Club 33 Secrets: Shocking Rules, Celebrities & How To Get In

Club 33 is Disneyland’s private, members-only club, and most of the wild stories you’ve heard are actually true. There’s an eavesdropping vulture, famous regulars, and rules so strict that one couple spent $400,000 just to try to get back in. Still, the real details are even stranger than the rumors.

Every day, thousands of people walk right past it in New Orleans Square without noticing. That’s intentional. The door is designed to blend in, while above, you might hear the sound of ice in crystal glasses and a jazz piano playing.

I’ve read nearly every trip report, court filing, and policy page I could find. Honestly, you don’t need any conspiracy theories—the facts are interesting enough on their own.

I remember walking through the Park multiple times, always wondering what was behind that door. Sometimes there would be a group waiting outside, and I always thought that was a weird spot to be waiting. Then one time I saw the door open and a couple was let in. It piqued my interest; from then on, I’ve been obsessed with everything Club 33!

The Club 33 Origin Story Walt Never Saw

When Walt Disney visited the 1964 New York World’s Fair, he saw that corporate sponsors had private VIP lounges away from the crowds. He decided he wanted a similar space to host sponsors, dignitaries, and friends.

Walt and Lillian chose antiques together, and Imagineers included the club in the plans for New Orleans Square.

Sadly, Walt died on December 15, 1966. The club opened six months later, so he never got to enjoy a meal in the room he had imagined.

Why Is It Called Club 33?

Most people agree the name comes from the original address, 33 Royal Street.

Fans love other theories:

• 33 original corporate sponsors
• “33” turned sideways looks like “MM” for Mickey Mouse
• A link to the Freemasons’ 33rd degree

There’s no solid proof for any of these ideas. In my opinion, sometimes a number is just a number, even at Disneyland.

Club 33 Secrets Most Guests Never Hear

The Vulture Was Meant to Eavesdrop

It might sound unbelievable, but it’s true. Walt planned to put microphones in the chandeliers of the Trophy Room. A cast member backstage would listen and have an Audio-Animatronics vulture respond to diners with jokes.

The system was never used, but the vulture is still there. Now it greets guests from the top of a grandfather clock in the lounge.

The Famous Door Isn’t the Real Entrance Anymore

In most old photos, you’ll see the original door at 33 Royal Street. After the 2014 expansion, that lobby was turned into storage for a nearby shop.

Now, members tap a card on the “33” emblem next to a different green door, and guests are buzzed in.

The Court of Angels Used to Belong to Everyone

That peaceful, shady courtyard used to be open to all Disneyland guests. After the 2014 expansion, it became the club’s private entrance.

Members now have a beautiful entrance, but everyone else lost a quiet spot in the park. That’s the trade-off for exclusivity, and most guides don’t talk about it.

The Old Elevator Became a Booth

Walt loved an ornate French-style elevator, so Imagineers built a replica for the original lobby. When the entrance changed, they kept it and turned it into a cozy booth in the lounge.

Movie Props Hiding in Plain Sight

Look out for these details:

• A working phone booth built from the one in The Happiest Millionaire
• A table used in Mary Poppins and again in Mary Poppins Returns
• A harpsichord that looks centuries old, but was actually custom-built for Lillian
• Haunted Mansion nods and hidden Mickeys around the lounge

The Alcohol Myth Is Out of Date

For many years, Club 33 was the only spot in Disneyland Park where you could get a drink. That’s changed—Blue Bayou and Oga’s Cantina now serve alcohol too. Still, Club 33 remains the only real bar in the park where cocktails are mixed to order.

Club 33 Rules: How to Get Turned Away (or Kicked Out)

In 2025, Disney made Club 33’s guest policies public for the first time. Most people find them stricter than expected.

Dress Code for Le Grand Salon

You need to wear business casual or something dressier for both lunch and dinner.

Never allowed:

• Shorts of any kind
• T-shirts, tank tops or crop tops
• Ripped or distressed denim
• Spirit Jerseys, hoodies or sweatshirts
• Yoga pants, leggings or athletic wear
• Hats, including Mickey ears
• Beach flip-flops

Dress Code for the Lounges

Le Salon Nouveau and the 1901 Lounge have a “smart casual” dress code. You can usually wear fitted T-shirts, neat jeans, walking shorts, and clean sneakers there.

This is why online advice can be confusing. Both “shorts are allowed” and “shorts are banned” are correct, depending on which room you’re in.

Here’s an example. Say your friend invites you to the lounge, and then lunch moves to Le Grand Salon. Your walking shorts just became a problem. Pack slacks.

Kids who are 10 or older have to follow the same dress code as adults.

Photo and Video Rules

• You can take still photos in the public areas of the Disneyland club.
• Video, filming, and live streaming are not allowed anywhere.
• Never take photos in the restrooms.
• Do not take photos of other guests.
• Avoid posting anything tacky or disrespectful about Club 33 on social media.

The Celebrity Rule

You are not allowed to ask anyone for a photo or autograph. This rule applies to members, guests, celebrities, and Cast Members.

Your Host Pays for Your Mistakes

Many people don’t realize this: if you arrive underdressed, the member who invited you will get a dress code infraction on their account. Think of an invitation as someone trusting you with their reputation.

The $400,000 Lawsuit That Proved Disney Means It

Scott and Diana Anderson waited years to become members and finally joined in 2012. They visited 60 to 80 times each year and paid about $31,500 in annual dues.

In 2017, park security said Scott appeared intoxicated near the entrance to Disney California Adventure. A month later, the couple lost their membership for good.

They challenged the decision for seven years and spent about $400,000. In September 2024, an Orange County jury sided with Disney after only 45 minutes.

The takeaway is that membership is a privilege, not a right. Being intoxicated anywhere in the parks can cost you your membership.

Club 33 Celebrities: Who’s Been Linked to the Club?

Disney keeps its member list private, so it’s important to tell the difference between confirmed visits and rumors.

Most often reported:

• Tom Hanks is probably the most famous person linked to the club. Some former members say he’s even had Thanksgiving dinner there.
• Elton John has been spotted playing the piano during his visits, according to former staff.
• Christina Aguilera is also reported to be a member.
• John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, and Vanessa Hudgens have all talked openly about visiting the club.
• Former members say they’ve seen Dick Van Dyke and Kurt Russell mingling at the club.

Remember, a visit doesn’t prove a membership. A star might simply be someone’s guest.

What Really Happened With Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson told The Daily Show in 2023 that Disneyland banned her for 30 days because of a photo in a “secret bathroom.” The funniest part? Disney let her choose which 30 days, so she picked June.

She didn’t say the bathroom was in Club 33, but she did mention being a member. That’s why fans made the connection.

Will You Spot a Star?

You might spot a celebrity, but it’s not guaranteed. In my opinion, the real luxury of the club isn’t seeing famous people—it’s the privacy. That’s exactly why stars enjoy it.

How Much Does Club 33 Cost in 2026?

Disney doesn’t share official prices, so any numbers you see are just estimates:

• Initiation fee: About $25,000 to $50,000 at Disneyland
• Annual dues: About $10,000 to $30,000 or more
• Walt Disney World: Reported at $35,000 to join and $16,000 a year
• Food and drinks cost extra. You can expect to pay at least $100 per person in the dining room, not including alcohol.

Is It Worth It?

If you live in Orange County, visit every month, and entertain clients, the perks could be worth it. But if you only go once a year, you’re probably better off just having a nice dinner at Napa Rose.

How to Get Into Club 33

Option 1: Become a Member

1. Start by filling out Disney’s official Club 33 Membership Interest Form for Disneyland.
2. If you’re interested in Walt Disney World, send an email to Club33@WaltDisneyWorld.com.
3. Then, wait to hear back. Disney says it “may contact you” if an opening becomes available.

Keep in mind that being on the interest list doesn’t guarantee a spot. Also, don’t rely on old headlines about a “14-year wait.” Disney hasn’t shared any current wait times.

Option 2: Be a Member’s Guest

This is the most practical option. Some members can reserve Le Grand Salon for guests even if they can’t join. For the lounges, the member usually needs to be present with you.

Before you go, ask your host:

• Which room are we booked in?
• Will you be joining us?
• Who’s paying the bill?
• Do I need park tickets?

Option 3: Check Your Employer

Many large companies in Southern California have corporate memberships. It might be worth asking your HR department—you could be surprised.

Watch Out for Scams

Be careful—some people online try to sell fake “Club 33 reservations.” If someone you don’t know asks for money through direct messages, it’s best to walk away.

Club 33 Merchandise: The Rarest Souvenirs at Disney

You can buy Club 33 merchandise, but only if you’re a member or visiting as a guest, and only inside the club itself. It’s not available in the parks or online. For everyone else, the resale market is the only option, and that can get complicated.

Merchandise might be Club 33’s most overlooked secret. For most fans, owning a pin or ornament is as close as they’ll get to the club.

Where Members Shop Inside the Club

There’s a small shop in the club’s upstairs lobby. Years ago, merchandise was displayed in an antique cabinet near the lounge.

One important rule: you can’t visit just to shop. You have to be dining or visiting with a member.

What Club 33 Sells

The selection changes often, but here are some items they’ve sold before:

• Pins: The classic black-and-gold logo pin comes in a velvet-lined case.
• Christmas ornaments: Fans have records going back to at least 2001.
• Apparel: Spirit Jerseys, sweaters, golf shirts and jackets
• Bags: Loungefly backpacks and Dooney & Bourke purses
• Drinkware: Glasses, coffee mugs and a Summer of Tiki mug
• Ears and hats: Holiday ears and Haunted Mansion caps
• Small gifts: Key chains, golf balls and watches
• MagicBand+: A black design covered in Disney park icons

Here’s something funny: the club sells Spirit Jerseys, but you aren’t allowed to wear one in Le Grand Salon!

Limited Editions Collectors Hunt For

Themed releases sell out quickly. Here are a few highlights:

• The Alfred Collection: A 2024 five-pin box set starring the club’s vulture, limited to 500
• Haunted Mansion 55th anniversary: A limited pin set, bags and more
• Valentine’s Oswald and Ortensia pins: They’re chocolate-scented!
• Madame Leota door pins: A recurring series, limited to 999
• Holiday Loungefly sets: Sequin backpacks with matching ears

Pin trackers show there are over 75 Club 33 pins, so collecting them all is a real challenge.

Disneyland and Disney World each have their own Club 33 and their own merchandise. You won’t find a Disney World pin at Disneyland, so always check the resort and year before you start searching.

The No-Resale Rule

This rule surprises a lot of people: members aren’t allowed to resell official Club 33 merchandise, and breaking it can get them banned.

Even so, plenty of items still show up online. If you’re invited as a guest, don’t ask your host to buy things for you to resell. Their membership could be at risk.

What Club 33 Merchandise Costs on Resale

Once items leave the club, prices go up. Here are some recent asking prices:

• Spirit Jerseys: About $250 to $300
• Loungefly backpacks: About $200 to $350
• Dooney & Bourke bags: About $500 to $775
• Limited Haunted Mansion pin set: About $400
• Gold key chain: About $125

Keep in mind, those are just asking prices, not what items actually sell for. Check sold listings to see the real numbers.

If you spot a “Club 33” Spirit Jersey for $40, it’s almost certainly a fake. Jerseys in the Club cost around $100.

How to Spot Fake Club 33 Merchandise

Etsy and similar sites are full of “Club 33-inspired” signs, replica member cards, and ornaments. Most are genuine fan art, but some sellers cross the line.

Before you buy:

1. Flip the pin over. Real limited pins show the edition size and the official Disney pin logo.
2. Ask for photos of the tags, packaging and back of the item.
3. Check the seller’s history. Look for strong feedback on Disney sales.
4. Look it up in a pin database to confirm it exists.
5. Read the title. “Inspired” or “replica” means it isn’t official.

I don’t think I have to say it, but a replica membership card won’t get you inside. It’s just a souvenir, not an actual key.

A Secret Way Members Show Their “33”

Some members wear “33” pins on their shirts or “33” stud earrings in the parks as a subtle signal. Others even end their Instagram handles with 33.

Once you know to look, you’ll start spotting them around New Orleans Square.

Tips If You’re Invited

• Set a budget before you go. It’s easy to get carried away.
• Shop early. Popular items can sell out.
• Ask what’s new—Cast Members always know what just arrived.
• Always check with your host first. Even a simple “Mind if I grab one souvenir?” can make a big difference.
• Pack room in your bag.

My favorite recommendation is to pick one small item that marks your visit, like that year’s ornament or a dated pin. Years later, it will remind you of the whole night! If you’re ok spending more money, definitely get a Spirit Jersey, jacket, or a bag!

Holidays at Club 33: Candlelight, Collectibles & Celebrity Traditions

Wondering what the holidays are like at Club 33? The club marks the season with festive decorations, special menus, exclusive member events, and merchandise you can only buy inside. Christmas is the main event, with members getting reserved seats at Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional. Still, the best holiday secret has nothing to do with celebrities.

Christmas at Club 33

Even Alfred, the club’s famous vulture, joins the fun. At Christmas, he swaps his usual look for a Santa hat.

Disneyland’s 2026 holiday season runs from November 13 to January 6. The club usually puts up decorations around the same time.

What you can expect upstairs:

• Comfort-food classics: Chef Gloria Tae highlights dishes like chateaubriand and French onion soup for the season.
• Fireworks views: “Believe… In Holiday Magic” starts at 9:30 p.m. each night through December 16. If you plan a late dinner, you can watch it from the dining room.
• Snow below: During the show, artificial snow falls over New Orleans Square. From the balcony, you can watch it drift down onto the crowd.

My favorite secret is this: Tae says some members’ families have grown up inside the club. For them, Christmas at Club 33 isn’t a special treat—it’s just where Grandma has always brought everyone.

The Club 33 Candlelight Processional Perk

The Candlelight Processional is a Disneyland tradition dating back to 1958. A huge candlelit choir, a full orchestra and a celebrity narrator retell the Christmas story at Main Street Station.

It only happens two nights a year, usually the first weekend of December, with two shows each night. If 2026 follows recent years, expect December 5 and 6.

Invited guests, including Club 33 members, get reserved seats in Town Square. In 2000, guests enjoyed dinner at the club before heading to their preferred seats for the show.

This is the club’s busiest weekend of the year. Tae expected to serve over 1,300 lunches and dinners in just two days.

Before you go, ask your host:

• Does our booking include Candlelight seats?
• How many guests can come?
• Is dinner before or after the show?
• What’s the cancellation policy?

Don’t assume your December reservation includes seats. It may not.

Celebrities and the Holidays

The narrator is the real celebrity moment. Past readers include:

• John Wayne, Cary Grant and James Stewart
• Dick Van Dyke and Kurt Russell
• Chris Hemsworth and Chris Pratt
• Lin-Manuel Miranda, Brie Larson and Viola Davis
• Kathryn Hahn (2024) and Benjamin Bratt (2025)

Remember, narrating the show doesn’t mean someone is a member. You probably won’t see them at the next table.

Inside the club, holiday stories are more low-key. Former members say Tom Hanks has had Thanksgiving dinner there, and Christina Aguilera is said to have celebrated her birthday at the club.

The rules still apply during the holidays. No photos or autographs are allowed, even in December.

Club 33 Holiday Merchandise

Holiday items are among the most collected Club 33 pieces.

• Christmas ornaments: A new design comes out most years. They’re often the most affordable real Club 33 item on resale sites.
• Event pins: Guests at Candlelight 2000 got a commemorative candle pin.
• Loungefly backpacks: Seasonal designs, such as a Halloween spider bag, are popular on resale sites.
• Limited-edition pins: Disney World’s 2026 Halloween pins were capped at 500 and 600.

Buyer beware: Many “Club 33” items online are fan-made. Check the seller’s history and the item’s details before you pay.

More Seasonal Celebrations for Members

Christmas isn’t the only celebration. Members can join additional events throughout the year for an extra cost, such as:

• Easter celebrations
• An after-hours Jazz Fest in New Orleans Square
• Trips to Walt’s Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs

The club also celebrates the Oscars, with Alfred holding a megaphone for the occasion!

Members-only holiday parties are said to include holiday cocktails, live music, character visits, and merchandise reveals. Details are kept private, so check with your host.

At Disney World, holiday schedules sometimes change. EPCOT’s Constellation Club has closed early on some December nights and stayed open later during Thanksgiving weekend.

Tips for a Holiday Visit to Club 33

1. Make your request early. December is the club’s busiest season.
2. Dress up, since Le Grand Salon’s business-casual rule still applies. Plus, your photos will look better.
3. Shop early, as holiday merchandise can sell out quickly.
4. Plan your dinner to coincide with the fireworks. Ask if window or balcony seats are available.
5. Bring a gift for your host. Saying thank you means a lot when someone has vouched for you.

Club 33 Locations Around the World

Each Disney resort manages its own Club 33, so memberships don’t transfer between locations.

• Disneyland: The 1967 original in New Orleans Square
• Disney California Adventure: 1901 Lounge, next to Carthay Circle (named for Walt’s birth year)
• Magic Kingdom: Captain’s Quarters in Adventureland
• EPCOT: Constellation Club in the American Adventure
• Hollywood Studios: Spotlight Lounge by the Hollywood Brown Derby
• Animal Kingdom: Harambe House
• Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland: Separate clubs

The four Disney World lounges opened between 2018 and 2020. Disneyland Paris does not have a Club 33.

The Club 33 Alternative Anyone Can Book: 21 Royal

Looking for VIP treatment without needing a membership? 21 Royal is located in the apartment that Walt and Lillian Disney planned above Pirates of the Caribbean.

• You can host a private party here for up to 12 guests.
• Enjoy butler service and a custom multi-course dinner during your visit.
• Dessert is served on a balcony with a view of the Rivers of America.
• The experience reportedly costs about $15,000 per party.
• Booked through the 21 Royal Concierge at (714) 300-7749

While it’s not a secret way into Club 33, 21 Royal is a showstopper for any milestone celebration!

The first time I walked into 21 Royal I was stunned! It’s absolutely incredible in there! It’s probably the closest experience to Club 33 that anyone can get into. I highly recommend it if you’ve ever wanted a special club experience.

The Real Magic Behind the Door

Club 33 doesn’t need wild rumors to be interesting. There’s Walt’s unfinished dream, a vulture designed to eavesdrop, an elevator that became a booth, and rules strict enough to stand up in court.

The strict rules actually make sense when you see the place. They protect the privacy that makes Club 33 special!

Will you ever get through that green door? Maybe. Fill out the interest form, do some networking, and keep your slacks ready. Even if you never make it inside, you know the secrets now. Next time you’re in New Orleans Square, look up at the balconies above Royal Street and smile. You know what’s up there!