Club 33

I was first told about the secretive Club 33 in the summer of '07.  My friend pointed out the obscure door located in the New Orleans district in Disneyland while telling stories of it's exclusivity and a wait list of 14 years to be a member.  So you can imagine my utter surprise when Dallas surprised me with not one, but TWO reservations, one for lunch the first day we were there, and another for dinner the second day.  We showed up for our reservation, used the buzzer on the side of the wall, and were welcomed inside.  I guess the best way to describe it would be that it felt like we had taken a step into "Alice's rabbit hole and into a gourmet wonderland."  (As quoted from Dallas)  We took a vintage elevator up to the second level where we ate at the exclusive five star restaurant hidden above the crowds.

Here is some information I found on the website www.disneylandclub33.com

Club 33, Royal Street, New Orleans Square, Disneyland 


The colorful realism and the precise architectural detail of New Orleans Square in Disneyland captures the atmosphere of the nineteenth- century New Orleans French Quarter. Glancing upwards to the second story balconies and the ornate iron railings hung with flowers, one would hardly guess that they surround the little-known but quite elegant Club 33.

 Years ago, Walt Disney felt that a special place was needed where he could entertain visiting dignitaries and others in a quiet, serene atmosphere where superb cuisine and distinctive decor would complement one another. He asked artist Dorothea Redmond to provide watercolor renderings of what such a place might look like. Accompanied by renowned decorator Emil Kuri, Walt and his wife traveled to New Orleans to select many of the beautiful antiques that are on display. After years of planning, Club 33 became a reality in May of 1967. Sadly enough, it was never seen by it’s creator, because of his untimely death five months earlier.

Club 33, so named after its address, 33 Royal Street, is comprised of two dining rooms and several adjoining areas, all of which hold a wide array of magnificent antiques and original works of art. After ascending in the French lift to the second floor, guests enter into The Gallery. Here they find interesting items such as an oak telephone booth with beveled leaded glass panels adapted from the one used in the Disney motion picture "The Happiest Millionaire" and a rare console table, which was found in the French Quarter of New Orleans. 

 The Main Dining Room is decorated in First Empire, recalling the era of Napoleon and the early nineteenth century. Three glimmering chandeliers and wall sconces illuminate the entire room. Much of the framed artwork on the walls is again, the work of Disney artists. Fresh flowers, parquet floors, and antique bronzes create an atmosphere of serenity and warmth.

Basically, it was a pretty amazing experience.  Reservations are not open to the public; a member must make the reservation for you.  Luckily someone at Dallas' work hooked us up.  I think Dallas was a little shocked at how excited I was when I realized where he was taking me; he had never heard of club 33 :)

All I could say is that he had done very well...very well indeed!