Club 33 at WDW

[OKW Lover]

You heard it on the podcast a few weeks ago. John had a news story that Club 33 was coming to WDW. This was confirmed by Disney and today's Orlando Sentinel has a story about it. Apparently there will be a location in each of the four parks.


Who is signing up?

 

[Cousin Orville]

It will be interesting to see where the locations are. They must be in the planning if not building stages by now if they plan to launch later this year.

For AK, I would guess somewhere in Pandora since they could construct the Club at the same time.

 

[jeffbear]

A. Good

B. Depending on pricing, I suspect this will never make a difference to me personally.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

As an FYI there is a thread in the news and rumors board discussing this:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/club-33-coming-to-all-four-wdw-parks.3597444/

Also Steve "skippy" Porter wrote an article sharing his thoughts - or really concern that if they are going to open these this year (ie., relatively short notice) will it live up to the standards of the club in Disneyland:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/walt-disney-world/what-concerns-me-about-club-33-coming-to-walt-disney-world/

I must say, if I had the money this is something I would be interested in as I think there is some value to it ... just so expensive for us mortals, foolish we may be

 

[gr8leg8]

Can't afford it here, won't be able to afford it there

Maybe if I find a magic lamp...

 

[BlueStarryHat]

Doesn't affect me if a bunch of people want to pay that much money. *shrugs*

 

[Phdmama06]

When I get my money tree, I'll consider signing up.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Time for some powerball tickets!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I'm glad that they are offering another perk for regulars that go to the park who can afford it. This will be another fun thing that people can do.

Signed,
the non-signing-up one

 

[Felicis]

What is it?

 

[Tonyz]

I can't even begin to get excited about this. How is this not just a place for rich Disney fans to hang out?

 

[OKW Lover]

How is this not just a place for rich Disney fans to hang out?

Would that be a bad thing? Clearly this isn't something for 99+% of the Disney fans. Most of us here on the DIS aren't the target audience.

 

[disneyholic family]

You heard it on the podcast a few weeks ago. John had a news story that Club 33 was coming to WDW. This was confirmed by Disney and today's Orlando Sentinel has a story about it. Apparently there will be a location in each of the four parks.


Who is signing up?

if i had unlimited funds, i probably would....but alas, i most definitely don't..

 

[Tonyz]

Would that be a bad thing? Clearly this isn't something for 99+% of the Disney fans. Most of us here on the DIS aren't the target audience.

I've always thought the whole concept was ridiculous. In the parks everyone is more or less an equal. If this was in a resort or Disney Springs I would feel different. But to set up this "secret" society for rich people to hang out on Main Street seems garish and ostentatious.

 

[Cousin Orville]

I've always thought the whole concept was ridiculous. In the parks everyone is more or less an equal. If this was in a resort or Disney Springs I would feel different. But to set up this "secret" society for rich people to hang out on Main Street seems garish and ostentatious.

These Clubs will have no affect on the average guest. They'll be tucked away in small unobtrusive areas. Just like in DL and DCA, the average guest will likely have no idea they're even there. No one is bragging or making a big scene about entering the Club. So, I don't see anything ostentatious here.

Walt obviously was ok with an exclusive "Club". If you have the money, I'd say go for it. The only issue I had about my one visit to Club 33 for dinner was the food was not as spectacular IMO as the Napa Rose. However, it was a gorgeous club and was extremely pleasant, paced and relaxing which not something that can be easily said inside the Parks. There's definitely a value to that. Whether it's worth the $12,000+ yearly dues depends more on the person's budget than anything else.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I've always thought the whole concept was ridiculous. In the parks everyone is more or less an equal. If this was in a resort or Disney Springs I would feel different. But to set up this "secret" society for rich people to hang out on Main Street seems garish and ostentatious.

There is a GM lounge over Test Track that is there for GM functions and it can be rented out...for a price. It's a great space with a view of Spaceship Earth.

It's not open to the public and most don't know it's even there.

I don't see it as huge difference.

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

I did think the benefit list was pretty impressive! I admit I have stars in my eyes!
I do wish there was something more middle ground for a serious Disney fan. The reality is could we do it? Yeah, we could if we made it a priority, sacrificed and saved up for the down payment for a couple of years and I think a lot of families could, but man I'd almost feel guilty! Too many other wonderful things to do with that kind of money.
So I wish they had lower tiers with blackout dates or fewer benefits, like $10,000 down and $5,000 a year or nothing down but still $10,000 a year. That's something I could feel more comfortable with and seriously consider, without step children thinking I burned through their inheritance. Lol and to clarify they are very lovely, but it gives me great pause on decisions like this
I am excited for those joining!

 

[Tonyz]

There is a GM lounge over Test Track that is there for GM functions and it can be rented out...for a price. It's a great space with a view of Spaceship Earth.

It's not open to the public and most don't know it's even there.

I don't see it as huge difference.

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.”

 

[OKW Lover]

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.”

Surely Roy was aware that Club 33 at DL had been open for years before he said that.

 

[Tonyz]

Surely Roy was aware that Club 33 at DL had been open for years before he said that.

Good point. But then again maybe there's a reason they didn't put one in WDW.