You’ve probably walked right past it. Thousands of people do every single day. They’re usually rushing toward Pirates of the Caribbean or hunting down a sourdough bread bowl in New Orleans Square, completely oblivious to the plain, olive-colored door standing quietly at 33 Royal Street. There is no neon sign. No Disney character stands out front to greet you. There is just a small, silver plate with the number 33.
That’s the secret door.
Most people think Club 33 is just an urban legend or a place where celebrities hide from the heat. It’s real. It has been there since 1967. Walt Disney himself conceived the idea as a way to entertain corporate sponsors and VIPs away from the chaotic crowds of the park. Sadly, he passed away just five months before it officially opened. Since then, the door has become the most exclusive threshold in the theme park world. Getting through it requires more than just a ticket; it requires a decade-long wait and a bank account that can handle a $30,000 initiation fee.
Behind the Emerald Door in New Orleans Square
The entrance used to be even more subtle. Before the massive 2014 renovation, the door was a different shade and featured an ornate "33" logo that was a bit easier to spot if you knew where to look. Now, the entrance is slightly more grand but still maintains that "if you know, you know" vibe.
When you buzz the intercom, a host checks your name against a very short list. If you're on it, the lock clicks. You step out of the humid, popcorn-scented air of Disneyland and into a marble-foyer transition zone. It’s quiet. The temperature drops. Suddenly, the screams from Splash Mountain (or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure nowadays) feel like they’re a million miles away.
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Inside, there are two main areas: Le Grand Salon and Le Salon Nouveau. The vibe is old-world French influence mixed with heavy doses of Disney history. You'll find props from Disney films, like the walnut table from Mary Poppins. It’s not just a restaurant. It’s a living museum that serves five-course meals.
Why the Secret Door Matters for Disneyland’s Legacy
It’s easy to dismiss this as just "rich people stuff." But the secret door represents a specific era of Walt’s vision. He wanted a place that felt like his own private apartment—only bigger. In fact, he originally planned a suite for his family right nearby (which eventually became the 21 Royal suite).
The Alcohol Factor
For decades, Club 33 was the only place in Disneyland Park where you could get a cocktail. That was a huge deal. Walt famously wanted the park to be dry to keep the atmosphere family-friendly. The secret door was the exception. If you wanted a glass of wine or a signature "Diamond Martini," you had to be behind those walls.
Times have changed, of course. Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge serves alcohol now, and Blue Bayou followed suit. But the prestige of the Club 33 bar—Le Salon Nouveau—remains. It’s the only place you can sit in a hand-carved "French Lift" (a glass elevator) that is an exact replica of one Walt saw in Paris and insisted on having for the club.
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The Membership Mythos
How do you actually get in? It’s not as simple as writing a check.
- The Waitlist: It is rumored to be anywhere from 5 to 14 years long.
- The Cost: Estimates put the initiation fee at $30,000 to $35,000, with annual dues hitting $15,000.
- The Invite: You can’t just apply online. You usually have to be invited or sponsored by an existing member.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Experience
Common wisdom says the food is the main draw. Honestly? The food is great—think wagyu beef and seasonal truffles—but you can get world-class food in Los Angeles without the membership fee. You go for the access.
Members get more than just a table. They get "Premier Passports" (now modified under the Magic Key system), private VIP tours, and access to the 1901 Lounge in Disney California Adventure. It’s about the status of the secret door. It’s about being able to watch the "Fantasmic!" fireworks from a private balcony with a drink in your hand while everyone else is shoulder-to-shoulder on the pavement below.
There are also misconceptions about the "Secret" nature. It’s not a secret society like the Masons. It’s a business. Disney uses it for high-level networking. If you’re a CEO of a major sponsor like Coca-Cola or Honda, you’re probably spending time behind that door. It’s where deals are made while Mickey Mouse marches in a parade downstairs.
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The 2014 Controversy and the "New" Door
Purists still argue about the 2014 redesign. Before the overhaul, the club felt like a Victorian home—dark woods, antique furniture, very cozy. The renovation moved the entrance and modernized the aesthetic. Some long-time members hated it. They felt the "secret" was being corporatized.
The original door—the one Walt actually touched—is no longer the main entrance. It’s still there, but it’s mostly decorative now. The new entrance is larger and more "Disney-fied." Is it still special? Yeah. But some of that 1960s grit is gone.
Practical Ways to Experience the "Secret" Without a Membership
Look, most of us aren't dropping $30k on a club membership. But you can still engage with the lore of the secret door.
- The Doorbell Photo Op: It’s a rite of passage. Stand at 33 Royal Street, look for the buzzer, and take the photo. Just don't actually press the buzzer unless you have a reservation; the staff has seen it all and they won't let you in for a "quick peek."
- Merchandise Trading: Sometimes, Club 33 members sell their exclusive merchandise (pins, ears, bags) on secondary markets. It’s expensive, but it’s a way to own a piece of the secret.
- The 21 Royal Experience: If you have 11 friends and about $15,000 total, you can book a dinner at 21 Royal. It’s technically separate from Club 33 but offers that same "hidden" New Orleans Square luxury.
- Networking: This is the only real way. If you know a member, they can make a reservation for you (though they usually have to be present). Check your LinkedIn. You might be surprised who has a connection.
The secret door isn't just a piece of wood. It's a reminder that even in a place designed for the masses, there is always another layer to discover. It’s the ultimate "Easter egg" in a park full of them. Next time you're in New Orleans Square, stop for a second. Listen for the sound of silverware clinking behind the second-story windows. That’s the sound of the most exclusive club on earth, hidden right in plain sight.
To dive deeper into the history of the park, your next step should be researching the Walt Disney Imagineering archives or looking into the A113 easter eggs hidden throughout the attractions. Those details often explain why certain doors, like the one at 33 Royal Street, were placed exactly where they are.