For $25,000, you can buy a 2023 Ford Maverick or pay for a year of rent. That, or you could get yourself into Disney’s most expensive restaurant, Club 33!
That said, joining Club 33 isn’t as simple as waltzing into the place. There’s a rigorous selection process that you have to go through.
So, how to join Club 33? And why is it so hard to get in? Let’s find out!
What Is Club 33 in Disneyland and Disney World?
Disneyland Club 33 is a super-exclusive lounge and restaurant in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square. It’s located inside Disneyland park.
Walt Disney firmly believed that alcoholic beverages have no place in the happiest place on earth. He banned them to keep drunk guests from ruining the kid-friendly atmosphere.
However, when one of his major sponsors wanted an area that serves liquor inside Disneyland, Walt Disney Company had no choice but to comply.
Club 33 opened in May 1967 as a top-secret place that only family, friends, and top executives from Disney’s sponsors could enter. Of course, everything about it is under wraps, being the only place that serves alcohol in the park.
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How Did Club 33 Get Its Name?
Many say the club got its name because it’s on 33 Royal Street, New Orleans Square.
It needed an address to meet the requirements of California law on establishments that serve alcohol.
Where Can You Find Club 33?
You can find Club 33 above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, connected to Disney’s family apartment within Disneyland. Members can identify it with an ornate sign that simply says “33”.
Over the years, Club 33 has opened locations across the world. One is in Tokyo Disneyland. Another is in the Shanghai Disney resort.
Walt Disney World, on the other hand, has four Club 33 locations within it! These are the Spotlight Lounge (Hollywood Studios), Constellation Club (EPCOT), Harambe House (Animal Kingdom), and Captain’s Quarters (Magic Kingdom).
Unfortunately, if you have access to one club, it doesn’t mean you can enter other clubs. It’s that exclusive!
How to Join Club 33
To join Club 33, you have to get invited through your connections. In case you don’t know anyone there, you could try sending them your application for Disney World or contact member services for Disneyland.
Bear in mind that Club 33 membership is in demand. The process of selection is strict. Plus, there are a limited number of slots; 500, to be precise.
Sadly, the shortlist can only fit 1,000 names, and the club won’t disclose your position on the list. You might have to be a president, a celebrity, or royalty to make it there.
You can’t sell or transfer membership as well. Due to this, Club 33 has a 15-year-long waiting list for wannabe members!
Tips for Applying
Because of the long line, you might think that it’s okay to submit your application even if you can’t afford the initiation fee yet.
Doing this might backfire on you! Club 33 sends rejection letters to people who can’t pay up.
Once You Get In
When you become a member of this VIP club, you’ll still have to make a reservation months before your visit.
You can’t walk in on the spot.
How Much Is the Membership Fee for Club 33?
Being a passionate Disney fan isn’t enough to get you into the club. If you’ve been wondering how much does it cost to join Club 33 at Disneyland and Disney World, then here you go.
Those who pass the application for Disneyland need to drop $25,000 upfront. There’s also an annual fee of $12,000. However, those prices are for the lowest tier of membership!
Club 33 in Disney World has a $33,000 initiation fee and a $15,000 annual fee. Moreover, corporate accounts can have a $50,000 initial cost, and up to $25,000 yearly fees.
On top of everything, once you become a member, you’ll still have to pay for any food or merch that you buy. These are costs separate from becoming part of the club.
What Are the Perks of Joining Club 33?
Aside from the bragging rights, members can enjoy these Club 33 benefits.
- Access to the club’s fine-dining restaurant headed by Chef Andrew Sutton
- Four premier annual passes to any Disney park in the US
- Five yearly VIP tours
- Entrance tickets for 50 of your friends and family
- Rights to buy exclusive Disney merch that’s only sold at Club 33
- Entrance to the 1901 Lounge within California Adventure Park
- Upgrades on Disney cruises and other hotel stays
What Is Inside Club 33?
Club 33 is secretive when it comes to what goes on within the club. Members can’t take videos inside!
There are some photos, so we can imagine the secrets behind those doors. This is how a trip to the VIP lounge might go.
1. The Entrance
Once you get to the unassuming pastel-colored entrance, it’s time to whip your membership card out.
Guests press their passes against a sensor on Club 33’s door. This alerts the staff inside, and they come out to welcome the visitors.
They step into a bright courtyard with statues of angels and go upstairs where they’re greeted by a beautiful mosaic depicting the club’s logo. This leads them to ornate doors into the dining room.
2. The Salons
Club 33 has two main areas.
Le Salon Nouveau is a lounge with jazz décor, overhanging lamps, a beautiful carpeted floor, and moving paintings.
There’s something magical about the vials of liquor behind the bartender and it feels like the magic mirror’s face could pop out anytime. The menu boasts cocktails, rum, and mouth-watering snacks.
Club 33’s second area is Le Grand Salon. It’s the definition of opulence, with its marble floors, gigantic chandeliers, and old Louisiana theme.
Guests can enjoy eating delicious steak on a balcony looking over the courtyard.
3. The 21 Royal
Formerly known as the Dream Suite, the 21 Royal is within Walt Disney’s 2,600-square-foot apartment that’s attached to Club 33.
Guests can’t sleep in this area. However, they can get a private tour and see the posh bedrooms, living room, and bath meant for Disney’s family.
Moreover, they can also book a $15,000 gastronomic experience for 12 guests.
4. The Shop
There’s an exclusive shop within Club 33 that sells bags, hats, wallets, and other souvenirs. All of them have the Club 33 logo, of course!
It means that you can only get these coveted items from the shop. Some Disney collectors become members just to get access to the limited edition merch.
5. The Memorabilia
Club 33 is full of Disney memorabilia. Many of the decorations got selected by Walt and Lillian Disney on a trip to New Orleans.
Once you’re at the reception area, you’ll see Alfred the vulture perched on his grandfather clock. He might say a few words.
At a corner of the club, you can spot an antique elevator that guests previously used to go to the second floor. You might stumble upon Cinderella’s glass shoe on one of the shelves.
To add to these, there are plenty of original sketches, vintage dolls, books, and artwork to look at. It’s a whimsical place that all Disney fans would love to be a part of.
Wrapping Up
Club 33 is an exclusive club and lounge within the Disneyland Resort and Disney World (Orlando Resort).
Inside, you can find historical artifacts, memorabilia, and in-demand collectibles. You may also have a magical dining experience in its fine-dining restaurant.
You won’t need to buy a theme park ticket again if you join Club 33. Each Disney vacation will be so much more exciting.
It’s extremely difficult to get into the club, but that makes it all the more intriguing!
Now that you know how to join club 33, will you attempt to apply? Let me know!
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