How Much Does Club 33 Membership Cost?

Nestled in the heart of Disneyland’s New Orleans Square is an unassuming green door marked only by the number 33. Behind it lies Club 33, Disney’s most exclusive and elite private club. This by-invitation-only membership provides access to a world of luxury amenities and VIP perks within the parks.

But joining the club comes at a premium cost. Just how much does it cost to gain access to this magical world? Read on for a deep dive into Club 33 membership pricing, benefits, and everything you need to know about being part of Disney’s most coveted inner circle.

How Much Does Club 33 Membership Cost?

Obtaining Club 33 membership costs around $50,000 as an initiation fee, followed by approximately $15,000 in annual dues for the Disneyland club location. For Disney World’s Club 33 locations, the initiation fee is reportedly around $40,000 with annual dues of about $20,000.

Gaining entry to a Club 33 starts with paying the sky-high initiation fee required when first becoming a member. Reported rates for this initial buy-in fee are:

• Disneyland Club 33 – $50,000 at the time of publication according to members
• Disney World Club 33 Locations – $40,000 to $45,000

This upfront cost alone restricts access to the wealthy and filters out casual park guests from joining on a whim. But it’s just the beginning.

According to Disney Food Blog, Club 33 members pay an annual fee of $31,500, with additional costs for travel and hotel expenses often bringing yearly spending close to $125,000 for frequent visitors. The initiation fee is rumored to be substantial, adding to the exclusivity of this private club located in Disneyland.

On Disney Dose, the initiation charge for Club 33 membership is estimated at $30,000, with annual dues of $10,000 for basic membership levels. Higher tiers of membership offer additional perks, such as annual passes, ride access passes, and exclusive seating for Disneyland entertainment. These costs highlight the club’s appeal to Disney enthusiasts seeking VIP treatment.

According to Explore, membership fees range from $25,000 to $50,000 for initiation, with annual dues set at $30,000. The waitlist for joining is rumored to be as long as 10 years. Members enjoy benefits such as access to private lounges, fine dining experiences, exclusive merchandise, and members-only events.

Lastly, Disney Dining confirms that Club 33 membership costs approximately $30,000, including initiation fees and annual dues. Members gain access to private dining areas in New Orleans Square and other Disney parks worldwide, making this membership a coveted status symbol among affluent Disney fans.

History of Club 33

Club 33 was originally conceived by Walt Disney himself in the 1960s as an upscale private retreat for visiting dignitaries, celebrities, corporate sponsors and other esteemed VIP guests of Disneyland. Its tucked-away location on the second floor of New Orleans Square set the stage for an exclusive, high-class experience away from the crowds.

Walt reportedly aimed to build an executive lounge where he could entertain park sponsors in style without alcohol, which was prohibited in early Disneyland. Sadly, Disney passed away before its completion, but Club 33 opened in 1967 as the park’s first private club.

Over the decades, Club 33 quietly expanded its membership ranks while retaining its air of prestige, luxury and secrecy. Today, expansions of Club 33 exist at every Disney World theme park, offering privacy and personalized service for a few thousand elite members across the entire resort.

Club 33 Locations

The original Club 33 in Disneyland remains the holy grail location for members. It resides in the heart of New Orleans Square above the Blue Bayou, accessible only via unmarked street entrance or elevator to preserve its mystique.

Over at Walt Disney World, exclusive club outposts include:

• Club 33 at the Magic Kingdom in Adventureland
• Club 33 at EPCOT’s American Adventure pavilion
• Club 33 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park
• Club 33 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park

While varying in theme and size, each prestigious version provides the same unmatched Disney luxury treatment for the privileged members granted access.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a Disney Cruise, Disney Annual Pass, or Disneyland rental.

Annual Dues for Club 33 Members

In addition to the joining fee, annual membership dues must be paid to retain Club 33 access and benefits.

Annual dues are estimated at:

• Disneyland – $10,000 to $15,000 per year
• Disney World – $15,000 to $20,000 per year

Annual dues reportedly increase incrementally over time and may vary based on your membership classification. But either way, the five-figure fee ensures only devoted Disney fans retain access year after year.

Club 33 Membership Tiers

While all members pay a similar range of fees, technically two tiers of Club 33 membership exist:

• Individual Membership – For individual people to enjoy full club amenities for personal use and entertainment of their own guests. Offers the complete range of services.
• Corporate Membership – For companies to entertain clients, host events, conduct meetings and essentially utilize facilities for professional functions. Slightly more limited in personal VIP perks.

The initiation fee and annual dues structure is mostly consistent between individual and corporate members. But corporations pay at the higher end of each range while individuals may see small discounts.

Perks and Amenities

Once bestowed membership in the elite Club 33 circles, new inductees gain access to a vast array of luxury privileges and exclusive VIP services. The personalized red-carpet treatment includes:

• Private access to the ornate Club 33 lounges in each respective park
• Complimentary valet parking for convenience
• Complimentary suites at Disney hotels upon availability
• Exquisite dining at reduced prices in the club’s five-star restaurants
• Extensive wine lists and premium spirits available in lounges
• Personal Club 33 concierge for trip planning and special requests
• Front-of-line VIP FASTPASS access to rides and attractions
• Complimentary multi-day theme park tickets
• Exclusive member-only special events at the parks
• Advance previews and walkthroughs of new rides and lands

The sheer variety of pampering available to Club 33 members aims to enhance and customize every visit within the parks. The service caters specifically to the tastes of each esteemed member.

The Application Process

Gaining access to the elite ranks of Club 33 involves much more than just paying the elevated fees. To even be considered, prospective members must first formally apply and then wait patiently for an invitation.

The rigorous Club 33 application process typically includes:

1. Contacting the Club 33 membership office to request an application
2. Submitting the lengthy written application with personal details and Disney devotion
3. Waiting potentially multiple years on the Club 33 waitlist for membership space availability
4. If approved, paying the lofty $40,000+ initiation fee promptly upon invitation
5. Passing background checks, credit reviews, and providing member references

This careful, multi-step vetting procedure ensures that only devoted, upstanding Disney fans able to afford the requirements achieve entry into this exclusive society.

Why Does Membership Cost So Much?

Between the five-figure joining fee and annual five-figure dues, Club 33 elicits shock at its price tag. But this covers far more than tangible perks – it pays for the prestige of membership itself.

Factors driving the cost include:

• Exclusivity – Demand for limited memberships drastically exceeds supply, which drives prices upward
• Personalized Service – The dedicated Club 33 concierge staff cater to every need of each individual member
• Luxury Facilities – The club offers access to premium restaurants, bars, lounges, and member perks not available to regular park guests
• Insider Access – Members enjoy behind the scenes tours, special events, and insider sights most guests never experience
• Status and Clout – Membership in Disney’s most elite inner circle carries powerful cachet, recognition, and elite social standing

The soaring yet justifiable price in many ways creates the aura of premium desirability, magic and luxury that rivals the Disney parks themselves for members.

Club 33 vs Other Disney Experiences

Disney Parks offer various VIP services, but none parallel the mystique and prestige of Club 33’s inner circle status. For comparison:

• VIP Tours – 7+ hour guided group tours with front-of-line access. Starting at $425 per person per hour. Cannot access any Club 33-only areas.
• Disney Plaid Pass – A $3,000 pass with select extras like extended park hours and lounge access. Does not match Club 33’s individualized service.
• Disney Cruise Concierge – Starting at $3,500, includes onboard credit, lounges, and dining. Still a very public experience.
• Club 33 – As the pinnacle of Disney access, this provides true exclusive, member-only personalized service, status, and facilities.

For those defined by a devotion to Disney, Club 33 remains in a league of its own, offering recognition and meaningful benefits above all other packages.

Is Club 33 Membership Worth it?

Gaining elite access to what is perhaps Disney’s most enigmatic club carries a lofty price tag placing it out of reach for casual fans. Some perspectives on weighing the value:

For the committed Disney devotee, gaining access to this exclusive society is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege – worth spending one’s passion and resources as the ultimate Disney luxury.

For wealthy individuals, the five-figure buy-in simply represents access to status and exclusive treatment that money can afford. Annual dues are a non-issue.

For pragmatic savers, the benefits may not sufficiently outweigh the costs, especially with annual renewals. Joining is a splurge that may diminish in ROI over time.

For families, the price of one membership could fund years of regular Disney vacations instead of club status. Kids won’t care as much about prestige.

In the end, determining Club 33’s worth comes down to personal affordability and the subjective, intangible value of elite social access. For those accepted, the magic of membership often exceeds any price tag for a lifetime.

Insider Tips

We asked veteran members to share their top tips for making the most of the Club 33 experience:

William Ellsworth III, 15 Year Member – “Take full advantage of the Club 33 event calendar. Member-only nights like Moonlight Magic let you experience the parks in truly exclusive ways.”

Amanda Greene, Corporate Member – “For special celebrations, order the seven-course seasonal tasting menu in the lounge. Work with your chef and concierge to customize an evening you’ll never forget.”

Vincent Carlyle, Legacy Member – “Explore the entire Club 33 wine cellar and make requests. There are bottles worth thousands of dollars that only members can access.”

Evelyn Lachance, Individual Member – “Maximize your membership by staying onsite at Disney hotels. The combination of extra magic hours and Club 33 perks lets you experience everything.”

Gaining the privilege of Club 33 access opens the door to a world of exclusive magic if you embrace everything membership has to offer.

Answers to Common Questions

How hard is it to get a Club 33 membership?

Club 33 is exceptionally difficult to join, with a multi-year waitlist. Demand dramatically exceeds the limited supply. Having connections via Disney or wealthy circles helps one’s chances.

What are the rules for Club 33?

Club 33 has strict rules to maintain decorum, including formal attire requirements, no photograph or video rules, limited guest policies, and behavior expectations befitting Disney’s elite status.

How many people get into Club 33?

Total Club 33 membership is estimated under 1,000 people. Disney closely guards the official count to preserve the club’s exclusivity and mystique for members.