Disney’s Club 33 Goes Public in What Guests Dub a “Recession Indicator”

For a place that technically sits in plain view, Club 33 has always done a remarkable job of disappearing. The discreet door at 33 Royal Street in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square hides one of the most coveted (and mysterious) experiences in any Disney park—one that, until this week, you couldn’t even find on the app.

Now, suddenly, you can. And that’s raised a lot of questions.

It’s not unusual for Disney to keep its most premium offerings close to the vest. Club 33 is a crown jewel of that philosophy. Originally conceived by Walt Disney as a VIP haven inspired by the executive lounges at the 1964 World’s Fair, the club opened in 1967, just months after his passing. For decades, it remained the only place in Disneyland Park where guests could order alcohol—and even now, its cocktail list is matched only by the exclusivity of its guest list.

That guest list doesn’t come cheap. While Disney doesn’t disclose the cost of membership, reported initiation fees range from $25,000 to $50,000, with annual dues for Club 33 climbing as high as $30,000. Perks include access to the club’s private restaurant, invites to exclusive events, and a quiet place to recharge away from the crowds. The price also includes the possibility of expulsion. In 2023, two members were removed after allegedly violating park rules—an incident that led to a very public lawsuit.

Club 33 Just Got Easier to Find (And That Might Not Be a Good Thing)

Until now, Club 33 membership was largely a matter of knowing someone who knew someone. Even the registration process operated like a closely guarded secret. This week, however, Disney took a bold step toward changing that—by adding Club 33 to the Disneyland app. Tapping the listing sends users to a page where they can register their interest in joining.

“Club 33 is now officially listed in the Disneyland app,” posted @ThemeParkIQ on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It even links out to an interest form to sign up!”

https://twitter.com/ThemeParkIQ/status/1908331595754594418

The sudden visibility doesn’t mean anyone can walk into Club 33 next week. Membership is still invite-only, and Disney is unlikely to upend that system anytime soon. Still, longtime observers noticed the shift. Some called the move a sign of changing times. One fan even labeled it a “recession indicator.”

While that might be a stretch, the timing is curious. JPMorgan recently raised the odds of a U.S. recession to 60% following new tariffs. The idea that Disney is lightly cracking the doors open—at a moment when consumer confidence is shaking—hasn’t gone unnoticed.

What Awaits Inside Disney’s Most Famous Club

Assuming you ever make it inside, the perks are undeniable. Members can skip the main entrance gates and access Disneyland and Disney California Adventure with zero blackout dates. They also receive park-hopping privileges, concierge services, and invitations to private parties and previews. Some even report automatic Lightning Lane access and a stockpile of friends-and-family passes.

But the centerpiece is the restaurant. Once the only spot in the park to serve alcohol, Club 33’s dining room remains a culinary step above standard theme park fare. Its seasonal tasting menus, curated wine list, and balcony views of fireworks are all part of the draw.

There’s a reason Tom Hanks is said to be a member—and a reason some fans are willing to wait years for an invitation. And if you’re wondering why you’ve never heard about these perks officially? Disney doesn’t publicize them (but that doesn’t stop the occasional leak about what goes on behind closed doors).

Now that Club 33 has gone digital, even just a little, that secrecy may not last forever. Whether this is the start of a more transparent Club 33—or simply a sign of a soft membership roster—remains to be seen.

Would you join Club 33?