Disneyland's once-secretive gem, Club 33 — an exclusive, members-only dining club rumored to come with hefty initiation fees and annual dues — is stepping into the spotlight like never before. Recently, Disneyland added a dedicated information page for Club 33 to its official app, marking the most public acknowledgment of the elusive venue in the park’s history. This page includes details about the club and even features a "Membership Inquiry" link.
The update was first noticed in the Disneyland app on Friday by Theme Park IQ. While Disneyland had previously launched a private portal for Club 33 members in 2019, it offered little information without a login. According to the Internet Archive, a "Membership Inquiry" button appeared on September 14, 2024 — just days after the sole debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 presidential election. By Friday, the app included a full informational page featuring four frequently asked questions, a link to a "Membership Interest Form," and details about the perks of membership.
However, the page has already undergone revisions. Disneyland removed a line that mentioned "exclusive access to Club 33 merchandise" as one of the benefits. Additionally, a fifth FAQ about making dining reservations at the club was also taken down.
The decision to publicly promote Club 33 didn’t go unnoticed. On social media, many quickly interpreted it as a potential recession indicator. Disney’s theme park division reported its lowest profits in two years in its November earnings release, and a looming economic downturn could further strain those numbers. Adding fuel to the fire, JPMorgan raised the odds of a U.S. recession to 60 percent on Friday, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a global tariff crisis earlier in the week. This move sent financial markets into turmoil and is expected to drive up costs across various sectors of American life.
While expanding Club 33’s membership won’t single-handedly shield Disney from the effects of a recession, it certainly can’t hurt. Initiation fees are rumored to range from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the membership tier, with annual dues reportedly between $15,000 and $30,000.
Club 33 holds a storied place in Disneyland history. Originally conceived by Walt Disney himself, it was designed as a more sophisticated space after he outgrew a private VIP bar tucked away in the back of the Red Wagon Inn, which once hosted President Harry S. Truman. The club officially opened in 1967 in New Orleans Square, located above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Accessible only to members or their guests, its unassuming entrance is marked simply with a "33" on the door. At one point, it was the only spot in Disneyland to serve alcohol.
Over the years, Club 33 has attracted an elite roster of members. According to Walt Disney World Magazine, rumored past and present members include celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John, Tom Hanks, Tiger Woods, and Katy Perry.
The newfound transparency around this once-hidden enclave signals a strategic shift for Disneyland, potentially aimed at attracting affluent patrons during uncertain economic times. However, it remains to be seen whether this move will bolster membership enough to offset broader financial challenges facing Disney’s parks division.
Let’s talk about this week in entertainment!
🎥 Box Office: After a rocky development cycle, A Minecraft Movie officially proved the skeptics wrong, opening to a strong $157M and outperforming its projections. A smart final marketing push, strong fan momentum, and the strength of the IP all contributed to its success. Next up for Warner Bros.? Sinners, a Southern Gothic genre blend from Ryan Coogler, starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role and Hailee Steinfeld in one of her most transformative performances to date.
đź“ş Streaming Trends: The Life List starring Sofia Carson soared to No. 1 globally on Netflix, backed by 51M hours watched in its first week. The Electric State remained in the top ranks, while Adolescence continued its streak as Netflix’s most-watched limited series in over 70 countries. Disney+ saw Mufasa: The Lion King jump to No. 1 globally, just before its theatrical release. Hulu’s A Complete Unknown and Prime Video’s Holland also broke through, while Apple TV+’s Severance remained a critical favorite.
🌟 Actors in the Spotlight: Michael B. Jordan is earning praise for his complex dual performance in Sinners, and Hailee Steinfeld is drawing attention for her bold turn in the film. Meanwhile, Sofia Carson continues to solidify her global star status. Adolescence cast members Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty are building serious awards momentum, while Rachel Zegler remains top of mind with Snow White buzz.
đź’Ą Pop Culture Collabs: The IP x brand collab space is on fire. This week’s highlights?
- LEGO x Lord of the Rings brings Bag End to life in a stunning 2,000+ piece set.
- Pokémon x Google lets fans catch the original 151 Pokémon directly through mobile search.
- MINISO x Stitch is stealing hearts with a new spring collection and pop-up launch event.
- AMC x Thunderbolts drops a limo-shaped popcorn bucket ahead of Marvel’s next big theatrical push.
