Club 33
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"High above the streets and courtyards of New Orleans Square, hidden from public view and the bustle of a typical day at Disneyland, is a page of old New Orleans that even the proud Creole society might have chosen and cherished as its own.
Here French doors open onto balconies that overlook Disneyland's own muddy Mississippi, the Rivers of America. Here in the tradition of the good host, Walt Disney and his staff planned and executed Disneyland's most exclusive setting -- part elegant dining room, part relaxed refreshment center, part distinguished art gallery, part meeting room and part private showplace.
Here, away from the general public adult beverages are available, including the finest of wines to match the house food specialties.
This was Walt Disney's concept -- an elegant, exclusive club . . . a place for conversation, and conversation piece in its own right."
[from the membership brochure]
Club 33 is a private members' only club, located in New Orleans Square at Disneyland, with its entrance next to the Blue Bayou Restaurant. It's existence isn't publicized or widely known.
Members enter into a small lobby area and can either use the French lift (imported from Europe by Walt Disney) or a staircase to reach the upstairs, which is home to two dining rooms.
Antique furniture collected by Walt & Lilian Disney, and props from Disney films adorn the rooms.
Lunch is served buffet-style, while dinner is from a set menu.
History
Club 33 was first conceived of by Walt Disney himself. He wanted a place where he could entertain personal friends and VIPs and show off his beloved Disneyland. To that end, he imagined a luxurious private club in the space above Pirates of the Caribbean and the Blue Bayou restaurant, lavishly furnished and offering the finest cuisine. He would maintain a private apartment next to the club, connected to it via the kitchen.
Walt and Lily scoured New Orleans antique stores to find unique and lovely objects for his Club. He even had the Imagineers copy an old-fashioned elevator that caught his fancy in a Parisian hotel.
Sadly, Walt never lived to see this piece of his dream become reality. Club 33 opened after Walt's death, but, except for the private apartment (that space, above Pirates of the Caribbean, is now the Disney Gallery), it's just what he envisaged.
Tips
Look out for the "33" door plate, the only clue that the club is there.
The club's address is - Club 33, Royal Street, New Orleans Square, Disneyland.
If you want a sneak peek at the lobby area, do the "Walk In Walt's Footsteps" tour, although tour participants are only allowed as far as the lobby and not upstairs.
Facts
It is the only place in Disneyland Park to serve alcoholic drinks.
Membership is limited to 487 members.
There is a wait list of around 14 years to join, and the list was closed in 2007. It is expected to reopen in 2010.
Individual and corporate memberships are available.
As of 2007, membership fees started at $10,450 for Gold Membership, with annual dues of $3,275, and rose to $27,500, plus $6,100 in annual dues for Corporate Membership.
Members can make reservations up to 90 days in advance for themselves, and up to 60 days in advance for guests.
All members must have a valid membership card to gain entrance to Club 33. Additional utilization of the card is to spouse only, with reservations accepted only from the cardholder, the spouse or the cardholder's assistant. Use of the membership card is subject to the terms covering membership agreed to by the member in the membership application. We reserve the right to approve or disapprove any membership to assure that our high standards are maintained.
The membership card entitles the member and a party of nine to free parking and admission through the Main Entrance of DISNEYLAND® (except when special tickets are the only admission to a special event or private party). This privilege is applicable when the member plans to dine at Club 33. If the card is used for admission but the member decides not to dine at the club, the member will be billed for the regular price of admission. If the member is unable to accompany the guests to Club 33, the Club will arrange admission for them at no charge. Members may purchase DISNEYLAND® passports through Club 33 for pick-up at the Guest Relations Booth.
