Club 33 is a members-only facility in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, designed by Walt Disney for corporate sponsors and VIPs. Members pay high dues and have access to gourmet food and beverages, as well as free admission and parking. The club’s name has various rumored origins.
In New Orleans Square at Disneyland, near the Blue Bayou restaurant, there is a door marked “33.” This is the entrance to Club 33, a little-known members-only facility that’s also the only place in Disneyland that can serve alcohol.
Club 33 was designed by Walt Disney himself to entertain corporate sponsors and other VIPs, and was included in the original plans for New Orleans Square. After Disney’s death, the club was opened to members who could pay the dues, which ranged from $7,500 to $20,000 United States Dollars (USD), with an annual dues of $3,025 to $5,825 USD, depending on the type of registration. There is also an application fee of $10,000 USD and a waiting list that can last more than five years.
Establishment members also receive free admission; at Disneyland, along with a free guest, although, compared to membership dues, they probably wouldn’t notice the price of admission. They are also granted free parking. Anyone with the money who is willing to wait for the long wait can become a member. At any given time, there are always fewer than 500 members.
When guests enter Club 33, they immediately see an antique-looking glass elevator that’s a replica of a Parisian elevator that Disney saw and looked to purchase while on vacation. When it discovered the original elevator was not for sale, Disney sent engineers to take steps to build an exact replica. Other furnishings include Lillian Disney’s handpicked antiques and furniture featured in the studio’s films.
Gourmet food and beverages are provided for members. A staff of around 70 is available to make sure all guests are served and happy, while also remembering individual members’ favorite dishes and making sure they are available when members visit. Guests and members must pay for their own food and drink, though prices aren’t reported as high and are definitely eclipsed by the club’s extortionate membership prices.
The origin of the name “Club 33” has sparked many different rumors over the years. One version of its origin is that it was named for the original 33 investors at Disneyland. Another had Walt Disney choose the name simply because he liked the way “33” looked — like two pairs of Mickey Mouse ears when turned sideways — or because Disney’s favorite number was 3, again, a due to the resemblance of Mickey’s ears. Disneyland’s official explanation is that the address is 33 Royal Street at New Orleans Square, causing it to be called “33.”
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