Club 33: Disneyland’s Exclusive Bar Hidden in Plain Sight

Like a whispered secret in the bustling heart of Disneyland, Club 33 hides behind an understated green door at 33 Royal Street. You've probably walked past it dozens of times without noticing the discrete brass plaque or realizing what lies beyond. While millions of visitors enjoy their turkey legs and churros in the park below, an exclusive group of members ascends a hidden staircase to experience Disney's most coveted sanctuary – where magic meets luxury in ways most guests can only imagine.

The Secret Origins of Club 33

Few people know that Walt Disney's most exclusive creation, Club 33, emerged from his vision of entertaining VIPs and dignitaries in an upscale private lounge.

Drawing inspiration from the executive VIP lounges at the 1964 New York World's Fair, Walt envisioned a serene retreat where distinguished guests could enjoy exceptional cuisine in an elegant setting.

Before Club 33's official opening in 1967, you'd find VIPs being entertained in the lounge of the Red Wagon Inn.

Walt and his wife personally curated the club's ambiance by selecting authentic antiques from New Orleans. The distinctive interior design features antique furniture and decor carefully collected by Lillian Disney. The Main Dining Room showcases the opulent First Empire style with its grand chandeliers.

While the club was initially conceived for corporate sponsors, it eventually opened its doors to individual members as well.

Sadly, Walt didn't live to see his vision come to life, as Club 33 opened six months after his passing.

Behind the Hidden Door on Royal Street

Tucked away at 33 Royal Street in New Orleans Square, Club 33's entrance beckons with subtle mystique.

Past the hidden entrance, you'll find a luxurious vestibule where exclusive access begins with a formal check-in process. The Court of Angels, now transformed into a reception foyer, leads you to an enchanting Art Nouveau elevator or a winding staircase.

Once inside, you'll discover two magnificent spaces: Le Grand Salon and Le Salon Nouveau. The Club first opened its doors to guests on June 15, 1967.

The rooms showcase Walt Disney's personal touches, including Victorian antiques he handpicked from New Orleans shops and butterflies preserved under glass. From the balcony, you can gaze over the bustling streets below while enjoying the club's renowned fine dining. This exclusive venue has hosted numerous world leaders and celebrities throughout its illustrious history.

Don't miss the whimsical animatronic mascot, Alfred the turkey vulture, who watches over this secretive sanctuary.

Membership: The Ultimate Disney Status Symbol

Joining Club 33 represents the pinnacle of Disney fandom, with its steep price tag and decade-long waiting list making it one of the most coveted memberships in the entertainment world.

You'll need to invest between $25,000 to $35,000 just to initiate your membership, followed by annual dues ranging from $10,000 to $15,000.

The membership perks justify the cost for devoted Disney enthusiasts. You'll receive annual park passes, five VIP tours yearly, and access to exclusive experiences like the 1901 Lounge. For many years, Club 33 was the only place serving alcohol within Disneyland park. Members can access unique dining experiences in private luxury spaces designed to shield them from regular park crowds.

FastPasses and special Club 33 merchandise round out the premium benefits package.

To start your journey, you'll need to submit a letter of inquiry to Club 33 Member Services.

Just remember, patience is key – the waiting list typically extends beyond a decade.

Inside the Most Exclusive Disney Restaurant

Beyond the ornate entrance of Club 33 lies Disney's most prestigious dining experience, where Victorian elegance meets magical sophistication.

You'll find yourself immersed in a world of refined luxury at Le Grand Salon and the Trophy Room, where top-tier chefs craft gourmet masterpieces exclusively for members and their guests. Securing a reservation requires membership fees starting at $30,000.

What sets this exclusive dining venue apart isn't just the food – it's the intimate character interactions you won't find anywhere else in the park. As you dine, you might hear Walt Disney's original animatronic vulture speak, or admire the historic piano hand-selected by Lillian Disney herself.

The private lounges offer a peaceful retreat from the park's bustling atmosphere, while the Victorian-era decor creates an ambiance that perfectly balances Disney's whimsy with upscale refinement.

A Legacy of Luxury and Disney History

The rich history of Club 33 traces back to Walt Disney's visit to the 1964 New York World's Fair, where VIP lounges for corporate sponsors sparked his imagination.

Walt's Vision for an exclusive, members-only establishment within Disneyland would become a reality in June 1967, though he wouldn't live to see its opening.

The Exclusive Experience at Club 33 reflects Walt's dedication to luxury and attention to detail, featuring:

• Antique furnishings personally selected by Walt and Lillian Disney
• A prime location at 33 Royal Street in New Orleans Square
• Intimate dining spaces for approximately 500 privileged members
• Access to unique amenities, including the 1901 Lounge at Disney California Adventure

Today, Club 33 continues to embody Walt's original concept, offering an unparalleled blend of sophistication and Disney magic that's expanded to parks worldwide. Gaining entry to this prestigious establishment requires a discreet referral process from existing members, making it one of Disney's most coveted memberships.

The Global Expansion of Club 33

Since its humble beginnings in Disneyland California, Club 33 has evolved into a worldwide network of exclusive venues across Disney's international parks.

You'll now find Club 33 locations in Walt Disney World's four parks, Tokyo Disneyland's World Bazaar, and Shanghai Disneyland, each offering distinctive experiences that reflect their host country's culture.

Beyond just global locations, these exclusive experiences have expanded to include specialized features like the 1901 Lounge at Disney California Adventure's Carthay Circle Restaurant. While the original location features a famous walnut table from the film Mary Poppins, each venue has its own unique Disney artifacts and memorabilia. Membership costs vary by location, with initial fees of $35,000 at the original Disneyland venue.