Disneyland Obsession

Archivio di aprile 2009

If you haven’t heard of Club 33 at the Disneyland Resort, You’ve missed one of the most amazing stories of Disneyland and Walt Disney. It’s said that Walt had a desire to have a special place to dine while visiting the park, and set about creating Club 33. A quiet place away from the busy activity of the park, yet still in the park.

The plan was to allow him to take dignitaries and special guest for an elegant meal in a restaurant overlooking the New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America. But sadly he died before it was completed.

This is an original painting in honor of Walt showing him dining in the exclusive Club 33. Access to Club 33 is by membership only, or as a guest of a member.

Membership can be several thousand dollars in initiation fees, along with annual dues. Recent reports are $9500 in initiation fees and almost $4000 annual dues. And there is a waiting list to join. But members receive admission to the parks 365 days a year with their membership for the member and a guest, and don’t have to dine at the Club. Thats like having 2 Premium Annual Passes, a $778 savings, just $12722 to go for the first year membership.

It seems to me that for the true Disneyland Fan this would be the ultimate way to gain access to the most wonderful place on earth. To be able to dine at Club 33 when visiting Disneyland, being among furnishings and art selected by Walt himself, would truly be a great honor. One that I hope to some day achieve.

One way to get a quick peek at the Lobby of the exclusive members only Club 33, would be to take the ”Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” Tour

Tour Length: Approximately 3.5 hours

Price Info: $59 for all ages

Discounts: Deluxe Annual Passholders, Premium Annual Passholders or Disney Visa cardholders receive a 20% discount.

These videos come from one of my favorite podcast The Big D Podcast, I am a subscriber to his podcast and enjoy very much the videos he puts out for all of us to watch.

Check out his website at http://www.thebigdpodcast.com

I should also note that the Club 33 is near what was to become a private apartment in the park. A place to entertain Vips and guest of Walt’s.

That same apartment was later converted to the Dream Suite, that was made available to park guest during the “Year Of A Million Dreams”. Random Disneyland guest were selected by the Disney Dream Team and awarded the very exclusive gift of a one night stay in the suite that is located near Club 33.

The Dream Suite has what must be the best view of the Rivers Of America that allowed overnight guest a incredible view of Fantasmic. If you have been one of the lucky ones chosen during the Year of a Million Dreams to stay in the Dream Suite I would love to see some photos and hear your story, and I would gladly share it with our readers.

Disneyland is giving new life to an old favorite -Fantasmic.

From June 12 to August 23, 2009, the Disneyland Resort will transform into an illuminated dream land where some of your favorite attractions and entertainment become even more electrifying.

Fantasmic! – The wondrous effects of this fascinating spectacular are enhanced with a 40-foot Audio-Animatronics® fire-breathing dragon, high-definition animation and new water characters you’ll recognize!
Disney’s Electrical Parade – Tinker Bell joins the classic parade and lights the way with her pixie dust as floats twinkle like never before and two beloved scenes make a triumphant return. Also, a remastered soundtrack fills the night air!
Magical – This all-new fireworks spectacular makes its dazzling debut with bursts of vivid color and visual effects fill the sky to celebrate magical Disney stories and Characters. Pyrotechnics whirl and soar to a melodious new soundtrack.

I absolutely love Fantasmic! it has to be one of the best show Disney has ever put on at Disneyland. When we are visiting the Park will will sometime take in the show twice, and enjoy it every time. On a couple of occasions with the kids in tow the second show becomes the end of a long day. Heres my 11 year old grandson Eddie, it had been his first day ever at Disneyland, and it was a long day.

Starting with an early trip to the airport, the flight, the shuttle ride to the Paradise Pier Hotel, and a very long day trekking around the Park. He just climbed inside his sweatshirt and went to sleep at the second showing of Fantasmic. But he was ready to go again the next morning.

My wife and daughter waiting for the show, it was a cold night, and they huddled up to stay warm.

We had already watched the early show, and didn’t want to miss the second show. After all it’s Fantasmic!

Pixie Hollow – Follow the twinkling trail to Pixie Hollow for a special light show that uncovers the Disney Fairies’ hidden talents!

A fun place for the little ones-in all of us.

TLT Dance Club – Tomorrowland Terrace emits a neon glow from sundown to Park closing as local radio DJs and live bands provide the tunes. Get grooving at one of the summer’s hottest dance party!

So as you can see there’s lots happening at Disneyland, not to mention that construction goes on for all of the planned changes at Disney’s California Adventure Park.