The Wild Story Behind A Couple That Has Spent $400,000 Trying To Get Back Into Disneyland’s Club 33

The Wild Story Behind A Couple That Has Spent $400,000 Trying To Get Back Into Disneyland's Club 33

As a devoted Disneyland enthusiast with years of magical memories under my belt, I must admit that Club 33 has always been a tantalizing enigma to me – the epitome of exclusivity within the Happiest Place on Earth. While I may never be able to afford its hefty price tag or membership waitlist, I can’t help but remain captivated by this private dining room’s allure.


Being fortunate enough to often find myself at Disneyland, there’s hardly an experience I haven’t had, yet one coveted dream remains unfulfilled – entering Club 33. Despite the fact that membership is beyond my financial reach, I continue to harbor dreams of savoring a meal within its walls someday.

As a passionate Disneyland enthusiast with a budget, I often find myself saving up to afford the escalating costs of Magic Key annual passes. Regrettably, Club 33 remains an exclusive club for those financially capable. Fortunately, for those who can comfortably shoulder it, they can also cover hefty legal fees should expulsion ever occur.

Club 33 Is One Of Disneyland’s Most Exclusive Perks

Although Club 33 is quite private, it has gained a considerable amount of recognition, with a movie about it currently being developed by Disney.

To join Club 33, you’ll find it quite costly. Reports suggest an expensive initial fee, typically around $30,000, followed by annual dues of approximately $15,000. Moreover, the number of members is limited, and many people have to wait several years before they can gain entry due to the long waiting list.

The exclusive private dining area is exclusively for members and their companions, but on rare occasions, Disney extends privileges to non-members, such as VIPs. For instance, Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen has been spotted at Club 33 before. More recently, Jodie Sweetin from “Full House” visited Disneyland and the club due to her guest access, graciously provided by her famous uncle John Stamos who is a well-known Disney enthusiast.

Similar to numerous elite establishments, Club 33 imposes some rather stringent regulations. Actress Rebel Wilson faced a brief ban from Disneyland due to a minor infraction of one such rule. On the other hand, a couple has been embroiled in a protracted legal battle that has drained them of $400,000, following their expulsion from the club.

A Couple Sued Disneyland After Being Banned From Club 33

More recently, The Los Angeles Times highlighted Scott and Diana Anderson, who had long awaited their turn. After over a decade on the waiting list, in 2012 they were fortunate enough to become members of Club 33 – an elite dining area within Disneyland.

As a passionate Disney enthusiast, I held my cherished membership up until 2017, when an unfortunate incident occurred involving Scott Anderson, a family member, near the entrance gate of Disney California Adventure. Reportedly, he exhibited signs of intoxication, which led to park security taking notice. Consequently, this incident resulted in Disneyland rescinding our club membership.

The Andersons have initiated a legal action, seeking to have a court restore their Club 33 membership. Their request includes a refund of $10,500 for the four months of membership in 2017 that were not utilized, along with an additional sum of $231,000.

 The Jury Didn’t Believe The Couple’s Argument 

Despite Club 33’s regulations explicitly prohibiting public drunkenness, Scott Anderson’s attorney contended that Anderson was not intoxicated at the time of his encounter with park security. According to The Times, a healthcare professional who testified on Anderson’s behalf stated that he had a medical condition causing vestibular migraines, and the symptoms of this condition could be mistaken for being intoxicated.

As a gamer, I can tell you that when Disney faced off against the claims made by Anderson, they brought their very own medical professional and security personnel to the table. In the end, the decision fell in favor of Disneyland in the court’s verdict.

As Scott Anderson, I’ve poured my hard-earned savings of $400,000 into this battle with Disneyland, a battle that has forced me to put my well-deserved retirement on hold. But let me be clear, the jury’s decision won’t mark the end of our fight. We’re not backing down; we’ll continue to stand up for what we believe in, no matter the cost.

All this certainly shows just what Disneyland, and that exclusive Club 33 membership, mean to some people. Being a Club 33 member certainly proves one’s love for all things Disney. Losing it has to be tough.

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2024-09-11 02:37