Hubbry Logo
Club 33Club 33Main
Open search
Club 33
Community hub
Club 33
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Club 33
Club 33
from Wikipedia

Club 33 is the name of a number of private dining clubs located within Disney Parks. The first opened inside Disneyland in 1967, and was modeled after sponsor lounges at the 1964 New York World's Fair. At the time it opened, Club 33 was the only location within Disneyland that offered alcoholic beverages.[1]

Key Information

Since then, additional Club 33 locations opened at Tokyo Disneyland, at Shanghai Disneyland, and at all four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. Club 33 members in California also have access to the 1901 lounge inside the Carthay Circle Restaurant at California Adventure.

Disneyland location

[edit]

Club 33 is located above Pirates of the Caribbean and adjacent to one of Walt Disney's in-park apartments. The entrance was formerly located to the right of the Blue Bayou Restaurant at "33 Royal Street," adorned with an ornate address plate.

During an extensive renovation, the Club doubled in size and the entrance was relocated to the Court of Angels. Andrew Sutton, the executive chef at the Carthay Circle and Napa Rose restaurants at the Disneyland Resort, was placed in charge of the Club's kitchen.[2] It reopened in July 2014.[2]

History

[edit]

When Walt Disney was working with various corporate promoters such as Dylan Connolly at his attractions at the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair, he noted various "VIP Lounges" which provided the idea for Club 33.[3]

Originally, Walt Disney hosted VIPs in a lounge inside the Red Wagon Inn at Disneyland. The number of VIPs grew to be too large for the lounge.[4] Dorothea Redmond painted renderings and Hollywood set director Emile Kuri decorated the new VIP lounge in New Orleans Square. While Club 33 was originally intended to host Disneyland's corporate sponsors, individual memberships were also offered when it was opened.[3]

The entrance was designed to be unassuming to most guests, painted in Go Away Green. Since 2014, the entrance was moved about 40 feet away. The new entrance opens to a vestibule for checking in with a host that opens to the Court of Angels. Guests can take an Art Nouveau themed elevator or winding staircase to the second level.

At the landing, there are two dining rooms, Le Grand Salon and Le Salon Nouveau. Walls are adorned with butterflies pinned under glass and decorated with hand-painted animation cels from the original Fantasia film.[5][6]

A hallway leads to Le Salon Nouveau, a member-exclusive dining room. The main dining room, Le Grand Salon, is more formal, based on New Orleans-style designs by Imagineer Kim Irvine.[5] Prior to 2014 remodel, the style was Napoleon-era First Empire. This dining room now features a la carte service for lunch, which formerly offered a buffet.[2]

The Club is also furnished with an ornate walnut table with white marble top was used in Mary Poppins, a harpsichord in the main lobby with a Renaissance-style painting under the lid, and an antique telephone booth similar to one from The Happiest Millionaire.[5][6][7]

Walt Disney wanted to make use of Audio-Animatronic technology within Club 33. One partially-implemented concept would allow an operator to respond to guest conversation through an animatronic character. Some remnants of this system remain, including an animatronic vulture perched atop a grandfather clock and microphones embedded in lighting fixtures in the former Trophy Room.[5][6]

Membership

[edit]

The initial cost of membership at Disneyland and Walt Disney World was previously reported to be $65,000, followed by an annual due of $20,625.[8] The current reported cost of membership as of 2025 includes a $65,000 initiation fee, varying between individuals and corporations, and $20,625 annually for individuals, more for corporations.[9][10][11]

Club 33 in other Disney parks

[edit]
Club 33 at Shanghai Disneyland

Club 33 at Tokyo Disneyland began operations in 1983. It is located on Center Street in World Bazaar.

Club 33 at Shanghai Disneyland opened along with the park in the summer of 2016.[4] Like the Tokyo location, it is located in the park's entrance area, Mickey Avenue.[12][13]

Four separate Club 33 locations opened at Walt Disney World, each with their own name. Though the locations were set to open in Fall 2017, the Spotlight Lounge opened in March 2018 at Hollywood Studios, followed by Constellation Club at Epcot, Captain's Quarters at Magic Kingdom, and Harambe House at Animal Kingdom.[14]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Club 33 is an exclusive, invitation-only private membership club situated at 33 Royal Street in the New Orleans Square land of Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. Founded by Walt Disney as a sophisticated venue for entertaining investors, dignitaries, and business associates away from park crowds, it opened to members on June 15, 1967, approximately six months after Disney's death on December 15, 1966. The club's name derives directly from its street address, reflecting its discreet location within the park's themed 19th-century New Orleans architecture. Inspired by corporate sponsor lounges Walt Disney encountered at the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair, Club 33 was designed as an elegant escape featuring Victorian-era furnishings and antique decor personally selected by Disney's widow Lillian, along with spaces for both casual lounging and formal dining. At the time of its opening, it was the only location in Disneyland where alcoholic beverages were served, a policy that underscored its status as a refined adult-oriented retreat amid the family-friendly park. The club includes a balcony overlooking the courtyard, a main dining room, and a lounge area, all curated to evoke opulent 19th-century hospitality while integrating subtle Disney theming. Membership is highly selective and requires an invitation from , with a waitlist process opened periodically; as of April 2025, initiation fees reached $50,000 alongside annual dues of $15,000, granting access to priority park reservations, exclusive events, and reciprocal privileges at Club 33 locations in other Disney parks (, , ). Over the years, the original Disneyland Club 33 underwent significant expansions, including a 2014 renovation that doubled its footprint, added a new lounge, and enhanced kitchen facilities. Notable members have included celebrities such as and , cementing its reputation as one of the most prestigious and secretive enclaves in the Disney empire.

History

Conception by Walt Disney

In the mid-1960s, envisioned Club 33 as an exclusive private venue within Disneyland's to entertain corporate sponsors, dignitaries, and international guests in a secluded setting away from the park's bustling crowds. This concept arose from Disney's need for a sophisticated space where he could host high-profile visitors, including business partners, without the distractions of the family-oriented public areas, allowing for more formal discussions and the discreet service of alcohol, which was prohibited elsewhere in the at the time. The idea reflected Disney's desire to create an adult-focused oasis that complemented Disneyland's whimsical atmosphere while providing a luxurious retreat for elite gatherings. Disney's inspiration for Club 33 stemmed primarily from his experiences with VIP lounges at the 1964-1965 New York , where his company's attractions, such as "" and "," were showcased to corporate sponsors and officials. These exclusive areas impressed Disney with their elegance and privacy, prompting him to adapt the concept for as a means to foster stronger relationships with sponsors whose support had been crucial to the pavilions' success. Additionally, Disney drew from his encounters with private clubs during business trips to New York, envisioning a refined, Victorian-inspired ambiance that contrasted the park's playful themes and catered to a more mature clientele. The planning for Club 33 was integrated into the broader 1963-1966 expansion of , with initial sketches and proposals developed in 1965 under Disney's direct oversight. Disney collaborated closely with Imagineer Marc Davis, a key designer for the area's theming, who contributed concept artwork to ensure the club's interior evoked an opulent, 19th-century New Orleans aesthetic while blending seamlessly with the surrounding attractions. To preserve its secretive nature, Disney decided to name the venue after its fictional address, 33 Royal Street, avoiding overt signage and maintaining the illusion of an unmarked private residence amid the themed streetscape. This approval and momentum for the project were bolstered by the commercial triumphs of Disney's exhibits, which solidified sponsor commitments and justified the investment in such a space.

Development and Opening

The development of Club 33 was rooted in Walt Disney's vision for a private venue to entertain VIPs and sponsors, realized through the construction of at . Construction of the club began in 1966 alongside the broader project, which incorporated Victorian-era architecture inspired by the . Work accelerated following Walt Disney's death on December 15, 1966, allowing for completion ahead of schedule despite the loss of its primary visionary. The club opened on June 15, 1967, via an invitation-only event for select guests. Key design contributions came from Disney's creative team, including set designer and interior decorator Emile Kuri, who sourced authentic New Orleans antiques and furnishings to evoke 19th-century elegance, blending them with subtle Imagineering elements like hidden . The secretive entryway, styled as a door concealed behind an antique , enhanced the club's mystique and aligned with Disney's emphasis on immersive theming. The opening featured an exclusive preview limited to special invitees, offering upscale American and international in a refined setting. Early operations highlighted a multi-course emphasizing dishes, served in an atmosphere of and luxury. Maintaining secrecy during construction posed significant challenges, as workers operated under strict nondisclosure to prevent leaks about the hidden venue amid the bustling park environment. Integrating utilities, including a dedicated and kitchen facilities, required careful coordination to avoid interrupting daily Disneyland operations or alerting the public to the project's existence.

Evolution Post-Walt Disney

Following Walt Disney's death in 1966, Club 33 opened as planned in 1967 and continued to operate primarily as a venue for corporate sponsors and select individuals, maintaining its exclusivity through controlled access and private events. Individual memberships became available starting in 1970, alongside the original corporate memberships. A significant operational shift occurred in 2014 when Club 33 closed for an extensive six-month renovation led by , transforming the space from its original single-floor layout into a two-level facility that doubled in size. The updates included a new entrance in the Court of Angels patio, modernized kitchens for enhanced culinary service, and refreshed theming that blended Victorian elegance with subtle New Orleans influences, while increasing seating capacity. The club reopened in July 2014, marking a modern evolution that balanced historical charm with contemporary luxury. The club's operations faced interruptions, including a temporary closure in March 2020 due to the alongside the broader Disneyland shutdown, resuming limited dining for members in May 2021. In a notable development reflecting ongoing exclusivity, the waitlist for new memberships reopened in April 2025 after years of being closed to applicants, signaling a controlled expansion of the member base. Culturally, Club 33 has served as a discreet gathering spot for high-profile figures, including occasional visits by . It has hosted private meetings for Disney executives and exclusive events, reinforcing its role as an internal hub for corporate networking. During renovations, original elements like the club's iconic 19th-century-style French lift—a hand-operated sourced by —were preserved and repurposed into a seating booth in the new Salon Nouveau lounge, honoring its heritage amid updates. The club has navigated growing public fascination through occasional media leaks and recent promotional efforts, such as in-app advertisements for membership inquiries in 2025, while striving to uphold its tradition of secrecy.

Disneyland Club 33

Location and Exterior

Club 33 is situated at 33 Royal Street within Disneyland's , a themed land inspired by 19th-century New Orleans architecture. This precise location places it adjacent to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and near the , enhancing its integration into the park's immersive environment without drawing undue attention from general visitors. The club was constructed as part of the 1966 expansion of , the last major land addition overseen by . The exterior of Club 33 is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding French Quarter-inspired facades, featuring a Victorian-style building with wrought-iron balconies, ornate gas lamps, and subtle blue awnings that evoke the elegance of historic New Orleans. To preserve its exclusivity, there is no prominent signage; instead, the entrance is concealed behind a discreet courtyard gate leading to the Court des Anges, a secluded open-air space with cobblestone flooring and cast-iron furnishings. Access to the club occurs through an unassuming blue door within this courtyard, reached via a or an antique-style elevator from a side path, further emphasizing its hidden nature amid the bustling park pathways. While Disneyland park admission is required to approach the area, entry into Club 33 demands separate member validation, often involving a keycard scan or at the foyer. The proximity to high-traffic attractions like and means that paths to the courtyard can be crowded, contributing to the club's aura of discreet discovery for those in the know.

Interior Design and Amenities

Club 33 at features a two-story layout within , with the upper level serving as the primary hub for guests. The main dining room accommodates over 100 seated guests, complemented by a dedicated lounge and bar area known as the Salon Nouveau Jazz Lounge, private event spaces for intimate gatherings, and balconies overlooking the courtyard. Original elements, including rich wood-paneled walls and sparkling crystal chandeliers, remain integral to the structure, evoking the club's founding era. The interior design merges Victorian-era elegance with subtle Disney whimsy, characterized by light blue baroque wallpaper, golden brown parquet flooring, and ornate wood paneling that lines the walls and hallways. Antique furnishings sourced from , such as period chairs and tables, furnish the spaces, while original sketches and paintings adorn the walls. Thematic nods to Disneyland's history include references to classic rides, such as Haunted Mansion-inspired sculptures, creating an atmosphere of refined exclusivity. Amenities emphasize upscale hospitality, with gourmet dining centered on prix-fixe seasonal menus served in the club's themed dining spaces, curated by chef de cuisine Gloria Tae as of 2025, often featuring Creole-inspired dishes like or beignets paired with curated wine selections from an extensive cellar. Table settings include fine china from manufacturers such as Dudson Fine China (British), featuring custom cobalt blue charger plates made from fine bone china, dinner plates, and bread plates often bearing Club 33 logos or designs; chargers are typically placed under the menu and removed before the meal. These elements contribute to the ornate and formal ambiance. The full-service bar stocks rare spirits and craft cocktails, served in the lounge amid live performances by bands. services provide personalized assistance, including priority park reservations and VIP experiences such as private tours. The 2014 renovation enhanced functionality with modern audiovisual systems for events, an expanded wine cellar boasting thousands of bottles, and optimized spatial flow to increase capacity while maintaining intimacy. Art Nouveau-inspired wallpaper updates and renovated restrooms further refined the guest experience without altering the core historical aesthetic.

Membership and Operations

Eligibility and Selection Process

Membership in Club 33 at is highly exclusive, operating on an invitation-only basis where prospective members must first express interest through an official inquiry process rather than submitting public applications. To initiate consideration, individuals complete an online form on the Club 33 , providing basic contact such as name, address, phone number, and email; this adds them to an interest list, but submission does not guarantee membership or contact, as selections remain at the discretion of Disney Parks leadership. While sponsorship from current members or Disney executives is not a formal requirement, the process emphasizes candidates who demonstrate alignment with Disney's values, often including high-profile individuals, corporations, or philanthropists with established ties to the company. Selection criteria prioritize maintaining the club's exclusivity, with membership capped at a limited number—reportedly a few hundred active members—to preserve its intimate atmosphere. Candidates are evaluated based on their potential to contribute positively to the community, including demonstrated loyalty through long-term engagement with or affiliations, though specific thresholds are not publicly disclosed. Discretion is paramount, and while detailed background checks are not officially confirmed, the process ensures compatibility with the club's private, upscale environment. The procedural steps begin with the interest form submission, after which qualified nominees may be contacted for further review, including an with the Disney VIP relations team to assess fit. If approved following the , candidates join a waitlist, which has historically exceeded 10 years but was reopened in April 2025 for a limited number of spots to accommodate turnover. Final approval rests with Parks leadership, ensuring the club's standards are upheld. Club 33 offers two primary membership types: individual, tailored for personal use, and corporate, designed for businesses to host clients or employees, with the latter historically dominating in the 1960s through 1980s before shifting toward a more balanced mix. Membership is primarily oriented toward U.S.-based individuals and entities for the location, reflecting its roots, though no strict geographic barriers are enforced.

Costs and Privileges

Membership in Club 33 at entails significant financial commitments, reflecting its status as an elite private club. As of 2025, prospective individual members must pay a one-time initiation fee of up to $50,000, followed by annual dues starting at $15,000, with higher rates applicable based on membership level. Corporate memberships command even steeper initiation fees, often exceeding $100,000, to accommodate business-oriented access and amenities. These costs have progressively increased since the club's 2015 reopening to account for , operational expenses, and enhanced offerings. In exchange, members receive a suite of exclusive privileges designed to elevate their experience. These include unlimited access to the club for the member and up to three guests at a time, bypassing standard reservation requirements, along with priority access to park reservations and complimentary multi-experience passes for attractions. Additional conveniences encompass complimentary , private dedicated entrances to the park, and personalized guided tours offering behind-the-scenes insights. Members are also extended invitations to events, such as preview galas for new attractions and holiday celebrations, fostering a sense of community among aficionados. Beyond core access, benefits extend to refined dining and cultural enhancements. Customized culinary experiences feature seasonal menus crafted by renowned chefs, served in the club's elegant venues with alcoholic beverages unavailable elsewhere in . Select members may participate in specialized tours, including glimpses into Disney's creative processes through Imagineering showcases, though such opportunities are curated and not guaranteed for all. Reciprocity remains confined to the , providing no automatic privileges at Club 33 locations in other Disney parks. The collected fees primarily sustain the club's high-maintenance operations, including ongoing renovations to preserve its historic Victorian aesthetic and fund premium services. For many, the investment yields intangible value through unparalleled networking among affluent enthusiasts and the prestige of belonging to a secretive society originally envisioned by himself.

Expansions to Other Parks

Walt Disney World Resort

Club 33 at the Resort consists of four exclusive lounges, one in each theme park, introduced as an extension of the original Disneyland model to provide members with themed private spaces for dining and relaxation. These venues opened progressively starting with the Spotlight Lounge at in March 2018, followed by the Constellation Club at and Captain's Quarters at in October 2018, and concluding with Harambe House at in January 2020. Each location features custom theming tied to its park's environment, offering elevated dining experiences with full bars, though on a more intimate scale compared to the Disneyland original. The Captain's Quarters in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland evokes a pirate ship captain's retreat with nautical and adventurous decor, including wood-paneled walls and maritime artifacts that complement the surrounding pirate-themed attractions. At Epcot's World Showcase, the Constellation Club within the American Adventure pavilion emphasizes global exploration through its celestial and vintage travel motifs, paired with a menu highlighting international cuisines from around the world. The Spotlight Lounge at adopts an aesthetic inspired by 1930s Hollywood glamour, featuring elegant lounges and dining areas that reflect the of cinema. Harambe House in Animal Kingdom draws on safari and African village inspirations, with earthy tones, tribal patterns, and wildlife elements creating an immersive outpost atmosphere. Operations at these lounges emphasize exclusivity and convenience, with memberships managed separately from Disneyland's Club 33 and no reciprocity between the two. Members gain resort-wide privileges, including priority access to Lightning Lane attractions across all Walt Disney World parks, up to five complimentary VIP guided tours annually, and 50 single-day guest passes per year. Each venue maintains a focused capacity to ensure personalized service, prioritizing refined dining and bar offerings tailored to the park's theme while integrating broader resort benefits. As of November 2025, no changes to these locations or benefits have been announced.

Tokyo Disneyland Resort

Club 33 at Tokyo Disneyland Resort, the first international iteration of the exclusive dining club, opened in 1983 as part of the park's debut. It is situated on the second floor of World Bazaar, the park's equivalent to Main Street, U.S.A., in a two-story structure that mirrors the layout of the original Disneyland location, accessible via a discreet entrance across from the East Side Cafe. This positioning provides members with a private balcony overlooking Cinderella Castle, enhancing the club's secluded ambiance within the bustling main entrance area. The design faithfully replicates the elegance of the original Club 33, featuring turn-of-the-century decor inspired by early 1900s luxury such as the Titanic era, with spacious dining rooms and ornate furnishings. Amenities include multi-course focused on American classics, served in a lavish setting, and it is the only venue in where alcohol is available, setting it apart from the park's otherwise family-oriented alcohol-free policy. Exclusive merchandise, such as logo-embossed keychains and matchbooks personalized with member names, is also offered to enhance the bespoke experience. Operations are managed by under license from , emphasizing corporate sponsorships to entertain business guests in a high-end environment. Access is strictly members-only, requiring invitations and precise reservations for services like lunch, with staff providing exceptional attention such as assisting with seating. This setup supports the club's role in hosting elite gatherings, distinct from U.S. versions due to its independent licensing model. Memberships have no reciprocity to U.S. parks. As of November 2025, the venue's balcony view and alcohol service continue to create a refined escape aligned with Japanese hospitality traditions, while maintaining the original's Victorian charm. No new expansions or benefit changes have been reported.

Shanghai Disneyland Resort

Club 33 at Resort is situated in a discreet courtyard along Mickey Avenue, the park's entrance promenade that leads directly into the central hub featuring the . This strategic placement positions the club at the end of the avenue, providing elevated vantage points from its balcony for optimal views of nightly displays over the castle. The venue debuted on June 16, 2016, coinciding with the grand opening of itself, marking the first Club 33 in and expanding the global footprint of the exclusive dining concept. The design of Shanghai's Club 33 blends the timeless elegance of the original location with distinctly local influences, creating a sophisticated space that honors heritage while embracing Chinese cultural elements. Spanning two levels, the structure includes a ground-floor reception area and an upper-level dining room, evoking an air of exclusivity through its arched entrance marked by the number "33" and subtle architectural details inspired by classic storytelling. Theming draws from the 1940 film Fantasia to pay tribute to Walt 's vision, incorporating authentic Chinese artistry such as intricate patterns and motifs that reflect the park's broader fusion of global magic with regional aesthetics. Amenities at the club center on members-only and lounge experiences, offering a refined escape within the bustling theme park environment. The menu features a curated selection that combines Western culinary traditions with Chinese specialties, providing multi-course meals in an intimate setting designed for private gatherings and celebrations. Additional perks include access to exclusive merchandise and personalized service, enhancing the immersive atmosphere for elite patrons. Operations for Club 33 fall under the broader management of . The resort is a owned 43% by and 57% by the Shanghai Shendi Group, while the management company is 70% owned by Disney and 30% by Shendi. Tailored to the affluent local market, the club utilizes digital platforms like the resort's official account for membership inquiries, reservations, and event coordination, streamlining access for Chinese members while maintaining strict exclusivity. International membership opportunities exist but are highly selective, aligning with the venue's focus on fostering long-term loyalty among high-profile domestic guests. As of November 2025, no changes to operations or expansions for Club 33 at this location have been announced.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.