“Blue Sky for New Orleans Square”

“Walt often entertained dignitaries, heads of state, and entertainers, many whom were his personal friends. These guests would often join Walt for a meal at this restaurant... back then it was known as The Red Wagon Inn and it featured a somewhat private area for VIP guests near the back. Of course many of these VIP guests were noticed by other dining guests and the idea of a quiet dinner often became lost in an impromptu autograph session with overzealous fans. Walt realized that it would be necessary to create a VIP area for these famous guests.”

“New Orleans Square, a whole new ‘land’ in Walt Disney's famous ‘Magic Kingdom,’ brings to Disneyland guests an unparalleled adventure -- an experience rich in color, excitement, and atmosphere. Its inviting shops, aromatic restaurants, winding streets, intimate courtyards, romantic balconies, iron-lace embellishments, and picturesque magnolia trees erase decades and distance to take guests back to the New Orleans of the 1850’s… back to the Queen of the Delta when she was the Paris of the Western Frontier.” New Orleans Square would be the perfect location for a new private VIP experience.

“Master Planning and Designing Club 33”

By 1965 to 1966, WED Enterprises, Inc. opened a job No. 034-53-26, encompassing the design and construction of the 4,939 square-foot second floor interiors of New Orleans Square Building #1 in Frontierland. Design Visualizations, preliminary drawings, and working drawings for all second floor interiors of New Orleans Square Building #1 were prepared. Project 034-53-26 involved preparing the very same types of drawings for all Second Floor Interiors of New Orleans Square Building #1.

The presentation of the “33 Club” show on the vast DISNEYLAND “stage” was to be a distinct part of the Disneyland theater concept. It was meant to include club dining accommodations for 135 guests, a banquet room, a kitchen, four pantries, a lounge, two restrooms, an office, and related facilities. On September 28, 1966, the WED Enterprises, Inc. Board approved an authorized total project cost budget of $568,000 (not withstanding a $3,000 write-off) to be expended for resources, labor and materials related to the specific work effort. Construction was to commence on October 1, 1966 and the project was estimated to have a completion date of December 1, 1966.

During this time Walt visited the Park. With hard hat on, he inspected New Orleans Square and its Courtyard of Angels. “55er” Joyce Belanger recalled seeing Walt “just before he went to the hospital for the last time. He was standing, watching the attractions… almost like he knew he'd never see them again.”

According to one article published at the time of Club 33 General Manager Jeff Plumb : “The Main Dining Room is decorated with a First Empire flair that recalls the era of Napoleon and the early 19th century. Three chandeliers and wall sconces illuminate the room, and Disney artists created much of the artwork. Flowers, parquet floors, and antique bronze sculptures create an atmosphere of serenity and warmth. The Disney Room, formerly known as the Trophy Room, offers more informal dining atmosphere, with wooden chandeliers overflow the tables and a pictorial timeline of Disney’s life and history of Disneyland lining the east wall. Brass plaques on each picture provide details of the scene. While Club 33 is a time capsule for Disney lore, it’s also a masterpiece of elegant dining, with a succulent menu changing with the seasons, Executive Chef Marcel St. Pierre describes it as ‘kind of Napa Valley meets New York. . . . It’s the best of both worlds.’ For St. Pierre, who has been at Club 33 for about two years, he’s in the best of all worlds at The Happiest Place on Earth.”

Club 33 was “dressed and available for photograph on March 17,” 1967. At that time, the images would be prepared for “An Introduction To Club 33, Royal Street” (a souvenir publication) prepared for the 100 Club 33 guests, during the opening night of June 15, 1967! These would subsequently be distributed to individuals belonging to various companies and agencies that may avail themselves of a Club 33 Associate Membership. Until that time, Marty Sklar distributed copies of the brochure to Mike Bagnall, Pete Clark, John Curry, Jack Lindquist, Dick Nunis, Jack Sayers, Donn Tatum, Card Walker, Joe Fowler, Luther Marr, Mel Melton, and Jim Ross.

“An Introduction To Club 33, Royal Street” opens this way :

“To millions of people around the world, few words so symbolize the phrase ‘good host’ as does the name Disneyland. The Disneyland way of making every guest feel welcome in the midst of masses pf people is famed from the main streets across America to the royal palaces of Europe and Asia.

To select a few among more than 60 million guests, the Magic Kingdom has been even more than simply a ‘good host.’ To these Very Important People - Kings and Queens, Prime Ministers and Presidents of both nations and corporations - Disneyland is the embodiment of the hospitality that has been called ‘red carpet.’ No one who has known it will soon forget his day and his tour of Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Now a new era has dawned in the entertaining of Very Important People in a Very Important fashion at Disneyland. Now for the first time - you and your company can participate in a new service that will cater exclusively to those visitors who merit your most courteous business care.

We call it Club 33, after the most exclusive address in all Disneyland : 33 Royal Street, New Orleans Square.”

Beyond the doorway of 33 Royal Street, (and between Blue Bayou Restaurant at 32 Royal Street, and La Boutique de Noel at 34 Royal Street) sits the mysterious 33 Royal Street! Though we can’t take a peek in the All New Club 33, we’ll take a brief stroll through the original Club 33 as it appeared (adorned with Walt Disney Production’s Set Designer Emile Kuri’s work), long before the remodel and refurbishment. You’re invited to join us inside Walt Disney’s own VIP supper club at 33 Royal Street!

The club’s 25th anniversary was honored with a Members-only black-tie event, featuring special guest Emil Kuri (who had travelled with Walt and Lillian to New Orleans, in search of antiques), and the traditional seven-course meal. As for Disneyland Cast Members, the “silver anniversary year” was one of the rare occasions when more than the foyer of Club 33 was open for tours, during the Family Open House.

Soon, a maximum of 145 individual Club 33 Members (belonging to companies and agencies) could simultaneously enjoy “a private show within a public show” through the special party facilities at Club 33, and through the contemporaneous “Red Carpet Program.” “High above the streets and courtyards of New Orleans Square is the elegant Club 33. . .part dining room, part relaxed refreshment center, part distinguished art gallery, and part private showplace. . . Club 33 was created as an exclusive membership club to provide Industry Sales participants a private place to dine and entertain,” according to “Food Showmanship Disney Style”, published 1973. These arrangements (and other special programs as the Red Carpet Program and Special Party Facilities) were initially made available to Disneyland Participants of business and industry, by contacting the Disneyland Lessee Relations Division.

“Disneyland is unique in that some of the world's foremost creative artists and architects control all design at Disneyland.“ Artist Tania McKnight was among those selected for the interior design team of Club 33. Furniture and antiques purchased by Walt, Lillian, and Emil Kuri (who accompanied the couple during holidays to New Orleans, in the 1960’s) were to decorate Club 33. Other pieces were authentic Walt Disney Productions props, while a few others were reproductions of props used in popular Walt Disney Productions.

The Disney World July 1967:

“In typical Disney fashion, Club 33 - named for its address at 33 Royal Street, New Orleans Square - is more than just a VIP lounge. It is part elegant dining room, part refreshment center, part distinguished art gallery, meeting room and private showplace.

This was Walt's concept - an elegant, exclusive club that would really be ‘a private show within a public show.’ The ‘show’ aspects of Club 33 range from its decor and furnishings to its art collection and a special Audio-Animatronic production. The Club includes three main areas: Lounge Alley, the banquet room and the trophy room.

Lounge Alley is a broad vestibule with small tables provided for luncheons and refreshments, and a gallery setting where original paintings will always be on display. For its premiere showing, the gallery will present one of the world's largest collections of original pen-and-ink sketches by Heinrich Kley, one of the greatest cartoonists of modern times. These brilliant, satirical and sometimes bizarre sketches are from Walt's private collection, and have never been exhibited.

In the banquet room, no expense has been spared to create a setting of elegance where only 78 people may dine at any one time. It has especially-made Napoleonic chairs, imported from It-aly; three one-of-a-kind Empire chan-deliers, and genuine antique furnishings. The room has one of the most exciting views in Disneyland; its French doors open onto second-story balconies that overlook New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America.

The trophy room was conceived as a private meeting room for luncheon and dinner gatherings. In atmosphere, it is part British men's club, part big game hunter's den. Its paneled walls are lined with samples of the hunter's skills: African antelope, mountain goat, native spears and masks, and even a nine-foot long, solid ivory mammoth tusk.

But there's another menagerie that spins the tallest tales in the trophy room - an owl, a raccoon, two magpies and a leering vulture. As stars of a new Audio-Animatronic show, they ‘come to life’ to entertain club members and their guests. And the wise old owl on his fireplace perch has an even more extraordinary talent: he can carry on a conversation with anyone in the room, before and after the recorded show.

Club 33 opened early in the Summer, exclusively for companies participating in Disneyland. As a private club designed especially to meet the business needs of these companies, its membership will be limited to the Park's institutional and retail lessees. At the Park, they are predicting Club 33 will become the new ‘center for VIP guest relations’ ... and an important addition to Disneyland's red carpet service for its lessees and exhibitors.

This document was prepared to familiarize Disneyland Lessees and other Participants with the Disneyland Stage, consumers, and promotional opportunities. This particular page introduced Lessees to the Club 33 aspect of the “Red Carpet Program.”

Today, in order to dine here you must be a member or be the guest of a member. “A limited number of Charter and Associate memberships were once available in Club 33.”

“Corporate Membership”

“This membership is designed for organizations to make Club 33 available to a number of their executives, and has a membership fee of $20,000. This entitles the corporate member to designate up to nine associate members. Dues for the charter member are $5,000 per year. Dues for each associate member are $3,750 per year. All memberships are transferable to other executives in the corporation. Members no longer in the employment of the corporate member's company must surrender the membership cards to Club 33. The corporate member may then designate another member of his company.”

“Limited Corporate Membership”

“This membership is designed for organizations wishing to make Club 33 available to one of their executives, and has a membership fee of $10,000. This entitles the corporation to transfer the membership to another employee whenever necessary. For individual members, credit is extended based upon the membership fee initially paid if a transfer of membership is desired. Dues are $3,750 per year.”

For Your Information: “Membership in Club 33 entitles the named and his/her party admission to the Park in order to visit, dine, or attend functions at the Club. Such identification is not valid for discount or complimentary tickets.”

“Cancellation”

Due to the limited seating capacity, it is very important to arrive on time for your reservations. If your Party arrives 30 minutes beyond the scheduled reservation time, your reservation may be subject to cancellation at the sole discretion of Club 33.

“Dress Code”

“For land, Guests may come in fashionable casual attire in order to enjoy the Disneyland Resort in comfort. However, no tank tops, cutoffs, swimsuits, bare midriffs, sweatpants, flip-flops or beachwear may be worn, Walking length shorts are acceptable. Jeans are acceptable, provided that they cover undergarments completely and are not extremely faded or torn. If Guests have been enjoying the day in Disneyland Park, evening ensual attire is acceptable for dinner. For gentlemen collared shirts and slacks are appropriate, and for indies an informal dress or pants with: a blouse are appropriate.”

“Alcohol”

Alcohol service at Club 33 is a privilege. Service of alcohol beverages may be terminate at any time as the sole discretion of Club 33.

During Disneyland Guided Tours (like “Walk in Walt’s Footsteps”), Tour Groups occasionally received a brief 5-minute view of the Club 33 Foyer, present Host or Hostess, and the French Lift.

“Audience Waiting Areas” are especially designed as part of the attraction to make the guest's time waiting in line as comfortable as possible.

By 1973, the CLUB 33 phone number was (333) 533-4533.

Shall we take the stairs or the elevator? Many Club 33 Members and their guests have asked themselves that very question. According to the original Club 33 Souvenir Guide for Members, this Victorian-age French-style cage elevator was “one of perhaps a dozen” that still existed in Southern California at the time of its installation and debut. To be clear, this was somewhat of a recreation, and not an antique. According to Dave Smith (Chief Archivist Emeritus of The Walt Disney Archives), “the open elevator was simply a reconstruction based on early elevators.” [Disney Facts Revealed by Dave Smith, 2016]

“Walt discovered the glass pulley-type elevator we see here on a trip to France. Walt asked the proprietor of the hotel where the elevator was located if he could purchase it. When Walt was unable to purchase the elevator, he sent his Imagineers to France to make drawings of the elevator so that he could create a replica for the club.”

By the Spring of 1967, Marty Sklar circulated a suggested copy of the brochure that would explain Club 33 and its planned services which would extensively cover all areas with color photographs for companies and agencies. This is the best resource for information about the original Club 33.

After this, very few articles which divulged details of Club 33 (and its Staff) were sanctioned for publication. One of my favorite “in-house” articles entitled “The Club” (which you will find below), was published in Disneyland LINE (October 21, 1982 ; Vol. 14, No. 42).

Rarely have samples of the original Club 33 carpet turned up at auction. If you want to see some of the last remaining pieces, you’ll need to head to Club 33 Members Lounge, and sit inside the old Club 33 Parisian Lift (which has been converted into a cozy booth) or make a call in the Phone Booth.

“I am very pleased to give you a sneak peek of one of Disneyland's hidden treasures, Club 33.”

Many chefs of note have served Club 33 guests, including Executive Chef Marcel St. Pierre (c.2007).

Management has changed through the years, like Jeannie Villarreal-Bissell (c.2007).

Once we arrive on the second level, we emerge from the elevator and set foot onto the inlaid mosaic wooden parquet floor of the Gallery. We can either turn right (and head into the Trophy Room), or head left (turning down Lounge Alley, and into the Banquet Room, Main Dining Room, and Disney Room).

Ahead, the beveled-glass inlaid phone booth (ahead) is a (sturdier) adaptation from the one at the bottom of the Biddle family’s staircase in Walt Disney Production “The Happiest Millionaire.” The Park and the Studio occasionally shared props. For instance, when metal benches were needed for the “Are We Dancing?” number in the Walt Disney Production of “The Happiest Millionaire,” models similar to those used around Fantasyland and Frontierland were cast and utilized. However, that is another story for another time.

Stepping from the French Lift, we make our way down the Hallway, toward Lounge Alley, heading for the Dining Room.

All fixtures were placed in their correct motif and many light fixtures of Disneyland were authentic antiques.

“Club 33 Lounge Alley”

Lounge Alley was not a formal dining room, like the Banquet Room or Trophy Room. In the official souvenir prepared for members, it was described as “a broad vestibule serving as cocktail lounge, art gallery and a place where businessmen may discuss the day’s events while watching the passing parade of people.” To elaborate, its relaxed style seating could accommodate about 25-30 guests comfortably. A buffet and bar featured hors d’oeuvres and other small delectable treats - cheeses, shrimp, chocolates, and fruit could be found here on occasion. Then there was a rotating gallery of original private works of art (paintings) which were once available for purchase by Club 33 Members and their guests. The same souvenir continues : “For its premier showing, however, and for periodic display thereafter, the gallery in Lounge Alley will present one of the world’s largest collections of original pen and ink sketches by Heinrich Kley, one of the great cartoonists of modern times. These brilliant, satirical and sometimes bizarre cartoon sketches are from the private collection of the late Walt Disney. Never before have these Kley originals been exhibited.” You may have had the privilege of seeing Kley’s works once displayed all along the walls.

“Club 33 Banquet Room“

At the end of Lounge Alley was the Banquet Room, “a setting of elegance where only 78 patrons will dine at any one time. Its woods are the finest of natural grains. Its imported chairs are made to order. Napoleonic style, by Italian craftsmen. Its candelabras and other dressings are genuine antiques. Its three empire chandeliers are one-of-a-kind, handcrafted by the same artisans who created those that so dominate the interior of the Los Angeles Music Center. Gracing the walls of the Banquet Room is a permanent collection of original art created by artists at WED Enterprises in the design of New Orleans Square and (on a much lighter note) the idea sketches and paintings for the new Disneyland adventure, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’ The tall French doors of the Banquet Room open onto small balconies that afford one of the most exciting views in all Disneyland - the streets of New Orleans Square below, and beyond, the bustling Rivers of America and the ‘Mark Twain’ stern-wheeler.”

Club 33 was occasionally used for meetings. Ben Harris held some meetings involving Disneyland Shows (e.g. with Bill Justice and Nat Lewis, over the Art Direction and Balloons for the forthcoming Christmas and New Year’s events of 1967-1968). In 1977, the Club 33 Banquet Room hosted a “goodbye” for Disneyland Cast Members affiliated with the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Participant Monsanto. This sort of accommodation was typical for members of Disneyland Participants. As for Disneyland Cast Members, the contests frequently offered “dinner for two at Club 33” as the prize. For instance, the Disneyland “I Have An Idea” winners were occasionally treated with a meal (for two) at Club 33. During the summer of 1980, the Cash Control Department’s “Lucky Pennies” contest offered the winner another such prize.

“The Mary Poppins Prop Entryway Table“

“Emile Kuri, the set decorator for Mary Poppins and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, helped create the elegant look of the club.“ This walnut entryway table was originally created as a prop for the set of the Banks home featured in Mary Poppins (1964).

“The German J.C. Neupert Harpsichord”

The German J.C. Neupert Harpsichord was manufactured by the J.C. Newport Factory of Bamberg, Germany in 1967. It was hand-picked by Lillian Disney from the notable Kasimoff Blüthner Piano Company of Los Angeles. It was thereafter decorated with a mural of 19th century New Orleans, painted by Walt Disney Studio artist (and WED Employee) Colin Campbell.

By 1969, this was 1 of 15 old-time band organs and pianos at Disneyland, some of which dated back to 1890. There just weren’t any replacement parts for these rare antiques. So, ARCADE MAINTENANCE performed the necessary versatile, creative, and inventive mechanical repairs. Through the decades, it has been rehabilitated with new strings (by the hands of ones like David Allan) and even restored by the Paint Shop for the 50th Anniversary of Club 33.

“Blue Bayou Strings Orchestra - Joyce Cook”

Music, as a basic ingredient of showman-ship, covers the Park. As the Plaza Inn Accordionist and the Blue Bayou Strings Orchestra, Joyce Cook was often found entertaining guests at the harpsichord. The Blue Bayou Pianist would perform at Blue Bayou/Club 33 during lunch, from 11:45 - 3:00, and continue to perform at Blue Bayou from 3:30 - 6:00.

“Speaking of wine, as many of you probably already know, this is the only place in Disneyland where you can enjoy a glass of wine or any type of alcohol you like.”

“The Club 33 Trophy Room”

The Club 33 Trophy Room was first envisioned as a room where “one-of-a-kind private show… can be tailored to suit any audience” and private lunch or dinner parties could be held. “No British men’s club ever enjoyed a more masculine atmosphere than the Trophy Room. And the stories spun here are likely to be taller by far than those that fill a big game hunter’s den.

The walls of the Trophy Room (the rich wood look and touch of natural finish cypress) are lined with samples of the hunter’s skill. Over a period of years, friends of Walt Disney had given him a prize collection of princely value : African antelope, mountain goat, native spears, masks and plumes. And the room’s most valuable decorative showpiece, a nine-foot long solid ivory mammoth tusk.

Forty-two guests dining at pub-like, natural oak tables will find their attention drawn not only to these treasures, but to several other seemingly passive birds and animals around the room. Above the fireplace, an owl and two magpies. Nearby, a raccoon. Across the room, a leering, hungry vulture.

This is no ordinary menagerie. For when the feathers begin to fly, and the tall tales are spun back and forth across the Trophy Room, the voices may not be those of your luncheon companions alone. To the contrary : these Audio- Animatronic performers are as talented as the marvelous Macaws in the Enchanted Tiki Room, and as talkative as ‘mother’ in the General Electric Carousel of Progress.”

“Walt intended on having a little fun with his guests and the original designs included three Audio-Animatronics figures that would interact with Guests during their meals: a raccoon, an owl, and a vulture. The only one ever built was a vulture looming over the entryway.”

According to Dave Smith (Chief Archivist Emeritus of The Walt Disney Archives), “The vulture and other figures that were in the trophy room were Audio-Animatronic figures, and were meant to converse with guests ; the process was planned but never implemented.” [Disney Facts Revealed by Dave Smith, 2016]

“Walt also had microphones placed in the chandeliers so that if a Guest would say, ‘I sure could use another glass of wine.’ Poof! There his waiter would be, with a new glass of wine.”

Nine tables accommodated up to 40 guests in the Trophy Room. Here, guests dined while surrounded by a collection of unique artifacts. During the end of the original Club 33 era, many of the animal trophies had been replaced by Walt Disney - related artifacts.

During the 35th anniversary of Disneyland, the Club 33 Trophy Room hosted an Original Media Luncheon for the media who were present for Disneyland's Opening Day in 1955.

Disneyland and Club 33 celebrated what would have been Walt Disney’s 100th birthday in numerous ways.

Other events included:

The Disney Seminars “Putting a Smile in Guest Service” Dinner in 1987.

The Club 55 celebration of Disneyland’s 36th anniversary Tuesday, July 16, 1991.

Club 55 celebrated “40 Years of Adventures” at Club 33, on Saturday, July 15, 1995.

Club 55’s celebration dinner in honor of Disneyland’s 41st Birthday celebration, hosted by Paul Pressler and held Wednesday, July 17, 1996.

According to Van Eaton Galleries Curators : “The Dinner Menu lists entree options including the Cub 33 specialty ‘Club 33 Tournedos of Beef’, and further lists which wines best compliment each entree. Remarkably, the entrees range in price between $5.50 - $7.50.”

Over the decades, the menu was ever-changing. There was a plant-based “Vegetable Tasting Menu” offering appetizers, soups and salads, third courses, entrees, and finales.

You too may recall the flavorful Contemporary French Onion Soup, Pan Roast Chicken or the Short Ribs braised in Rhubarb, (my personal favorites) and just right on even the warmest of days.

A Children’s Menu, once offered choices like Fried Chicken Filet, Beef Tenderloin, and Fried Shrimp (alongside servings of French fries and vegetables). Rolls, choices of beverages, and Vanilla Ice Cream were also available upon request.

After enjoying many dishes or purchasing souvenirs of your visit, you may have also wondered about the origin of the Club 33 emblem. “Jack Sayers, who first headed the work on the Club, asked artist Rex Goode to work on the Club 33 logo, which was finalized in January 1967,” according to Dave Smith (Chief Archivist Emeritus of the Walt Disney Archives). [Disney Facts Revealed by Dave Smith, 2016] Dave continues : “It has remained pretty much the same through the years until the club’s 2014 renovation and expansion, for which a new logo was introduced.”

In maintaining the magic after the Park closes, the staff take over with brooms, mops and dustcloths. Special attention was given to marred walls, posts and furniture. Items with marks that didn’t wash off were replaced or repainted. The Floors were waxed and buffed to preserve their beauty and protect them from the thousands of feet that scuffle over them each day.

Wardrobe like this continued through the 2000s.

According to the Club 33 Souvenir Book produced by Walt Disney Productions, c.1967, “High above the streets and courtyards of New Orleans Square, hidden from public view and the bustle of a typical day at Disneyland, is a page out of old New Orleans that even the proud Creole society might have chosen and cherished as its own. Here French doors open onto balconies that overlook Disneyland’s own muddy Mississippi, the Rivers of America.”

There is more. You’ll also note an unparalleled view of the adjacent apartments and balconies over New Orleans Square. From this vantage, note all the little details that the former Walt Disney Imagineering Principal Creative Executive Marty Sklar would have probably agreed make the New Orleans Square story appealing.

From this vantage, we look down on “Meandering streets embroidered with delicate iron-lace balconies, slatted doors and shutters, flower-lined courtyards and broad terraces from New Orleans have been recreated by Walt Disney and his staff at WED.”

Walt once said: “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world. It is something that will never be finished. Something that I can keep developing and adding to.” Since the beginning, such development, growth, and operational priorities have been defined by Four Keys of the DISNEYLAND Show - Courtesy, Safety, Show, and Efficiency. Guided by these Four Keys, are Walt Disney’s Imagineers, have always sought out new magical opportunities to increase the efficiency, safety, and show quality of Disneyland adventures.

Like any other attraction of the Disneyland Show, Club 33 experienced routine rehabilitation (as during January of 1980). But the biggest change came when Club 33 was completely redesigned. That complete renovation was announced to Members during the 2014 Membership year and the 47th year of Club 33. That year, many types of memberships were offered including Platinum, Executive Membership (maintained by one Executive Member), Affiliate Membership (up to one of eight designated by Executive Members), in addition to Gold, Silver, Corporate and Limited Corporate Memberships.

The New Club 33 Main Entrance Door leads to the foyer for check-in, and the Court of Angels. We won’t be using any personal key-cards (as were in use since the beginning), or heading inside the new New Club 33 just yet. Instead, we will step back in time and view the original Club 33, as it looked before the remodel.

“As many of you probably already know, this is the only place in Disneyland where you can enjoy a glass of wine or any type of alcohol you like. In order for Walt to offer alcohol to his Guests, he would have to obtain a liquor license. Walt did not want to have Disneyland’s address on the license, so he created Royal Street and numbered each building randomly. The club's door just happened to be labeled ‘33’ and that is how the club got its name.”

At Disneyland, signs were themed to support the stories with respectful graphics, colors, fonts, terminology, the overall design of sign, materials (wood, metal, banners, etc.), and verbiage used on the signage.

The New Orleans Square Courtyard still looks very much like the suggestions made by Herb Ryman, c.1964.

During twilight and evening hours, note the two separate types of lighting in the preceding and following Vintage Views: Character lighting, and Functional Lighting. Character lighting was themed to the restaurant and courtyard to enhance the overall appearance and complement the interior. These add to the show, but didn’t necessarily create enough illumination for operation. Functional lighting on the other hand, offers substantial light without being obvious, or distracting from the show.

At the top of the winding flight of stairs, Club 33 Members and their guests are met with this beautiful blue and gold hand-crafted tile mosaic of the Club 33 logo!

Character lighting is themed to the area to enhance the overall appearance and complement the interior, such as a chandelier or kerosene lamp. These add to the show, but don't necessarily create enough illumination for operation.

While the color palette of the New Club 33 is drastically different than that of the original Club 33, there are many faithful details sprinkled around (like the mounted butterfly case), which Walt and Lilly would have just loved! You may recall similar displays in the original Club 33 Trophy Room.

The botanical gardens of Disneyland attract many types of fowl, insects, and wildlife. During a previous springtime visit to Club 33, this dainty little Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) landed next to me while I was enjoying the view from the balcony. Its a fact that the caterpillars prefer to feed on elm leaves, and Disneyland has quite a few on its current acreage.

A taste of Club 33:

"Spirit of Disneyland"

"Spirit of Disneyland" or, “Rum, Rye, Brandy & Why?”

© DISNEY

The menu is divided into chapters - 1. “From The Bar: Crescent City History” (Salon Nouveau Originals, Classics, Lost Classics), 2. Temperance (Non-Alcoholic Specialties, Juices, Ciders, Sodas & Tea), The Roasted Bean,

Chapter III: BEER.

.... 11,12,13

Chapter IV : WINE BY THE GLASS...

.... .... 14

Chapter V: SPIRIT LIBRARY

PRESTIGE SPIRITS (e.g. Louis XIII, Rare Cask, 42.6, Cognac at $1500 per 1oz. serving; 100 years in the making, is composed of over 1200 different Eau-de -vie, expertly blended and aged.)

LIMITED EDITION BOURBON & WHISKEY......... 17

VODKA.

GIN AGAVE.

RUM.

BOURBON & WHISKEY

JAPANESE WHISKEY RIE.

SCOTCH.

BRANDY

WINE BASED

ABSINTHE

LIQUEUR & CORDIAL

“Years ago, I found myself sitting at a revolving bar in the heart of the French Quarter and I knew I had found my home. As I sipped that Vieux Carré, I began to wonder what it was about New Orleans that had drawn me here. It was the culture and the melting of many. It was the cuisine in all its fusion and flavor. It was the music and the passion of its people. And it was definitelv the cocktails! No other city can claim such an influence on the way we have imbibed over the last hundred or so years like New Orleans. It has given us the Sazerac, the Ramos Gin Fizz, the Hurricane, and that incredible Vieux Carré! And it has given me a life full of joy and memories to share. I hope you enjoy this journey of mine as you begin your own through the spirituous history of the Crescent City.”

- D. REDMOND, NEW ORLEANS, 1967.

General Managers:

Jeff Plumb

Jeannie Villarreal-Bissel (c. 2007)

Jeff Casulas (2012)

Executive Chefs:

Marcel St. Pierre (c. 2007-2012)

Marc Davis fans may recognize a print of “Meditation.” Marc Davis’ original work was produced in conte crayon on paper, measuring 22” × 16½,” while at Choinard Institute in 1941. Very little has been recorded about the origins or inspirations of this piece, however, according to Marc’s own words, “This was another professional model. Sometimes we hired models on weekends. We were serious about our art.”

There have been many forms of merchandise bearing the Club 33 name and logo - polo shirts, golf balls and teas, watches, key rings, pens. Most of these have been made available for purchase by Members, Cardholders, and guests, while select merchandise is available to Members only. Renewal Gifts (for a time, accompanied by formal documentation) became a tradition, as post-renewal period expressions of gratitude for Member patronage.

Exclusive branded Club 33 merchandise.

In 2011, Disneyland celebrated the 45th anniversary of Walt Disney’s V.I.P. room and supper club - Club 33! You may recollect that replicas of its original New Orleans Square address plaque were made available to Club 33 Members as a 2011 Membership Renewal Gift.

Club 33 Member renewal gifts in honor of Member patronage are usually distributed after the annual renewal period. Other surprises were also made available to Club 33 Members throughout the year.

A tradition of Members Only ornaments inspired by Club 33 has continued with gold plated versions of the Wall Clock (2005), gold plated versions of the Club 33 Door (2013), the Club 33 Dining Room and Balcony (2017), an illuminating Court of Angels (2021).

A miniature of John Horny’s timeless painting of the Royal Street Bachelors was offered in honor of 50 years. This frame was popular and reused to frame the Carthay Circle 1901 image of Walt and Lillian (released 2018).

“Unfortunately, Walt would never see the completion of New Orleans Square. Walt passed away December 15, 1966. Walt never used the club, but Walt's intention that the club become a special place at Disneyland has never been forgotten.”

The illustration was created by Disney master illustrator Charles Boyer.

Club 33 has also occasionally celebrated Disneyland through various thematic elements, hors d’oeuvres, wine selections, five-course meals, and exclusive (and even limited) merchandise. These were magical opportunities to create tangible memories for Guests through merchandise and show.

1996- Club 33 Valentine’s Day (Wednesday, February 14, 1996) encouraged a glass of Paul Cheneau Sparkling Wine.

2000- Club 33 & Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen celebrated Candlelight 2000 (Saturday, December 9, 2000) with a four-course meal and dessert paired with a selection of wines.

2001- The 2001 Official Disneyana Convention presented "A Taste of Club 33", "an unforgettable breakfast inside Walt's exclusive club".

2006- Frank Family Vineyards (Thursday, October 26, 2006) - with Special Guest Speaker Owner Rich Frank.

2008- The “Innoventions Dream Home Event” was held May 28, 2008. These themed events were overseen by General Manager Jeannie Villarreal-Bissel with menus arranged by chefs like Marcel St. Pierre.

2011- Frank Family Vineyards - (Wednesday, January 26, 2011) with Special Guest Owner Rich Frank.

If you would like to read more about Club 33, it’s my pleasure to recommend adding Marcy Smothers’ “Eat Like Walt - The Wonderful World of Disney Food” to your personal Disney Home Library! Therein, Marcy has extensively researched and finely crafted a small section of a chapter dedicated to “Walt’s Last Land - New Orleans Square.” If you would like to bring the magic of Disneyland restaurants and concessions to your dining room table, “please step this way” toward www.eatlikewalt.com where Marcy has shared a few recipes for memorable Disneyland menu options, so you too can “Eat Like Walt.”