Club 33 at Disneyland – Dining Review and Photos from September, 2010

In September 2010, we enjoyed a night at Club 33. My first trip to this private restaurant was in 2008, with a group of friends before assisting in a tribute to Disney Legend Wally Boag.  I’ve been very fortunate to have dined several other times at Club 33 since.  This review includes some photos from 2009 as well, to fill in some of the Club details.

We arrived at Club 33, and I let them know we were there:

 

We waited a few minutes in front of the sign for the door to open:

 

There is an intimate lobby with a small elevator.  It’s not nearly the smallest elevator I’ve ever been in – that honor would go to an elevator at Hotel de la Porte Doree in Paris, but 2 or 3 guests can fit comfortably.  I mentioned earlier that the elevator wasn’t working on the night we dined in 2010, so I’m adding some previous pictures to show it:

We took the staircase, which is lined with artwork, sconces, and a bust which sits halfway up:

 

We had waited downstairs for a few minutes as the staff prepared our table, but the dining room wasn’t too busy when we arrived – though it had more guests than the pictures would indicate:

When dining at Club 33, you have to order at least as much as a single-day ticket costs to the park. A one-day ticket is included, though right now we have the WDW/DL Premier Pass and don’t need it. However, when we had the Deluxe Passport, it was nice to be able to get into the park on a Saturday when we’d otherwise be blocked out.  The menu does change seasonally.  There is a set Vitner menu, and ala carte. I’ve always ordered my meal items separately, since I’m a picky eater (the fact that I don’t eat seafood will usually mean that I don’t order a set menu from any fine dining restaurant).

Our place setting:

It’s hard to see from this photo, but this charger plate says it’s made exclusively for Club 33:

 

Before each meal we’ve had (except when I dined for lunch), a small appetizer has been delivered for each guest to try.  I actually didn’t eat mine, I passed it off to Jeff.  It looks like a small seafood tart:

 

The bread basket always has a nice variety:

 

I ordered the Local Field Greens with the Freestone Peach and Peppermint Vinaigrette.  I had rarely eaten salad with fruit before this, but now it’s something I do at my own house occasionally. The peach really went well with the salad.

Jeff ordered the Vitner, which included the Rock Lobster with Tree Ripened Peach Risotto and Charred Asparagus:

 

For the main course, Jeff had the Braised Chateaubriand Medallions, and I had the Filet of Chateubriand, and substituted mashed potatoes for the original side. The portions are quite generous, as you can see by my steak (which at first glance looks more like a giant potato). The meat was quite tender, though I’ve had filets elsewhere that practically melted in my mouth (Le Cellier at Epcot used to have a mushroom-stuffed steak that was amazing).  The Chateubriand is my go-to meal at Club 33, I’ve only once had something else, and that was during the Golden Horsehoe meet when we didn’t order off the menu. That first meal also was during lunch, when there is a fantastic dessert bar.

 

We enjoy watching Fantasmic from the balcony. The view is blocked by trees – more in some areas than others, but it’s a great place to watch with some privacy.

The previous visit, we’d ordered a dessert called a “Chocolate Bomb” (exquisite, but very heavy!).  This time I thought I’d go with something just a little lighter and found the perfect dessert which celebrated the World of Color:

 

Wrapped chocolates to finish the meal:

There is a plethora of artwork and displays in Club 33. More than the food, I enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant.  I didn’t know until recently that Walt Disney never had the opportunity to see Club 33 finished.

Wine case:

Bar:

 

I enjoy the view of New Orleans Square from the windows of Club 33:

There is a display case of Club 33 merchandise for sale.  The items change regularly – so if you see something you want while there, definitely pick it up!  This last visit we didn’t purchase anything, but I have a set of Club 33 Mickey ears and a few other items from past trips.

I really like the artwork on the piano, and there is so much to see as you look around this room:

The Trophy Room was the first room I ever dined in, and it has changed quite a bit since 2008.  One of the things that hasn’t changed is the California Turkey Vulture animatronic that is in one corner of the room.  Walt had planned to listen in on guests conversations (the microphones are still visible in the chandeliers below), and the vulture would have occasionally chimed in.  That never did happen, but the vulture and microphones remain!

 

 

This telephone booths is from one of my favorite Disney films, The Happiest Millionaire:

More artwork:

 

This beautiful painting is of Walt Disney dining at Club 33 (which never sadly happened):

 

The bathroom is elegant, and the toilets are shaped like thrones:

 

And one last quick look around the Club before heading down the stairs:

I wish that every Disney fan could dine in Club 33 just once.  While I’d rate the overall food I’ve had at a 4 out of 5, the experience has always been over a 5.  Usually our meals have taken about 3 hours from start to finish, including the Fantastmic viewing and walk around the Club afterwards.  I always dress up for Club 33, a dress at night or slacks and a nice top during the day. There is a dress code, which has changed some over the years. If you are able to go to Club 33, ask for the current information.  It’s a special experience, so I like to dress with that in mind. Remember that the menu changes seasonally, and the price reflects the current ticket price of the park. Club 33 is a private club with a long waiting list, and you need to be a member or the guest of a member to dine there. I also consider it more of an adult experience, I think I’ve seen one child there in my combined visits.

I also don’t have a way of helping anyone get in – I’m not a member myself.  But with all the advances in social media, you may eventually meet someone who is!

Jeff has photos from Club 33 that go back into the early 90’s.  If anyone would like to see those featured, please let me know!