If you've been to Disneyland, you might have walked right past the entrance to Disney's ultra-exclusive restaurant without even noticing it exists. Most people do; after all, it was designed to be a total secret to most of us mere mortals.
It's called Club 33, and it's a by-invitation-only organization that was designed to be a place where Walt Disney could entertain VIPs. Unfortunately, he passed away before the club could open, and while its existence isn't much of a secret anymore, getting a look beyond its facade in New Orleans Square is as tricky as ever—unless the Happiest Place on Earth has extended an invitation. And you've plunked down the reported $25,000 initiation fee.
Members tend to treat Club 33 like Fight Club: You don't discuss what goes on what just anyone. Still, we scoured the Internet to uncover what Club 33 is really like—and whether it's worth your time to get on its rumored 14-year-long waitlist.
It's The Only Place to Get Your Drink On.
If by drink you mean booze, that is. Club 33 is the only place in Disneyland that serves alcohol, period.
You've Got to Be A High-Roller to Join.
Once you choke down the $25,000 fee just to become a member, the costs don't end there. Every year, you have to pay another $12,000 to maintain your spot (if you're a platinum member, AKA the top tier). The House of Mouse also offers corporate memberships, which cost $40,000 upon signup, as well as annual dues.
There's a Dress Code.
If you're wearing a crop top, flip flops, cutoff shorts, sweatpants or—gasp!—baring your sexy, sexy shoulders in a tank top, you will not be allowed to eat at the club, according to the insidery-yet-unofficial site chronicling all things Club 33, DisneylandClub33.com. Basically, if you'd wear it on a 93-degree day at a theme park, it probably won't fly in da club.
At dinner, the dress code is even stricter: No shorts of any kind. DisneylandClub33.com recommends wearing an evening dress, business suit or slacks-and-a-sport-jacket combo.
You Should Come Hungry.
Club 33 serves a five- or six-course tasting menu, which has included dishes like beef tartare with poached quail eggs, rack of lamb and poached lobster paella. The restaurant focuses on French and American food, and you can't just pop in any time of day to grab a bite. According to insiders, you need to book a reservation weeks—if not months—in advance.
Dinner Costs More Than A Day at the Park.
If you think your annual dues mean you can eat for free, no dice. It costs $105 to try five courses; $120 for the six-course experience.
They've Scaled Back Member Privileges.
As of last year, platinum members can only bring in their spouse or domestic partner as a guest at Club 33. Previously, people at this level received three VIP passes to invite whoever they wanted to join them, reports the Los Angeles Times. These passes also let you into any Disney park, as well as admission for lunch or dinner at Club 33. Nowadays, platinum members receive four passes, which get them into the park, but not the secret restaurant.
It's the Place to Spot Celebs.
Members include former Playmate Holly Madison, Once Upon A Time's Ginnifer Goodwin, and Guillerno del Toro, but the rumored guest list is even longer, and includes Tom Hanks, Jack Nicholson and Christina Aguilera.
Its Name Is Practically Perfect in Every Way.
While there's some speculation that Club 33 is named for Disney's 33 original sponsors, the explanation cast members give is that it's named for its address: It's located at 33 Royal Street.
Even the Toilets Are Extra-Fancy.
After visiting Club 33, High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens didn't take a picture of her food, or the famed elevator Disney modeled after one in Paris (which is now just a booth in the reception area, since it was no longer up to code, according to Tech Insider). She snapped a photo of the bathroom stall, which features an ornate white toilet that looks like it belongs in Cinderella's castle. You can see it here:
Watch Out for the Talking Vulture.
Right when you enter the foyer, you'll see an animatronic vulture atop a grandfather clock. Rumor has it Walt Disney wanted to keep it in the club's trophy room—one of the restaurant's two dining rooms—and install microphones in the chandeliers so employees could eavesdrop on conversations and have the vulture interject at times, commenting on whatever people were talking about at any given moment.
Today's vulture greets you when you walk through the door, according to guests.
The Club's So Popular Disney's Opened a Second Not-So-Secret Location.
Platinum members have a second place to eat in private, just in case Club 33 has gotten to be too much of a 'scene' for their tastes—1901, an exclusive lounge in California Adventure's Carthay Circle Theatre restaurant.
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