Club 33 at WDW

[SorcererHeidi]

Hmmmmm......an ABD to some exotic place, a long expensive DCL to some exotic place, or Club 33 entrance in exotic Orlando.......such DECISIONS I have to make........with money I'll NEVER have!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

True. But Club 33 has a legendary aspect to it. Like you said most people don't know or care about the GM Lounge (I had no idea it even existed!). It's a personal opinion of course but I just don't like the idea of a much touted exclusive club for the rich on Main Street (or wherever it will end up). The parks always seemed to have a feel of equality and unity. It doesn't matter if you're staying at the Grand, All Star Sports, or a camper off property... once you walk through those gates every guest is equal. Creating a separate area for the very wealthy to basically sit around with other very wealthy people seems to betray a little of what Magic Kingdom is about.

What is the last line of Roy's dedication on the opening day in 1971 that can still be seen today on the dedication plaque: "a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn – together.”

Well, except for the VIP tours, or EMH from paying to stay onsite, or expensive character meals, or paid hard ticketed events, or ....

To me this is just another "extra" that some will take advantage of and most won't/can't pay for which won't prevent one from enjoying their time in the parks

I'd much rather then improved the stock's EPS from things like this vs raising regular tickets even more

 

[Tonyz]

Well, except for the VIP tours, or EMH from paying to stay onsite, or expensive character meals, or paid hard ticketed events, or ....

To me this is just another "extra" that some will take advantage of and most won't/can't pay for which won't prevent one from enjoying their time in the parks

I'd much rather then improved the stock's EPS from things like this vs raising regular tickets even more

A. I see a little difference between a reservation at Crystal Palace and a membership at Club 33... but that's just me.

B. If Club 33 helps slow the increases to ticket prices I will be its biggest supporter. Maybe it will bring back Horizons and The Adventurer's Club too!

 

[DisneyKevin]

True. But Club 33 has a legendary aspect to it. Like you said most people don't know or care about the GM Lounge (I had no idea it even existed!). It's a personal opinion of course but I just don't like the idea of a much touted exclusive club for the rich on Main Street (or wherever it will end up). The parks always seemed to have a feel of equality and unity. It doesn't matter if you're staying at the Grand, All Star Sports, or a camper off property... once you walk through those gates every guest is equal. Creating a separate area for the very wealthy to basically sit around with other very wealthy people seems to betray a little of what Magic Kingdom is about.

What is the last line of Roy's dedication on the opening day in 1971 that can still be seen today on the dedication plaque: "a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn – together.”

Access to the park will not change. All ages can still laugh and play and learn together.

There are and always have been places and things in the parks that are not accessible to everyone.

Not everyone can afford a meal at Monsieur Paul.

Not everyone can afford a piece of art costing 100s or thousands at Art of Disney.

There is a DVC lounge only available to DVC members. Not sure that its much different than Club 33. Both are private clubs that you must pay to join. Membership has it's privledges.

There are lounges for companies sponsoring attractions that are not accessible to the public.

The idea that the Disney parks are some sort of egalitarian Utopia is just not true,

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

I am okay with the club, I just wish it wasn't so exclusive to the very rich. A couple of extra tiers add additional members, help the revenue and the stock and fill less busy times.
In my mind, even a family in the upper middle class with no debt and good incomes could consider it out of reach. So I just campaign for some sanity in the pricing and options.
Maybe it works for locals, but for non-locals lodging, travel expenses, etc make it completely impractical. That why lower tiers with blackout dates seems like a practical option for those out of state. Sorry, but there is no justification for it being this exclusive.
Is anyone here against a lower tier that say is $5000 a year but blackouts all peak times and has lower benefits?

 

[DisneyKevin]

Many of the Members of Club 33 are actually companies that use the Club as a reward for service or to entertain guests visiting the Disney park.

John and I were lucky enough to be asked to join a listener who was celebrating 25 years with the company for which she worked.

The company offered a list of "gifts" to their employees reaching that milestone.

One of the gifts was a visit to Club 33.

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

Ahhh, it will be interesting if most the members to the new club are actually companies. I guess that makes sense.

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

Many of the Members of Club 33 are actually companies that use the Club as a reward for service or to entertain guests visiting the Disney park.

John and I were lucky enough to be asked to join a listener who was celebrating 25 years with the company for which she worked.

The company offered a list of "gifts" to their employees reaching that milestone.

One of the gifts was a visit to Club 33.

We have been getting caught up in talking $$$ and exclusivity. Thank you Kevin for reminding me in your gentle way that Disneyland Club 33 is a honor for any guest and memory for a lifetime. Truly, the last few years it's become even more difficult. There was a time a serious fan could save for an ABD to experience it and that is no longer the case.
Thanks for reminding me in your classy way that it is something Disney fans wait many, many years for the opportunity to partake in that history. And those that have are deeply grateful for the honor.

 

[jeffbear]

There is a DVC lounge only available to DVC members. Not sure that its much different than Club 33. Both are private clubs that you must pay to join. Membership has it's privledges.

This is absolutely the case.

Any private or restricted to the general public feature at Disney Parks is basically irrelevant to the Park going public aside from those with access. If and when those restricted or private features begin to impede the public from enjoying the same basic park experience that they've always enjoyed, THEN it's time to get out the pitch forks.

 

[KingLlama]

I am excited for it because I am very wealthy.

If allowed, I will snap pictures of it and post them here on this free message board for you peasants to enjoy.

 

[kbelle8995]

I am excited for it because I am very wealthy.

If allowed, I will snap pictures of it and post them here on this free message board for you simpletons to enjoy.

Don't you mean Peasants? Doesn't impact me either way personally. My thought was well MEH.

 

[KingLlama]

^Good catch. Edited for accuracy.

 

[NeuroCindy]

The idea that the Disney parks are some sort of egalitarian Utopia is just not true,

Yes! I'm a graduate student and adjunct professor. I make a pitiful amount of money. So when I go to the parks I'm very conscious of cost. I think touring the parks on a really strict budget puts into perspective that it's really not "once you're in the gates we're all equal" and that's okay! It's still a great time! Just because I can't afford something doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.

As for Club 33 specifically, I'm incredibly apathetic. I (obviously) can't afford it. I'm not sure I'd buy it if I could. But if the demand is there, then right on. It has no effect on my life.