Bayou Adventure attraction , I felt a strong tie back to the club.

Le Grand Salon is Club 33's exclusive five-star restaurant. Even after all the expensive membership dues, you'll still pay hundreds of dollars to dine here, but the food quality matches the elevated experience. Chef Andrew Sutton is the culinary director for the Disneyland Resort and oversees Club 33 along with the other fine dining restaurants at Disneyland including Napa Rose and Carthay Circle Restaurant. The restaurant is specifically now led by Chef Gloria Tae, the first female chef de cuisine at Club 33.

It offers both five and six course menus as well as a la carte options. Previous menus offered fancy options like Autumn Mushroom Croquette, Citrus Cured King Fish, Harvest Acorn Squash Soup, Pheasant Roulade, Veal Osso Buco Milanese, Manjari Dark Chocolate Budino, and more. For  the final course you can sometimes choose between a dessert course and a cheese course.

Though all of the upscale meal courses are fantastic here, my personal favorite thing on the menu is the brioche bread that melts in your mouth. The bread comes in a custom metal Club 33 bread bowl with the Club 33 logo cut out of it. Detailed touches like this bowl or a customized Club 33 crumb catcher that waiters in the club use to clean the tables throughout meals really set this location apart from any other offering at Disneyland.

The dining room offers views to Fantasmic! and the nightly fireworks displays . There is nothing better than a long dinner in Club 33 that overlaps with the night time spectaculars–talk about dinner entertainment!

Off of the main dining room are balconies that look down on the park. Guests can also eat out here for lunch and look down on guests below. It really is quite a special experience being in Club 33 and looking down on the rushing people below.

Other Club 33 at Disneyland – 1901 Lounge

Briefly I'll also showcase a look at the other location at Disneyland that Club 33 members can enjoy. Inside Disney California Adventure there is a Club 33 lounge location called the 1901 lounge. The lounge is only accessible to certain levels of Club 33 members. Some are grandfathered into only using the dining room. When comparing Club 33 vs 1901 – the 1901 lounge is very similar to the Club 33 lounge offering in level of service. The 1901 lounge is designed in a different style.

The lounge is located inside the Carthay Circle Theater Restaurant building. The lounge door is on the far right and you could easily pass it by if you didn't know it was there.

Designed as an additional relaxing option for club members, the lounge is appointed in a 1920s style. The lounge feels like an extension of old Hollywood and what the old Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant might have felt like. In many ways it is really just a private extension of the Carthay Circle Restaurant design from upstairs.

This Club 33 lounge has a smaller bar but still lots of seating areas. At the bar are four bar stools with names on the back – Walt and Lilly and Roy and Edna after the founding couples of The Walt Disney Company. Throughout the bar are touches referencing back to Disney history. Exhibits rotate through here featuring different historical items tied to different themes.

There are other fun details in this lounge like a passing Walt Disney shadow that moves along the wall.

Though gone from the menu for a while, the best foods here were the pigs in a blanket which actually came from the children's menu.

Celebrities at Club 33

Sitting at Club 33 I have had the pleasure to interact with numerous celebrities both who worked on Disney projects and those from mainstream media. Though the club is meant to be an escape for celebrities from the general park guests, there is still definitely a sense of stardom within the Club 33 restaurant and lounge. Some celebrities that have been open about their visits to Club 33 include Tom Hanks, Vanessa Hudgens, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, and more.

The celebrities that I have met or been in the restaurant at the same time as – I'll leave them nameless here to respect their privacy – have been nice and generally kept to themselves.

Some of the ladies in our group ended up in the restroom with a star that had just been on stage at the D23 Expo fan event and had a nice chat with her about her upcoming movie. The celebrity run-ins are all part of the club experience and generally the club stays quiet. In general when visiting Disneyland I try to give everyone their space and prevent disruptions of their vacation day.

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Alcohol at Club 33 in Disneyland

For a long time Club 33 was the only place inside Disneyland Park that served alcohol but now there are a couple of restaurants inside Disneyland in addition to Club 33 that serve alcohol including Blue Bayou , Oga's Cantina , and a few other recently added restaurants serving . Club 33 remains the only true bar inside Disneyland that offers mixed cocktails. The other restaurants all have pre-mixed drinks.

There are a wide variety of special drinks that they can make in the Club 33 lounge. I recently had a real Mint Julep. It was delightful after coming in from a hot day in the parks and oh so much better than the sweet ones offered directly below. Look at that iced glass above!

The bar has a variety of special offerings that change with the seasons. They also offer “Flight School” tastings as member events.

Club 33 Membership Benefits

Membership in Club 33 in Disneyland comes with a variety of benefits. These benefits vary based on the tier of membership that some members have access to. At one point some Club 33 members that joined before the 1901 Club was added in Disney California Adventure were grandfathered in with a different set of benefits. Again, details about the club are guarded, here are some of the benefits that Disneyland Club 33 members enjoy:

• A no black-out dates Magic Key Pass at Disneyland and top level Disney World Annual Pass
• 50 one day park hopper tickets for Disneyland for sharing with guests
• Access to Disneyland VIP Tour guides  throughout the year
• Members only Club 33 merchandise
• Special events and offerings at Disneyland
• Access to the Club 33 Lounge and 1901 Lounge
• Reserved Seating For the Disneyland Candlelight Processional
• Discount on dining at the 21 Royal exclusive dining room experience

These benefits are always shifting and additional offerings are added.

Disneyland Club 33 Reservations – How to Get Into Club 33

Well, besides getting a membership yourself there is really only one way to get into the club. The only way to get into Club 33 without a membership is by having a member make a reservation for you. You could become friends with a Club 33 member or actually luck into access to the club through your work. Many major corporations in the Southern California area and nationally actually have memberships to the club. It's possible that if you work for a big company that has a partnership with Disney that they could have a membership.

Check with your HR team to see what the rules of your corporate membership might be and if it is possible to have them make you a reservation. We have a friend who's grandfather was on the board of a major company that then led to their family always eating at the club whenever they went to Disneyland.

Note that the only way guests can visit the club without being accompanied by a member is if you have a reservation at Le Grand Salon. The Club 33 and 1901 Lounges are specifically for members and their guests. So, that's all to say that if you are able to get a Club 33 member to make you a reservation you are stepping up to pay $100+ per person for a dinner at the restaurant before you add in any alcohol.

We have heard of scams with Disneyland Club 33 reservations for sale. Avoid these at all costs. The same way that we warn of Disneyland ticket scams , there are those out there looking to prey on desperate Disney fans.

Disneyland Club 33 Dress Code

Members report that guests aren't allowed in if they're wearing sweatpants, ripped jeans, tank tops, shorts, flip flops, or crop tops. Instead, women and men are encouraged to wear elevated clothes from the general parks experience. In the main dining room pants and a collared shirt or dress are encouraged and slightly nicer park clothes for enjoying the lounge. The photo above is from a visit when we just ate in the lounge. The below photo is from a dinner in the main restaurant.

I always try to have the correct elevated clothes on when I get a chance to visit! Generally the Club 33 dress code is not super strict and only meant to create a floor on what people are wearing at the Club. If you get the chance to dine in the club I highly recommend going all out and wearing a coat jacket or dress to really elevate your experience. There is something very cool about walking through Disneyland in the nicer dress clothes. People in the parks will sometimes wonder where you're headed or look on in knowing jealousy.

Club 33 Locations Around the World

Since the original Club 33 at Disneyland opened in 1967 there have been six additional theme parks that are home to Club 33's added to Disney Parks around the world. While they all share the Club 33 name, they are all independent of each other and do not share reciprocity with the other clubs

Walt Disney World added its first Club 33 lounge in 2018 and now there are Club 33 lounges in Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. I have personally only been to the Club 33 location in Hollywood Studios. I did take the above pictures of the Magic Kingdom location entrance which is located just inside Adventureland on the right hand side during my recent trip. You can read more on the Walt Disney World Club 33 here .

There are also Club 33 locations a Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland. Below, see me taking the obligatory “let me in” photo at the Club 33 in Tokyo. That Club 33 is notorious for being the most difficult club location for western Disney fans to get into because the majority of members are Japanese business people and civic leaders.

That means that there are eight Club 33 locations in the world.

Plan Your Next Disneyland Vacation

Even without a membership to Club 33, your Disneyland vacation will be filled with fun secrets to find and rich history. Plus, you'll be able to find that Club 33 door!

The best way to get started planning your Disneyland vacation is by joining our exclusive newsletter which gives you access to content and deals that you won't find anywhere else. Sign-up for that here !

After that, make sure to check out our other articles that will help you maximize your fun at Disneyland.

• Ultimate Guide to Disneyland Dapper Day
• When to Visit Disneyland 
• Ultimate Guide to Disneyland Rides and Attractions
• Disneyland Restaurant Reviews
• Best Disneyland Souvenirs

Thank you for joining us as we explore Disneyland's most exclusive destination, Club 33! Have a magical day!

Club 33 Disneyland Frequently Asked Questions

Membership to Club 33 includes an initiation fee and ongoing membership cost. The initiation fees at Disneyland range from $25,000-$50,000 based on membership type and the ongoing fees are between $10,000 to $30,000 per year. The Walt Disney World membership cost is said to be $33,000 initiation and $15,000 ongoing.

There is not a Club 33 location at Disneyland Paris. See details above on all of the Club 33 locations around the world.

Children are allowed at Club 33 for both dining and the lounge. The lunch menu is likely more appropriate for younger kids though we have seen kids at dinner as well. The dinner length is just quite long due to the many courses.

Club 33 is likely so expensive because they can charge that much and have people interested. The club is comparable to other private clubs in major cities around the world and many Disney fans are eager to join. See our full description of the included member benefits above.

Jeans are allowed at Club 33 however the should not be torn or heavily faded. As we mention in our full Club 33 dress code section here it is much more fun to dress up to make the occasion even more special.

No, 21 Royal is a separate experience in New Orleans Square that anyone can pay a onetime fee for a meal. That meal is said to be $15,000 for 10 people. Club 33 members do get a discount as detailed above.

As you can see above, guests can take photos inside Club 33 at Disneyland but are banned from being taken inside the restrooms. The restrooms are beautiful and ornate but you'll have to visit for yourself to see. Photos anywhere inside Club 33 at Disney World are strictly forbidden.

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About Gavin Doyle

Gavin Doyle is a best-selling author and founder of Mickey Visit. He is an expert on helping families save money and experience more at Disney, Universal, and beyond. He has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, ABC7, Travel+Leisure, the OC Register, Orange County Register, LA Times, Yahoo! News, and more.

Education: University of Southern California Favorite Ride: Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout! at Disney California Adventure

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Enjoy our visit with a friend

I had dinner at club 33, very nice, but more interesting was while there at another table there was a young kids birthday party. Not just you average birthday party, these kids were very used to this extremely high level of service. The kids were very well trained on the do’s and don’ts of a Royal dinner. I am not sure where they found this many “kids of royalty” for the party but everyone of them was well trained, right on point, and very used to this very high level of sociality.

Is there anyway to buy a night in Club 33 for myself and my daughter for her 40th birthday in 2025? Can/do members sell “a night.” I read that you can only go in with a member, but with all the changes happening in/at Disneyland, I was hoping I might get some different outlook.

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Club 33- Exclusive Disneyland Club History, Inside Look, Photo Tour

Club 33 is one of the most elusive and secret locations at the Disneyland Resort. Most guests walk past it every day without ever knowing it's there or what's behind that famous door located in New Orleans Square.

Only Disneyland Club 33 and their invited guests can visit Club 33, it is not open to the general public, so there’s definitely an air of mystery surrounding it which has fascinated guests for years.

In our guide to Club 33, we share how to join the private club, how much Club 33 costs, the history of the club, and photos from inside this exclusive Disneyland establishment.

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Buying tickets from Get Away Today is easy and convenient since all their tickets are sent electronically. You can take their vouchers and head straight to the gate without needing to wait in any ticket booth lines. They also offer layaway plans so you can pay off your vacation over time.

You can read my review on my personal experiences booking through Get Away Today and how much you can save  here!

What is Club 33? How Do I join Club 33 at Disneyland?

Club 33 is a private Disneyland club which opened in 1967 and was the first location in Disneyland to serve alcohol. Club 33 is named after its address at 33 Royal Street in New Orleans Square at Disneyland. Walt Disney designed the idea from the VIP lounges he experienced at the World Fair so that way Disneyland would have its own VIP lounge.

Club 33 is located in New Orleans Square and consists of a fine restaurant, private lounge, and a great view of Fantasmic! from the balconies above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

How do I get on the waitlist at Club 33 at Disneyland?

The waiting lists for Club 33 membership are at an average of about four years or more. Potential Club 33 members need to send a letter to the below address requesting to be added to the club waiting list. Calling Club 33 to ask where you are on the list is frowned upon. Remember: this is a class act establishment!

Unfortunately, it's not an easy task to become a member and the waiting list hasn't been opened in years. It is a lengthy, expensive, and exclusive process to join. You can give it a shot and write a letter to try to get on the waiting list:

Club 33 Wait List Information 1313 Harbor Blvd Anaheim, CA 9280

When the wait list is open, they will add you to the wait list but the wait list hasn't been open in a few years. Even if you do manage to get on the waiting list, you could wait years and years before you're contacted for an open spot. The last known reported length of time for the waiting list averaged at about 14 years! And it's frowned upon to call the club to ask where you are on the list- remember, this is a classy establishment! It's an honor to be invited to join and not something you can demand.

According to recent information from Club 33 members, most new members have to be invited or recommended by current members. It's no easy feat to get accepted into Club 33!

How much does Club 33 at Disneyland cost?

The most recent known price for membership estimated the annual dues for Club 33 at Disneyland are $10,000 and the initiation charge at $30,000. And there are different levels of membership. The more you pay, the more perks you receive. But even at the lowest level of membership Club 33 members receive Annual Passes, tickets for family and friends, a number of ride access passes for the year, and front row seating to Disneyland entertainment.

Fun fact: on a recent visit to Disneyland for the holiday season, we were given a few leftover Fastpasses from Club 33 members when we were sitting inside the Grand Californian. We felt like VIPs as we redeemed these FastPasses at the parks!

Is a Disneyland Club 33 membership worth it?

To the most avid Disney fans, the answer may be a hearty YES! For the average park goer, it probably isn't. Club 33 does offer VIP treatment with a number of perks in addition to access to the premiere club and that alone makes it worth it for some folks.

Club 33 is known for having high profile members like Elton John, Tom Hanks and Christina Aguilera which gives you an idea of the exclusivity and price of a membership.

Can I get in to Club 33 if I'm not a member?

The only way to gain entrance is to be invited as a guest by a current Club 33 member. You will be allowed to dine in the restaurant, hang out in the lounge, purchase merchandise (a dream come true right there!) and enjoy the lobby.

Club 33 has some extensive etiquette so if you're lucky enough to receive an invite to dinner you will likely get a lesson in what's expected of you during your visit. The behavior of guests of Club 33 members reflect on them so it's important to follow all the rules.

What are the rules of Club 33? 

The biggest rule is one that should be expected of any luxury establishment: guests must conduct themselves properly. No lewd conduct, inappropriate attire, solicitation, profanity are not allowed on premises. This also means using your best manners such as abiding by the rule regarding answering phone calls only in the hallways and not in the dining area.

There is also a dress code for attending- especially for dinner, similar to what you might expect at the Disney signature restaurants, so you should plan to dress nicely. Think dresses or slacks with a blouse for women and collared shirts and dress pants for men. If you're visiting the lounge attire is more casual but you will still want to avoid any type of athletic shorts or ripped jeans.

Guests are allowed to take pictures inside but absolutely no video recording is allowed. This is a big rule to be aware of, especially since you are likely going to be eager to document your experience.

Club 33 History and Prestige

The origins of the name of Club 33 have been debated for years but the most common origin for the name comes from the need for Club 33 to have a liquor license. It is required for any CA establishment that serves alcohol to have a physical address so thus the address 33 Royal Street is said to have inspired the name Club 33. Other claims state that the number 33 comes from the number of original Disneyland investors while others state it's because 33 looks like “mm” when titled on the side.

Disneyland's original 33 investor list

Club 33 opened in 1967. Walt Disney was intrigued by the idea of the private lounges created by sponsors of the 1964 New York World's Fair and this is what led to his plan for creating Club 33. This way Disneyland would have its own executive lounge of sorts, a place for the business partners of Walt and other important figures to enjoy the parks in an exclusive space.

Prior to Club 33, Walt Disney hosted his VIP guests in the lounge of the Red Wagon Inn restaurant at Disneyland. Because of the amount of VIPs continued to grow the lounge became too small for Walt to host all his guests. During the planning of New Orleans Square, they also planned the location of Club 33 to become the new VIP lounge. Unfortunately, Walt Disney passed away six months prior to the club's official opening in 1967 so he never got to formally experience Club 33 once it was fully operational. Club 33 opened with the idea of being a place for Disneyland corporate sponsors but individual memberships were also offered which helped paved the path for the “average” person becoming a Disneyland VIP.

The lift before Club 33's remodel

One well-known story about Walt Disney and Club 33 is the inspiration for the French Lift elevator inside the club. When Walt and his wife, Lillian, were spending time in France Walt came across a French Lift that he was drawn to immediately. He offered to purchase the elevator but the hotel declined his offer.

So when Walt returned from their trip, he told the Imagineers to get to work and create and head to the hotel to study the French Lift so they could replicate it inside Club 33. For this reason, the French Lift inside Club 33 is a must for guests to see.

There are other locations of Club 33 that exist at Tokyo Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland and exists as a lounge in three of the parks at Walt Disney World. Your Club 33 membership is said to only be “valid” at the park you joined but it's likely Club 33 members of one park would have the connections to be invited to other lounges. Disneyland Club 33 members also get access to the 1901 Lounge at Carthay Circle in California Adventure- scroll down for a full tour of this lounge as well!

The Layout of Club 33

When guests first enter Club 33 through its iconic door in New Orleans Square they will enter a small hall to check in for dining reservations.

Entrance- Court of Angels

Upon entering, guests will wait in the Court of Angels which used to be a public space but is now closed to the public.  A few tables and chairs are present for parties who are waiting for their reservation. There are also two angels at the base of the staircase which light the way up the stairs.  

Upstairs Lobby

Guests ascend the stairs into a second reception area. This area includes the merchandise cabinet, a harpsichord, and even the famous turkey vulture who interacts with guests! It's very open and bright with a beautiful chandelier. This is also where you will find the infamous floor with the Club 33 logo. 

Veer towards the left towards Salon Nouveau as guests pass the bathrooms which are ornate and decorated with beautiful features such as their glass cabinets and chandeliers. The first part of the entrance is a wine cellar, holding hundreds of different bottles of wine from all around the world. Each side is a refrigerator as well. Moving on through there are two booths on either side, each with a different New Orleans theme, including Pirates and Haunted Mansion! Then you come into the main room for the lounge.  

Jazz Club Lounge- Salon Nouveau

Salon Nouveau is the Jazz Club inspired by Tiana's Palace, the Jazz Club seen at the end of the Princess and the Frog film. In the photos below you can see in the color scheme and the inspiration in the paintings around the room.  The ceiling was made to look like wood to match the hand carved wood making up the bar. The ceiling also features a beautiful pane of stained glass in the center. There is also a beautiful piano which can live stream concerts from all over the world.  

View of Disneyland from Club 33

Main Dining Room- Le Grand Salon

Le Grand Salon is the main dining room that is entered through the alley with large windows on either side. Le Grand Salon is the main dining room which guests enter through a hallway featuring large windows and murals. The wood floor features a checker board pattern which is common to many restaurants in New Orleans.  

The balconies of Club 33 overlooks New Orleans Square and even features a few designated outside tables for guests to enjoy.

Disney Artifacts and Antiques

One of the most exciting things about Club 33 for diehard Disney fans are all the artifacts in the club which includes an ornate walnut table that was used in Mary Poppins, a video capture from the same film, a harpsichord which was rumored to be custom built for Lillian Disney.

One of my personal favorites is the animatronic vulture. Before the remodel of Club 33 in 2014, the Club's previous Trophy Room which was outfitted with microphones in lighting fixtures which could pick up the sounds of conversations. The idea was that the animatronics in the room, like the vulture, would respond to the conversations of the guests.

This animatronic vulture now sits on top a grandfather clock in the upstairs lobby and was never used in practice to eavesdrop on people's conversations. That idea was likely scrapped due to privacy concerns for the elite guests. But the famous vulture remains a staple of Club 33.

The Trophy Room

Before Club 33's expansion in 2014, there used to be a room called the Trophy Room full of taxidermy animals and interesting artifacts. This is also where the animatronic vulture lived before the remodel. While the Trophy Room no longer exists at Club 33, we have pictures to honor its 47 year history.

A Glimpse of a Meal 

These dinner pictures are from a few years ago but they give you an inside look at one of the biggest features of Club 33- the five-star dining experience. Dinner is set as 5-6 courses and lunch is 4-5 courses. The menu often features a Southern influence.

First: Lobster Rockefeller with Oysters and Lemon Holl andaise

Second: Summer Corn broth with Tomato Relish, Andouille Sausage and Gulf Shrimp

Third: Grilled Diver Scallop, Gulf Shrimp, and Cheese and Grits

Fourth: Angus Filet Mignon and Hand Scalloped Potatoes

Fifth: Vanilla Creme Brulee 

Club 1901- The Second Club 33 Location

In 2012, Club 33 got a second location named Club 1901 after Walt's birth year inside Carthay Circle in Disney’s California Adventure. I was lucky enough to enjoy 1901 on the same day I visited Club 33 in the summer of 2022. The entrance to 1901 is actually right out front o Carthay Circle, you walk by all the time without realizing it's right there!

Here's a photo tour of the inside which is filled with the same nods to Disney history but with a 1930s theme and has a craftsman style.

Club 33 members can retreat to this 1930's craftsman style lounge to escape the hustle and bustle of the parks. This vintage bar and restaurant offers fine cocktails, duck, and lobster to club members only.

According to the Disney announcement at the time this club was inspired by Disney history, “Imagine it’s the 1930s, and this is where the animators would’ve hung out, swapped stories, doodled on napkins,” as 1901 is described by  Imagineer Ray Spencer.  “This is the place Walt and the animators might’ve chatted, relaxed, unwound . . . a cozy den.”

Plan Your Disneyland Vacation!

Keep reading our blog to keep you updated on everything you need to know to prepare for Disneyland vacation! Be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter to  receive helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest priced Disney tickets anywhere. You can find more information on planning your vacation here:

• When Should I Visit Disneyland? 
• Disneyland Packing List
• Which Airport is Closest to Disneyland?
• Best Hotels Near Disneyland for Large Families

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3 comments add your comment.

I am a WDCC collector and I am looking for the 2014 Club 33 WDCC porcelain Mickey ear hat membership gift. If anyone in this group is a Club 33 member and is interested in selling theirs, I am very interested in getting one. I will pay top dollar. Please send me a private message if interested in selling. Thanks in advance!

How do you become a club 33 member?

You have to apply for the waiting list by sending a letter to Disneyland.

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How Much Does Disney’s Club 33 Cost? A Peek into Disney’s Most Exclusive Club

In this post, we’re unlocking the secrets of the mystical Club 33, Disney’s most exclusive destination.

From its hallowed halls in California to its multiple locations at Walt Disney World in Orlando to its outpost in Tokyo, we’re diving into every nook and cranny of this elusive club, and yes, we’re going to talk about the price tag too.

The cost of a Club 33 membership at Disney World? To join Disney’s Club 33 it’s an initial $25,000 fee then an additional $10,000 per year. To join Club 33 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando it’s $33,000 to join, and $15,000 each year after.

For some that’s all you need to know – the sticker shock is enough tame even Scrooge McDuck’s tastes!

But for the rest of us, we want more details.

Details like:

What’s included with your membership?

Why are the prices different in Orlando vs. everywhere else?

What are the secrets of Club 33?

All these questions will be answered – and more.

So, whether you’re a Disney diehard or just someone who appreciates the finer things in life or just someone who’s curious about the lifestyles of the rich and the famous, buckle up.

We’re about to journey into the heart of the Magic Kingdom like never before.

Before diving in, join our new private Facebook group, the Disney Park Advisor Community, for Disney enthusiasts to share their passion, seek advice, and make friends. Click here to join now !

Disney’s Club 33 Quick Facts

• Club 33 is an exclusive, members-only club located within Disneyland and other Disney parks worldwide.
• The original Club 33, located in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square on Royal Street, was established in 1967.
• Club 33 was initially designed by Walt himself as a VIP lounge for corporate sponsors and special guests of Walt Disney.
• It is named after its original street address, 33 Royal Street.
• The club’s distinctive “33” logo is its only outward sign.
• Club 33 is the only place within Disneyland that serves alcoholic beverages.
• Membership is highly sought-after and comes with a hefty price tag, including both an initiation fee and annual dues.
• Individual and corporate memberships are available.
• Members enjoy many perks such as access to exclusive lounges and dining areas, VIP treatment, and special events.
• The club’s decor features antique furniture and props from Disney films, along with original artwork.
• There are sister clubs in Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando (all 4 parks!), Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland.
• The club has seen visits from celebrities like Elton John and Christina Aguilera.
• Cast members working at Club 33 enjoy the unique experience of being part of one of the most exclusive clubs in the world.

Club 33 Membership Costs

Let’s first look at the financial commitment that comes with obtaining a coveted membership. Brace yourself, as the figures might surprise you. We’ll discuss everything from initiation fees and annual dues to differences in costs between various Disney Parks locations, all to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of what Club 33 membership entails.

A. Initiation Fees and Annual Dues

Excited to become part of the Disney history? Here’s the catch. (Hold onto your Mickey ears!)

The initiation fee for individual memberships at Club 33 is quite the hefty price tag. (We’re talking about a number that would make Scrooge McDuck blink.)

B. A Tale of Two Disney Parks: Walt Disney World vs Disneyland Costs

Ever compared the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park? (I bet you didn’t think you’d be comparing membership costs!)

The annual dues for Club 33’s original location in New Orleans Square may differ from those at Walt Disney World. (Spoiler alert: Neither is exactly what you’d call a bargain.)

C. The Full Package: What Your Club 33 Membership Cost Covers

So, you’ve paid the initiation fee and annual membership fee. What now? (Here’s where the magic really happens.)

Your membership includes access to all Club 33 locations across the Disney Parks. (Yes, even the mysterious club hidden in plain sight on Royal Street.)

But that’s not all! You also get access to VIP lounges like Le Grand Salon. (Talk about fine dining in style.)

Just imagine sipping on Mary Poppins-approved alcoholic beverages, the only ones served in Disneyland Park. (Don’t worry, this is one of the few places in the park where you won’t have to share with the general public.)

Feeling special yet? Good, because there’s more. You also get annual passes to the Disney World Parks. (Yes, you heard it right!)

And for the cherry on top, you’ll have the chance to rub elbows with other Club members. (Who knows, you might just bump into Elton John or Christina Aguilera.)

So there you have it. (A glimpse into the world of Disney’s most exclusive club.)

Remember, though, this is just a general overview. For more personal experiences and exact pricing, you’ll need to contact Member Services. (Good luck getting them on the line, though!)

That said, the high membership cost of Club 33 provides an experience that’s truly one of a kind. (After all, it’s not every day you get to be part of Disney’s special friends.)

Stay tuned. There’s a lot more to explore in the magical world of Club 33. (Next up, we dive into the history of the Club and its unique perks!)

Why The Different Prices?

Here’s the deal. Club 33 at Disneyland Resort? It’s a cool $25,000 to join. Then you’re forking over $10,000 each year to keep your VIP status. Yikes! But hey, that’s the price of exclusivity.

Now, imagine we’re talking about Walt Disney World.

Brace yourself.

The price just shot up.

We’re talking $33,000 to join and $15,000 annually.

Why the hike?

More parks, more Club 33 locations. It’s like getting the keys to the Magic Kingdom (or four of them).

High prices?

But they’re meant to keep Club 33 exclusive (like a secret Mickey Mouse club). And let’s be real, wouldn’t you join if you could afford it?

Remember, being a Club 33 member isn’t just about flashing your fancy membership card. It’s about savoring the perks. Think private dining, VIP tours, and early access to attractions. It’s Disneyland, but leveled up.

Club 33 Membership Options

Next we’re going to dive into the exclusive realm of Club 33 memberships, where magic meets luxury.

We’re breaking down the different options, whether you’re a Disney devotee looking for a personal touch of enchantment or a business aiming to sprinkle some pixie dust on corporate events.

Read on as we explore individual and corporate memberships, detailing the features, benefits, and the unique perks that set these options apart.

For the Disney Diehard: Individual Memberships

Ready for your own personal magic carpet ride? (Buckle up, because it’s quite the ride!)

An individual membership at Club 33 is perfect if you’re a Walt Disney fan who frequents the Disney parks. (Yes, you can finally experience the Magic Kingdom like royalty!)

The Corporate Route: Club 33 Corporate Memberships

Running a business and love Disney? (Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure!)

Corporate memberships allow companies to share the magic with their employees and VIP guests. (Talk about a perk that beats the company cafeteria, right?)

The Tale of the Tape: Differences in Cost and Benefits

Wondering what’s the difference between individual and corporate memberships, aside from the cost? (It’s not just about the number of zeros on the check.)

While both options grant you access to the exclusive lounges like Le Grand Salon, corporate memberships offer more annual passes. (Imagine your whole team taking a day off to visit the Haunted Mansion!)

Corporate members also get the privilege of booking the Club for special occasions. (Company Christmas party at Club 33, anyone?)

But remember, whether it’s for individual enjoyment or corporate camaraderie, Club 33 memberships are all about exclusivity and luxury. (It’s the only place in Disneyland Park where you can sip on alcoholic beverages.)

And while the hefty price tag may seem a lot, remember what you’re getting: access to one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. (Even the original club in New Orleans Square is harder to get into than a Star Wars premiere!)

So, is the magic worth the price? (Only you can decide.)

Stay tuned as we pull back the curtain on more Club 33 secrets. (Next up: What you get for your membership fees!)

“If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It”: Unveiling the Perks of Club 33 Membership

You’ve heard it right, my friend. Club 33 isn’t just about exclusivity and fine dining. There’s more. Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the perks that make Club 33 a Disneyland legend.

A. “The Magic is in the Access”: Park Access and VIP Tours

Ready to feel like Disney royalty? (I’m talking Prince Charming level here.)

As a Club 33 member, you’re not just any guest—you’re VIP. Enjoy unprecedented access to Walt Disney World, Disneyland Park, and all other Disney parks worldwide. And here’s the kicker: you get VIP tours, too. (That means no more long lines for the Haunted Mansion.)

B. “Your Wish is Their Command”: The Club 33 Concierge Service

Ever dreamt of having Mary Poppins as your personal assistant? Well, the Club 33 concierge service is the next best thing.

Whether you need a dinner reservation at Le Grand Salon or a special meet-and-greet with Mickey, the Club 33 concierge service has got you covered. It’s like having a magic lamp—without the three-wish limit.

C. “Where the Stars Align”: VIP Events and Attraction Previews

Love being the first to experience the newest attractions? Or maybe you’re just a fan of exclusive events.

Either way, Club 33 has you covered. As a member, you get exclusive previews of new attractions (Star Wars fans, rejoice!) and VIP access to special events. Just imagine watching the New York World’s Fair fireworks from the exclusive lounges of Club 33. Sounds like a dream, right?

D. “It’s a Small World After All”: Benefits Beyond the Park

But wait, there’s more!

Membership doesn’t stop at the park gates. You’ll also get discounts, special merchandise, and even access to the mysterious club next door. (Just kidding about the last part… or am I?) So whether you’re in New Orleans Square or on Main Street, the magic of Club 33 follows you.

V. “Knock, Knock! Who’s There?”: Accessing Club 33 without Membership

So you’ve heard the rumors. The whispers of an exclusive club tucked away in plain sight. And now you’re thinking, “How can I get a taste of this Disney magic without the membership?” Well, my friend, you’re in luck. Let’s pull back the curtain and show you how to sneak a peek behind those exclusive Club 33 doors.

A. “Plus One, Please”: Sneaking in as a Guest of a Member

Ever heard of the phrase, “It’s not what you know, but who you know?” Well, in this case, it’s true.

If you’re pals with a Club 33 member (or can convince Elton John to invite you), you could get an exclusive invite to this Disneyland legend. But remember, you’re there as a guest, so best behavior, please. (That means no filling your bag with the free toiletries.)

B. “Suit Up”: Getting in Through Corporate Club 33 Memberships

Now, if you’re more of a business mogul, then this one’s for you.

Club 33 offers corporate memberships. So, if your company is a member, you could waltz right into Club 33 like a VIP. (Just remember to leave the Powerpoint slides at the office.)

C. “Rules of the Club”: The Limitations

But hold up, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

There are rules to follow. (Even magic comes with its fine print.) For example, the dress code is strict. You can’t just stroll in wearing your Mickey Mouse ears and Star Wars t-shirt. Also, remember that Club 33 is the only place in Disneyland Park where alcoholic beverages are served, so no smuggling your own bottle of champagne, alright?

So that gives you some insight into few ways to access Club 33 without having to cough up those hefty membership fees. Now, who’s ready to start networking with those Club 33 members?

VI. “A Peek Behind the Velvet Rope”: Inside Club 33 – Elegance and History

You’ve heard the whispers, the rumors. A secret club hidden in plain sight at Disneyland Park. Intrigued? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into the elegance and history of Club 33.

A. “A World of Its Own”: Themed Lounges and Restaurants

First up, the Club 33 lounges and restaurants. Imagine stepping into Mary Poppins’ London or Walt Disney’s own private world.

From the romantic Le Grand Salon to the evocative Trophy Room, each area inside Club 33 is a feast for the senses.

B. “Where the Magic Began”: Connection to Walt Disney and Famous Visitors

Now, let’s talk about the man behind the magic, Walt Disney himself.

Club 33 was part of Walt Disney’s vision for a VIP lounge in Disneyland. And guess what? Famous visitors like Elton John and Christina Aguilera have graced its halls. (No autographs, please!)

C. “Cheers to Mickey”: Alcohol Availability in Disney Parks

Here’s a fun fact: Club 33 is the ONLY place in Disneyland Park where you can enjoy alcoholic beverages.

That’s right, it’s the lone star in a dry Magic Kingdom. (Now, that’s what I call a “magical” pour!)

D. “More Than Meets the Eye”: Unique Features and Attractions

Club 33 is more than just a fancy restaurant. It’s a museum, a historic site, and an exclusive club all rolled into one.

From the mysterious “33” address on Royal Street to the unique merchandise available only to members, Club 33 is full of surprises. (Just don’t try to take the talking vulture home with you.)

How’s that for a tour of Club 33 without leaving your seat? Now, who’s ready to start their membership application?

VII. “Unlocking the Magic”: Becoming a Club 33 Member

So, you’ve hung on every word, and now you’re set on becoming part of this exclusive Disney history. Intrigued? Let’s unwrap the process of becoming a Club 33 member together.

A. “A Test of Time and Patience”: The Waiting List and Limited Memberships

You’ve heard about the “long waiting list”, right? Yes, it’s real, and it’s as long as the line for Space Mountain during Spring Break.

But remember, the best things come to those who wait. (Just like that first sip of a well-deserved cocktail in Club 33’s Lounge.)

B. “A Journey, Not a Sprint”: The Application Process and Patience Required

The application process for Club 33 is a bit like a Disney movie plot: a journey filled with suspense, plot twists, and a whole lot of patience.

You’ll need to be invited by a current member, fill out a form, and wait. And wait. (A little like Snow White waiting for her prince, but with less singing birds.)

C. “Your Key to the Kingdom”: Steps to Join

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s a quick rundown of the steps to join.

Get an invitation from a current member, complete the application form, and brace yourself for the wait. And remember, good things come to those who wait. (Seriously, have you seen the wait times for the new Star Wars ride?)

So there you have it. You’re now armed with all the insider knowledge to become a Club 33 member. Now go forth and conquer, future Disney VIP!

IX. “Disneyland and Beyond”: Club 33 Locations

Get ready to tour the Disney Parks like a VIP. It’s time to explore the lavish locations of Club 33.

A. “Where It All Began”: Original location at Disneyland

Right in the heart of New Orleans Square, the original Club 33 is tucked away at 33 Royal Street. Can you imagine the magic of dining where Walt Disney himself once hosted VIP guests? (No autographs, please!)

This Disneyland Park gem is more than just a place to sip on alcoholic beverages. It’s a piece of Disney history, a tribute to Walt Disney’s vision, and a testament to the power of exclusivity. (Magic Kingdom, eat your heart out!)

B. “Spreading the Magic”: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Disney California Adventure

“A True Adventure”: Club 33 at Magic Kingdom

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom’s own Club 33, stashed away like a hidden treasure in Adventureland. Yes, you read that right. Club 33, the epitome of exclusivity, tucked right in the midst of a bustling pirate’s paradise. (Who knew Captain Jack Sparrow had such refined tastes?)

In this private lounge, members can retreat from the lively Disney park scene, kick back with a craft cocktail, and soak up the enchanting views. It’s like being privy to a magical secret that even the Fairy Godmother keeps hush-hush. (Sorry, Cinderella!)

“A Wild Retreat”: Club 33 at Animal Kingdom

Next stop on our Club 33 tour, the untamed wilderness of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Not just anywhere, though. We’re heading to Harambe House, right in the heart of Africa. (No safari gear needed, promise!)

Here, amidst the roar of lions and the chatter of monkeys, club members can unwind in an oasis of luxury. It’s a unique blend of wild adventure and refined relaxation that even Simba would approve of. (Hakuna Matata, indeed!)

“A Spotlight on Luxury”: Club 33 at Hollywood Studios

Get ready for your close-up at the Club 33 location at Hollywood Studios. Hidden above the Hollywood Brown Derby, the Spotlight Lounge awaits. (No autographs, please!)

Here, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden age meet Disney’s signature magic. As a member, you’re treated to a star-studded experience, complete with stunning park views and curated Disney memorabilia. It’s like stepping into a classic film reel, with a Disney twist. (Cue the dramatic music!)

“A Global Getaway”: Club 33 at EPCOT

Our final destination, EPCOT. Nestled within the American Adventure pavilion in the World Showcase, you’ll discover yet another Club 33 location. (No visa required, just your membership!)

Members can explore the lounge with its view of the world in true Disney style, or indulge in a culinary journey inspired by the international pavilions. It’s your own private global excursion, minus the jet lag. (Who needs a magic carpet ride, Aladdin?)

Each Club 33 location across the Disney parks offers a uniquely immersive experience, perfectly blending the thrill of Disney with the allure of exclusivity. Whether you’re venturing through the wilds of Africa or stepping into the golden age of Hollywood, Club 33 has something extraordinary in store. After all, in the words of Walt Disney himself, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

“Hidden in Plain Sight”: Club 33 at Disney California Adventure

Tucked away inside the Carthay Circle Restaurant, it’s one of those hush-hush spots in plain sight (I told you it’s hidden). An exclusive lounge accessible only to Club 33 members (And their lucky ducks, I mean, guests).

1901 Lounge is chock-full of Disney history. There’s memorabilia here that would make any Walt Disney fan’s heart skip a beat.

The décor? Pure vintage Hollywood charm, baby. It’s a nostalgic nod to the golden age of Hollywood Studios.

The Magic Behind the Velvet Rope: Club 33 Cast Members

Ever wondered what it’s like to be on the inside, looking out? To work in a place as exclusive and coveted as Club 33? Buckle up. We’re diving in.

Access Without the Golden Key

Here’s a not-so-secret secret: You don’t need to shell out a small fortune to experience Club 33. (Shocking, right?)

The trick? Becoming a Cast Member at Club 33.

Yes, you heard it right.

It’s just about the only way to gain access to Club 33 without paying the hefty initiation fee or the annual dues. (Score one for the little guy!)

But don’t start packing your bags for Walt Disney World just yet.

The Exclusivity of Working the Magic

There’s more to being a Cast Member at Club 33 than just showing up for work.

This job comes with its own set of challenges.

To start with, the bar for service is set sky-high.

It’s not just about serving food or pouring alcoholic beverages. It’s about creating magical experiences for Club Members. (No pressure, right?)

Plus, you’re not just an ordinary cast member serving as a waiter or a bartender.

You’re a guardian of the Club’s history, a protector of its secrets, and a curator of its mystique. (Sounds kinda cool though right? Kind of like a superhero job description, doesn’t it?)

From the original Club in New Orleans Square to the new extensions in Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland, every detail, every artifact, every prop is a precious piece of Disney history.

The Grit Behind the Glamour

But here’s the thing:

the exclusivity of Club 33 extends to its staff too. (Yep, it’s an exclusive club within an exclusive club.)

It’s not enough to just know your way around Disney Parks. You need to know your stuff, inside and out, and be able to deliver it with the charm of Aladdin and the wit of Genie. (Got your magic carpet ready?)

So, if you thought working at Club 33 is all glitz and glamour, think again.

It’s about embodying the spirit of Walt Disney Company, living the magic, and sharing it with others. (No big deal, right?)

The Bottom Line

Becoming a Cast Member at Club 33 is like being handed a golden ticket to a world of magic, wonder, and a little bit of mystery. (Who doesn’t love a good mystery?)

But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. (Spider-Man, anyone?)

CONCLUSION: Club 33’s Unique Allure

We’ve journeyed through the mysterious Club 33, peeking into its history and exclusivity. So, let’s wrap it up, shall we?

A Unique Disney Experience

Club 33, tucked away in Disneyland Park’s New Orleans Square, is not your typical Disney experience. (Understatement of the century, right?)

It’s a blend of the past, present, and future of the Disney empire, all packed into an exclusive club on Royal Street. (Talk about a magic kingdom!)

A Club Like No Other

Membership in Club 33 is more than just access to VIP lounges or fine dining experiences. (Though those are pretty sweet perks, aren’t they?)

It’s a passport to a side of the Walt Disney World not seen by the general public. It’s being part of an exclusive group that gets to experience Disney in a whole new way. (And who doesn’t want a bit of exclusivity in their life?)

The Future of Club 33

So, what’s next for Club 33? (I know, the suspense is killing me too!)

Well, the Walt Disney Company is known for its innovation and constant evolution. (Hello, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!)

And Club 33, from its original location to its extensions in Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland, has been a part of this evolution. (Pretty cool, huh?)

So, expect Club 33 to continue to evolve, to adapt, to surprise. (After all, that’s the Disney way!)

The Parting Shot

The allure of Club 33 lies not just in its exclusivity, or its history, or its connection to Walt Disney himself. (Though those are all pretty compelling, aren’t they?)

It’s the promise of a unique Disney experience, one that blends the magic of Disney’s past with the excitement of its future. (And who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?)

So, whether you’re a Disney fanatic, a history buff, or just someone who enjoys the finer things in life, Club 33 is a place like no other. (And isn’t that something worth exploring?)

Here’s to the magic, the memories, and the many adventures yet to come. (Cheers!)

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Disneyland’s Club 33 Tour

by Allison Cychosz | Dec 29, 2021 | Disneyland , Uncategorized | 0 comments

What is Club 33?

Tucked away between the stores of new orleans square is disneyland is an exclusive, private dining club not known by many. first opening in 1967, it was the only location inside disneyland that served alcohol to its patrons. to keep the atmosphere family friendly, walt kept the parks dry., where did it get its name, since the establishment would need a liquor license, it would need an address under california law. club 33 gained its name simply from its address 33 royal street in new orleans square in disneyland.  nestled just above the pirates of the caribbean attraction and next to walt’s apartment, the club’s unassuming entrance was known among the private club members as the “green door.” this remained the entrance for many years until it was renovated in 2014, doubling its size, and the entrance was relocated to the court of angels nearby. the green door with ornate club 33 sign remains, but if you knock, no one will answer., it’s purpose, the club was created after walt’s successful vip lounges at the new york world’s fair. it was more suitable to meet with corporate sponsors in a private venue than at the former red wagon inn restaurant., unfortunately walt passed away 6 months before the club opened. at that time, memberships were offered to a select few individuals as well., i had the the luck to dine at club 33 for my 40th birthday  the original club 33 at disneyland was created by walt, though he never had a chance to enjoy it himself. today there are other club 33’s located in various disney parks worldwide.  members pay $33,000 to join and there is an annual fee of $15,000. the pricing keeps the club very exclusive. you can only enter the club as a member, or as a guest of a member., the membership fee also includes annual park passes, 50 single day admission tickets, 5 private vip tours per year, fast passes (disney genie+ passes), access to all of the exclusive lounges and restaurants, exclusive access to club 33 merchandise and a tour of the disneyland resort dream suite., ready to sign up it’s not that easy… membership is limited and it will take patience. in 2007 the wait list was so long that they would not add any more names on the list until 2012  the wait list is an average 4 year wait., before you arrive, i was lucky enough to be invited to join a member, and other guests, for my 40th birthday. i really must thank my dear friend von enselman who made it all happen for me. what a truly magical birthday gift, this elegant experience does come with rules. 1) the dress code. as a fine dining establishment you could not expect to arrive in park wear to club 33.  we enjoyed the parks during the day with our family and left the kids with a family friend while we dressed up for a night on the town.  i’m not going to lie, it was wonderful to see our group arrive at the gates of disneyland dressed to the nines.  one of our guests were asked to wear a shawl when her dress (which was tasteful) was found a bit too revealing.  dresses or slacks with a blouse for women and dress pants and collared shirts for men are the norm. 2) photos. you may take photos but no video is allowed any more. and we were informed that we were not allowed to take photos in the restrooms  i thought that was odd until i used the restroom and saw how gorgeous they were. i can see how people would be tempted to snap a pic there., the exterior.

The balcony offers a lovely view of the bustling New Orleans Square below. Guests can peek out the window or step out onto the balcony for a lovely view of the street below and gorgeous views of Fantasmic. 

Since the renovation there is now a blue door for entry nestled in amongst the stores in new orleans square. you enter to a lobby desk and are checked in..

The Downstairs Lobby

Guests enter into the court des anges (court of angels), an open air courtyard, where they can say hello to their guests, enjoy a rest at tables in the outdoor courtyard and the sound of the fountain..

Guests then ascend the winding stairs adorned with two angels, to the upstairs lobby where they are greeted by a beautifully chandelier lighting the room filled with elegant touches and a beautiful harpsichord, and a turkey vulture. Yes, a vulture!

You may think this was a reject from the enchanted tiki room. but this is disneyland after all, and of course there’s an animatronic vulture in the lobby. before the remodel, this was known as the trophy room. the room was outfitted with various microphones and the vulture would respond to conversations of the guests. although there are many rumors around this peering turkey, it was never used due to privacy concerns., the harpsichord is a hand painted scene of new orleans harbor..

Le Salon Nouveau – The Lounge

A visit to club 33 is an experience to be savored. we spent the entire evening here.  our journey started with a visit to the the le salon nouveau lounge. greeted by live jazz music, an attentive waiter and a bar manual from “hotel marceline” (marceline, missouri is where walt lived as a child), we enjoyed a great cocktail menu. a beautiful blue stained glass window was illuminated above the room filled with tables and cozy velvet lined booths tucked in among the walls. all very reminiscent of an evening new orleans jazz club.  a great place for a relaxing drink to start the experience., after the renovation the beautiful elevator that used to take guests upstairs from the entry area was displayed on the lounge. it’s absolutely beautiful. and of course there’s a walt story behind the elevator. when walt and his wife lillian, were on holiday in france, walt saw a similar lift in french hotel. he offered to purchase the lift from the hotel but was declined. he set his imagineers to get to work to create one themselves and they headed to the hotel to study the lift so they could replicate it for club 33., le grand salon restaurant, after our relaxing visit to the lounge. we were escorted into le grand salon, the dining area. we had a large group dining with us tonight so we had a lovely table in the center of the room.  nothing is rushed for this experience.  after settling in and enjoying our drinks and conversation, we were given our drink and dining menus for the evening..

Dinner was nothing short of amazing.

Guests can choose to add on a seafood course: chilled selection of oysters, poached shrimp, scallops, abalone ceviche, whole lobster tail, king crab legs and snow crab claws as well as a signature golden osetra caviar course served with crème fraiche, fingerling potatoes and fresh lemon, of course you can choose a four, five or six course wine pairing for the dinner as well., first course: asparagus dusted with fennel pollen, leek puree and rose blood orange conserve; chilled blue crab tian, snow crab claw, golden beet carpaccio and dill crème fraiche; filet mignon steak tartare, poached quall egg and country mustard; tempura fried zucchini blossom, lemon ricotta, fava bean puree and lemon jam, second course: potato leek broth and rhubarb grilled chicken, fava beans and asparagus; california green salad with nasturtium, avocado, chevre mousseline and raspberry vinaigrette; little gem lettuce, strawberry, pork rillettes, country bread and buttermilk orange dressing, third couse: sautéed sustainable fish of the day with nantucket bay scallop and crayfish etouffee; skuna bay salmon a la planche, french green lentils, oyster mushrooms and bacon; lobster cavatelli, english peas, tomato petals and australian black truffle; maple leaf duck  breast torchone with kumquat marmalade and duck mousse, fourth course: colorado lamb with green garlic, morel mushrooms and syrah sauce; petit angus filet mignon with summer squash ratatouille and sun gold tomato; potato parmesan gnocchi, english peas, roasted morel mushrooms and asparagus; slow braised beef short rib with poached onions, roasted baby carrots and zinfandel essence, cheese course: finely selected cheeses with apricot mustardo, pickled white peach and lemon-poppy seed madeleine, dessert course: salted caramel chocolate tarte, vanilla chantilly cream and pistachio crème anglaise; pecan coffee bundt cake, dark chocolate, pecan brittle and café au lait gelato; citrus celebration: tart of tangerine, passion fruit meringue and blood orange sorbet; california cherry pie, honey roasted apricot and cherry pit gelato, and of course, you are sent home with a selection of delicious candies to top it all off..

The End of a Magical Evening

After a truly spectacular experience with a wonderful group of people, we all left through the court of angels. the stars shone through the night sky above us in the open court yard. we said our fond farewells and my husband and i strolled over in our dressy clothes to take a ride on space mountain to top off the evening. we then headed back to rescue our babysitter who had 7 children in a hotel suite. she had the littlest sleeping on her, most of the older children were asleep, my youngest lay on the floor passed out from too much fun, and my oldest was of course awake. as a parent, i knew my kids were happy and well cared for while we had the chance to experience club 33. here’s to terrie wepner for offering to stay behind while we enjoyed the night out as adults..

Enjoy a private walkthrough tour of the Original Club 33.

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What Is Club 33 And How To Join + Our Visit Inside!

Many Disney fans may have heard of the famous Club 33. However, what exactly is Club 33? How do you join? Most importantly, how much does it cost? Find out the answers to your questions and read DVC Shop’s Bobby’s first hand experience of visiting the Club 33 in Disneyland.

What is Club 33?

Club 33 is an exclusive club where members are able to enter private dining and lounge areas in almost every Disney park around the world. According to Disney, the Club is named after the address of the original Disneyland Club 33 location, which was 33 Royal Street in New Orleans Square.

The locations in the parks are hidden in plain sight, and you may have seen the outside of them before while in the Disney parks.

Disneyland Resort

• Le Grand Salon Restaurant – New Orleans Square, Disneyland Park
• Le Salon Nouveau – A Jazz Lounge in New Orleans Square, Disneyland Park
• 1901 Lounge – Disney California Adventure

Walt Disney World

• Captain’s Quarters – Adventureland, Magic Kingdom
• Constellation Club – American Adventure Pavilion, Epcot
• Spotlight Lounge – Above The Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant, Hollywood Studios
• Harambe House – Africa, Animal Kingdom

Club 33 Benefits

Club 33 members receive a variety of benefits while in the parks. To name a few, those who join this Disney Club will receive the following:

• Annual Park Passes
• 50 single-day admission tickets
• 5 private VIP tours per year
• Set FastPasses during their visit
• Access to all of the exclusive lounges and restaurants
• Exclusive access to Club 33 merchandise
• A tour of of the Disneyland Resort Dream Suite

Although this is not the case anymore, Club 33 lounges used to be the only place that guests could enjoy alcoholic beverages in Disney. Now it is more common for guests to purchase alcohol in the parks, but this used to be a major benefit for the members of Club 33.

How Do I Join?

Obviously everyone who spends time in Disney wishes to be a member of Club 33. With the long list of exclusive benefits and experiences, there’s no reason not to! Except buying your way into Club 33 will not be as simple as buying a ticket to the Disney parks.

Membership to Club 33, is not a quick process, and will require a measure of patience. There are only a small number of memberships offered per year. Some years there are no memberships offered, while in other years several memberships will be granted. Guests who wish to become members at Club 33 will need to email [email protected] for Walt Disney World, or for Disneyland, you must submit a written letter of inquiry at the address as follows: Club 33 Member Services, 1600 S. Disneyland Drive Anaheim, CA 92802, in order to be considered. As memberships become available, the management team will contact you.

In order to get into Club 33, guests will need to pay the initial membership fee and then a yearly annual fee to maintain their membership. The cost of Disneyland vs Disney World is a little different, with Walt Disney World being more expensive. This is due to the fact that there are more exclusive club locations in Walt Disney World.

For Disneyland Resort’s Club 33, members will pay $25,000 upfront, and then $10,000 every year after.

For Walt Disney World, the up front cost is higher. Members will pay $33,000 to join and the annual fee is $15,000.

“Just the thrill of ringing the buzzer had me so excited because I had passed the door so many times, wondering what it must be like to dine at Club 33.” – Bobby Asen

What Is It Like Inside? – Bobby’s Guest Experience At Club 33

Members of Club 33 are given the opportunity to allow friends to join them as guests to select dining locations. DVC Shop’s Bobby Asen had the chance to dine in Club 33’s Le Grand Salon Restaurant in Disneyland. Here’s his first hand experience.

“Early last year I had the chance to dine as a guest at the original Club 33 location in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square. Prior to my arrival, I received an email stating the rules of the restaurant. No videos would be allowed to be taken inside and there is a zero tolerance policy for taking photos of guests not in your party. Rumor has it photo policies at Club 33 were even stricter in years past.

Once I arrived at the famous Club 33 door, I got to ring the buzzer and give the attendant the last name of my party. Just the thrill of ringing the famous buzzer had me so excited because I had passed the door so many times, wondering what it must be like to dine at Club 33.

After being greeted by the attendant behind the door, I was offered a refreshment while waiting in the lower courtyard. Before going upstairs, we were reminded of the club rules and were offered to have our photo taken on the famous Club 33 staircase “Cour des Anges”.

When we walked into the upper level, we were given a short tour of the restaurant. The tour included showing us areas like the members-only jazz bar and the balcony where guests can view Fantasmic and fireworks on select nights. Also, by the host stand there was a little shop of select merchandise exclusive to this Club 33 location.

After being seated at our table, we viewed our menus, a prix fixe five-course meal. While dining, many of the wait staff shared their favorite facts about Club 33 and educated us about historic items inside the club. Of course, the food was exceptional and the best I had ever experienced inside any Disney Park around the world . The Cast Members made this the most enjoyable experience by sharing their knowledge and love for Disney with guests. You can tell the staff felt that they were a part of carrying on Walt’s legacy while providing the utmost hospitality.

Throughout the history of Club 33, many of the pieces of art inside were from Walt and Lillian’s private collection. After a renovation in 2014 almost everything at the club are now replicas of the originals. Much of the artwork you’ll see throughout the dining room is Disneyland concept art from famous Imagineers .

One of the most famous items you will find in the restaurant is the vulture. Walt originally wanted an animatronic talking bird that could speak to his guests. Unfortunately, this didn’t work as initially planned, but guests can still hear the bird speak occasionally. You can see similar technology in Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. Another well-recognized piece is the piano right when you enter the upstairs room. Lillian picked this piano out herself to be in Club 33. Sadly, it is no longer working, but many famous musicians got to play it while visiting Club 33.

Visiting Club 33 was the ultimate Disney fan experience that I could ever ask for. Having the opportunity to see an exclusive part of the famous Disneyland Park is a moment I will never forget!”

What do you think about the exclusive Club 33? Do you think the benefits are worth the price? Would you want to join to gain access to these exclusive experiences and locations? Let us know in the comments below!

Rachel Van Norman

Contributing writer, 22 comments on “ what is club 33 and how to join + our visit inside ”.

What if you were to bless a regular, working class family each year to carry on the legacy of magic in the parks? While my family is very blessed to enjoy Disney, we are well educated and composed, we will likely never afford such an endeavor. It would be nice to see Disney not just benefit the ultra rich.

That would be amazing! We haven’t heard of such campaigns with Club 33, though Disney has done charitable giveaways of other exclusive experiences like staying in the Castle Suite . We’re sure many people would love a chance to experience Club 33.

If it is so “exclusive”, why is Bobby Asen not wearing socks? I thought there would be a more restrictive dress code. By the way, what is the dress code? Thanks

According to our insider Bobby, casual wear (including shorts) are allowed at lunch. At dinner, men are asked to wear pants and a collared shirt and women are asked to wear dresses, or pants and a blouse. Jeans qualify as pants at Club 33! And no, socks are not required! 😉

Do a little research into modern male fashion instead of just dumping on a guy first. He looks great and very trendy.

Not wearing socks with pants that are too short is not trendy. He looks homeless.

Not sure how anyone can look homeless while having access to club 33. He could have worn a suit made of garbage bags and the location alone says he’s not homeless.

Everything looks..Great…lol….The absence of socks that’s what’s up…Don’t Hate……. Disney…is whomever he is…..Club 33…or Club 666…or Club 911 The American..Way…Don’t Hate…Love…❤💯

We love Bobby’s look too!

Would love to meet a member and love to apply to get into this club. We are Big Disney fans and are also part of D23, DVC, and magic key holders. If you know anyone who like meeting new Disney fans and would like to help us get in we would love to meet them. 🙂

I love everything Disney. How special it would be to be a part of this club. I think I just may try to join before I depart this life..

This is a joke, right?!!! Asults paying this much to be in the Mickey Mouse Club?! Must take a really self obsessed individual to purchase this.

lots of corporate money in the Club – written off as a business expense 😉

A talking raven that doesn’t work right, and a broken piano? At $25,000 a person, with all the talent Disney has at its fingertips everything should be perfect and magical. The Magic Castle in Hollywood has a (ghost) (player piano) that plays any melody on request! Surely Disney can do better! So, no, I’d never pay that just to be able to say I’m an elitist snob.

Here, here! My sentiments exactly. If your going to pay these prices, you should at least get a working piano!

Sounds extremely freemasonic..

My wife and I have been Walt Disney fans since we were kids in the 1950’s. We’ve watched Steamboat Willie change to Mickey Mouse and watched our story books turn into big screen movies. And to top it all off, the amusement park of all amusement parks opens in CA, complete with parades, fireworks, castles, pirates, animatrons of animals and even past presidents of the USA! What a thrilling adventure! Even more so when I got to march in Disney’s Christmas parade with my school band. And then experience it all over again through my children’s eyes when I took them to experience the best amusement park in the world. But then Walt passed on and his legacy was taken over by his relatives who changed it beyond belief. They let politics and interest groups make demands that went against Walt’s ideas for a small world for children and the child within us all. How sad that so many things were ruined because of it. And now I read about Club 33, where the elite can eat and sleep and play without having to worry about the lower class being anywhere around them. I can think of many other good uses for $33,000. Even if if we’re used for Disney world tickets, it could buy 303 day passes, even more if bought in large groups! $15,000 annual price to maintain membership for staying away from those not in their class provides for 138 tickets, even more when bought in large groups! Just think of all the Veterans and their families that could enjoy Disney World. Or how about orphanages whose kids could use a day out to the magical kingdom? There are many ways that amount of money would be better spent than dividing the classes. Or better said, people who can afford that kind of money have their ways of staying away from hourly wage people. Disney shouldn’t be a part of that. To take a line from one of Disney’s own songs that’s been around for over 50 years, It’s A Small World After All. Let’s try and bring Walt’s ideas back where we were all one human race, joining together at the amusement park, all races, all religions, enjoying the best playground on earth, together!

AMEN❣️ Afterall it is the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH❣️

Only for the rich and the ones making money off the rich at club 33 apparantly.

I need to join

Club 33 was Walt’s idea and creation.

I worked at Disney in 1980. I knew about the club back then. When I’d take family and friends to the park, and we would go on the Pirates ride I would point at a scene with animatronics and convince them that it was really live people having diner at the club. I got a good chuckle from that.

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Cracking the Disney Code: My Exclusive Journey Inside Club 33

I, for one, have always dreamed of stepping inside that famous door of club 33 and sharing meal in the place that walt once sat. it’s been on my disney bucket list for as long as i can remember. disney’s club 33 is one of the most exclusive “clubs” known to the "disney faniverse”. club 33 is located above the pirates of the caribbean attraction and next to walt disney's former apartment. as the disneydose put it.. "club 33 is one of the most elusive and secret locations at the disneyland resort. most guests walk past it every day without ever knowing it's there or what's behind that famous door located in new orleans square., only disneyland club 33 and their invited guests can visit club 33, it is not open to the general public, so there’s definitely an air of mystery surrounding it which has fascinated guests for years.”, membership into this club is by invite only and that waitlist has been open and closed many many times due to the demand. according to some, a membership initiation of more than $35k is required once approved to join and that’s not all, it is accompanied by a minimum $15k annual fee to keep the status. but if you are lucky enough, you can step inside this top secret place for a meal at the invite of a member….i mean, if you don’t have that kind of “spare change” laying around. all joking aside though, if i win the lottery, it’s my first purchase without a doubt, keep in mind there is a stringent dress code to dine here and your meal is a prefix four course meal of heavenly food, drinks, and dessert surrounded by the mystique of this illustrious location. once you ring that famous doorbell, you are greeted by the amazing cast members that stand watch over the club. they whisked us quickly inside into the beautiful new orleans inspired court of angels. fountains, staircases, and an opportunity for photographic proof that you made it inside the secret lair await you here until you are ready to be seated. once it’s your time for seating, you come up the stairs to that famous mosaic floor greeting you with its beautiful 33 and as you go through the doors, if you are lucky, you may even hear some welcoming comments from alfred, the vulture hanging out at the top of the grandfather clock i was lucky enough to see him in his halloween best, as you pass thru the hall to le grand salon you’ll notice lots of art and collectibles, but, near the end of the hall was my all time favorite tidbit in this beautiful club, the side table used in the original mary poppins movie seen in the foyer of the banks’ home. literal classic disney history right before your eyes once we were done admiring all the beautiful pieces, we were seated for our meal., the meal was as you would expect, over the top amazing. with flavorful and stunningly presented courses one after another accompanied by more than amazing service. you completely feel like royalty here from start to finish. while dining you are permitted to go out onto the balconies. this is a perspective of the disneyland park that very few people have the privilege to see and i was in awe. overlooking new orleans square unbeknownst to the park guests below was completely surreal. like being a part of a bougie disney dream., you are most likely thinking, how in the heck did you get in there well, that is a secret that i will continue to hold dear to my heart and not share out of pure respect and gratefulness for this unbelievable opportunity. i have to say that it was all i had imagined and more. but to be truly candid, it wasn’t the secretiveness or the exclusivity, it was most definitely not the bougie feeling of being inside this space or even overlooking that park from that secret “hideout” without being seen, i am still in awe that i got to sit down and enjoy a meal surrounded by the essence and memory of walt disney himself in a place that her frequented and truly loved. i will never forget my time at club 33 and i will be forever grateful, share this:.

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Inside Club 33 at Disneyland, Photos and Cost

Step inside the exclusive Club 33 at Disneyland. See fascinating photos, delicious dining, and what it costs to join Club 33.

There is a whimsical, almost indescribable feeling in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square. This sensation comes from the tight, detailed alleyways, strings of Mardi Gras beads that hang overhead, and the smell of creole spices steaming from restaurant windows. There are tiny shops, jazz singers, and even Disney cast members dressed in elegant, 1940’s-style costumes. For those who know, New Orleans Square is also home to a very exclusive club.

For most of my life, Disneyland’s Club 33 was a mythic place that I could only dream of entering. I would stare at its door, waiting for the day I’d enter for a chance to experience Disney’s best-kept secret. Visualized by Walt Disney as a place to gather his investors, it’s the only space in the Disneyland Park with a full bar, enormous selection of wine, and a 5-star restaurant. Disney is secretive about Club 33’s cost and access. A-list celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs are amongst its select members.

What It Costs to Join Club 33

According to insiders, fees to join Club 33 are $25,000 with $12,000 annual dues. However, the many membership perks include exclusive access to new attractions, private events, VIP tour guides, valet parking, and hotel upgrades. Since Disneyland caps member numbers, the wait list for the club can be extensive. At one point, the rumored list was 14 years long until Disney opened more slots in 2012.

Photos of Club 33 at Disneyland

The club’s entrance is tucked away in one of the Big Easy alleys, only marked by its titular number (there’s an older, now “false” entrance that many think is the real deal). To get inside, you’ll need to ring the bell and wait. A cast member will ask the name of the reservation before allowing access.

The check-in room is small but wonderful nonetheless. There is regal wallpaper, breezy curtains, and striking décor like a gorgeous bust of Marie Antoinette. Once you’ve checked in, you’re escorted to an atrium-style outdoor area called the Court of Angels (due to the angelic statues). The opulence continues with a winding staircase, a water fountain, and even a glowing caged fairy.

The restaurant and lounge portions of Club 33 are on the second floor. Those walking the streets of New Orleans Square don’t see or hear the dining guests from the above VIP club. However, there is a balcony for diners of Club 33 to eat — but, as we were told, not to drink.

On this brisk January evening, we elected to dine inside. As we waited for our table, a cast member reminded us that we weren’t in the proper attire. Usually, we’d be embarrassed by this type of oversight, but this reservation was made thirty minutes before our arrival. We weren’t prepared for the treat we’d find that day. Club 33 requires collared shirts for men, so we purchased their signature polos — which fit surprisingly well!

The Dining Experience

On our way into the Le Grande Salon restaurant, we saw a long hallway with wine and a lounge. In the central area was a large chandelier and a vulture oddly placed on a grandfather clock. When we looked away, the bird spoke to us in a gruff tone. We quickly whipped our heads back to see that he was an audio-animatronic. The hostess told called him Alfred. The Disney magic, as it seemed, was just beginning.

We saw dozens of dining guests filled in the lavish yet intimate dining area. All were smiling — much different than the other fine dining experiences we’ve had at exclusive clubs. Though Club 33 transports guests away from the hustle and bustle of Disneyland, this space was sprinkled with reminders of the thrills that exist outside its doors. There was a family-friendly vibe as parents fed their young children. A few diners were wearing Mickey ears with their gowns.​

Being that the restaurant is 5-star, the wait staff was impeccable. If you needed to use the restroom, you’d find a newly refolded napkin waiting for you. Everyone was friendly, courteous, and not presumptuous in any way (unlike some of the other fine-dining establishments we’ve visited).

Speaking of the restroom, that was an entirely different experience. We weren’t allowed to take photos (we wouldn’t post restroom photos anyway), but the walls were covered in rich, dark wood. There was a bookshelf with a tissue box inside one of the books. Tiny bottles of mouthwash and other toiletries were in large mason jars and baskets. The best part, however, was the toilet stall. Though it was motion-activated, there was also an old-style hand pull and copper pipes that would flush the bowl. All of it was strangely amusing!

We were able to choose from a large selection of cocktails or ask for our favorite from the full bar. We chose champagne, and I also order a Mai Tai (just felt like something a Disney Imagineer might ask for — and the best Mai Tai I’ve ever had). The idea of being served hard alcohol in Disneyland was thrilling. It was like being seventeen and receiving wine on Christmas by one of our family members. We were breaking an age-old rule in the cleverest way.

If you’re curious about the numbers, dinner was a five-course meal at $130 per plate. There was also a five-course wine pairing starting at $65 a plate. We began with osetra caviar served with potatoes, chives, and sour cream (not included in the five-course meal). The caviar was mildly salty, and the waiter was happy to bring us extra potatoes to try with it. For the appetizer, I chose the grilled winter white asparagus with black truffle aioli. The asparagus was thick and crunchy which perfectly meshed with the creamy aioli. Second, I had the green oak salad with spiced walnuts and cranberry tangerine vinaigrette. This was a sweet and salty combination that flowed perfectly after the appetizer.

For the third plate and the entrée, I chose the roasted duck with kale gnocchi and braised beef short rib. I’m not much of a duck fan, but it was the best I’ve ever had. The flavor was more buttery than gamey, and the gnocchi was perfectly pillowy. I believe that Disney has some of the best short rib, and Club 33 delivered the finest I’ve ever had. Each bite felt crisply charred, yet melted in my mouth. I concluded the meal with an order of warm pineapple upside down cake. The Dessert arrived with pineapple sorbet which tasted just like Disneyland’s famed Dole Whip. The combination of tropical flavors were excitingly sweet and not too punchy.

At the end, we felt stuffed and warm from the cocktails and champagne. It was time to pay the bill and head back into the main park. Yet, I didn’t want to leave. The artwork like original sketches of Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Mark Twain Riverboat covered the walls. The rest of the décor was a hodgepodge of curios from around the globe. I had a hundred questions and not enough time to ask.

Shortly after, we blissfully thanked the hostess before walking down the steps into the atrium and exiting the doors. As the crisp winter hair brushed my face, I saw a family of four eagerly stare inside. A mother and father guided their young son’s attention to the white bust in the corner. Their teenage daughter looked at me with wide eyes as I walked by. They absorbed as much as they could, smiling and shaking with joy before the door closed. I knew that feeling all too well. It’s the thrill of knowing that there are more corners of Disneyland to explore. And, for me, I’m excited that I haven’t seen them all.

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How to Get a Reservation at Club 33 | Easily Explained

If you've been around any of the Disney parks, chances are that you've stumbled across someone mentioning an exclusive club inside of the parks, but what is it exactly?

In this page we will go over what Club 33 is, the benefits it provides, how much it costs, the rules, and how to become a member.

What is Club 33?

Club 33 is an exclusive members only private dining club that is actually located inside of Disneyland Resort & Walt Disney World.

This club has been at the top of the bucket list for most fans since it opened in 1967. The only way to obtain access into this club is to be a member yourself, or be a guest of a member. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Disneyland Club 33 Member (@disneyland33member)

In Disneyland, it is one of two locations where alcoholic beverages are actually permitted. 

If you're looking to learn more about Club 33, including a behind-the-scenes look at everything there is to know about this legendary club, check out our Club 33 Guide .

At one point in 2011 , there was a 14 year waiting list for new members!

Why is it Called Disney Club 33?

It is named after the address it is located in, which is 33 Royal Street in New Orleans Square (at Disneyland).

Club 33 was thought to be originally thought of by Walt Disney himself, in order to entertain his VIP guests.

Club 33 Benefits

• Annual passes to the parks.
• 50 single day admission tickets.
• 5 annual private VIP tours.
• Access to secret lounges & restaurants inside of Disneyland.
• Exclusive Club 33 merchandise
• Tour of the Dream Suite

There are also dozens of other rumored secret benefits and perks only given to members of the Club - some are rumored to only be given to the most exclusive members !

How Much Does it Cost to be a Member?

There is an initial membership fee and an annual fee afterwards.

For Disneyland Resort , it costs  an initial membership fee of   $25,000 upfront, and then $10,000 annually for membership fees.

For Walt Disney World , it costs an initial membership fee of $33,000 upfront, and then an annual fee of $15,000. 

The high pricing is intended to maintain the exclusivity of the club, finance all of the benefits that Club 33 offers, and to go the extra mile (or two) to accommodate members.

A popular, but just as pricey alternative to Club 33 for those who can't get in is  21 Royal .

General Club 33 Rules

In the day that you arrive, once you're let in through the front door you'll be reminded of all of the following rules.

What is the Dress Code?

Casual attire is allowed for both lunch and dinner.

However, tank tops, cut-offs, swim suits, beachwear, shorts & flip flops/sandals aren't allowed.

Cancellations

If your party arrives 30 minutes after the scheduled reservation time, your reservation may be subject to cancellation.

Can you Take Pictures Inside?

No, in fact both pictures and videos are not allowed.

No smoking is permitted.

How Many Members Does Club 33 Have?

There isn't a public exact amount but there is rumored to be 500 members in club 33. 

We discuss this in more detail, including who some celebrity Club 33 members might be in our Club 33 Member page !

Make a Reservation in Advance

Members must make reservations months in advance in order to secure a table for their desired date.

You must also ensure that you arrive on time, as tardiness may result in cancelation of your reservation.

How Can I Talk to Someone About Club 33?

If you're interested in Club 33, you can express interest by emailing  [email protected] .

They receive a lot of interest, so if you don't receive an immediate response don't be alarmed. If for some reason. you've gone a few days without any type of update, feel free to send a follow up email.

Club 33 Training

New cast members who will work in Club 33 must receive 3 months of training. Compared to most jobs, that is on the higher end of training, but that should give you an idea of what type of high expectations are held that workers have to upkeep.

Learn More About Club 33!

An Exclusive Look At Club 33 | History & Behind-The-Scenes

Club 33 Secrets | The Most Exclusive Perks & Benefits Of The Club

Club 33 Memberships & Reservations For Sale | What You Need To Know

How To Join Club 33 | Application Tips & Review Process

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Inside Disneyland’s Exclusive Club 33

For many Disney fans, Disneyland’s Club 33 is the holy grail. Thanks to its history and lore that has developed (some true, some false), there’s a certain mystique to the legendary Disneyland restaurant, and it’s a pretty common destination on Disney “bucket lists.” (What, you don’t have a Disney Bucket List?! Better get to writing!)

Stories of a 10-year plus waiting list for memberships, coupled with a multiple thousand dollar initial investment (a minimum $35,000 first year cost for new members as of 2012 !) have added fuel to the fire, making a meal at Club 33 even more highly desired by Disney fans.

On a recent trip to Disneyland , we decided to visit Club 33 to give you a glimpse inside the restaurant. To get inside that door at 33 Royal Street, I told the hostess that I was Neil Patrick Harris. She took one look at me, rolled her eyes, and slammed the door. Then, we tried climbing the wrought-iron lattice in New Orleans Square to sneak onto the balcony. A security guard’s teeth ripped into my rear end after I was only 3 feet off the ground (note: the security guard was a German Shepherd…not a human). Finally, we were able to get in by donning monocles, fake handlebar mustaches, large top hats, penguin-tail tuxedos, and telling the hostess we were oil tycoons from 1901. In reality, Club 33 is only available to members and their invited guests. Since most people will never be able to visit the historical Disneyland restaurant, we want to give you a tour of what’s behind that plain door with the “33” next to it.

The Club 33 experience is largely a result of the ambiance and the history of the restaurant. There are arguably better restaurants at Disneyland Resort ( Napa Rose , Carthay Circle Restaurant , and Steakhouse 55 ), but none ooze history like Club 33 (although Carthay Circle Restaurant gives it a run for its money ). Club 33 was a personal project for Walt Disney, who wanted to use the restaurant to entertain. Although he never saw the finished Club, many of the fixtures, art, and furniture have connections to Walt Disney.

After entering Club 33, diners immediately see one of the most fabled pieces of Club 33 lore, the French Lift. Basically, a French Lift is an elevator; it (probably) derives its name from the French aristocrats of the era, who were too lazy to walk around on their own, so they had servants carry them around. That’s just a guess, though. These lifts were frequently used in the late 1880s but are now quite rare. They were similarly rare when Club 33 was being constructed. According to historians, while shopping with Lillian, Walt Disney saw a French Lift in a department store and attempted to purchase it. The store wouldn’t sell, so he sent his Imagineers to the store to study it, and had  them construct a similar lift in Club 33.

We dined in the Trophy Room, which is the informal name for the room in Club 33 that is now only a subtle nod to hunting. At one time there were more trophy heads in this room, but over the years Disney has made an effort to distance itself from sport-hunting, so most have been replaced with decor that references hunting, without being quite so explicit.

Editorializing a little, I don’t see the need to sanitize history in this manner, especially in a private club. It’s no secret that Roosevelt and other prominent individuals in American history were big game hunters; the room was nothing more than a historical nod to this aspect of our nation’s past. It’s not as if it was advocating the mass slaughtering of baby dolphins or anything explicit. But I digress.

Of more interest to you than my personal beliefs on the room is some of the decor that does remain. An audio animatronic stuffed vulture that once entertained Club 33 guests still sits perched under the door, and microphones/speakers that were once used for the vulture’s interactive “show” can be found in the light fixtures hanging about tables. Rumors persist that these were actually used to spy on the conversations of patrons, but to my knowledge there is no reliable source to corroborate this. It’s just fun Disneyland lore.

Continuing towards the bar and main dining area, there is an ornate walnut table with white marble top. This table is an actual prop that was used in the 1964 Disney film, Mary Poppins , and is one of the more famed pieces of decor in the Club. Also in this area is a beautiful phone both, and an incredibly detailed table from The Happiest Millionaire. 

The various pieces of furniture are works of art, but there are also various real works of art throughout the restaurant. A large Pirates of the Caribbean “map” hangs near the bar, and one of the most emotive pieces of Disney art I’ve ever seen also hangs in Club 33. As stated above, Walt Disney never dined in Club 33, having passed away a few months before its completion. For Disneyland’s 50th anniversary, Club 33 had a painting commissioned of Walt enjoying a meal at the Club. Seeing this painting always gives me chills.

Across from the bar sits a beautiful piano with a meticulous painting of 19th century New Orleans Harbor on the inside of the lid. Club 33 waiters note that several famous musicians have played this piano when dining at Club 33.

If it didn’t hit you as soon as you walked in to the door and saw the beautiful wood-work and French Lift, the fact that you’re no longer “in Disneyland” really hits you when you see the fully stocked bar across from the piano. Club 33 was originally contemplated as a place for Walt Disney to wine and dine business people, so of course it needed a bar to help “assist” with the process. 😉

A corridor lined with buffet stations (during lunch) leads to the main dining room. The main dining room contains multiple tables along with doors that lead to various balconies overlooking New Orleans Square. The ornate details and luxurious furnishings continue here, and the atmosphere of Club 33 is quite a stark contrast to the theme park that can be viewed right outside those balcony doors.

Overall, Club 33 is truly a beautiful restaurant, from the main lobby to even the restrooms! We’ve dined at Club 33 a few times now, for both lunch and dinner . If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity, I recommend doing lunch at Club 33 . You will be able to order the storied Chateaubriand (make sure to request it with the Truffled Mac & Cheese), and you will also have access to the quite wonderful lunch buffet .

I recommend starting your meal by ordering a Mint Julep from the bar (the Lemon Drop or the Mojito also are acceptable options) to add some authenticity to the experience. Plus, when else will you be able to order alcohol in a Magic Kingdom style park?!

Also make sure to head to the balcony between courses to soak up the ambiance and for photos. Dinner is not a bad choice, and one that many Club 33 members recommend for the more formal atmosphere, obstructed view of Fantasmic! , and better overall fixed menu, but we give the nod to lunch.

If you do have the opportunity to dine at Club 33, don’t even think twice about whether you should do it–just do it. It’s pricey, but it’s an amazing experience for a Disney fan, and the ambiance and history of the restaurant alone make it worth the price of the meal!

Is Club 33 on your Disney Bucket List? Have you dined at Club 33 before? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 

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Tom Bricker

Tom is an amateur Walt Disney World photographer. He recently married his princess, Sarah, to whom he became engaged at WDW on the beach of the Polynesian Resort in 2007. Tom and Sarah have a miniature dachshund named Walter E. Dogsney and a yellow cat named Yossarian the Cat. Together, Sarah and Tom run the website http://DisneyTouristBlog.com. Tom's photography can be found on his Flickr page (www.flickr.com/tombricker) and he can be contacted via Twitter (@wdwfigment) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/wdwfigment).

5 thoughts on “ Inside Disneyland’s Exclusive Club 33 ”

I have had the privilege of visiting Club 33 many times through my life. The “piano” is actually a harpsichord which was custom built for Lillian. As a child, we visited with my piano teacher, who was permitted to play it. Harpsichords have a very unique sound. Elton John & Paul McCartney have both played it, but it is no longer in playing condition.

Also, the vulture & microphones, were never actually used, though I can imagine Walt thinking it up and discussions of its use.

I’ve always wanted to go there but I haven’t really got the time to. It looks really vintage and fancy! I just might go there some time this year.

As my father was a bank exec who knew the right people we dined at Club 33 several times. Every time was magical. A dream of mine would be a member, but at this rate I would be very old.

I’ve dined @ Club 33 twice– and am actually going there tonight for my 3rd time. While the food is nothing special– the atmosphere, the service– and overall experience is amazing! I am thrilled to be going back tonight! (-& I have that painting/print of Walt Disney dining @ Club 33 framed & hung in my home’s hallway– I love it!).

I dined there in 2009 and it is still one of the best days of my life.

The food was exquisite, the service was fabulous and watching Fantasmic! form the balcony is a memory I will cherish forever.

Also, the toilet in the Ladies room is the prettiest I have ever seen.

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Club 33 New-Look Photo Tour & Review

This post contains our photos and review of lunch at Club 33, the private membership restaurant in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, which recently underwent a dramatic redesign and expansion. Well, “recently” and “new look” might not be entirely accurate. At this point, it was about a year and a half ago, so this is old news in terms of Disney updates. However, given that the previous look of Club 33 had lasted from 1967 until 2014, this is still the “new look,” relatively speaking.

We are extremely fortunate to have been able to experience both dinner and lunch at the original Club 33 . You can read about the history of Club 33 in our dinner post . I’m not going to revisit all of that in this post. From a practical perspective, I realize this “review” is going to be helpful to virtually no one. For one, the menu has already changed since our recent lunch at Club 33. More importantly, few people are going to pass up the opportunity to dine at Club 33 for the first time. If we are all being honest with ourselves, most of us would jump at the opportunity to experience Club 33 due to the exclusivity and history of the place.

No review is going to change that. I debated for a while as to whether I would even write this review for that very reason. Plus, at what point does sharing experiences at Club 33 go from being informative and interesting, to being boastful and entitled? It’s in no way my intent to boast, so hopefully the post doesn’t come across that way. In the end, though, my prevailing thought is: “dammit, we spent a lot of money on this meal, I’m going to at least get one blog post out of it!” 😉

To that end, rather than fixate on particular aspects of our meal, I’m going to share some photos of it, the interiors of the restaurant, and high-level thoughts on our experience at Club 33. Hopefully it’s interesting to some of you…

A lot of critical commentary has already been written about the Club 33 redesign, so I’ll jump headfirst into that. My biggest problem with the new-look Club 33 is that a large chunk of its history has been gutted, and replaced with generic high-end finishings. I understand the need to balance history with a lavish, modern guest experience. Balance is the operative word, and my issue with the redesign is that the “balance” struck was an awful one. Rather than paying tribute to the rich history that underscores Club 33, there are but a few superficial nods to that history, and they range from weak at best to offensively bad at worst.

For us, the previous allure of visiting Club 33 was its history that is now largely absent. While Walt Disney passed shortly before Club 33 opened its doors, it was still his Club. His designs, his details, his vision. Now, it is not. The original lobby and Trophy Room are both gone. The storied French Lift has been converted into a booth for one (who on earth thought this was a good idea?!). Other beloved details have been removed.

There are a few scattered items of historical import, but they are scattered about like overt homages to the original Club 33, rather than actual elements of the new Club’s design. Before, Club 33 oozed history. As a guest you felt like you were dining in Walt Disney’s private club. It was enchanting and truly magical to step into a place that was simultaneously a dignified social club and also such a treasured piece of Disney history.

With the rich history of Club 33 gone, I found myself left wondering what separates Club 33 from any ‘ole private membership club in Los Angeles or Orange County. As I’m not a member of any such clubs, the question is at least somewhat rhetorical, but the only answer I can produce is “it’s in Disneyland.”

I’m sure this remains enough of a selling point to keep demand high for new memberships, as companies and individuals want to be able to entertain business partners and guests at an exclusive club in Disneyland. There are myriad private membership clubs in the area each with some sort of unique draw, but nothing else has this unique draw.

No matter what Disneyland does to Club 33, demand is unlikely to ever dry up–there’s too much corporate and private wealth in the area and the appeal of an exclusive club in Disneyland is too much. Club 33 could be redesigned to a glorified Red Lobster, and I think that sufficient membership demand would remain.

I’ll admit my thoughts here are at least partially colored by bitterness. I’m bitter that Club 33 annexed Court of Angels, a wonderful quiet spot that was one of my favorite in Disneyland . I’m bitter about negative ways its expansion hurt the aesthetics of New Orleans Square. I’m bitter that whomever was heading up this project, both in Imagineering and Team Disney Anaheim management, did not respect Disneyland history.

All of this actually made me feel guilty about returning to Club 33. By going back, I was giving tacit approval to everything that made me bitter. Actions speak louder than words, and visiting made me a hypocrite. In my case, it rendered my protests about what happened to Court of Angels meaningless. I justified it by telling myself that the damage was long done and irreversible, and my visit wasn’t going to change anything. (Still, I’m a hypocrite–I should’ve kept my word and never gone back.)

With that said, to fixate entirely on the negative of the new-look Club 33 would require neglecting the many significant upgrades made around Club 33. The hallway leading to the dining room is lovely, and has a nice sense of sophistication to it.

The art choices throughout the restaurant are nice, with many pieces reflecting designs for Disneyland, New Orleans Square, especially.

The new restrooms are excellent, and will certainly earn a spot on the inevitable best bathrooms at Disneyland list!

Likewise, the new upstairs entrance area looks nice, with a lot of detail and texture in the floor and ceiling.

These are just a few examples, and there are plenty of other positive changes. I don’t necessarily think the original Club 33 felt tired or dated, but it definitely needed some refreshes. The new-look Club 33 does not have those issues, and the overall feeling is one of well-appointed sophistication. By and large, I found the design choices to be good.

There’s a lot of Art Nouveau infused into the redesign, and I’m not entirely sure why. Some of it is well-integrated, but in other cases, it feels like “Art Nouveau Riche.” Excessive ornamentation for its own sake, as if to flaunt its own fanciness and say, “look at me…I’m expensive design!” Same goes with overuse of the logo–Club 33 is a dignified club, not an ostentatious LV handbag.

In terms of design, I loved the look of the new Salon Nouveau Jazz Lounge, but that’s another topic for another day, I think.

Then, there’s the new Club 33 menu.

Club 33 brought in Chef Andrew Sutton, who also heads Napa Rose and Carthay Circle Restaurant, two of Disney’s most inspired dining options anywhere in the world.

His work on the Club 33 menu likewise improved it dramatically.

While some members and guests lament the loses of favorites (we were particularly fond of the lunch buffet), the new menu is exciting and ever-changing.

The old menu reminded me a bit of a traditional country club, where people would come week in and out to order the same tried and true favorites.

By contrast, the new menu is inventive and pushes the envelope, presumably going for and more chic and upscale vibe.

I’d be curious as to how members feel about this. My preference is on the side of the inventive menu, as it would would make every visit feel unique and fresh, but I could see many members favoring the familiarity and memories of revisiting their favorites, like that famous Chateaubriand. I could certainly get used to having that every week!

As impressed as I was with the menu, it was not enough to save the experience. I know that seems silly to say given that Club 33 is ostensibly just a restaurant , but it’s really so much more–or was, at least. For me, Club 33 was an elegant experience in Disneyland and Walt Disney history with a dining component. Now, it is just a private fine dining restaurant.

Overall, the new-look Club 33 was a disappointment in the regards that mattered most to me. I’m glad I got to see it once, but once is enough. The restaurant feels more upscale and there are definite improvements in design and menu, but that misses the point. There are literally hundreds of upscale restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area, many of which do fine dining better. Ripping out the history–the heart and soul of Club 33–was too great of a price for making it feel fancier. None of this will stop it from being popular and a bucket list location for Disney fans. There’s an inherent appeal to things that are exclusive, and we all want to be places where we can’t normally go. I’m not immune to it, so it would be silly and condescending for me to say, “pass up a visit to Club 33 if you have the chance.”

The allure of exclusive experiences is instinctual, I think. Heck, I even see it in our cat. He has no interest in any room until the door to it is shut, and then he rattles at the door until we open it, only to lose interest totally once the door is wide open. Likewise, I think most Disney fans would lose interest in the new-look Club 33 if the door were wide open to the general public and the menu–with prices–were posted out front. Aside from exclusivity, there’s nothing Club 33 has that Napa Rose and Carthay Circle Restaurant don’t.

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Your Thoughts

What do you think of the changes made to Club 33 and New Orleans Square? Do you think it was all worth it? Do you like or dislike the changes made to Club 33? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

It’s pretty disturbing that most people don’t understand the significance of 33 and why he named it that.

The entire place is heavily masonic. It’s so sad. I used to love Disney so much and even considered looking into the residences at Golden Oak. Not anymore.

Very nice article. I dined frequently in the 80’s. It was very special and understated. Very few really knew about it, and no one was screaming from roof tops about it. The Trophy room was not the best seat in the house back then- it didn’t have the glam of the main room. No one wanted to be seated in there. We were all in a curfuffle when the Sunday brunch buffet became more regular. We all thought it was a bit more Plaza Inn than the Club. So things change and stylistically the latest reincarnation: not for the better. Quite honestly, like new paint themes in the park, it’s over saturated, over done, over everything. The best thing about entering was the lift- the place was pretty much built around it. To just shut it down regardless of the reason (I get it, but spend the money please…) is a very big shame. I liked that it was waitresses only, in French maid looking attire. They were all very leggy and gorgeous. Not being sexist, just a preference. I liked the old school country club menu, and sometimes they had fettuccine Alfredo on the menu that they would make at your table. I can appreciate an update, but the wrong people were on the job. If things don’t change for the better, leave it until you can. My days of 3 martini lunches and a big expense account are gone, but even if I had the opportunity…I would give the new Club a pass. The photos were garishly unsettling. I can see how the new breed of those who say, “I’m going to Disney!” would love it- along with logo mouse ears and other things. Disney is not a person or a family anymore, but people love it and pay for it. I say, “I’m going to the Park”, but I’m not sure I’d say it anytime again.

WDW has gotten a lot of flack for replicating Club 33 in Florida but, frankly, their program seems like it is more thought out for the members. Clubs with a great cocktail program, small plates and snacks, where you can enjoy the A/C and relax, without feeling the need to have a full meal if you don’t want. Much better experience I think than being kind of obligated to order a full meal. 1901 at DCA seems like this too.

I dined at C33 several times before the renovation and once at the new club. i agree with your assessment and would add that to me, it’s Just an expensive meal in a restaurant. I don’t find the slightest spark of magic in the place anymore. For those fans who feel they’re missing out on something special, I’d suggest that they’re really not.

How depressing is this comment? The most depressing part is that I find it to be totally true.

Really appreciate your candor on this. I have been intrigued to see what the design changes were, and while I initially thought they looked great, your commentary on the removal of so much history is disappointing. So many reviews I read are jaded by the fact that they were lucky enough to eat there that it blinds them to actual quality. If a die-hard Disney fan like yourself doesn’t feel the need to go back, it speaks volumes!

Hi Tom. I am just curious. Why is club 33 worth it? The amount of money to join and pay each year is crazy to me. I’ve read some benefits online but don’t see why someone would pay these prices? The benefits don’t seem that great for all that money. But then again, if you have all that money, I guess why not. Just wondering you opinion.

From my perspective, it isn’t even remotely worth it. That goes for both before and after the refurbishment.

I could only see having membership to such a club for business purposes, if you need to entertain clients. In that case, I probably could only see Club 33 if it’s a family-oriented business with a lot of the clients traveling with their families.

Beyond that, I think it’s a “more money than we know what to do with” type of thing. I highly doubt any members are weighing cost-benefit when contemplating whether to renew their Club 33 membership. If you even have to think about that, it’s probably not worth it.

I absolutely agree about the history being taken out. While I’ve watched Disney systematically destroy much of what I loved about WDW (EPCOT Center, Disney-MGM Studios, River Country, Contemporary … well, every monorail resort since the advent of DVC) it seems more painful to see changes at DL that actively are taking the Walt out (yes, misplaced Star Wars Land, I am looking at you!)

I’d say that is what you have witnessed at Club 33. Now, I’m not crazy enough to be a member, but I have been (you may recall standing me up for ‘dog reasons’ last summer when I was lunching at the Club!) and I think what has happened is the demos of the Club have changed.

No longer is it so much a perk for businesses and local corps and entertainment industry execs (although they all remain part of it), but now Disney actively sees a huge revenue stream with BRAND addicts and fans who just plain have too much money and too little self restraint. The very fact there isn’t a blogger/podcaster/Lifestyler out there who hasn’t “been taken by a friend” is kind of proof of this. Exclusive private clubs don’t want attention. Any. And for many decades, most fans (even ardent ones) either didn’t know the club existed or couldn’t possibly find/talk their way into an invite. The Internet and online fan community has totally changed that.

Disney is looking to grow the membership and in order to do so decided that an expansion that destroyed much of the history and some of the charm of the place was in order … and so it was done.

Those huge windows now shout to fans below (LOOK!!! UP HERE!!! IF YOU HAVE TOO MUCH $$$, YOU CAN BE PART OF THIS!!!) Indeed, when we were there, Chip and Dale hung out up there and were waving at Guests below. Very tacky chipmunks! So, forget that the windows are out of scale with NoS 1967-2014, what matters is that more people will want to feel special. How can you be a REAL Disney fan without dining at “Walt’s Club”? Even if it isn’t that anymore?

That said, I love the look inside (especially of the new jazz lounge, sans the portrait from the underrated Princess and Frog with a Hidden Darth Vader … boy, those Imagineers just think they are so special!) And the food was tremendous. We were worried because our friends (real friends who are members!) were not enamoured of the new cuisine and portion size under Sutton. But the food was likely the best meal I have ever had at either the Club or even Napa Rose. It was wonderful … and with the 20% member’s discount, it wasn’t over the top pricey. I would go back again — and will — but not regularly. And not, sadly, for its history. I’d go back for the food and the ability to have adult drinks (very, very good ones!) inside DL.

But I can not disagree with your comments about the history being ripped away and that is very unfortunate.

“the ambiance of simply being there” from https://www.disneytouristblog.com/save-court-angels-disneyland/

Thanks Tom! You mentioned you paid “a lot” to eat there. Just curious … about how much was it? If you’d rather not say, I understand.

Nearly $300 for the 2 of us after tip. I’d rather eat at Napa Rose for significantly less.

Club 33 existed for the reason to have a place for executives and the elite to have a Martini lunch in Disney Land. With other options near by, and them gutting the history. I don’t see it hanging on much longer with the membership fees and exclusive access. I guess the question to Tom’s friends would be “are they going to continue with the membership”? Because I can see Club33 being a high end reservation club for Disneyland open to the public.

I’m pretty sure there’s still a waitlist for new memberships, so I don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon. With that said, there were like 2 tables of people there when we dined. I’ve never seen it that empty, but perhaps it was a fluke.

Really sad to see this. What about the gorgeous Club 33 china? Has that been replaced, too?

I was just there for lunch last month. It was my first trip thanks to the generosity of my cousin’s father-in-law. I totally geeked out. As a first timer, I thought it was an amazing experience. My cousin, his wife and their family enjoy the renovation, mostly because reservations tend to be a little easier to get now, and they like the new menu and decor, as well as the salon. I throughly enjoyed it, but I have never visited prior to the renovation.

Wow, the salon is definitely appealing! I love the ceiling and blue rug! Please do a post about it sometime!

Thanks for the view into the mysterious Club 33!

Thanks so much for giving us a glimpse inside. I’m going to search utube to see if I can find old pics to compare. I have no idea what it used to look like. Loved the tour!

Food pics look tasty, nice presentation, but I’m not a fan of serving $$$$ dishes with skimpy sides of perhaps 1 tiny nugget potato, 4 green beans, and what wouldn’t amount to half a carrot, etc.

I visited the former glory a few years ago and enjoyed it very much. It was wonderful to see the trophy room, ride up the elevator, take in the charm of the nostalgic hallways, and indulge in the chocolate buffet bar. We sat outside on the balcony as one of my children took some images of us living it up. I took several images from outside the balcony of the views and many designs leading back into New Orleans Square. I will remember it fondly and I probably could go back again if I asked, but I don’t feel the need. I think its a true shame in the gutting of it all. The facade on the outside to the casual visitor of Disneyland is atrocious. The removal of the Court of Angels is unforgivable. What will be next? Removable of Walt Disney’s Apartment so they can store Star Wars Christmas decorations?

I hope not.

Just wanted to comment about what you said about debating on whether to post something like this, that’s not going to really be ‘helpful’ to many people. I think when in doubt, post anyway. Something like this I know I’ll never get to do, but I still find it just as interesting to read about as reviews of places I might go. Same reason people love your trip reports, or read your posts about TDL or HKDL, it’s nice get a taste of the experience.

Thankfully the redesign took it off my Disney bucket list. With the historical appeal wiped away, it means very little to me now. I can pay a lot of money for good food at Napa Rose.

Although I never dined in Club 33, I am grateful we saw the lobby on Walk in Walt’s Footsteps tour. I’m so incredibly happy we went to Disneyland when we did, right in the middle of massive changes to the resort.

I remember you writing a blog on Club 33 before and just found it again, I was curious as I read this article if you have any old pics, to be able to compare side by side with your new ones above? It would be fun to see the contrasts. As I was reading this article I was remembering other blog sites and the debate on “what would Walt do?” And It would be really neat to know, as the creative guy he apparently was, if he would want so many of the the things he created to remain the same for memory/nostalgia sake, or would he encourage his employees to update the attractions/dining/parks etc. as time moved on?

There was plenty of change taking place at DL, even in Walt’s days. I have to think he’d approve of the improvements everywhere, and realize that updates are essential to keep guests coming.

I think it’s important to remember that “improvements” and “updates” are two very different things. Just because something changes does not mean it has improved.

Walt quotes are often thrown around regarding change to justify anything modern day Disney does, but this is also a company that heavily embraces (and milks) history when it suits them. Much like Main Street USA captures the charm and nostalgia of a bygone era and would not be anything special if it were styled as a modern day shopping mall (that’s what it effectively is), Club 33 captured something special by embracing Disneyland and Walt Disney history rather than being styled as a modern fine dining restaurant.

I won’t claim to know what Walt would think, but I know what I think: Club 33 has lost that “something special.”

Tom – Iger happened. The money grabbing, short term vision of Iger happened to 33. No matter where one can insert the comments “lost the magic” or “lost something special” it’s always Iger at the helm. A greasy haired, lying salesman is all he is. A better alternative, I don’t know, but Iger is definitely not the answer.

I had the privilege of dining at Club 33 the month before it closed for reno, in the Trophy Room to boot. So there will never be a way for me to duplicate or compare my prior experience. That isn’t to say that I wouldn’t welcome one chance (like you) to see it for myself in its Nouveau state.

And if you blogged about it you can write the meal off, right? 😉

You nailed it on the head. Of course, if I was afforded the opportunity to dine at Club 33 with the wife we would in a heart beat-but I was drawn to it because of the rich history. The “Disney difference” should never be discounted or trivialized, and it seems like it might’ve been during the refresh.

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Disneyland Club 33 Review & Tour – With and Without Kids

by Steve Griswold | Jun 12, 2012 | Dining , Disney Blog , Disneyland Vacation Planning | 0 comments

On our last Disneyland trip we were very lucky to dine at Club 33, the exclusive members-only restaurant at Disneyland. We had brunch with the kids and then a grown-up dinner on another night.

Dinner at Club 33

Sunday Brunch at Club 33:

This is an amazing brunch that starts at 11 AM. It begins with a buffet (see photos below) and you also get to order a main course. We both ordered the filet, which was amazing. This was a great deal of food for a brunch and is defiantly an experience.

Our brunch was over two hours long, but the environment and the food itself makes time fly. We went with our two little ones, ages two and six, which is probably the best time to take little one to Club 33. Mickey and Pluto also dine at there for Sunday Brunch, so this special character interaction makes it a nice outing for the kids too.

No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani was sitting next to us. She laughed at Brooke, who decided to crawl out of her chair and put her napkin on the floor to take a nap. The club is so much more casual at brunch, no one seemed to mind the little ones, which is a nice change from dinner, which is more formal.

Our photo tour consists of mostly Sunday Brunch photos at the club. Lisa and I did go back later in the week without the kids for dinner in the trophy room. We also took a tour of Club 33 after our Sunday brunch and you will find the video link below.

Our MouseChat.net Podcast on Club 33 covers our Sunday Brunch and also our Adult Dining experience in detail.

Club 33 Video Tour Disneyland Club 33 Review on Mouse Chat Podcast Club 33 Photo Album on Facebook.  Loads of Photos here. 🙂

Club 33 Costs:

The cost for your meal is the price of a one day park ticket to Disneyland. Currently this is $80. I believe brunch on Sunday was a little more, maybe $89 a person. A nice benefit is that you get admission for that day to the park, so basically you get into the park for free and then you pay this back with your minimum meal cost.

Update Stating in Jan. 2012:  Members of Club 33 have a limited number or no park admission for guests they invite to experience Club 33.  It depends on the type of membership they have as to the benefits.  Thanks Pam for this update.

How do I get into Club 33?

You have to be a member to get into Club 33. There are about 500 members in the club, but members can invite their friends, so if you know a Club 33 member they can get you a reservation there. Sorry, I am not a Club 33 member and can not get you in, but if you do have a chance to dine at Club 33, it’s a once in a life time experience.

If you have questions about Disneyland, Club 33, the hotels at Disneyland and offsite, etc. you can contact me at my email address over at Pixie Vacations .

Arriving at Club 33 for Sunday brunch

The Club 33 Kids Menu

Brooke had a blast with the Disney Characters

Club 33 has an open buffet, and also you get a menu selection for brunch

The filet at Club 33 for Brunch was prefect

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Disney Adults Spend $400k Losing a Lawsuit to Rejoin the Exclusive Club 33

Disney revoked the couple’s Club 33 memberships after accusing them of public intoxication within the park. They sued to get back in.

By Luis Prada

Disneyland has a secret private dining club hidden within it called Club 33. The club has a lot of strict rules governing patron decorum. For instance, public intoxication will get your membership revoked.

That’s exactly what Scott and Diana Anderson discovered back in 2017 when Disney revoked their Club 33 memberships after accusing Scott of public intoxication within the park. He blames a vestibular migraine triggered by red wine.

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The couple sued to get their membership reinstated. A s reported in the LA Times , their attempt has now officially failed, and all it took was several years of their lives and $400,000 in legal bills.

First, let’s rewind to explain why anyone would devote so much time and resources just to regain access to a private Disney dining club. The Andersons are Disney Adults , for all the good and bad that label comes with, and that’s putting it mildly. Maybe they’re Disney obsessives . But at least they paid their dues.

The couple reportedly rode the Haunted Mansion ride nearly 1,000 times. They ate at the private club 80 times a year. Annual dues to Club 33 are $31,500. Adding in travel and hotels, they said they spent around $125,000 a year to enjoy all its amenities. They spent nearly a decade on the waiting list for the private club in the first place. So when they were banned, they burned a lot of that money trying to get back in.

The dream came crashing down in September 2017 when security guards said Scott was slurring his speech and had trouble standing near the entrance of California Adventure. Anderson’s lawyer says Scott was just exhibiting symptoms of a vestibular migraine brought on by the wine—and that it’s unfair that they were banned without video evidence and a breathalyzer test.

The Andersons had previously run afoul of Disney brass when their memberships were briefly suspended after Diana used inappropriate language in the park, says the Times.

In their lawsuit, the Andersons wanted their Club 33 membership reinstated and sought financial compensation totaling $241,500 to cover four months of unused membership and seven years of membership fees. An Orange County jury sided with Disney.

Scott said the entire ordeal has set back his retirement by five years but that they’re going to keep fighting. Diana said that she’d sell a kidney to keep the fight going—though, liver probably might have been a more appropriate organ, given the context.

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Disney-obsessed couple loses lawsuit to get back into exclusive Club 33

For the record :

5:08 p.m. Sept. 4, 2024 : A previous version of this article referred to Disneyland’s Haunted House ride. It is the Haunted Mansion ride.

As members of Disney's exclusive Club 33, Scott and Diana Anderson visited the two Anaheim theme parks 60 to 80 times a year.

The private club, with its wood-paneled trophy room and other amenities, was the center of their social life. They brought friends, acquaintances and business associates. As a couple, they went on the Haunted Mansion ride nearly 1,000 times.

The club's yearly dues were $31,500, and with travel and hotel expenses, the Arizona couple were spending close to $125,000 annually to get their Disney fix.

All of it came to an end in 2017, when Disney revoked their membership in the club after an allegation that Scott Anderson was drunk in public. Diana Anderson, a hardcore Disney aficionado since childhood, called it "a stab in the heart."

The Andersons, both 60, have spent the years since then — and hundreds of thousands of dollars — trying to get back into Club 33. On Tuesday, an Orange County jury rejected their claim that Disney ousted them improperly.

It had taken the Andersons more than a decade to gain membership in Club 33, which includes access to exclusive lounges, dining, VIP tours and special events.

They finally made it off the waiting list in 2012.

“They finally became part of this special place,” their attorney, Sean Macias, told jurors in the civil trial. “That was their spot. That was their happy place, their home.”

At about 9:50 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2017, security guards found Scott Anderson near the entrance of California Adventure displaying signs of what they took to be intoxication, including slurred speech and trouble standing, according to trial testimony.

“His breath smelled of alcohol quite a lot,” one of the guards said in court.

The club swiftly ousted them.

Macias said Scott Anderson had 2½ to 3 drinks and that Disney did an incomplete and slipshod investigation, with no Breathalyzer or blood tests and no videos of Anderson's behavior that night.

“They have not established that Mr. Anderson was intoxicated,” Macias said. Instead, he argued, Anderson’s symptoms were the result of a vestibular migraine, which can be triggered by red wine — among the drinks Anderson consumed that day.

In effect, Macias argued, Disney was punishing Anderson for a medical condition.

A medical expert testified for the Andersons that the symptoms of a vestibular migraine could be confused with intoxication, with a neurologist hired by Disney countering that Anderson’s behavior was more likely the consequence of drinking.

The September 2017 incident was not the first time the Andersons had run afoul of Club 33 management. The year before, Diana had been briefly suspended for “using some salty language … a couple F-words,” as Macias put it.

Macias told jurors that the Andersons filed suit against Disney to vindicate their reputation. “He doesn’t want to be known as a drunk,” Macias said. “They love that place. They took the fight to Disney because it’s his name.”

In their complaint, the Andersons asked to be reinstated to Club 33, with a $10,500 reimbursement for four months of unused membership in 2017. They also wanted $231,000 — the equivalent of seven years in the club.

Jonathan E. Phillips, an attorney representing Disney, said that Club 33 membership guidelines forbid public intoxication.

“They did not want to pay the consequences of failing to follow the rules,” Phillips told jurors, adding that Scott Anderson’s conduct “cost his wife of 40 years her lifetime dream of having access to Club 33.”

The security guards, who no longer work for Disney, were more credible than the Andersons, Phillips said — “What possible reason did the security guards have to lie to you?”

In their original complaint, the Andersons alleged that Club 33 targeted them for retaliation because they had complained about a club member harassing other members and staff.  But Superior Court Judge Deborah Servino curtailed that line of evidence, which the Andersons saw as the death knell for their case.

“My wife and I are both dead set that this is an absolute wrong, and we will fight this to the death,” Scott Anderson, who owns a golf course in Gilbert, Ariz., told The Times. “There is no way we’re letting this go.”

He said the lawsuit has cost him about $400,000.

“My retirement is set back five years,” he said. “I’m paying through the nose. Every day, I’m seeing another bill, and I’m about to keel over.” He said he will appeal.

His wife said she wants to keep fighting.

“I’ll sell a kidney,” Diana said. “I don’t care.”

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .

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