Disneyland: A Visit to Club 33

Friday evening we were fortunate to be able to celebrate our daughter's upcoming high school graduation at Disneyland's exclusive "hidden" restaurant in New Orleans Square, Club 33.

My husband and I each worked for Disneyland during our college years but never saw the inside of this magical place. Thanks to his current employer's membership, we were able to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary there two years ago, and visited again on Friday.

Of all the places in Disneyland, Club 33 may be the most magical, not only because it is so rarely seen, but because of incomparable service and food, unique and memorable furnishings, and a lovely view.

Club 33 can be found on Royal Street to the right of the Blue Bayou, identified only by a 33 next to the door (a closeup was posted here Friday) and an unobtrusive buzzer to the left of the door:


Upon entering, the receptionist greets you at this desk on the restaurant's downstairs level:


When your table is ready the receptionist receives a call on the old-fashioned phone and sends you up the twisting staircase or the restaurant's famous French lift (the picture is dark as using a flash reflected off the glass):


The furnishings include this harpsichord ordered by Lillian Disney:


and a phone booth from THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE:


plus a lovely table from MARY POPPINS:


Some windows overlook the Rivers of America and the Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia; others have a charming view of the New Orleans Square area:


Our server opened the door next to our table and invited us to stroll the balcony and enjoy the views. :)

Our evening ended with reserved seats in the crew area for FANTASMIC!, thanks to the kindness of a friend who works on the show.

More Club 33 information and photos can be found at the subject link, as well as here and here.

It was a special evening to celebrate with our daughter, who starts at USC in August. The morning after our trip to Club 33, she landed her first summer job -- at Knott's Berry Farm! She decided that since she loves Disneyland so much, she wanted to keep "work" separate from "play," so she'll be spending this summer working in the amusement park founded by Walter Knott.