Travel Guides Family Friendly Disney
Sarah Gilliland
If the words “Club 33” don’t ring any bells for you, just ask your nearest Disney mega-fan, and they will most likely shriek with delight and share everything you might want to know about it. Club 33 is an exclusive club that only a select few can join, and many Disney die-hards consider the experience the crème de la crème of Disney Parks exclusives. Social media has been useful in revealing details here and there, but for the most part, joining Club 33 and what is included in a membership is as mysterious as it is exciting.
When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955, he knew that he wanted Disneyland to grow and change with the times. During the 1964 World’s Fair, where his famous audio-animatronics were on display, Walt visited private lounges created by sponsors for special guests and potential investors. This private experience gave Walt the foundations of the idea for Club 33. While working on the Carousel of Progress attraction with General Electric, the company demanded that Walt build a private lounge in the park. It was originally intended for the lounge to be inside the attraction, but Walt convinced GE that it would be more ideal in the part of the park still undergoing construction known as New Orleans Square.
Club 33 and the cost of membership
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Walt Disney’s team fulfilled his vision for Club 33 following his untimely death in 1966. The next year, the club opened its doors and has been serving members and their guests ever since. So, how does one become a member? While the exact membership fee remains unconfirmed, rumors suggest it ranges from $25,000 to $50,000, with an annual fee of $30,000. On top of the hefty price tag, the waitlist for membership is rumored to be 10 years long!
With its high cost and exclusivity, Club 33 provides the perfect haven for the rich and famous to enjoy privacy in the public setting of Disneyland. To put it simply, Club 33 is a members-only club that offers exclusive, fine-dining experiences within Disney Parks. The original Club 33 is located in Disneyland, but there are also clubs in Tokyo Disneyland, Shanghai Disney, and all four Walt Disney World parks. However, the locations in Walt Disney World are lounges and do not offer full-service dining like the other Club 33 establishments.
Membership perks and Club 33 access
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Club 33 is known for its high price, and for good reason. Not only does it offer privacy when visiting the parks, but there are also numerous perks associated with membership. Members receive an annual pass for the specific resort they belong to, exclusive members-only events throughout the year, and the opportunity to purchase exclusive merchandise, among other benefits. However, it’s important to note that Club 33 membership is not transferable between clubs, meaning Disneyland members cannot visit Disney World clubs, and vice versa.
Expressing interest in joining Club 33 and being willing to pay the expensive fees does not guarantee an offer of membership. The Walt Disney World website provides limited information about its clubs, with only three frequently asked questions listed. Most inquiries point to an email address for membership inquiries, without fully addressing details such as cost or waitlist duration.
If you happen to know someone who is a Club 33 member, having them reserve a lunch or dining experience for you is a more affordable way to experience this exclusive club. While reservations may occasionally appear for sale online, members who sell or auction off reservations risk having their membership revoked. Therefore, caution should be exercised when attempting to gain access without following the proper channels.
