Club 33 – A Once in a Lifetime Magical Experience

For those of you not familiar with Club 33 located in Disneyland Park, here is a brief history taken directly from their website:

“Years ago, Walt Disney felt that a special place was needed where he could entertain visiting dignitaries and others in a quiet, serene atmosphere where superb cuisine and distinctive decor would complement one another. He asked artist Dorothea Redmond to provide watercolor renderings of what such a place might look like. Accompanied by renowned decorator Emil Kuri, Walt and his wife traveled to New Orleans to select many of the beautiful antiques that are on display. After years of planning, Club 33 became a reality in May of 1967. Sadly enough, it was never seen by its creator because of his untimely death five months earlier.”

Club 33 is located in Disneyland very discreetly over Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square. It is a private club that has less than 500 members and is not open to the public. Members can arrange for friends to experience the Club. I was fortunate to have received a member invite and truly experienced a once in a lifetime visit!

I received my confirmation detailing how to gain access to Club 33 along with a description of the required dress code. I will say that the dress code does not seem to be strictly enforced which was disappointing to me. Part of the experience was dining in “proper attire”, but there were several in t-shirts and shorts. The instructions told me that upon arrival at the entrance doorway, to ring the bell and a Cast Member will come out to escort my party inside.

Once inside the small lobby (room for only one party of 6 or 8 at a time) that is dominated by a check-in desk, a staircase to the second floor and a beautifully carved elevator lift, a young Cast Member immediately began telling us the history behind the lift and much of the restaurant. He was full of fascinating information, and answered our many questions without hesitation. After a short wait we were offered the lift to take us to the second floor. The lift is only large enough for 3 or 4 people at a time so we split into 2 groups and were on our way!

As soon as we arrived on the second floor, I was immediately drawn to a large photo hanging on the wall – it brought back so many memories of from my childhood.

Once we were seated, our server explained to us that we would be charged a minimum flat rate per person and could order anything we wanted from the menu. She explained that all meals are prepared when ordered so our food could take as long as 40 minutes. While waiting we were invited to help ourselves to a wonderful selection from several self-serve appetizer bars (including lobster tail!)

For our lunch, two of use ordered the Certified Organic Free Range Chicken with Truffle Macaroni and Cheese and Asparagus while the remaining three ordered the Pan Seared Chateaubriand. Every morsel of food was delicious!

Once we were through with lunch, it was on to the dessert table!

My lunch at Club 33 will be an experience I will remember forever! Excellent food in a Disney historical landmark with great friends!

View from Club 33 Balcony

The Royal Throne in the Ladies Room at Club 33 – Fancy!

After Dinner Chocolate Mints

Note: With every “once in a lifetime” experience comes a hefty price tag. Although I would never give up this experience, it was expensive. The total cost for 5 people for lunch with cocktails, tax and tip was $600 ($120 per person) and worth every penny, not only for the experience but getting to share the experience with special people in my life.

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