I love to hear about all of the fun facts and little secrets about Disneyland and Disney movies. I've been addicted to reading all about the Hidden Mickey's from various websites and blogs. Some things are so secretive, it really just draws me in. It's so fascinating!
I am not sure how many people have been to Disneyland or have heard of the elite "members only club" that Disneyland holds, but located discretely in New Orleans Square sits Club 33. This historical 5 star restaurant is not open to the public.
You must be a member of the club in order to dine there, or have a member of the club make reservations for you. The membership waiting list is a long one, rumored to be a wait of over 14 years. There have been rumors circling that the waiting list has since been closed. There is limited membership of only 437 members and apparently, the cost to get a membership to the club is extremely pricey. Some blogs quoted an average of $25,000 just to be a member, along with $6,000 in annual fees!!
Club 33 Logo
Being and Disney lover and having known about Club 33 and it’s mystique, I was 100% sure my experience of Club 33 would be fictional. Where would I ever be able to meet someone that was a member and liked me enough to present me with the opportunity to dine at Club 33?
A co-worker of mine, one of the managers of the company I work for, grew up in Inglewood, California. He lives in Rochester now with his family. A few years ago he was given the opportunity to have reservations made for him by a vendor of our company who was a Club 33 member. Knowing I was a fan and that I would know of the place, he came to me with his news. I was so excited for him because I know how rare the invitation is! He came back from his trip and told me his experience of the place; how amazing it was, how great the food and hospitality is and gave me a Club 33 pen! I can honestly tell you, I was ecstatic! I was 100% sure that would be the extent of my experience of Club 33, holding this little black pen with the Club 33 logo on it. Just knowing the club itself was real, and I owned a piece of it, I was thrilled!
Now 2 years later, I’ve been given an opportunity of my own. I KNOW!!!!
My step dad, GOD LOVE HIM, knew that for mine and my sisters birthday my mom was taking us to Disneyland when I go home next week. Little did I know, he had been trying to get us reservations to dine at Club 33 during our trip to Disneyland! Seriously, just the fact that he thought about it and was trying was enough for me. Seriously, the most thoughtful thing ever!
I got the call yesterday morning from my mom. Her usual early morning birthday call is around 9am my time, 6am her time. We had our normal chit chat, and then she casually told me about how my step dad was trying to get us lunch reservations at Club 33… I was like "um…… say that again?" I for sure was thinking the Blue Bayou Restaurant, also a popular, but less exclusive restaurant in Disneyland. “Club 33, as in the members only Disneyland club?”… "Yes!" She said.
I was now sure that THIS would be the extent of my Club 33 dining opportunity. Even then, it would be enough for me.
Then last night Daniel and I were driving to my favorite Mexican joint for my 3rd birthday dinner. I got a text and I handed the phone over to him for him to read cause I was driving. We were literally in the middle of a conversation about Club 33 and how my step dad was trying to get us reservations for our day at Disneyland. He read the text, looked at me and smiled. He goes, “Are you ready for this?” and then he read me the text
“Hey birthday girl! Club 33 at 12:30pm, Wednesday the 28th! Whoo hoo!”
Tears welled up in my eyes and I just kept saying “Omigod, omigod, omigod” I had to pull over so Daniel could drive. I. KID. YOU. NOT. I called my mom immediately and she proceeded to read me the following email confirming the reservations.
The reservation for Club 33 is confirmed under: Gina XXXXXX for 3 adults (& a 12 month baby) for 12:30pm on Wednesday, September 28th.
Approx cost is the same as an Adult Admission Ticket – $75 plus Tax & Grat - Parking not included
Club 33 has Dan XXXX's cell phone as a contact number.
Below is general information re: Club 33 usage and the cancellation policy.
Guest passes will be at Guest Relations. Due to construction, Guest Relations is now located at Ticket Booth # 8 (closest to front gate after passing through Security). Passes will be in your name (you will need picture ID). You are the only one permitted to pick up the passes. Passes are available when the park opens so you can enjoy the park prior to and after dining. (You can park hop with the passes).
Club 33 is located near the Pirates of the Caribbean and French Quarter. There' s a door that has 33 on it and all you need to do is knock on the door and they will let you in. If you can' t find it, ask someone who works at Disney and they will assist you.
Also, just a heads up, if for any reason you are not able to make the reservation, you must cancel 24 hrs in advance…otherwise you will be responsible for the cost of 3 adult park hopper passes PLUS $100 cancellation fee. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS; IT IS A CLUB 33 RULE. You can call Club 33 at XXX-XXX-XXXX to cancel reservations. This telephone number is for cancellations only; Club 33 will not change time, date, etc. (If you do cancel, get a name as a confirmation.) If you need to cancel less than 24 hours in advance due to an emergency/illness; call Club 33 and let them know the situation it may save you some $$$.
Club 33 Dress Code --- We recently received a letter from Club 33 reminding members about the Dress Code. In the future, members/guests will not be seated if they are not in compliance with the dress code. Club 33 will now contact the Corporate Member informing them of the dress code violation. Repeated violations may result in the loss of the privilege of guests dining at Club 33 without the Corporate Member present. Robert XXXXXX is our Corporate Member.
Dinner -- Adults (& Older Children---12+)
Evening casual attire is acceptable for dinner.
Gentlemen: Collared shirts and trousers are appropriate (polo shirts are fine)
Women: Informal dress or pants with blouse are appropriate. Skirts should end no shorter than knee.
No flip flops or sandals resembling flip flops or Birkenstocks.
Lunch -- Adults (& Older Children---12+)
Fashionable casual attire is recommended in order to enjoy the Disneyland Resort in comfort.
No tank tops, cutoffs, swimsuits, bare midriffs, sweatpants, or beachwear may be worn.
Walking length shorts are acceptable. Jeans are acceptable, provided that they cover undergarments and are not extremely faded or torn.
No flip flops or sandals resembling flip flops or Birkenstocks.
Children
Appropriate dress for children should be in keeping with standards set for adults.
A common question is whether shorts or short pants are acceptable. Shorts or short pants are acceptable for Lunch only and not for Dinner.
I am seriously beside myself with excitement. I never thought I would ever get the opportunity to even step foot in this place, let alone eat there! I am so blessed, I kept asking God what I did right to be able to be given the opportunity! I must have done something right!
If you’re not a Disney fan or have never heard of Club 33, you may not understand the excitement I’m feeling at this moment, and most likely never will, but that’s totally ok! You don't have to! I guarantee you, I feel enough excitment for all of us.
I can’t wait to share my experience with you all! In the meantime, here are some photo’s taken of Club 33 from another’s experience.
Photo credits go to Disney Food Blog
The door to Club 33, very hidden within the streets of New Orleans Square in Disneyland
The French Lift brought from Europe by request of Walt Disney, this is still operable!
Ornate stair case leading to the dining area
The infamous Trophy Room with decor touches from Walt Disney himself!
Ok, I'll leave you with that and update you with my own photo's from my own experience!!! I am so thrilled to be able to be given this opportunity!!! Thank you, Mom and Dan!!!
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