March 10, 2023, 9:48 am | Read time: 3 minutes
An exclusive place for the well-heeled–that was Walt Disney’s vision when he founded the legendary Club 33 in 1967. Getting in is nearly impossible and very expensive. TRAVELBOOK still offers a glimpse and explains why actress Rebel Wilson was banned from Disneyland for violating a rule at Club 33.
As a member of Club 33, you can enter Disneyland without long waits. It’s a hidden door leading into the park, known to very few. Even die-hard fans are unaware of the mysterious Club 33. Located at 33 New Orleans Street, from which it gets its name, entry requires a lot of money and even more patience. The legendary Club 33, personally established by Walt Disney, is also the only place in Disneyland where alcohol is served.
But that’s not all: Members have access to exclusive spaces, as reported by Business Insider. There’s not only a bar but also a high-class restaurant. Booking a table can mean a wait of up to a year. The establishment is considered one of the best in California. However, to enjoy all this, one must first overcome the biggest hurdle: becoming a member of the club.
Up to 14 Years Wait
First, there’s the initiation fee, reportedly between $20,000 and $90,000, plus an annual fee between $11,000 and $27,000, as reported by Stern. Money alone doesn’t guarantee membership, and many are likely deterred by the long wait time for admission, reportedly up to 14 years. However, one would find themselves in truly illustrious circles, as rumor has it that stars like Elton John, Tom Hanks, and Christina Aguilera belong to Club 33, along with high-ranking politicians and businesspeople.
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An exclusive circle–that was Walt Disney’s idea when he founded Club 33 nearly 55 years ago. However, he did not live to see its opening. The core idea of offering a private club for wealthy individuals prevailed: Not even the official Club 33 website can be accessed without authorization. Disney itself provides only scant information about Club 33 on its website: It is a “private club offering its members numerous tailored experiences.”
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Actress Rebel Wilson Banned for a Photo
Once inside the club, it’s crucial to follow one important rule: There’s a strict ban on taking photos. Apparently, Australian actress and producer Rebel Wilson did not adhere to this. As reported by the travel magazine Travel+Leisure, the 43-year-old recently revealed in an interview with the “Daily Show” that she once received a 30-day ban from Disneyland. “I took a photo in a secret bathroom at Disneyland,” Wilson said. Although she didn’t explicitly mention Club 33, fans are convinced that Wilson’s rule violation could only have occurred in the elite club.
There Are Now Four Clubs
The legendary Club 33 has lost some of its mystique, as it no longer exists only in the original Disneyland in California. Disneyland in Tokyo and Shanghai now have their own Club 33, as does Disney World in Orlando, Florida. However, it remains exclusive, as membership in one Club 33 does not grant access to the other three locations.
For those curious about what the hallowed halls of Club 33 look like: Numerous photos circulate online, showcasing the opulent decor. The Instagram account “dl33member” regularly offers exclusive glimpses–even though photography is technically prohibited.