Inside 'secretive and strict' Disney club that even the rich have to wait years to join

Disneyland Theme Park in Anaheim, California
-Credit: (Image: (Image: Getty))


A weekend trip to Disneyland Paris could set you back around £350, while a visit to the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California, might cost you ten times that amount.

However, there's also a "secret" Disney experience that can't be bought with money alone. Disney's Club 33, inspired by the exclusive VIP lounges Walt Disney saw at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair, has a waiting list that spans years and is rumoured to count celebrities like Tom Hanks, Mariah Carey, and Tiger Woods among its members. Australian actress Rebel Wilson was reportedly suspended from the club after sharing a photo taken in one of its secret areas.

One disgruntled ex-member, who recently sued Disney after her membership was cancelled, claimed: "It is a cult, and Walt's the messiah."

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Despite the hefty price tag for membership - a joining fee of $35,000 (around £26,000), plus annual dues of $15,000 (£11,500) - the list of prospective members is extensive, with some waiting over a decade to enjoy the exclusive benefits, which include VIP passes allowing queue jumps for rides, complimentary park tickets for guests, private previews of new attractions, and behind-the-scenes tours.

The origins of the club's name remain a mystery, with some suggesting it was inspired by the original address of the club entrance: 33 Royal Street, in New Orleans Square. Others believe it refers to the highest known tier of Freemasonry the Sovereign Grand Inspector General, which is the 33rd degree.

Walt Disney attributed some of his early triumphs to his membership in a masonic organisation, even depicting Mickey Mouse as a member in some initial cartoons. However, for the majority of Club 33 members, the ultimate perk is simply the bragging rights, with numerous Instagram posts showcasing thrilled Disney enthusiasts exploring the vintage-style clubhouse or tasting the gourmet restaurant's offerings. It's notable that the Club 33 restaurants are the only spots within Disney properties where alcohol is sold.

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However, there has been some recent controversy in Disney's secret wonderland. Two former Club 33 members, Scott and Diana Anderson, both aged 60, have taken legal action against Disney after being expelled from the exclusive venues.

The couple waited 12 years for their Club 33 invitation, shelling out $50,000 for their first-year dues alone, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.

Yet, five years into their membership, they claim the enchantment began to wane, and in 2017, Scott was allegedly discovered drunk and asleep on a bench in the Club's exclusive 1901 Lounge. After their membership cards were revoked, the Andersons spent approximately $400,000 on a lawsuit hoping to regain their membership they also sought $231,000 in damages.

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Following the dismissal of their case, the Andersons decided to reveal the club's secrets to the public.

"The worst part with Club 33 is, conservatively, 80% of all members are selling access," alleged Diana Anderson. "And they're selling all the merchandise online. They're making cottage industries off this place."

Scott weighed in on the matter, highlighting that high fees are prompting members to sell Club 33 memorabilia and access: "A lot of it is to pay their dues. The dues today are $32,000, which is just insane.

"He detailed the various Club 33 membership levels, from a $25,000 tier to a premium $40,000 VIP package."

"There was Silver, there was Gold. Then they created Platinum and Executive, and they forced the Silvers to come up to Gold.

"And the Gold had the option to go up to Platinum if they paid the Platinum dues," Scott revealed. Furthermore, he accused even famous members of exploiting Club 33 for profit: "A bigger scandal was actually Katy Perry offering access to the lounge for [charity] for $160,000."