Walk down Royal Street in New Orleans Square and you’ll see it. Or maybe you won't. Most people walk right past the nondescript door marked with the number 33, oblivious to the fact that just inches away, some of the most influential people in the world are sipping expensive Cabernet in the middle of a theme park. It’s the ultimate Disney paradox. In a place designed for the masses, Club 33 is the crown jewel of exclusion. Everyone wants to know how to get into Club 33 at Disneyland, but the reality is that for 99% of the population, the door remains firmly locked.
It isn't just a restaurant. It’s a ghost.
Walt Disney originally conceived the space as a place to entertain corporate sponsors and dignitaries, drawing inspiration from the executive lounges he saw at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Sadly, he passed away before it officially opened in 1967. Since then, it has evolved into a mythical destination where the waitlist is measured in years—sometimes decades—and the initiation fees cost more than a mid-sized sedan.
The Brutal Reality of the Membership Process
Let’s be real: you can’t just "apply" in the traditional sense. There isn't a "Join Now" button on the Disneyland website. To even begin the process of learning how to get into Club 33 at Disneyland, you have to send a written letter of inquiry to Club 33 Member Services. This isn't a formality; it's the start of a grueling vetting process.
The club offers two main types of memberships: Individual and Corporate. Individual memberships are gold dust. They stay with the person for life, though they aren't transferable to heirs (usually). Corporate memberships are often held by massive entities like Chevron or Coca-Cola, allowing designated executives to use the facilities.
Expect to wait.
The waitlist reportedly closed entirely for several years because it became so backlogged. Even if you have the money, you need the patience of a saint. When a spot finally opens, the club performs a background check that would make the TSA blush. They want to ensure that members maintain the "dignity" of the club. If you're known for being loud, disruptive, or—God forbid—someone who tries to sell their guest passes on eBay, you’re out before you’re even in.
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The Cost of Admission
Money talks, but at Club 33, it whispers very loudly. While Disney famously keeps the exact figures under wraps, leaked information and member reports suggest that the initiation fee for an individual membership sits somewhere between $25,000 and $50,000.
That’s just to walk in the door the first time.
Once you’re a member, you’re on the hook for annual dues. These hover around $15,000 to $25,000 per year. If you stop paying, you lose your spot. There are no refunds. There are no "pause" buttons. You are paying for the privilege of being able to spend even more money on five-course meals and rare spirits.
How to Get Into Club 33 at Disneyland Without a Membership
Most people reading this aren't looking to drop $50k on a hobby. You just want to see the trophy room and eat the famous French-inspired cuisine once.
The only way in for a non-member is to be invited by a member.
This is the "Golden Ticket" of the Disney world. Members are given a certain number of guest passes or the ability to make reservations for friends. If you know a member, they can book a table for you. You’ll still pay for your own meal—which easily clears $100+ per person—but you’ll get that coveted access.
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How do you find a member? It’s tougher than it looks. Members are generally discouraged from advertising their status. You won't find a "Club 33 Member Directory" online. Honestly, it usually comes down to professional networking. Look toward C-suite executives, high-level attorneys in Southern California, or people deep in the entertainment industry.
The Secret "Business" Angle
Many major corporations based in California hold memberships. If you work for a Fortune 500 company, check your internal employee benefits or corporate hospitality perks. You might find that your company has a designated representative who can authorize a visit for high-performing employees or for client entertainment. It's a long shot, but it's more common than people realize.
What Actually Happens Inside?
Once you press the buzzer at 33 Royal Street and the Cast Member verifies your identity, you enter a small, climate-controlled lobby. The transition is jarring. The humid, popcorn-scented air of New Orleans Square is replaced by the smell of expensive wood polish and fresh flowers.
There are two main areas:
- Le Grand Salon: The formal dining room. It’s opulent, refined, and surprisingly quiet.
- Le Salon Nouveau: A more "casual" lounge area where you can get a drink. Note: Club 33 was famously the only place in Disneyland Park to serve alcohol for decades, though that has changed recently with the opening of Oga’s Cantina and other spots.
The decor is a mix of New Orleans elegance and Disney history. You'll see the French-style lift (elevator) that Walt requested after seeing one in Paris. You’ll see the "vulture" animatronic in the Trophy Room that was originally intended to interact with guests—though that feature is mostly disabled now to maintain the sophisticated vibe.
Common Misconceptions and Errors
People think that staying at a Disney Suite or being a "VIP" gets you in. It doesn't.
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Even the highest-tier Disney VIP tours do not include a trip to Club 33. You could spend $900 an hour on a private plaid-vest guide, and they still can't get you past that green door. Similarly, staying at the Grand Californian’s Presidential Suite doesn't grant access.
Another big mistake? Showing up in cargo shorts and a sweaty t-shirt. Club 33 has a strict dress code. For lunch, it’s "resort casual," but for dinner, it’s formal. Men usually need a collared shirt and slacks; women typically wear dresses or nice blouses. If you show up looking like you just stepped off Splash Mountain, they will politely turn you away, regardless of your reservation.
The "1901" Alternative at California Adventure
If you're wondering how to get into Club 33 at Disneyland but find the New Orleans Square door impossible to crack, you should know about its sister lounge. 1901 is located in the Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure.
It’s named after the year Walt was born.
The catch? It’s also for Club 33 members only. It’s a bit more intimate, themed after an old-school social club where animators might have hung out. If you have a friend with a membership, they can get you into 1901 just as easily as the main club, and sometimes it’s actually easier to snag a table there.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Guest
If you are serious about seeing the inside of the club, stop looking for "hacks" and start focusing on these real-world paths.
- Audit Your Professional Network: Use LinkedIn. Look for connections at major Southern California firms or Disney corporate partners. You aren't looking for a "hookup"; you're looking for a professional contact who might use the club for business meetings.
- The Formal Inquiry: If you actually have the financial means, send your letter to: Club 33 Member Services, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802. Keep it professional. Explain your history with the park and your philanthropic or professional standing.
- Monitor Charity Auctions: Occasionally, high-end charity galas in Orange County or Los Angeles will auction off a "Lunch at Club 33" package donated by a member. This is one of the few legal ways to "buy" your way in.
- Respect the Rules: If you do get in, do not film everything. Do not go live on TikTok. Members value their privacy, and Disney is notoriously protective of the club's atmosphere. Act like you've been there before.
Getting into Club 33 isn't about luck; it's about access and patience. It remains one of the few places in the world where money alone isn't always enough to cut the line. You need a reputation to match the price tag.