Big Changes Coming to Club 33

innerSpaceman · 07-30-2013, 02:41 PM

Perhaps starting as soon as October 1, Club 33 will be undergoing a serious transformation.

The inconspicuous entrance will be moved from the streets of New Orleans Square to the Court des Anges. The formerly ADA-noncompliant elevator (because of the single stairway step needed to reach it) will likely be moved to the new entry. It's not known whether the picturesque courtyard will remain open to the public.

The Trophy Room will be demolished and that space replaced with a greatly expanded kitchen. It's believed the main dining room will remain unscathed.

But an entirely new jazz-themed lounge will be installed in the space atop The French Market, and it's slated to be similar to the Club 1901 in DCA. (And, according to this article about the changes, will require some kind of heightened Club 33 membership to access.)

I'm very sad about the loss of the Trophy Room. While I always preferred to dine in the prettier main room, this is where most private parties occurred - and where the reception was held to the only wedding ceremony I performed at Disneyland.

Thoughts??

innerSpaceman · 07-30-2013, 03:23 PM

In all fairness, the "Trophy" room was kinda ratty and has been in need of refurbishment for years. I never knew exactly why they called it the Trophy Room - until I saw these photos of when big game trophies graced the room.

Apparently, they were all removed decades ago. Very politically incorrect, I suppose. But it makes the loss of the Trophy Room easier for me to swallow - since its essence was really lost before I ever set foot in the place (which was probably circa 1988).

RStar · 07-31-2013, 06:59 AM

I think a large part of this move was planned when they began altering the Club 33 membership when they added DCA's 1901. Expanding the number of members and limiting the free Disneyland gate media and parking perks irked a lot of the current members, most of which may not have even cared about the 1901 add-on.

So with the better kitchen facilities, extra seating for the expanded membership, and general freshening up of the facilities, it may make for a better experience. My one and only trip there was exciting because I finally got in, and I always wanted to go. (Walt's appartment and the Lily Belle are next on my bucket list- and easier now to aquire with the pricey Walk in Walt's footsteps tour).

The food was nice, but not as good as Napa Rose in my opinion, so hopefully it will get better and quicker with the new facilities, not to mention be able to handle a larger crowd. I saw the old kitchen before the slight expansion of a few extra feet when they built the Dream Suite, and it was pitifull! About the size of a small apartment kitchen!

But I am worried that the new entrance will take over the Court of Angels. If that happends, one more wonderfull detail of Disneyland will be forever lost to the elite VIP. Just like the Disney Gallery into the Dream Suite and the way Club 33 always has been. And I suppose the mysterious "Door 33" will be no more, and moved across the street.

innerSpaceman · 07-31-2013, 10:16 AM

I've been going to Club 33 with some degree of regularity since the late 1980's. If you ask me, the quality of the cuisine, and even to some degree the excellent service, have steadily declined over the decades. (Though my last visit, on Disneyland's 55th birthday, was graced with excellent service and a fantastic menu based on the event.)

Interestingly, though I've gone enough times to no longer be longing for it ... I'm eager to experience the renovations when they happen - and hope the invitations keep coming ... at least once more!

Alex · 07-31-2013, 03:03 PM

If they offered 1901 Only memberships and Clubb 33 Only memberships at the same price, I wouldn't even have to think before picking the 1901 one.

Other than the snob appeal both have (and which wears off after about 15 minutes), I have never understood why you'd want to be a member of Club 33. Spending that much money for the requirement of spending 2.5 star prices for 2 star food baffled me. And you can only share this with friends if they're willing to spend the same money.

Always felt kind of like saying "Hey, I know Paul McCartney, and since you're my friend I'd be happy to hook you up with some front row tickets to his next concert. Only catch is that you have to pay face value for them."

So even if some history is lost adding an actual club component definitely makes it more appealing.

innerSpaceman · 08-01-2013, 10:45 AM

What "club component" would they be adding? The bar?

Ironically, and though I'm not a big drinker, Club 33 lost much of its cache with me once 18 other bars opened at the Resort in 2001 or so.

Alex · 08-01-2013, 11:50 AM

A place you can just go. As Club 33 currently works you have to know well in advance youw ant to go, make arrangements for when you'll go that is convenient to Club 33, promise to spend a fair chunk of change to get in even if you are a member, and then get punished if you don't actually do it. Don't do that and you can't so much as step foot in the club.

That's not so much a club (or at least not a "fun" club) as a restaurant version of Costco. All membership gets you is an opportunity to spend more money.

So yes, if in getting updated Club 33 gains at least a place you can visit on a whim and just relax for a few minutes, even if you don't spend an additional dime, then that will make it much "clubbier" in my opinion. When you said it would be similar to 1901, I thought that's what you meant. But if I misunderstood and it is still by appointment only and with minimum purchase then pheh.

innerSpaceman · 08-01-2013, 12:53 PM

I took that from the article I linked to, but - as I read it, and not necessarily as the author meant it (check for yourself) - the design and decor were to be modeled on Club 1901 at DCA.

I don't know squat about Club 1901, and I don't really care much about it. But is it true you can, if you're a member, just wander up there and hang out?
If so, yes, that's miles above and way more Clubby than Club 33 ever was!

Bornieo: Fully Loaded · 08-01-2013, 01:37 PM

I've never been and now will miss all the original stuff. No justice in this world! (Shakes fist)

Alex · 08-01-2013, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

I don't know squat about Club 1901, and I don't really care much about it. But is it true you can, if you're a member, just wander up there and hang out?
If so, yes, that's miles above and way more Clubby than Club 33 ever was!

Yes, that's the way it is. You can eat and drink in there if you want to, but there is no requirement that you do so. And they don't have to know you're coming. AND you can bring in any guests you want (there may have been a limit but it is way higher than 1 to 1), also without pre-arranging.

The two times I've been in there were both ad hoc of just happening to run into someone I know who is a member and them saying "hey, you want to go sit in here?"

First time I drank, second time I didn't spend a dime.

07-30-2013, 02:41 PM	#1
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	Big Changes Coming to Club 33 Perhaps starting as soon as October 1, Club 33 will be undergoing a serious transformation. The inconspicuous entrance will be moved from the streets of New Orleans Square to the Court des Anges. The formerly ADA-noncompliant elevator (because of the single stairway step needed to reach it) will likely be moved to the new entry. It's not known whether the picturesque courtyard will remain open to the public. The Trophy Room will be demolished and that space replaced with a greatly expanded kitchen. It's believed the main dining room will remain unscathed. But an entirely new jazz-themed lounge will be installed in the space atop The French Market, and it's slated to be similar to the Club 1901 in DCA. (And, according to this article about the changes, will require some kind of heightened Club 33 membership to access.) I'm very sad about the loss of the Trophy Room. While I always preferred to dine in the prettier main room, this is where most private parties occurred - and where the reception was held to the only wedding ceremony I performed at Disneyland. Thoughts??
	Submit to Quotes

07-30-2013, 03:23 PM	#2
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	In all fairness, the "Trophy" room was kinda ratty and has been in need of refurbishment for years. I never knew exactly why they called it the Trophy Room - until I saw these photos of when big game trophies graced the room. Apparently, they were all removed decades ago. Very politically incorrect, I suppose. But it makes the loss of the Trophy Room easier for me to swallow - since its essence was really lost before I ever set foot in the place (which was probably circa 1988).
	Submit to Quotes

07-31-2013, 06:59 AM	#3
RStar Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Me & Manyard hangin out! Posts: 5,433	I think a large part of this move was planned when they began altering the Club 33 membership when they added DCA's 1901. Expanding the number of members and limiting the free Disneyland gate media and parking perks irked a lot of the current members, most of which may not have even cared about the 1901 add-on. So with the better kitchen facilities, extra seating for the expanded membership, and general freshening up of the facilities, it may make for a better experience. My one and only trip there was exciting because I finally got in, and I always wanted to go. (Walt's appartment and the Lily Belle are next on my bucket list- and easier now to aquire with the pricey Walk in Walt's footsteps tour). The food was nice, but not as good as Napa Rose in my opinion, so hopefully it will get better and quicker with the new facilities, not to mention be able to handle a larger crowd. I saw the old kitchen before the slight expansion of a few extra feet when they built the Dream Suite, and it was pitifull! About the size of a small apartment kitchen! But I am worried that the new entrance will take over the Court of Angels. If that happends, one more wonderfull detail of Disneyland will be forever lost to the elite VIP. Just like the Disney Gallery into the Dream Suite and the way Club 33 always has been. And I suppose the mysterious "Door 33" will be no more, and moved across the street. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of Dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! www.StarTownGifts.com Last edited by RStar : 07-31-2013 at 07:07 AM.
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07-31-2013, 10:16 AM	#4
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	I've been going to Club 33 with some degree of regularity since the late 1980's. If you ask me, the quality of the cuisine, and even to some degree the excellent service, have steadily declined over the decades. (Though my last visit, on Disneyland's 55th birthday, was graced with excellent service and a fantastic menu based on the event.) Interestingly, though I've gone enough times to no longer be longing for it ... I'm eager to experience the renovations when they happen - and hope the invitations keep coming ... at least once more!
	Submit to Quotes

07-31-2013, 03:03 PM	#5
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	If they offered 1901 Only memberships and Clubb 33 Only memberships at the same price, I wouldn't even have to think before picking the 1901 one. Other than the snob appeal both have (and which wears off after about 15 minutes), I have never understood why you'd want to be a member of Club 33. Spending that much money for the requirement of spending 2.5 star prices for 2 star food baffled me. And you can only share this with friends if they're willing to spend the same money. Always felt kind of like saying "Hey, I know Paul McCartney, and since you're my friend I'd be happy to hook you up with some front row tickets to his next concert. Only catch is that you have to pay face value for them." So even if some history is lost adding an actual club component definitely makes it more appealing.
	Submit to Quotes

08-01-2013, 10:45 AM	#6
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	What "club component" would they be adding? The bar? Ironically, and though I'm not a big drinker, Club 33 lost much of its cache with me once 18 other bars opened at the Resort in 2001 or so.
	Submit to Quotes

08-01-2013, 11:50 AM	#7
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	A place you can just go. As Club 33 currently works you have to know well in advance youw ant to go, make arrangements for when you'll go that is convenient to Club 33, promise to spend a fair chunk of change to get in even if you are a member, and then get punished if you don't actually do it. Don't do that and you can't so much as step foot in the club. That's not so much a club (or at least not a "fun" club) as a restaurant version of Costco. All membership gets you is an opportunity to spend more money. So yes, if in getting updated Club 33 gains at least a place you can visit on a whim and just relax for a few minutes, even if you don't spend an additional dime, then that will make it much "clubbier" in my opinion. When you said it would be similar to 1901, I thought that's what you meant. But if I misunderstood and it is still by appointment only and with minimum purchase then pheh.
	Submit to Quotes

08-01-2013, 12:53 PM	#8
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	I took that from the article I linked to, but - as I read it, and not necessarily as the author meant it (check for yourself) - the design and decor were to be modeled on Club 1901 at DCA. I don't know squat about Club 1901, and I don't really care much about it. But is it true you can, if you're a member, just wander up there and hang out? If so, yes, that's miles above and way more Clubby than Club 33 ever was!
	Submit to Quotes

08-01-2013, 01:37 PM	#9
Bornieo: Fully Loaded Lego Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Disneyland, USA Posts: 3,704	I've never been and now will miss all the original stuff. No justice in this world! (Shakes fist)
	Submit to Quotes