We have recently been researching membership clubs for our clients, and we stumbled upon this one—the hardest club to get into.
Hidden among the swarms of crowds flowing through Disneyland in California each day, is the exclusive Club 33, located in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square. The Club offers exclusive Disneyland privileges but only if you are lucky enough to make it off the waitlist.
What the Club Has to Offer
Club 33 has an array of luxurious experiences with everything from fine dining to a private lounge, and even a wonderful view of Fantasmic! from the balconies above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Many perks are also offered to members such as Annual Passes, tickets for family and friends, a certain number of ride access passes for the year, and front rows seating to Disneyland entertainment. Known for having members of the likes of Elton John, Christina Aguilera, and Tom Hanks, Club 33 has proven itself to be the culmination of the Disney experience.
Walt Disney’s Vision
The vision of Club 33 came to fruition in 1967 on account of Walt Disney’s admiration of the VIP lounges at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. He envisioned a space for business partners and other high-profile figures to have a place to congregate and enjoy the parks in an exclusive way and would eventually make room for anyone interested and willing to pay to become a member.
The Waitlist
However, becoming a member of the exclusive Club is no small feat. The waitlist averages about four years or more and requires potential members to send a letter requesting their addition to the list. Costs include an annual fee as well as an initiation fee. For some, membership may seem unnecessary, but for others, this is the gateway to the premiere Disney experience.
The French Lift Elevator
Walt Disney’s vision for an exclusive Disney experience meant designing a space that exuded luxury, grandeur, and refinement. One well-known story we learned of tells of Walt Disney and his wife Lillian’s time in France in which Walt stumbled upon a stunning French Lift elevator. Walt attempted to purchase the French Lift, but his offer was declined by the hotel. Upon his return, Walt told his Imagineers to get to the hotel in France where the French Lift was and study its features so they could replicate it at Disneyland. Today, Club 33 has its own French Lift which has become a must-see for guests.
The French Lift, Annual Passes, and fine dining experiences were enough to sell Elton John, Tom Hanks, and Christina Aguilera on memberships. It is also enough for the many willing to attempt adding their name to the exceptionally long waitlist.