Some people don’t even know it exists, but right near the exit from Pirates of the Caribbean, in New Orleans Square, might be Disneyland’s worst kept secret — its private Club 33 that offers cocktails and fine dining exclusively to members and their guests.
1. It’s hidden in plain sight on a street in New Orleans Square, behind an unmarked sea green door. On the left side of the door is a bronze buzzer. You must ring the buzzer or scan your membership card for entry. Above the door etched in glass is the “33” logo. Don’t bother trying to get a peek inside when the door opens, you’ll just see a foyer with staff waiting to verify your credentials.
2. The club was envisioned by Walt Disney as a private VIP lounge — but not for park guests. It was built for the executives who had sponsorships inside the park. Although Disney planned the club, it opened after his death, in 1967. Individual memberships were first offered in 1970.
3. The club’s mascot is an animatronic vulture named Alfred who has moved around inside, but now lives atop the grandfather clock in the foyer.
4. The ladies’ restroom has a fainting couch and a hand-painted, gilded sink.
5. The linen-feel paper hand towels in the restrooms are embossed in gold with the club logo of “33” and are sought after by collectors. Find them occasionally for sale on eBay.
6. People throw around figures such as $50,000 to become a member, but no one but Disney actually knows what memberships cost and whether, as prices have increased, there’s actually still a waiting list as was the case for decades.
7. There are two levels of membership: Gold and Platinum. Both have special perks inside the parks, but platinum also entitles members to use the secret 1901 Club in Disney California Adventure. This club, opened in 2014, is on the ground level next to Carthay Circle restaurant and offers cocktails and snacks only. (1901 was the year of Walt Disney’s birth).
8. The club values its privacy, does not allow videos inside and limits the amount of photos that can be taken.
9. Club 33 offers special members-only events for an extra charge, such as an annual after-hours Jazz Fest in New Orleans Square, Christmas and Easter celebrations and trips to iconic Disney sites such as Walt Disney’s Smoke Tree Ranch.
10. It’s Disney, so there’s got to be swag. In a special lighted case, guests can select from Club 33 merchandise for purchase such as pins, hats, a special Tiki mug and other goodies of interest to collectors including seasonal items.
Got some petty cash to throw around? Just call Disney and find out if you can get on the waiting list. If there still is one.
