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 CLUB
33
Another Disneyland Secret Revealed
By Brenda Cowan
Recently, I had the privilege of being
a Disney Diva. What gave me the right to be that, you ask? Well, I had
lunch reservations at Disneyland's exclusive Club 33 in the park. For
those of you unfamiliar with Club 33, it was created by Walt Disney in
the mid-60s as a place he could entertain heads of state, celebrities
and corporate sponsors in a quiet, elegant atmosphere. Walt designed the
Club and his wife picked out most of the antiques that are still on display
or in use inside the club. Almost all of the artifacts were found in New
Orleans, which is fitting since the club sits above the bustle and shops
of New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Sadly, Walt never got to use his
special club since he passed away a mere few months before its grand opening.
Around the corner from Pirates of The Caribbean (yes,
I rode it and had a nice visit with Captain Jack Sparrow) and next to
the Blue Bayou restaurant is an understated door with the number 33 on
it. Hence, the name of the club; it merely stands for the address. If
you are lucky enough to obtain a reservation, you will know the thrill
of getting to push the secret buzzer (directions are given to you at Guest
Relations). A voice drifts out to you and confirms your appointment and
buzz, you're in. The foyer is all wood panel; an attendant in turn-of-the-century
dress sits behind an antique desk. You are escorted to the antique glass
elevator (if you do not wish to use the elevator, there is an equally
beautiful staircase you can ascend). From there, you are escorted down
the long hall, past the breathtaking private bar and into the main dining
room with a bird's-eye view of the Rivers of America.
The service is low key and calm, and there seems to be
nothing your attendant can't or won't do for you to make your experience
in the club memorable and unique. There is no rushing of your order or
meal. All of us chose something different from the menu; I had the giant
shrimp and it was excellent. The kitchen has a four star rating of its
own and after devouring my meal, I know why. My friend, Sylvia, was with
me and she is soon to leave the U.S. to move to Germany. Our server discovered
this fact and reported it to the pastry chef, who then prepared a special
Mickey Mouse Chocolate Mousse for her that read “Happy Trails To
You” in chocolate syrup. It was such a nice and unsolicited addition
to the experience.
I have to admit we were typical tourists that day. We
ran around the entire club looking into every corner, posing on the balcony
above the unsuspecting visitors to the park. Every once in a while, someone
would look up and be so startled to see five women hanging off the wrought-iron
railings pretending to be divas.
The bathroom was a place of real interest for us. The
toilets are antiques and yes, many photos were taken. The staff of the
club are well accustomed to the overwhelmed first-timers like us and actually
encouraged us to run around and be "stupid happy." It was the
bartender who told us not to leave our cameras behind when going to the
bathroom!
Many celebrities and heads of state of graced this
club and many more will. But for one afternoon, I got to fulfill a childhood
fantasy and got to be the person who pressed the magic buzzer and entered
the "private" Disneyland. The only way to obtain reservations
is to either be a member or know a member. Membership is held to 400 and
the waiting to list to join is almost ten years long. I'll settle for
the fact I know someone and hopefully sometime in the future get to have
the fun and unique experience again.
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