Mickey has a mischievous
side. It emerged last week that in addition to big dippers and whizzing tea
cups, Disney boasts a private members club inside its California theme park
with annual fees costing US$10,000 a year. With an 800-strong waiting list, Club
33 in New Orleans Square, named after its address on 33 Royal Street, is the only
place in Disneyland where you can buy a cocktail.
The name also supposedly honors the 33 original corporate sponsors at
Disneyland in 1967 when the club opened, including Kodak, Coca-Cola and
Goodyear. Among its previous patrons are
Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks, singer Elton John, songstress
Christina Aguilera, and the late “King of Pop”, Michael Jackson.
The entrance to Club 33 |
Inspired by the VIP lounges on offer at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, Club 33 opened in May 1967. Good old Walt wanted a place to entertain
visiting dignitaries in a quiet environment away from the prying eyes of Daffy
Duck and Goofy, though he died five months before Club 33 opened its doors. Among
the Champagnes on sale in the restaurant are Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon,
Perrier-Jouët and Laurent-Perrier
As for the whites, Club 33 leans towards Californian wines, such as
Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc, Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc and Far Niente Chardonnay,
but also sells Dr. Loosen Riesling from the Mosel and Trimbach Gewurztraminer
from Alsace. The reds also have a US focus, an include Caymus Cabernet
Sauvignon, Duckhorn Merlot, Grgich Hills Zinfandel and Saintsbury Pinot Noir.
Mickey Mouse dessert |
To pair with the wines are dishes like California corn bisque, seared
scallop and king crab soubise, American Kobe carpaccio and a trio of artisan
caviar. Last year, to mark the Club's 45th anniversary, the membership list was
opened up, having been closed for a decade. It costs $25,000
to join with an additional fee of $10,000 a year.
Members have access to two chandelier-filled dining areas, a bar, and
the 1901 lounge decked out with antique furniture sourced by Walt in New Orleans. Marked only by a small plaque bearing the number 33, guests are
taken up to Club 33 via an old-fashioned glass elevator.
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