Since its construction in 1955, Disneyland has captivated the imagination of attendees. Since the park has welcomed millions of guests since then, you’d think that virtually every corner would have been explored and analyzed. But if you go through the right door in New Orleans Square, you’ll be welcomed into one of the most exclusive and private clubs in the world: Disneyland Club 33.
Although admission to Club 33 is tough to come by, Disney enthusiasts can still live vicariously through their imagination. So, put on your Sunday best and let’s venture into the elusive world that exists behind the scenes at Disneyland Resort.
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What is Disneyland Club 33?
Club 33 is a members-only VIP experience. If you’re at Disneyland, the only place to access Club 33 is in New Orleans Square, which is how the club got its name (the address is 33 Royal St.). Although Disneyland was completed and opened to the public in 1955, this exclusive club didn’t get its start until 1967.
According to legend, Walt Disney was enamored with the idea of a VIP club for celebrities and high-end business owners to enjoy Disneyland without being mobbed by tourists and guests. The concept came to him after the 1964 World’s Fair, where he saw other similar VIP clubs and lounges. Executives at General Electric wanted a private lounge in exchange for helping build the Carousel of Progress. At first, they thought of putting the club inside the carousel, but Disney convinced them to put it in the newly constructed New Orleans Square.
The first real insider’s glimpse of the interior of Club 33 came in 2011, when the Disney Parks Blog gave a virtual tour of the space, complete with photos. However, the images shared in that behind-the-scenes feature would become obsolete as the park planned a major renovation of the club to keep up with modern times.
That said, the photos of the original Club 33 were pretty impressive, with an ornate French-style Victorian elevator taking guests to the awe-inspiring lounge and dining area. The decor and architecture were crafted to match the rest of the New Orleans Square vibe, complete with hand-drawn images of the real French Quarter and original works by Disney artists. The club even had movie props, like a table from Mary Poppins and a telephone booth from the film The Happiest Millionaire.
After the renovation in 2014, photos of the updated Disneyland Club 33 have been hard to come by. According to rumors, members who take and share unauthorized images risk losing their spot on the esteemed list. However, if you scour the corners of the internet, you can find small glimpses into the opulence and grandeur of the place.
The club is still split into sections, including Le Salon Nouveau Lounge (complete with a cocktail bar) and Le Grand Salon Dining Room. The entire club has heightened its connection to its roots within 19th Century New Orleans, complete with antique decorations, color schemes, and more. Every corner of the club has been meticulously crafted to create a memorable experience for all its guests.
How to Join Club 33
Because of its exclusive status, becoming a member of Disneyland Club 33 is a lot harder than you might think. Also, each club is unique, so membership to one does not grant you access to another. The first Club 33 opened at Disneyland, but there are other clubs at each park in Walt Disney World, along with Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disney.
Each club only allows a few hundred members at a time. To apply, you must submit a letter of interest to Club 33 Member Services, 1600 S. Disneyland Drive Anaheim, CA 92802. Some years, memberships may become available, but that’s not always the case. You may have to wait years to get a response, and even then, you still have to pay the dues.
Club 33 charges a one-time joining fee and annual dues. For Disneyland, the initial fee is $25,000, and you must pay $10,000 every year to enjoy access and all the perks that come with your membership.
Perks and Benefits of Being a Club 33 Member
With such hefty membership dues, there must be some incredible perks that come with being a part of Club 33. While exclusive access to the lounge and dining area is incredible, members also receive:
- Annual Park Membership – In 2024, an annual membership (called the Magic Key Pass at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure) can cost between $600 and $1,800 annually. While it’s unclear what kind of annual pass you’ll receive, it’s worth a large portion of the $10K annual dues.
- 50 Single-Day Admission Tickets – If you’re bringing any guests with you, you can use one of these 50 admission tickets. It’s unclear if there are any blackout dates, but they may likely be good for any day of the year since you’re a Club 33 member.
- 5 Private VIP Tours – See more of Disneyland from behind the scenes with ultra-exclusive private tours. These are also a good way to let friends and family get the ultimate Disney experience.
- FastPasses – The FastPass used to be free on popular rides, but now Disneyland charges guests for each pass. As a Club 33 member, you’ll get pre-loaded FastPasses for each day you visit the park.
- Club 33 Merchandise – While you can always buy souvenirs at one of the numerous gift shops throughout the park, Club 33 members get access to exclusive merchandise that’s unavailable to the general public. Buying these items is a subtle way to let people know that you’re in the club without being too showy about it.
Again, membership to one club does not provide access to any others. However, because Disney’s California Adventure is right next door, you can access its VIP accommodations called the 1901 Lounge. If you’d prefer to join Club 33 at Walt Disney World, you’ll have to pick the park and pay a higher membership fee. The upfront fee is $33,000 and annual dues are $15,000.
The Walt Disney World clubs are designed to reflect each park: Spotlight Lounge in Hollywood Studios, Harambe Cafe in Animal Kingdom, Constellation Club in EPCOT, and the Captain’s Quarters in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom.
Book Disneyland Tickets as a Boardwalk Travel Agent
For some Disney enthusiasts, becoming a member of Club 33 is the realization of a lifelong dream. However, the next best thing would be to visit Disneyland as often as possible! Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank when you book your trips as an independent travel agent with Boardwalk Travel Agency.
As a travel agent, you get access to exclusive discounts, perks, and deals that aren’t available to regular guests. While these discounts don’t include Disneyland Club 33, they do include resort stays, park tickets, and other perks. Vendors like Disney offer these deals to travel agents to help them book more guests at their parks and destinations.
But the benefits of becoming an independent travel agent don’t stop there. Here are a few other reasons why it makes sense to sign up with Boardwalk Travel Agency today:
- Earn Commissions on Disneyland Vacation Packages – As an independent agent, you earn money exclusively through commissions and earn money back from your own vacations. Imagine getting a check once you come back from the Happiest Place on Earth! Plus, if you book trips for friends and family members, you can earn commissions on those packages too.
- Get Paid More Than Other Travel Agents – Typically, agents working for big companies only make about a 10 percent commission on each package. At Boardwalk Travel, you can earn up to 70 percent commissions, so more of the money goes into your pocket.
- Work From Anywhere – One of the main perks of being an independent agent is that you don’t have to clock in and out at an office. In fact, you can set your own hours and work whenever and wherever you want. This flexibility means you could work as a travel agent while on vacation at Disneyland or elsewhere in the world.
- Broad Vendor Access – Another limitation of working with a specific agency is that you can only access their network of vendors. For example, if you work as a Carnival Cruise agent, you can only book cruises with Carnival and no one else. With Boardwalk Travel Agency, you can book all kinds of vacations, from Disney to Universal Studios to Royal Caribbean cruises and much more.
If you’re ready to take charge of your travel passions and earn money in the process, join Boardwalk Travel Agency today!
