While at Disneyland, pass Indiana Jones, go a bit farther than Pirates of the Caribbean, walk through a little alley way in the middle of New Orleans square, and there it is. A green door labeled with a 33. So, what’s the big deal?

It is indeed the legendary and exclusive Club 33. While Walt Disney was working at the World Fair in 1964, he was constantly being invited to VIP lounges for the elite, and soon he recognized a need for one in Disneyland.

Today, you can only get into this exclusive club through obtaining a membership or knowing someone who is willing to let you use their membership for the day. Club 33 is a renowned restaurant serving exquisite meals at top notch quality.

Blessed with super fun and engaging grandparents, I have been able to experience the wonders of Club 33 for the past 10 years.

With high hopes of obtaining that rare membership, my grandpa, Denis O’Brien, applied for Club 33 membership at the age of 35.

It was 1979 and, at the time, Club 33 would either quickly accept or deny your request for membership.

So, in a fast matter of time, Disneyland let him know that his membership was approved and he would be gladly welcomed into the Club 33 family.

Becoming a member nowadays is nearly close to impossible. Guest Services Manager Garrett Colescott was not even legally allowed to reveal how to obtain a membership. But, rumor has it that it takes up to 40 years to become a member, due to the extensive waiting list.

Though one may be waiting decades to obtain membership or even experience dining there for a meal, trust me, it is well worth the wait.

Gallery • 12 Photos

Carlie McCabe

The famous entrance into Club 33.

Walking in, you are directed to a comfortable, beautiful waiting with a few simple tables and the offer of a cold washcloth to pat yourself down with.

To me, that was basically one of the coolest things ever. Every time I go, I think to myself, “What other restaurant would give you washcloths to cool down with?!” But, I get too excited over little things like that.

Just ahead is an elaborate, turquoise staircase that leads up to the dining hall.

The dining hall is painted a light crème color and is filled with about 10 tables. Each table is perfectly presented and quite surpasses the normal presentation of a table setting. Colors of blue and crème are dispersed throughout the décor.

The perfect detailing of the décor is one of the many reasons I love Club 33. It allows me to feel as if I’m at a totally different place other than at Disneyland.

It is amazing to enjoy your favorite rides and establish life long memories, yet take a two hour break to dine at one of Orange County’s most exclusive restaurants, all at the same time.

When dining at Club 33, it’s the customer’s choice whether to order a three or four course meal. There are fancy options in each tier, providing a very nice atmosphere for guests to enjoy.

Colescott says that he has many favorites on the menu. But, some of the popular items include the fresh tomato bisque as an appetizer, the filet mignon as the main course and the fresh beignets for dessert.

“My favorite thing about Club 33 is the food,” said senior Taylor Nen. “Every time I go to Disneyland, I look forward to going somewhere nice and eating such amazing food.”

Because I was extremely curious as to how one would become employed at such a reputable restaurant, Colescott explains that “in actuality it is quite simple to obtain a job here. It is just like any other position here at Disneyland, such as your typical interview process and tedious training.”

“I am definitely a Disney nerd,” he said. “I love working at Club 33, I get to experience all the history of Walt and his imagination, but also take in the day to day activities present at Disneyland.”

In extreme awe with the utter fabulousness of Club 33, I have always wondered if Club 33 has changed over the years. And indeed it has!

“Club 33 is a place of renovation,” Colescott said.  Like Disneyland itself, Club 33 can be seen through Walt Disney’s insight: “It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world,” Colescott said.

Though the building remains the same as when Walt Disney dreamed it to be, the interior of Club 33 is constantly going through changes in order to make it as amazing as possible. It just underwent a six-month renovation from January to July this year.

If given the opportunity, take the chance to experience a different side of Disneyland. It is a place where dreams really do come true.