By Tinker Belle Diva
A couple of decades ago, I found out that Club 33 was a place that even existed from one of my Disney message boards. I then found the entrance door on a future trip and dreamed of what it was like inside. Fast forward to 2018 when I was invited by a member to dine there for our wedding anniversary, in November 2019 to celebrate the holiday, and in December 2021 to celebrate another Diva’s milestone birthday!! Truly a Disney dream come true.
**Disclaimer – I cannot get you into Club 33. I am not a member and the person I know that gained me entry into Club 33 is no longer a member.**
Our anniversary dessert
So what is Club 33? It was envisioned by Walt Disney, who drew inspiration from the executive lounges at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. According to the Disney Park Blog, the club opened in 1967 and has since held a place of mystery and legend among Disneyland park guests. Club members pay an initiation fee, rumored to currently be around $50,000-80,000, and then annual dues, which vary depending on when you became a member, but are also currently rumored to be around $18,000 per year. Getting on the list for membership is a wait that can be months to years and now requires a current member to provide a reference.
Club 33 Lobby
The perks are many, but are also a bit of a mystery. In 2012, Club 33 completed a 5-year expansion and membership was also opened to a small number of new members. At that time, membership for new members included exclusive sneak peeks at park enhancements and new attractions, park entrance for the members and guests, and the availability to use VIP tour guides, itinerary planning services, valet parking and complimentary hotel upgrades. New membership also included access to 1901, a special lounge inside the Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney California Adventure park. Members may also be given invitations to special events, such as seats during the Candlelight Processional held each December. Up until the opening of Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Club 33 was the only place that served alcoholic beverages (in late 2021, you can have select alcoholic beverages at Blue Bayou).
Main Dining Room – Le Grand Salon
There are two ways to obtain entrance into Club 33 – the first is to be a member yourself and the second is to be invited directly by a member and attend either with them or they create an itinerary for you as their guest without the member in attendance. Either way, you are a guest of that member and you must adhere to the codes of Club 33, which include a dress code (no flip flops, shorts, workout clothes or hoodies allowed!) and restrictions on all video and some photography. If you violate these codes, you are putting your member in jeopardy of their membership, which is very bad form. In other words, be on your best behavior and follow the rules.
Waiting for our table in the Court of Angels
Upon entrance through the Club 33 door just across from La Mascarade d’Orleans in New Orleans Square, you enter a small office where you are checked in. From there, your party continues into the Court of Angels. This area became enclosed in the 2012 renovation, as it used to be an area open to all guests via Royal Street in New Orleans Square. Now part of Club 33, your party will rest here, and may be offered a flavored water drink refreshment and a towel while you wait for your table to be ready. Once your table is ready, you can take the staircase or if needed due to weather or other accommodations, you can take the French Lift (elevator) up to the second floor.
On the second floor you will enter a lobby where you can sign a guest book, check your coat or bags, and view the Club 33 souvenir cabinets. A concierge will help you with any non-member restricted souvenirs that you would like to purchase from the cabinets, which could include jewelry, hand bags, glasses, ornaments, or clothing. From here if you are with your member, you can go into the lounge, Le Salon Nouveau, for a drink or food, but only if your member is with you. Otherwise, you will be dining in the main dining room, Le Grand Salon, which is down a luxurious hallway.
One of the souvenir cabinets
The main dining room is surrounded by balconies that over look New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America. We had a late dining reservation one night and were able to see parts of Fantastic! from the balcony, but most of it was blocked by the trees. Here in the dining room, you will be served a multi-course meal over the span of about 1.5 – 2 hours. You can also order a drink from their extensive drink menu of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The staff at Club 33 are exceptional. Our main server that took care of the times we dined, Angela, had been serving at Club 33 for years and I loved the pride she had in her position. Our every need was met and the food was EXCEPTIONAL.
Five course menu
The good news for you if you cannot find your way into Club 33, is that the Culinary Director of Signature Restaurants, Andrew Sutton, also oversees Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park. Both of these are open to the public, and reservations made 60-days in advance are highly recommended.
The stairway up to Club 33 from the Court of Angels
If you want to head to Disneyland to try one of Andrew Sutton’s menus for yourself, contact Patricia at All for Dreams Travel so she can provide you with a FREE quote personalized for your trip.
***Disclaimer – We at Tips from the Disney Divas and Devos hope you enjoy reading our articles and encourage you to share any you feel may be of interest to someone else. We do ask, however, if you choose to share the photographs attached to our articles, you give credit to the photographer. Thank you for your cooperation and sharing our love of Disney!
