Disney’s Ultra Private Destination- Club 33
Disneyland’s secret dining club is available to a select few lucky enough to secure a membership
Disney is as close to magic as it gets in real life. Their theme parks, films, products and streaming service are significant sources of joy and entertainment to people of all ages bringing them a sense of inner happiness that is hard to find anywhere else. It’s little surprise that many people embrace the opportunity to enjoy all of their offerings but one that few fans will ever see is their ultra-private dining club, Club 33.
First opening in 1967 at Disneyland, Club 33 was the brainchild of Disney founder Walt Disney. It was modeled after executive lounges that caught his eye during the 1964 World’s Fair and replaced The Disney Room of the Red Wagon Inn at Central Plaza. He imagined it be a place where he would entertain friends, family and business associates — a testament in many ways to the magical kingdom he created. Sadly, he passed away months before construction was finished on the project.
Since its inception, Club 33 has also been opened at Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland, in addition to a lounge in three Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. It is not advertised, and in fact, inclusion is by membership only according to Insider.com. There has been a waitlist at times over the year that has opened and closed but not with any consistency. It’s rumored that members have an initiation fee that can range between $25,000 and $100,000, with annual fees of $12,500-$30,000 depending upon level of membership.
\With such a high price tag, the club is exclusive to the extreme. Not only is it secretive, but also obviously very opulent. Since it’s not in the mainstream, there are only breadcrumbs of clues of what the experience is like. There is an Instagram account that posts pictures of the club and some of its food and other amenities. Needless to say, lavish is a word that immediately comes to mind.
Located at 33 Royal Street at Disneyland, the exterior is subtle and does little to give away the splendor on the inside. Even the Disney website is vague about their amazing club that is rumored to have about 500 members. There’s information about interested parties can contact them, but no rates are provided and it indicates that you might not even hear back on your inquiry, explaining, “As membership opportunities are evaluated, Club 33 may contact you for further information.”
If you’re lucky enough to get inside, a cornucopia of experiences and trappings await you. The club includes a five-star dining kitchen with two dining rooms, a full bar, a jazz lounge and furnishings that range from antiques to Disney and movie memorabilia.
Supposedly, additional benefits for members include the ability to request Disney characters at the club to join you for dinner, early and private park entry, access to special events, free fast passes, limited edition merchandise and much more. It may come with a high price tag but clearly if you can afford it there are some amazing perks.
Disneyland is one of the most magical places on earth. It’s wonder and imagination come to life. For those with bigger wallets, it’s possible to obtain a whole other mysterious level of experience. If you ever get a chance to go through the hallowed and secret door of Club 33, make sure to savor every moment because it’s something that has been enjoyed by a very small number of people.
