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Rules to remember

Club 33 plate

Just as Club 33 doesn’t admit just anyone, not just anything can be worn to lunch or dinner. Shorts are prohibited at dinnertime, and while guests may wear other types of clothing they deem comfortable for a day at the park, beachwear, flip flops, sandals, swimsuits, tank tops and sweatpants are not allowed. The rules even state that jeans can be worn, but they must not be too faded or torn.

Club 33 window

Cell phones are prohibited in the dining areas, though guests can head to the hallways if they want to make or take a call.

Club 33 place setting

And members still must make reservations in order to dine at the club. Members wishing to eat there can make reservations 60 days in advance, while reservations for unaccompanied guests can only be made two weeks in advance unless the meal is on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday – then it’s just three days in advance.

Members can also reserve the whole club for special events like birthdays and holiday parties. The rules are in place to ensure that a special experience is had by all, and the reservation rules ensure that members are always able to get a table.

Another Club 33?

Club 33 at Tokyo Disneyland

Disneyland in California isn’t the only Disney property with a secretive, members-only club. When Tokyo Disneyland was being created, its designers chose some of the best elements of the California park and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom to replicate. Club 33 made the cut, and Tokyo’s version was built on the second floor of World Bazaar – sort of the park’s version of Main Street.

The club allows the park’s builder, the Oriental Land Company, and Tokyo Disneyland’s sponsors to entertain guests, and it’s also the only place in the park that serves alcohol. (However, members of the U.S. version of Club 33 don’t have reciprocal rights to the Tokyo version.)

Just like the original Club 33, you must know a member (if you're not already one) in order to visit the club in Tokyo, which has a Victorian style. Several elements of the original club are present in this version. The entrance is marked by a “33” sign, you must ring a doorbell to be let in, special Club 33 merchandise is available for purchase and your meal is served in courses.

Some interesting things to note about Tokyo’s Club 33 is that the food is French and guests receive a souvenir of a small sticker book, styled like a matchbook, featuring characters from Mickey to Pluto in chef outfits.    

More interesting facts (and perks)

Club 33 chandelier

Club 33 (or a version of it) has been featured on the animated TV show “Futurama.” In the episode called “The Series Has Landed,” the crew enters a door in a theme park marked with “33½.”

And celebrities who have been spotted at the club include Mickey Rooney, John Lasseter, Michael Eisner, Tommy Smothers, Mira Sorvino, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Jack Nicholson. Michael Jackson was also said to be a frequent visitor to the club. An elevator whisks VIPs from an underground parking garage to Club 33, so guests can get in and out of New Orleans Square more easily.

Club 33 Harpsichord

Lillian Disney’s harpsichord can be played by guests, and one person who took the club up on the offer is said to be Elton John. The musical instrument features real gold leaf and a picture of New Orleans harbor in the 19th Century that was hand-painted by a Disney artist.

Club 33’s Trophy Room, which was the smaller of the club’s two dining rooms, was originally envisioned by Walt Disney to be a place where audio-animatronic creatures would line the dark wooden walls – and have conversations with guests. (This would have been accomplished through the use of hidden microphones and an actor voicing the animals from inside a secret sound booth.) But the plan didn’t come to fruition, and instead the walls held animal trophies that Disney inherited. The trophies were removed in later years and the walls were left with only subtle nods to the sport, but the Trophy Room is now part of the club’s kitchen after the recent renovation.

Lilly Belle

Another unique perk available to Club 33 members is the chance to ride on the Lilly Belle, the last remaining train car from Disneyland’s opening day. The car was named for Lillian Disney, who was very involved in designing it. The car was a private one from its opening, and was used to entertain VIPs and special guests. It features a Victorian flair, with dark wood, red mohair upholstery and beveled and stained glass. To protect the car’s interior, it’s taken out of operation during times of inclement weather.

Club 33 riverboat

Club members can also visit the Mark Twain Mississippi River Boat’s wheel house. This area isn’t open to the public and can only be entered with permission from the captain. Club members can get a gorgeous view of the Rivers of America from the wheel house.

And if club members want to dine with Mickey or Donald, they can. They just need to make reservations for the costumed characters well in advance.

Club 33 also holds special events throughout the year, and members can make reservations for them. The wine tastings, holiday dinners and artist-attended events usually sell out quickly.

Members also get a great view of Fantasmic! when they visit the club.

And one of the club’s best perks, besides free valet parking at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, is the six free instant Fastpasses that members receive on each visit. These Fastpasses allow them to skip the lines at a half-dozen attractions without waiting for a specific time to use them.

An unforgettable time

Club 33 glass

If you’re ever lucky enough to get the chance to experience Club 33 in California or Tokyo, you’re in for a unique experience. And while California’s version has changed over time, with renovations and some new rules, it’s doubtful that many members would be willing to opt out of the club once they’re in it. If joining the club is a possibility for you, you can email [email protected] for more information. Just expect to gain many new friends who’d love to be your guests if you end up joining!

 
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