Club 33

[Disneyland1084]

One thing I've wondered since I heard of it's existence is, what are the benefits of being a member of Club 33? From what I know members pay thousands of dollars of fees each year, only to have the option of eating in a private restaurant located in Disneyland? I don't get what the big deal is. You would think being a member of Club 33 they wouldn't have to wait in lines, but I know they do.

 

[mikimous]

One thing I've wondered since I heard of it's existence is, what are the benefits of being a member of Club 33? From what I know members pay thousands of dollars of fees each year, only to have the option of eating in a private restaurant located in Disneyland? I don't get what the big deal is. You would think being a member of Club 33 they wouldn't have to wait in lines, but I know they do.

Aside from the obvious dining opportunity (of which you pay for that meal)... here is what else you get:

1. Free admission for member and a guest any day the park is open. You don't have to dine at the Club.

2. Free parking at the Mickey and Friends parking structure... or free Valet Parking at the Grand Californian.

3. Opportunity to attend special "member" events. Some events can be quite special due to the fact that they accommodate a much smaller audience. For instance, one year we had a dinner and met the folks who created Fantasmic. After dinner, we got front row seats for a showing of Fantasmic (actual chairs.. dead center.. not the other vip seating you all know of)... and then to top it off, we got to go on the island after the show and meet a lot of the cast and crew and see the effects and staging. Another breakfast event involved being in the park at 3a.m. and seeing the backstage magic preparation for the next day.

4. Priority seating for the annual Candlelight processional (which is basically the one time most of the long time members actually come to the park each year!). It sure as heck beats standing!

Is membership worth it? Well... depends on your priority and purpose. It truly is a unique experience. Buy in is a lot and once you've done that, you kind of feel an obligation to keep up the annual dues to make it all worth it. Events are limited attendance and calling in to try and get a spot can become a stressful chore. How so? A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to attend an event at the park on 5/4 (yesterday). After 25 minutes of rapid dialling, I got in on it.. but was one of the last. You'd think there was a better way to handle this "A" list clientel.. but in the end the members are pretty much just the upper echelon of Disney fans. Oh and speaking of "A" list treatment... the 5/4 event was for the 9a.m. to 5p.m. hours. We were not invited to be a part of the Hollywood party that happened that night.

So.... there you have it.

 

[chibichibirei]

I have a question, so it costs several thousand dollars to join, are the annual dues several thousand as well?

 

[mikimous]

I have a question, so it costs several thousand dollars to join, are the annual dues several thousand as well?

About $7500 for the buy in and then $2250 per year thereafter. It sounds like a lot... but if you were trained in the fine art of collecting Disney (which my pocketbook was)... we just stopped buying merchandise and enjoy the "experiences" instead....

When you consider what some folks are spending on pins and big figs... membership is a bargain in comparison!

Oh.. and membership does get you the same premium annual pass discounts in the park.. but most of the cast members are clueless to that as there are so few of us out there (and even fewer of us who go with any sort of regularity)... it is usually best to not even try to pursue the savings.

 

[chibichibirei]

I think, that if I move out to California * crosses fingers* and could afford it I would so totally do it! But for the moment its not happining. Now with that price, could I take DFi along? or would he have to pay the same ammount?

 

[mikimous]

I think, that if I move out to California * crosses fingers* and could afford it I would so totally do it! But for the moment its not happining. Now with that price, could I take DFi along? or would he have to pay the same ammount?

I should clarify.... as long as everyone is dining at the Club... admission is "free" for the day for everyone in the party. So... if you set a reservation for a party of 8, then everyone dining with you get into both parks for the day for free. Nothing is really free though because the lunch/dinner minimum per plate tab is exactly the same as park admission (more if you order drinks!). So... you have to look at it as an Annual Pass that allows you to have a really really good meal at the park. The food is great and so is the service.. definitely a change of pace from burgers in Bear Country!

 

[chibichibirei]

Sounds good. I will save that away in my things to do in the future list

 

[RADOPT]

I think, that if I move out to California * crosses fingers* and could afford it I would so totally do it! But for the moment its not happining. Now with that price, could I take DFi along? or would he have to pay the same ammount?

You might want to get on the list now. It is 5 or 6 years long! Maybe if I start saving now, I can afford it by then!

Anyone know how many members Club 33 has?

 

[chibichibirei]

oh belive me as a poor college student itll take more than 5 or 6 years to afford that