Disney World Club 33

Did you know that every time you walk through a Disney World park, you’re passing an elite club, Club 33, that’s essentially hidden to the general public? These clubs are so secretive that unless you know where to look, you’d probably never even notice it. Club 33 is the epitome of luxury while visiting a Walt Disney theme park and below, we’ve got all the juicy details. 

What is Club 33?

Details surrounding Club 33 remain elusive even to this day. In fact, a visit to their website yields little more than a sign-in button for existing members. Club 33 is a private, members-only dining club that is located at Disney World theme parks in the United States and across the world. In fact, Club 33 is so private that its members can only join if they are invited by an existing member or if their membership is passed down to them through a family member. 

The original Club 33 can be found in Disneyland. The space was originally constructed for Walt Disney to use to entertain different corporate sponsors and special guests. Walt got this idea while attending the 1964 New York World’s Fair and saw how other exhibits featured a VIP area. However, Walt died about five months before it opened, so he never had the opportunity to use it. After his passing in 1966, the “VIP” lounge was instead opened to guests for a fee. 

Read more: Uncovered: Secret Places at Disney World

Why the Name “Club 33?”

Disney is all about the hidden details, so one of the most common questions about this elusive club is what the “33” in the name actually stands for? Well, like everything else about Club 33, there are a lot of rumors swirling around. One of the most popular rumors is that the number actually came from the 33 sponsors that Walt Disney looked to for funding for the popular theme parks. 

However, the Walt Disney Company has actually come forward and said that the number stands for the street address where the original lounge is located: 33 Royal Street in New Orleans Square in Disneyland. 

How Much it Costs to Become a Member of Club 33

The exact price can not be found on either Disney’s or Club 33’s websites, however, according to a 2019 article in USA Today, membership costs between $25,000 – $50,000. This is excluding annual membership fees, which are rumored to cost $15,000. For comparison, the median annual salary in the United States back in 2019 was about $40,000. 

Benefits of Being a Club 33 Members

Because of the hefty price tag, Club 33 members get a slew of fantastic benefits. These benefits include: 

• Annual passes
• 5 private VIP tours per year
• 50 single-day admission tickets
• Daily FastPasses
• Access to exclusive Club 33 merchandise including Mickey ears, Dooney & Bourke purses, t-shirts, hats, pins, and more
• Ability to enjoy the lounges located at the parks
• A full bar
• Five-star dining

Perhaps one of the most unique benefits of being a Club 33 member is the fact that they can tour the Dream Suite in Disneyland Resort. Located in New Orleans Square, this apartment was constructed back in 2008 to bring Walt’s original vision of a Disneyland apartment to life. Today, Club 33 members are the only ones who have access to this apartment. 

These amenities will vary based on what membership tier you belong to. Also, membership can only be used at the park you belong to. So, Club 33 members at Disneyland will not have access to the clubs at Walt Disney World and vice versa unless they have several individual memberships or are invited by another member.

Read more: How to Stay in Cinderella’s Castle Suite

Club 33 Wait List

If all of this has you sold and you want to become a member of Club 33, just know you might be waiting a VERY long time. Waitlists are rumored to take around four years, but some members and applicants have had to wait nearly 14 years to finally be accepted. This is because membership availability is extremely limited, so it depends on when the club decides to open the application process back up. 

If you can’t wait or are interested in learning more, you can send an email to Club33@WaltDisneyWorld.com to apply to become a member at Walt Disney World or you can send a letter to the following address for Club 33 availability at Disneyland:

Club 33 Member Services
1600 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802

Just remember that inquiring about the status of these memberships can work against you. In fact, it’s frowned upon. It’s also important to note that before you can become a member, you will also have to be evaluated by the Walt Disney Company. 

Disney World Club 33 Locations 

Like I mentioned earlier, you’ve been so close to these exclusive lounges without even realizing it! At Disney World, there are four locations at each park. In Magic Kingdom, the club is located at the “Captain’s Quarters” building at the entrance to Adventureland. In Epcot, it’s located inside the America pavilion in the World Showcase. In Hollywood Studios, it’s located in the Spotlight Lounge above the Hollywood Brown Derby. And in Animal Kingdom, it’s located in the Harambe House in Africa. 

Next time you’re in Magic Kingdom, stop by this building:

this …

As you head toward Swiss Family Treehouse, look to the right of this colorful building and you’ll see a small “33” on it. Pretty cool, right?

While there is still so much secrecy surrounding these clubs, social media has caused the whereabouts of these lounges and what you can expect inside to become much less protected. 

In Shanghai Disneyland, Club 33 is located on Mickey Avenue near the shopping area. In Tokyo Disney, it can be found in the World Bazaar, and in Disneyland, it can be found in New Orleans Square. 

Final Thoughts

Club 33 is one of those places that have intrigued Disney nerds for years and chances are, that’ll never change. While many of us will never get the opportunity to dine there, there are plenty of videos and articles available online that allows us to get a glimpse into what the experience must be like. 

Have you ever dined at Club 33? Better yet, are you a member, and can you hook me up with a visit? Just kidding, but not really.