Disneyland Tips & Secrets PT.2

[Mouse Freak]

There's More...

4) If you can’t find one that is useful, just keep looking.
Ask your friends and acquaintances if they have recently gone to
Disneyland and if they still have their tickets. The unexpired ones. You
may use your creativity to get this. You may write a short note to your
contacts in your e-mail address book, your friends at the gym and
everybody else in school or workplace. You may even ask your mom to
ask her friends. You’d be surprised at how many people have actually
visited Mickey Mouse lately. Do not take this for granted. This is really
worth asking for!
If you’re not big on asking people for used stuff, you can always
go to your friendly neighborhood rummage sale online—Ebay! Many
people sell their tickets to collectors and whatnots in the internet.
Before you get too excited upon seeing the ticket that you’re
looking for on Ebay, do not forget to ask the seller the following:
1) Was it paid for in cash or at least as a part of a group purchase? This
means that the ticket has the name of the payer alone.
2) The ticket SHOULD be unsigned.
IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE ANY TROUBLE
AT THE COUNTER, TENDER YOUR TICKET AT THE FRONT
GATES, SAUNTER INTO THE PARK, HEAD FOR THE EXIT AND
GET YOUR HAND STAMPED. IT WILL GIVE YOU AN OUNCE
OF CREDIBILITY AT THE TICKET COUNTER. WHILE IT DOES
NOT SAY ANYTHING IN THE TICKET THAT YOU CAN TRADE
IT IN, YOU CAN ALWAYS CALL DISNEYLAND TO INQUIRE
ABOUT THIS.
Other Ways to Get Disneyland Discount Tickets
* Hotels in the area, well, most of them at least, offer discount tickets to
Disneyland as perks for room rental.
* Military Discounts—for those in active duty and for reservees.
National Guard, retired, and DOD employees can buy Disneyland
tickets at 8-30% off the published rates, depending on the time of year.
Check with your base MWR for more information. Bring your military
ID to show at the gate.
Rewards Points and Membership Perks
You can redeem Hilton HHonors Points or Marriott Rewards
Points for Disneyland passes. You may even get them for FREE! It’s all
about the number of points that you have earned.
AAA Auto Club ALWAYS has discounted tickets, check:
http://www.csaa.com/portal/site/CSAA/template.PAGE/menuitem.1a66d
2488b45b4ae785f5a7092278a0c/?currentPage=1&currentSection=&com
.csaa.globalsearch.searchcriteria=disneyland&Search=Search
Coscto members can also find discounted tickets at their official
website, www.costco.com.
oooOooo
Still on the lookout for more ways to save money? Go to:
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/reserve/listings?name
=SpecialOffersListingsPage_2005
The link has a 2005 in it but it is current for 2007 as of presstime.
DO NOT BUY A PASS WITH PARKING IF YOU ARE GOING
TO STAY AT A HOTEL, YOU WILL BE GETTING IT FOR FREE
AT YOUR HOTEL!!!
IF YOU ARE DRIVING IN TO THE DISNEY PARKING LOT
IT IS ONLY $10 SO YOU MAY AS WELL PAY THAT INSTEAD OF
A MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE TICKET!!!
USEFUL LINKS
For Annual Pass holder Blockout dates, use this URL:
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/reserve/ticketListing?
name=TicketListingPage
You will need to use the "click here" link for each different
ticket to see their respective blockout dates.
Current owners of Annual Passholder Special Offers may use:
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/ap/gated/landing?na
me=AnnualPassholderSpecialOffersPage
FAQ:
If I buy something while I'm at a Theme Park, do I have to carry it
around all day?
The Disneyland Resort offers a Package Check Service. If you
are staying at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, you may have
your purchases sent directly to the Hotel.
If you are just here for the day or are staying at a local hotel, you
may check your purchases until you leave at Greetings from California in
Disney's California Adventure Park or at the Newsstand at Disneyland
Park.
What about lockers and locker rentals in the area?
Lockers are available for rental inside the park. The rates are:
Small-$4.00
Medium-$5.00
Large-$6.00
do I find something I've lost at the Disneyland Resort?
The best way to find an item lost at the Disneyland? Resort is to
visit the Lost & Found, which is located next to Guest Relations to the
left of the Main Entrance of Disney's California Adventure park. If you
are not able to visit Lost & Found in person, you can call (714) 817-2166
Are there world-class shopping and nightlife/entertainment destinations
at the Disneyland Resort?
Yes. Visit the Downtown Disney District to discover a wonder
of shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Is there a foreign currency exchange outlet available at the Disneyland
Resort?
The Disneyland Resort offers currency exchange services
through Thomas Cook Exchange Services. Foreign currency is accepted
for purchases throughout the Resort, and may be exchanged for U.S.
dollars at the following:
• Guest Relations at Disney's California Adventure Park
• City Hall in Disneyland Park
• The front desks at the hotels of the Disneyland Resort
Do any of the Disneyland Resort restaurants cater to special dietary
needs?
Disneyland Resort is proud to offer vegetarian and kosher
selections. For guests with special dietary needs, arrangements can be
made by contacting the Food Operations Department at (714) 781-7290.
Will I be able to find kosher products at the Disneyland Resort?
Kosher dietary needs can be accommodated at most table-service
restaurants. Request this service at least 24 hours in advance at (714)
781-DINE (3463). In addition, kosher food products are available at
select merchandise locations throughout Disneyland Resort.
Where should I eat in Disneyland?
Visit http://allearsnet.com/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm for a more
detailed discussion on this topic.
How can I arrange priority seating at a Disneyland Resort restaurant?
Only a few Theme Park restaurants accept reservations;
however, you can reserve seatings at dining locations in the Downtown
Disney District and at the hotels at the Disneyland Resort by calling
(714) 956-6755.
Where can we have Character Dining experiences?
Character Dining is available at Plaza Inn at Disneyland Park,
Storyteller’s Café at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, Goofy's Kitchen
at the Disneyland Hotel or at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel.
Does Disney offer pet accommodations?
There is a Day Kennel. It charges $15.00 per pet, per day.
Reservations are not necessary. However, there are no overnight
accommodations for pets. Please note that the Hotels of the Disneyland
Resort do not permit pets. For further information or questions, please
contact Disneyland Resort Information at (714) 781-7290. You may
contact the neighboring hotels regarding this matter.
How to Use Disneyland's Transportation System?
Disneyland's transportation system pales in comparison to that of
WDW. On the other hand, with just a single theme park and two hotels, a
complex transportation system isn't really warranted in California.
Note that there are TWO trams currently running from
Disneyland to various destinations in the vicinity. Make sure you're
climbing aboard the right one, before getting lost somewhere, and don’t
hesitate to ask any nearby Disney Cast Member for help if you need it.
Essentially, there are four main things to be aware of regarding
transportation at Disneyland:
• Parking: Disneyland's parking lots charge $12 for the
privilege. If you leave the parking lot, and return later in the day,
your original parking stub is still valid. Keep it handy! Last, park
annual passes include free parking, so take advantage of that
feature (if you enter the parking lot and have to pay in order to
go buy your passes which include free parking, ask the ticket
seller for your refund.) [Note: A very large, new parking
structure is being built that will actually have direct access to I-5
with tram service to the park.]
• Monorail: The Monorail runs from a station in
Tomorrowland to the Disneyland Hotel and back. Day visitors
can take a ride just for fun, or you can disembark at the hotel for
an afternoon lunch or just a change of pace—even if you're not
staying at the resort!
• Trams: Trams run to and from the park and the Disneyowned
and operated hotels. They also run in the parking lot itself
to help the leg weary get back to their cars at the end of a long
day.
o Lion King Tram (Timon/Pumba) - Runs from
the Eastern side of the Disneyland entry plaza (near
Harbor) to the parking lot South of the park and the
hotels.
o Pinocchio Tram - Runs from the Western side of
the plaza (near West Street) to the parking lot that is
North of the Disneyland Hotel.
• Non-Disney Shuttle Buses: Non-Disney busses run from
most of the area hotels to a bus station area just to the West of
the main gate. It's very handy to use the shuttles instead of your
own car...so find out if your hotel has such a service and what
the schedule of runs is.
It really is necessary to have your own vehicle (or a rental) for
the following, but not limited to, activities:
• Day trips to non-Disney attractions such as Universal
Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, etc.
• Meals at off-site restaurants.
• Resort Hopping—even though we usually stay off-site in
California, we still enjoy driving over to the Disneyland Hotel,
on occasion, for a meal or shopping or just to stroll.
How do I get there by car?
From the Los Angeles Airport
• Follow the signs to SEPULVEDA BLVD SOUTH.
• Take I-105 E to I-605 N/S exit.
• Merge onto I-605 N. Take I-5/SANTA ANA FWY
towards Los Angeles/Santa Ana.
• Merge onto I-5.
• Continue for 12.7 miles until you reach the
DISNEYLAND DR exit toward BALL RD.
• Merge onto DISNEYLAND DR.
From the Ontario Airport:
• Go E on EAST AIRPORT DR towards RENTAL CAR.
• Turn right on S HAVEN AVE.
• Take the CA-60 W ramp.
• Continue for 15.3 miles. Take CA-57 S to Santa Ana.
• Merge onto CA-57S. Take BALL RD exit.
• Turn right onto E BALL RD.
• Turn left onto DISNEYLAND DR.
Where can I nurse or find a quiet spot?
It is normal to see moms with newly-born babies around Disney.
If you are a nursing mom or need a quiet space to change a diaper, there
is a Mother's Room on Main Street. It's a place to relax, nurse baby,
change diapers, and have the staff heat a bottle for you. It is generally a
quiet place away from the hustle and bustle. See below.
The North end of Main Street boasts of two little known
treasures worthy of our attention here. Also included here is a list of
manual flush toilets in the park for those that prefer them.
Baby Care Center
This little gem is a must for parents of infants and toddlers. To
use the Baby Care Center, you will need to leave your stroller outside.
The center is just too small to accomodate them. Once inside, you will
wait in a small lobby until a Cast Member invites you in and directs you
to the location that will meet your child's needs. You and your child may
be accompanied by 1 other adult.
The general area contains toys and four high chairs for feeding.
There is a small kitchen for preparing formula and food. It even has
FILTERED WATER FOR PREPARING FORMULA. If you find
yourself needing some basic necessities, the Baby Care Center offers
several for sale including:
Sunscreen
Desitin
Carnation formula
Enfamil - Ready to feed
Diapers $1 for one
- in medium (pkg of 14, $7.80) and large (pkg of 10, $7.80)
Baby wipes
Bottles
Pacifiers
5 flavors of Gerber baby food
Powder
Should you need to nurse or bottle feed, the CMs (Cast
Members) will direct you behind a wall where several cushioned wicker
chairs are available. Should you need to change a wet or soiled little one,
you will be directed to the back of the center. There you will find four
cushioned changing tables with high sides and a Velcro belt. They also
have two small, very low toilets which are just the thing for potty-trained
or training toddlers.
Central First Aid
The First Aid Center is tucked away to the left of and behind the
Baby Care Center. It is staffed during operating hours by registered
nurses. Among its amenities are a handicapped accessible restroom and
examination rooms. They also can provide Aspirin, Tylenol, Band-aids
and other items for weary and/or ailing guests, free of charge.
Where do I park when traveling to the Disneyland Resort?
Right now all AAA card members can park for free at the
Disneyland resort lot. (Please check if this is still true. )
Parking Areas for Various Circumstances:
• Theme Parks: Day parking is available in the Mickey &
Friends Parking Structure.
• Downtown Disney District: Hourly parking is available
in our Downtown Disney District Parking Lot located between
the Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Hotel.
• The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort: Each hotel
provides its own parking area.
What about parking fees and other parking concerns?
The following are the current parking charges and their
corresponding details:
• Bikes and small cars-$11.00
• Bigger cars, tractors without trailers, tractor trailers,
motor homes and the like-$13.00
• Buses and tractors with extended trailers-$18.00
Note that the vertical limit for Mickey & Friends is just
13’10”.
Wheelchairs & Strollers are available on a first come, first
serve basis.
• Strollers: $7.00
• Wheelchairs: $7.00 manual $30.00 electric
Free-Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can
rent up to two strollers for free at either Disneyland or Disney's
California Adventure.
What is the MouseWorldRadio?
MouseWorldRadio is a series of seven Internet radio stations that
play Disney-genre sound. It loops 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How do I find out what attractions might be closed during my visit to the
Disneyland Resort
Schedules, line-ups, etc vary all throughout the year. It is
advisable to check the website of Disneyland for more accurate details.
Now that there are two Theme Parks, how many days should I plan to
spend to see everything?
We suggest that you plan a vist to each theme park twice in a
row. Two days per theme park.
Can I visit both Theme Parks in one day?
One-day tickets are only valid for one theme park but you can
hop from one park to the other in the same day if you fit the bill for any
of the following conditions:
• You purchase a Multi-Day Park Hopper Ticket
• You are an Annual Passholder
• You are a Hotels of the Disneyland Resort Guest with an
Ultimate Park Hopper Ticket
What do I pack when I come to visit the Disneyland Resort?
In Southern California, you can dress according to the seasons:
light and comfy for summer (don’t forget your sunscreen and
swimwear), in layers for the winter months. However, be prepared for
the unexpected. Pack an umbrella, an extra set of clothes—especially if
you’re going to hit the Raging Rapids in the CA Adventure!
GREAT MONEY SAVING MEAL TIPS
from myself and from the guests whom I have interviewed
About the BLUE BAYOU, LORING FISKE-PHILLIPS wrote:
One trick is to eat a late lunch. I think they stop serving lunch
around 3:30 or 4 (not sure about this)? This allows for an early dinner at
the lower lunch prices. Also, if one does go for dinner, the portions are
large enough to share an entree and just get an extra salad or soup. Once
you eat several helpings of bread, you aren't really all that hungry
anyway. And you don't want to carry a doggy bag around Disneyland for
the rest of the day!
Many D-I-G readers have suggested ways to save money eating
at DL, TORY KLEMENTSEN writes:
You might want to suggest to people at most eating locations
that a dinner of 2 appetizers can be very filling and inexpensive. My
husband and I did this and went away quite satisfied. We each ordered 1
appetizer and I think the bill came to around $11.
There are [also] other ways to enjoy Disney food without
spending an arm and a leg, if people don't mind sharing meals. The meals
at the CASA MEXICANA restaurant [in Frontierland] are huge, so we
would order 1 meal and a side of chips and come away stuffed. Better
yet, bring your own chips. Despite the warnings, no one ever once asked
us about the food we brought into the park, although many CM's saw us
eating it.
MIKE RAFELD commented:
Although the meals inside the park are pricey for sit down, they
are also quite generous. I don't recall a time when we walked away from
a meal hungry...or without leaving something on our plates. I would
suggest highlighting BIG THUNDER BBQ a bit more because this is
one of the better food deals in the park. And, tucked back behind
Fantasyland, the ambiance was quite nice.
Remember, DISNEY CLUB members get a discount at the park
and Disney hotels. (Premium annual passholders get a 15% discount)
Also premium annual passholders get 10% off on all waiter / buffeteriatype
eating places in the park and also including the hotels. Ask for an
information card explaining these and other added discounts at time of
pass purchase.
Also a CHILDREN'S VALUE MEAL has been standardized at
almost all restaurant locations. Since no one verifies who the meal is
purchased for, you can take advantage of this price to eat a smaller meal
portion, or just get an inexpensive snack. Inquire at your chosen dining
location for info.
Be sure to hold on to your coffee cups at the park, refills are free
at the location purchased within a reasonable amount of time.
oooOooo
Often times the California Adventure Park closes before the
Disneyland park. It is fun to run over there and see the last parade of the
night (especially if it is The Electric Light parade!).
But as soon as the last float passes you by, RUN back to the
Disneyland Park if you are planning to go back for the remainder of the
night. Almost ALL of the California Adventure Park empties out at
closing time and everyone goes back into the Disneyland Park.
Unfortunately, everyone HAS to show their tickets again and you may
have to wait for over an hour to get back in the park even if you only left
a half an hour before.
oooOooo
Go on your favorite rides during the big parades and fireworks
shows. Most of the lines go way down during show times.
oooOooo
Always put your kids’ safety first. We put a BIG sticker on each
of our children that says " If lost please call XXX-XXX-XXXX (with
our cell number). Put the sticker on their back so they can't pull it off.
For older kids and adults, always set a meeting place in case you
lose each other. We meet at The Walt Disney Statue at the end of Main
Street. You can get there in 5 minutes from anywhere in the park.
If stickers don't do it for your kid, take a permanent black marker
and write your cell phone number on their arm or at the back of their
hand. But remember this will be written on them for about a week or so,
it is hard to wash off.
oooOooo
If you have to bring a stroller, I suggest bringing a cheap
umbrella-type stroller or renting one in the park for $15. Our friends’
expensive Graco stroller was stolen when we were on a ride and it was
never returned!
You can always bring a lock but that is a bit of a pain. Our
friends now bring their $10-target stroller and leave it at a certain place
in the park almost ALL day. When a child gets tired, someone goes back
to find the stroller and brings it back. That way they do not spend the day
looking for their stroller, and wondering where it is when they get off a
ride since the start of a ride can be much further than the end of the ride.
If have lots of kids in tow, just leave it somewhere but lock it up or bring
something that you won’t cry buckets over if it got lost.
You can also get a discount of you rent a stroller or wheel chair
there if you tell them you will be renting for more than one day, they will
give you coupons for the other days.
Also, rent from the other rental locations in the park, NOT right
when you get in, the lines are more than a mile long.
oooOooo
ALL Fast Pass tickets are free with any ticket. You can get a
fast pass ticket to save some time in lines at the best rides. You just go to
the ride and put your Disneyland ticket into a machine and it gives you
your ticket back, PLUS a ticket with a time on it that tells you when to
go back for the ride. Save the Fast Pass ticket because that is what you
will need to cut ahead in line in front of everyone else.
There will be other people in the fast pass line with you, so you
will have to wait a few minutes, but not hours.
You can also go to another ride and get a Fast Pass ticket for
another ride so you can be waiting for 2 rides at once. But usually you
can only have one fast pass and then you will need to wait 2 more hours
until you can go get another fast pass for another ride. For example, you
can get a fast pass for Indiana Jones that says to come back in 3 hours.
So if you wait 2 more hours you can go to another ride like Buzz
Lightyear and claim another fast pass that you can then go to after you
get off of the Indiana Jones Ride. When you get the first pass there will
be a time at the bottom which tells you when you are allowed to go claim
another fast pass for another ride.
There are fastpass machines that are not connected to the
network so you can get two fastpasses without the wait. Check which
machines that day are not on the network. And there is a product called
Ridemax that really shortens the waiting time to mere minutes if at all.
You can find it at ridemax.com.
Also, if you have a family of 4 tickets but they don't all need the
fast pass, put all 4 tickets in the fast pass machine so you can go on the
ride 4 times, quickly. Just remember they won't be able to get any fast
passes probably for another 2 more hours. This works great if you have
little kids or older people that wouldn't be going on these rides anyway.
oooOooo
Another great line saving time is the parents-with-toddler trick.
If one parent stands in line for any adult ride and the other parent is stuck
outside with a baby or toddler, the parent in line can go on the ride and
then go sit with the baby and then the other parent can go on the ride
without waiting in line. Ask an employee where the parents go to the
front of the line. It's called kid's swap.
oooOooo
If you want to see Minnie's House in Toontown, just go right in.
There are times when she will be standing in the doorway to take
pictures with the kids though. This creates a huge line! To avoid it, just
go around the house to the back door and go in.
If you want to see Mickey in his house, you can go in and wait
at the end of his house to get in to his Film Studio. You can then have
your photo taken with him. At both places when the characters are there,
Disney will take a photo that you can later buy. But they will also let you
use your own camera FREE of charge.
oooOooo
Shopping discounts can be found at this website:
http://disneyshopping.go.com and www.ams-liquidation.com.
To save the cost of The Character Autograph book, buy one
before you go. They are $7 to $10 each at Disney, and that adds up if
you have more than one child. You can get them cheaper at stores like
Target, etc. Or you can always just bring a small spiral notepad, put a
Mickey sticker on it to give it a Disney look and feel. Be sure to bring
pens!
Also buy fun Disney items at the dollar store but don't give them
to the kids until they are in Disneyland. Take them out once in a while
and they think we just bought something pricey at a Disney store.
You can also get licensed Disney clothes and toys at 75% off at
Disneydirect.com. This is a Disney site with a lot of CHEAP deals!
EXTRAS
What is MouseWorldRadio? Ever wondered what that music is
and where it’s coming from? Check it out at this site:
www.MouseWorldRadio.com and listen through LIVE365. You will
have to download the LIVE365 player.
You will hear that background music that are played exclusively
in the theme parks, complete audio tracks of the present attractions,
archived audio from the previous attractions, the entire programs from
Wishes, Fantasmic, Illuminations, and yes, Sorcery in the Sky, Parades,
Walt Disney World Resort TV, and a host of other audio such as Disney
Cruise Line audio and anything else Disney.
If you’re in the LA area, you can also turn the dial to Radio
Disney AM1110—it’s an ultra fun station as well!
oooOooo
If you are in town a week but don't need to be at the parks every
day, take a Saturday or Sunday off and go on a weekday when it is much
less crowded. Or go see some of LA!
oooOooo
If you get to town at night and haven't bought your tickets yet,
just spend the evening in downtown Disney. It is right at the main gates
and is kid-friendly. It is also a great time to choose your places to eat and
make reservations for the entire week. (They also have great bars for
those of you who need a drink! And don't bring your kids with you).
Most of the shops and food on Main Street stay open an hour or
so after the park closes. You can do your shopping then so that you don't
have to carry things around all day. Again, ask an employee what time
they will be closing that particular store since hours change from day to
day.
oooOooo
The Dole pineapple treats offered outside of The Tiki Room are
indeed a treat. There are almost always long queues to buy food. Just
step back into the Tiki Room Courtyard and buy pineapple treats. You
can always just leave afterwards without watching the show. Better yet,
sit down and relax while eating your pineapples.
The Dole pineapple stand is one of the only healthy QUICK
snacks in the park. There is also a nice fruit stand in Adventureland,
before you walk down the hill to the Winnie the Pooh Ride.
Before you go, here is a fun little movie with Walt and the
history of the park, enjoy! http://disneymagic.net/disneyhistory.html
MY JOURNEY WITH YOU ENDS HERE. THIS IS THE END OF
YOUR DISNEY GUIDE. I HOPE IT HELPS YOU SAVE A TON. THE
NEXT SECTION IS ONLY FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE
LOWDOWN ON THE SECRET CLUB IN DISNEYLAND—CLUB 33.
CLUB 33
Check this out: http://disney.go.com/inside/issues/stories/v050308.html
A membership to the hush-hush club in Disneyland has its perks.
The “secret” Club 33 provides an experience that is not replicated
anywhere else by just anybody.
Regulars at MousePlanet's MousePad discussion board know
Stewart as Steamboat Stu. He recently joined a very elite club of Disney
fans by signing up for the Disneyland's exclusive Club 33. It has its
hideaway in New Orleans Square and is tucked away upstairs of the Blue
Bayou Restaurant.
Prior to finally getting in, Stewart waited patiently for three and
a half years, until Disneyland finally contacted him and invited him to
join Club 33. Today, Stewart breaks the code of silence and dishes out
juicy details about his experience—and excitement—about becoming a
member of Disneyland's elite club.
How did you apply for a membership at Club 33?
I had no idea how to get into the waiting list. But like any other
Disney fan, I went to the City Hall. They gave me an address and the
instruction to send a letter of intent and send it to Attn: Club 33, and
that’s what I did.
How long did you have to wait?
We decided to add our name to the Club 33 waiting list in 1997.
I had heard that the wait could be quite extensive—some had said as
many as 10 years—so we decided to add our name to the list without
really giving it much thought, much less, financial consideration.
Notification came via a package in the mail June of 2001 (good thing I
included a return address in my letter). I was given a little less than a
month to decide—and we took the whole month to come to this decision.
We dined there for the first time on June 27, 2001, our 14th wedding
anniversary.
What type of membership did you sign up for?
When we signed onto the waiting list there were two choices—
corporate or individual. We ticked on individual, of course.
Now there are more choices—Corporate, Limited Company,
Gold and Silver memberships. I am a Gold member.
What made you give it a go? What did you think about the membership
fee?
It was not an easy decision to come by. Unlike some of the
members that I have met, we are by no means wealthy. The $7,500
initiation fee was manageable but it would certainly leave a huge dent in
our pockets. However, the lure of belonging to a club that Walt himself
intended to use for entertaining dignitaries was so strong. And although
we were only on the waiting list for three and a half years, there is no
guarantee that a similar wait would get us to the top of the list again
should we let go of our chance. Since country club memberships are
similar in price, if not more, the question is, would you rather have a
membership to play at a golf course or be at Disneyland? In our case, we
chose Disneyland.
What changes have you experienced now that you’re a bonafide
member?
My membership to Club 33 has allowed me to let two of my
annual passes expire. Like premium APs, we get admission to both parks
with no blockout days, regardless of whether we dine at the club or not.
We no longer have to deal with the parking structures and the truckloads
of headache that they bring. Parking for members means a valet service
at the Grand Californian. Membership also includes a subscription to the
Disney magazine and a Disney Club card.
I was under the impression that Club 33 memberships did not
include admission into the park unless you dined at the club on the day of
your park visit. But, no—the membership allows the actual member and
one guest to enter both parks 365 days a year, without having to dine at
the club. However, guests of members who are admitted into the park
must dine at the Club, or the members are charged for the guests'
admission tickets.
Did your acquaintances become suddenly uber-nice just so they could
get an invite to dine there?
This may come as a surprise but this has not been the case. Other
than die-hard Disney fans, no one really knows the club is there. The
friends and acquaintances that are Disney fans have been very respectful.
A membership to Club 33 is a privilege, not a right. The rules do
state that it can be revoked without compensation and most people seem
to understand this. Several months ago a member on MousePlanet's
MousePad discussion board started a discussion, asking about a unique
way to propose at Disneyland. He was against the tried-and-tested areas
but rather, he was looking for a unique, unvisited area to propose in a
more personal manner. Since my proposal to my wife was completely
unromantic, his romantic intentions caught my eye. After several private
message exchanges, I had decided that this person would be the first one
I would leave a Club 33 reservation and Disneyland tickets for.
The following day, he proposed that following day on the
balcony overlooking New Orleans Square, and I received a thankful
message the day after his successful proposal. So I figured, this is how I
would like to use my membership. If I can leave such an indelible
memory with a true Disney fan or cast member, then I feel that I am
honoring Walt's true intentions for the club.
Many people have expressed their desire to dine at the club but I
have a hard time picking the more deserving lot. Other members of the
club, have found more creative ways at “sharing” their perks. I once saw
on eBay a fellow member who auctioned the right to dine at Club 33. It
included club reservations and four Disneyland tickets. This was,
however, previously permitted by Disney as every penny was going to
charity.
After a series of introspection, Stewart contacted the person who
placed the auction on eBay, and learned that the person got a signed
letter from the Walt Disney Company giving him permission to raise
funds this way. The charity he supports is also the benefactor of the
annual Ducks in Tux event sponsored by the Anaheim Ducks
professional hockey team, which is owned by Disney. The rules that
come with the membership explicitly state that you cannot charge anyone
for the use of the club.
“If I attempted to do this for any charity without Disney's
permission I risk losing my membership,” said Stewart. Looks like he
has to keep looking for better ways to share his privileges.
Stewart received his first special event invitation. Club 33 was
celebrating Walt's 100th birthday. The event meant a special meal and a
few speakers to share personal remembrances of Walt, including insights
into the man behind the Mouse. The evening included a secret behindthe-
scenes walking tour. I bet Stewart had a great time!
MEMBERSHIP INFO
The information contained in this article is the latest that I could
find in my research and based on Stewart’s accounts. I do not guarantee
that these still hold true as of this writing. For a more updated info,
please contact Disney directly.
Upon agreeing to become a member you don’t get a “time-out”
or something like that. It’s either you’re in or out. If you have a milelong
waiting list of people who are ready and willing to pay close to
$10,000, why should you allow any one to just take a time off and come
back when they’re ready?
Corporate Membership’s Initial fee is $20,000. It is nonrefundable.
Annual fee is $5525 for primary charter member, and $4175
per additional associate member (up to nine permitted). This permits a
corporation to grant one charter member and up to nine associate
members. Corporations hold title to this corporate account, and are
allowed to transfer membership within their organizations.
Limited Corporate Membership’s Initial fee is $10,000. It is still
non-refundable. Annual fee is pegged at $4175. This allows a
corporation to grant a single membership to one of its employees.
Corporations hold title to this corporate account, and are allowed to
transfer membership within their organizations.
Gold Individual Membership’s non-refundable initial fee is
$7500. Annual fee is pegged at $2825. This is for individual and nontransferable
memberships. Gold members may make reservations for
themselves at Club 33 up to three months in advance and up to two
months in advance for their guests. Reservations for the holiday season
open in August for members and in October for guests of members.
Silver Individual Memberships were discontinued in late 2000
and are no longer available.
Here's a list of "MUST DO" with the kids during your trip:
1. Toon Town's Laughing. Just past the entrance to the Roger Rabbit
Ride is a bunch of boxes. All looking like they were just dropped down
off the truck. Each one makes a noise. My personal favorite has to be the
laughing box, but it is a tie between that and the mooing box. Plus, pull
the door just down the way, press the door bell or listen on the phone to
hear the police on the line.
2. Since you are already in Toon Town, take a minute to go into the post
office and check out the postal boxes. The knobs move and you can hear
who actually is the person getting the mail. Mickey, Minnie and even
Donald (grumpy as all get out.)
3. Look at the windows in Main Street USA. It is easy to walk through
Main Street USA to get to the attractions, but take a minute to look up
and read all the windows. When? Waiting for the parade or the
fireworks! There are some great word plays on the windows, but my
absolute favorite is Jimmy Cricket Motivational Speaker'. Also listed is
his motto 'If you wish upon a star. 'Toward the end of the street, check
out the window that is waist high just past the café. Here you will see a
interesting collection of bottles and items across the world that has to do
with Coca-Cola Soda.
4. Snow White's Fish. On the right side of the castle (coming in) every 30
minutes the fish appear in the pond in front of Snow White and the Seven
dwarfs (carved out of white stone.) Plus, you can hear her sing as they
come out for their stroll. Ask a cast member the exact time so you don't
have to wait too long. My girls just love this!
5. Telephone at Indiana Jones. The telephone just to the left of the
Indiana Jones ride is not a real phone. In fact if you pick it up you will
hear them talking about the expedition! Very cool
6. Tarzans tree with the roar of the lions. Obviously, it is quite a jaunt to
the top of the tree, but worth it as you walk along you get the chance to
see how Tarzan lives. Stand in front of the full size lion until it roars. It
will scare the kids (or in my case it scared me and the kids laughed so
hard.)Toward the bottom of the tree house you will hear all sorts of
machines working and the pots and pans make noise when you touch
them
7. The rabbit at Mickey Mouse's house. Once you go through the house,
you go into Mickey's garden. There is a line of Carrots and his garden
looks beautiful. BUT WAIT!! The little rodent is eating his prize garden
and the carrots disappear. This happens every three to five minutes. Very
Cute!
8. The Tiki room pre show. If you get to the show early enough you can
hear all the gods in the area talk just before the show starts. Interacting
with all the elements, the birds, trees, and water talk and give a little
history of the traditions.
9. The Parrot at the Jungle cruise. You walk into the line at the Jungle
cruise and wind around. Just when you get up to the stair case stop and
look up to the right. Here is the talking parrot that is one of Walt Disney's
first animation animals. It squeaks and is really cute.
10. Not everything you need to see is in on the rides. Go into the first
shop on the right side of Main Street USA. See all the merchandise?
Well, look up to see the dentist office and some of the other classical
looks of the era. This is a very interesting view into how the Street used
to look as it is parts from some of the old rides.
11. GO ON BOTH SIDES OF THE LINE AT THE MATTERHORN
RIDE. It isn't just a mountain in the middle of the park it's an adventure!!
The south side of the ride is slower than the North side. DO BOTH!!!
The kids will thank you!!
12. The genie and her lamp. Costs fifty cents to rub the lamp and get
your fortune. Is it worth it? Oh yeah, it is so funny!!! And each of the
kids will want to do it! The Genie is inside the Indiana Jones Store just
across from the ride
13. Read the tombstones on your way into the Haunted Mansion. These
are absolutely hysterical and very, very smart. The kids just love figuring
it out as they read along.
14. Beads! In New Orleans Square you will find some great music. Well,
take a minute, do a decent dance and get some FREE beads. You can tell
who is giving them away as usually one of the musicians have strings
around their necks and at breaks they throw them into the crowd. If you
are in the Square, go toward the back by the bathrooms and look up. Not
only will you see the traditional balcony, you will hear the Misses carry
on about her bird that only knows one tune(very funny.)
15. In Fantasyland you can see the witch peak out the window every five
minutes. Look just above the Snow White Ride and there is a church type
window with a red drape. The drape will move and she will appear
grumpy as ever.
16. Play in the water at Tomorrow land. Out in the middle of the
courtyard is the big ball and during the summer water shoot up from
some of the holes (not all of them and the kids just love trying to figure
out which ones.)
17. Buzz Light Year Attraction photos. It's FREE and you won't know
until the end of the ride how it looks. But somewhere along your space
journey you get your picture taken. The end of the ride presents four
computers where you can find your photo and mail it to yourself. These
photos are always really funny and the kids smile more with these than
those we buy for $12.95 at the front. Take a minute to find yours and
send it to your email.
18. Seeing the show out in front of It's a Small World every fifteen
minutes. My little girl just loves watching the characters dance around
the pillar and announcing the time. The boys roll their eyes, but then
again, it is cute.
19. The train ride to the Grand Canyon. If you miss the railroad ride,
you'll miss the dinosaurs and the trip to the Grand Canyon. You have to
go! The kids will love it!!! Go on the train full circle when you are really
tired and need a break midday. It will take about 25 minutes and it is a
lot of fun. Try to sit in a car that makes you sit to the side instead of to
the front.
20. Mark Twains Boat Ride. The kids just loved going on the ride around
the pond. You get the chance to see some interesting Native Americans
on one of the turns, nature and animals who live in the wild. It is fun and
a chance to relax.
21. The Poison Apple in front of Snow White's Ride. It was only the last
couple of years that we found out about the apple. Standing in line on a
hot summer day there were some kids fighting about who was going to
touch the apple next. Who care was my thought. Well, my younger one
pointed out that the kids wanted to touch it because each time a loud
witch laughs and it also has a couple unique sayings. The apple is in
front of the ride, just before the entrance pathway. You can't miss its
shiny gold presence. Put your hand over the top and squeeze. This is
awesome!!!
22. The Rope in the Indiana Jones Attraction Line. Just before you get to
the viewing area to see the brief film, you wind around the well. On the
well, in big letters reads a sign that say 'DO NOT PULL', so translated in
Disney that means PULL THE ROPE IMMEDIATELY. There usually is
a race between my kids of who will pull it first. And when it is pulled,
loud noises come from the floor or a man yells up to stop. Not only is it
funny, but a really great little amusement built into the line! The well is
half way up the line