Disney World sees millions of visitors a year. Virtually everyone who walks through the gates at Disney buys the same experience. For a select few, there are VIP guides, special access to popular rides, and even the chance to buy some extra FastPasses. For even smaller group of people, there’s now Club 33.
Not sure what Club 33 is? Don’t worry, the internet can help you. If you’re looking for the short version, it’s the most exclusive club of Disney fanatics you can belong to. The original Club 33 is in Disneyland, conceived by Walt Disney and opened 40 years ago. There’s an Instagram account dedicated to images associated with Club 33. I’ll be sharing a handful of them throughout the post.
Secret Entrance To Disney’s Most Exclusive Club (instagram.com/disneyland33member)
There have been plenty of rumors that Club 33 would be opening in each of the parks at Disney World in Orlando. I know employees who have interviewed for jobs in the clubs. There’s plenty of evidence that additional Club 33 outposts are coming. And, now we think we know how much it will cost to be a member.
I’ve followed WDW News Today for quite some time, but somehow missed a story they posted a few days ago about Club 33. Thanks to my friend Cliff, who dropped it in my inbox yesterday.
It seems that property owners in Golden Oaks, the very upscale Disney residential community, are receiving invitations with an initiation fee of $25,000. Annual dues appear to be $15,000.
The Bar At Disneyland’s Club 33 (instagram.com/disneyland33member)
What Does Your Membership Get You?
That’s a really good question. At Disneyland in California, you get access to an incredible restaurant, but you still pay for your meal when you dine there.
Could there be more benefits at the new clubs? Sure, especially since it looks like Disney World will have 4 of them. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see.
$25,000 (plus those annual dues) seems like a lot of cash to fork over for access to a private restaurant. While I won’t be handing over a decent chunk of our children’s college tuition to grab a membership, I’m insanely curious to have dinner there. I’d love to dine at the original Club 33 in Disneyland. But, let’s be honest. I’d consider myself pretty darn lucky to get an invite to any of them.
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24 comments
I bet I know of a place which is even more exclusive, Ed — a place which is certainly by invitation only; probably has great food; has things to do; includes private areas of which visitors rarely see; and places to relax in comfort.
It is called your home.
Brian, a visit to my home is a darn site cheaper as well!
$25,000 – seems a bit much! Gotta wonder what you really get and the market for this!!!
Lisa, if it’s only a pass to get into the restaurant, that’s a pretty steep price.
Hmmmmm is this post a thinly veiled attempt at trying to get an invite from someone foolish enough to join this club? Then again, if they’re foolish enough to waste money on this, they might be vain enough to invite a blogger.
Jar, hahahaha. I don’t think there are a whole lot of folks with the type of coin it takes to buy into Club 33 reading my blog. No obvious (or thinly veiled) shilling here. Honestly, I only know one person who’s ever been to Club 33, so I wouldn’t even know how to begin asking.
Edward, Well, from someone reading your blog and “foolish” enough to be a proud new member of the “Club” at WDW, I am happy to have you as a guest sometime paisan !
Giovanni, that’s a heck of an offer! I may just take you up on it. I do have a question. Did your package include the free VIP guide days?. I’m curious if that’s an annual or one-time benefit.
Out of respect for the Club. Not at liberty to say. you know how to reach me.
😀
The first rule of Fight Club…..
30 ish years ago I used to go to Club 33 once or twice a year. A relative was a mucky-muck at a company with a corporate membership. The food was good, but not spectacular. The best part was just having a quiet respite from the long lines and crowds of the park BUT after a big meal didn’t want to do amusement rides. Also, it always felt a little weird since Disney seemed like it was all about kids having fun. Kids don’t care about nice meals at an amusement park. They want to go on rides and eat lots of candy, ice cream etc. If you want a good meal it would be a lot less hassle just to go to a nice restaurant somewhere else.
Val, I agree that my kids would probably be bored inside the club.
We have eaten at Club 33 at Disneyland twice, once for brunch and once for dinner. Only place in the park that serves alcohol. Food was excellent. It’s on the second floor with a couple of balconies, so you can watch the parade from above. Very cool. We got admission to the park and free, special parking with our reservation, but that’s about it. We weren’t members, so I don’t know if they got anything else for their dues.
Laura, watching the parade while eating sounds like a pretty cool benefit!
Club 33 has changed over the years. I believe the waiting listing is still over 10 years at Disneyland. I think Tokyo members are primarily corporate. In the past they have done many special events for members with celebrities and themed lunches. It one of best spots to catch a celebrity view and it is a museum of rare seen Disney memorabilia. For Disney fanatics dining there is one of the Holy Grail, like seeing Walt’s hidden apartment, riding the Lilly Belle or staying in Cinderella Castle Suite. Plus if your living in Golden Oaks what’s 25k when you spent literally millions and sat on waiting list just to own a house next to the mouse.
Perryplatypus, you bring up a good point about Golden Oaks. I’d like to think if I had that much cash, I would find a better use for $25K.
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Disneyland in Anaheim CA has upped the ante from Club 33. It a little private dining experience called 21 Royal and you dine in what was to be Walt Disney’s apartment above the Pirates of the Caribbean. The experience seats 12 persons around an exquisite square table…beautiful centerpiece and “magic” throughout the apartment. You start with your own private cocktail reception in the garden courtyard with your own bartender and server. Before your event you complete a survey which will be used to plan your menu. Dinner is served with an “intermission” to watch the current evening light show (in my case Fantasmic) from the comfort of your own private balcony. Dinner is paired with amazing wines and cocktails are available on request throughout the evening. All courses are nothing short of amazing and the wines are world-class. We were in 21 Royal when some friends and associates were dining in Club 33 and they were super envious!!!
akanaminpa, I’ve never heard of 21 Royal! Tell me more.
The best way to investigate 21 Royal is to visit their website: https://www.21royaldisneyland.com/
I first heard about the restaurant when I met Chef Andrew Sutton at the Kapalua Food and Wine Festival last June 2017 where he and his culinary staff presented a lunch demonstration which was probably the best Food and Wine event luncheon I have ever experienced! After lunch I noticed a “21 Royal” rocker on his Chef’s smock and when I asked about the rocker was told that it was a new project that should open in a little bit.
I was fortunate to get to spend time the next evening with Chef Sutton and his team (Chef Gloria and Chef Jorge) at a reception at Merriman’s Kapalua where we discussed great food and wine experiences and that convinced me to call Dining at Disney the next day to see if I could book a reservation.
The next day I was told that the date I had in mind was available and I was able to book the reservation! Over the next couple of months the particulars were developed and the evening was set.
On the afternoon of the event my guests and I assembled at the Disney Grand Californian hotel and were transported via private limousine “backstage” to just behind the Pirates of the Caribbean area. We were escorted to the front of the restaurant which has a private entrance just up a flight of stairs from “Rue Royal”… Disney park passes were available for all guests should they have chosen to arrive earlier.
It was an evening not to be forgotten!
One BIG difference is that Club 33 is a members only restaurant that is open when the park is open. 21 Royal is an event restaurant which is only open when an event is booked.
akanaminpa, that sounds like a heck of an adventure. I need to start stalking 21 Royal!
This sounds amazing! I imagine the cost is amazing, as well. $1000 each?
Well, maybe a bit more…depends upon your guest list and requires a buyout. Seats maximum of 12. Contact Disney Dining for availability and current pricing. It is well worth the price for a once in a lifetime experience!