As I delve into this intriguing tale, it seems to me that Diana and Scott are two individuals who have faced their fair share of trials and tribulations. They appear to be strong-willed and resilient, standing up for what they believe is right, even when it comes to a matter as seemingly trivial as a club membership.
Scott and Diana Anderson are eagerly hoping for the opportunity to rejoin Club 33, but it appears that Club 33 is reluctant to welcome them back as members.
From 1967 onwards, Club 33 has catered to Disneyland’s most exclusive VIPs, offering a secret hideaway above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, enhancing the joy of the happiest place on Earth even further. For many years, it was the sole spot within Disneyland where one could find a strong drink. In 2012, an extension, the 1901 Lounge, was opened exclusively for Platinum members, within California Adventure.
The Andersons, aged 60, have been a couple for 44 years. They patiently waited 12 of those years to receive an invitation to Club 33, spending $50,000 just on their initial annual fees. Despite the high cost, they’ve made good use of it, visiting the club over 80 days each year.
After five years as members, the magic began to dwindle: It’s been said that new managers had come into play, their cherished chef was no longer there, and they were constantly being reprimanded for member rule breaches. The most severe incident occurred on September 3, 2017, when Scott was found unconscious on a bench in California Adventure, near the 1901 Lounge, by park security.
A park security officer noted an alcoholic scent coming from Scott, who claimed it was due to a migraine caused by red wine. However, the Andersons were banned permanently from Club 33 following this incident, marking the start of their lengthy $400,000 legal battle aiming for reinstatement and seeking $231,000 in compensation. Unfortunately, the Andersons ended up losing their case after a jury of 12 made a decision in favor of Disney within 45 minutes.
After that, the Andersons no longer possess any more Donald Duck memberships to offer. This seemed to be true when they spoke with The Hollywood Reporter for a discussion about the mysteries of Club 33. “The most problematic aspect of Club 33 is that, approximately, 80% of its members are selling access,” Diana stated, addressing an issue that goes against the club’s rules. “And they’re selling all the merchandise online. They’re creating small businesses out of this place.” Scott added, “Much of it is to cover their membership fees. The current fee is $32,000, which is just astonishing.
Hi, Scott and Diana. What do you do in Arizona?
Scott Anderson I’m the owner of a golf course located in Gilbert, Arizona, and it’s a convenient 500-yard stroll for me to get there. I commute using a golf cart for work purposes. I dedicate my entire day, every single day, to managing this golf course.
Where did the obsession with Disneyland come about?
DIANA I’ve always had a strong association with Disney music, as it was the one constant in my life growing up due to frequent moves. Since my father served in the military, we moved quite often, and every move meant a fresh start, which also meant purging belongings. The only items that I got to keep moving with me were my record player and records. In fact, gas stations used to give away Disney records along with a full tank of gas back then. Thus, my collection of records was entirely Disney-themed.
At age sixteen, all high schools in Arizona visited Disneyland for graduation. It was during this trip that I noticed a light above a fire station’s window, which was later identified as Walt’s Eternal Light. I remember thinking, “What’s the significance of that?” It turned out that the light had been in Walt Disney’s private apartment. Shortly after, I discovered Club 33 nearby and thought, “I really want to join this club.” We had heard it would cost around $6,000 back then, but the actual invitation was four times as expensive as we anticipated.
SCOTT There was a $25,000 [level of membership] and $40,000 [level of membership].
Did it really take you 12 years to gain entry to Club 33?
DIANA Yes, but we started saving up before then. We were thinking it would be about $12,000.
So what was the actual amount?
SCOTT The initial cost was $50,000, with an additional $10,000 for the first year’s fees. This total covered access for both his mother and our child as well.
What are the actual tiers of membership?
SCOTT Initially, there were Silver and Gold. Later, Platinum and Executive were introduced. The Silvers were pressured to reach the Gold level, while Golds could choose to ascend to Platinum by meeting the Platinum requirements.
And what does that get you?
SCOTT Well, you get five VIP tours per person. The tour is basically a “skip the line” pass.
And how many people can go on that tour?
SCOTT Ten people. Our park fees were waived, plus we got 100 park tickets [for guests].
But your park fees are always covered?
SCOTT Right. Club 33 is really a glorified annual pass.
As a Club 33 member, you’re exempt from paying for the Lightning Lane, Genie pass, and all those extra fees. In simpler terms, these additional costs are waived for you.
What do you get in the actual Club 33?
DIANA Liquor and food. When we first joined they had the Dining Room and the Trophy Room.
SCOTT Upon introducing various membership categories, they also established a second venue named the 1901 Lounge, located on the California Adventure side, adjacent to the Cars restaurant. This cozy spot can accommodate approximately 45 guests. On sweltering days, it’s delightful to seek refuge inside. The menu offers light fare and an assortment of cocktails, wine, and beer. The manager often circulates among the tables, ensuring a personal touch.
AS A FAN: Granted, we didn’t have all the perks, but one privilege that stood out was the chance to ride the Lilly Belle, Walt’s very own train car on the Disneyland Railroad. Later on, they even started selling rides on this special vehicle for $85 a pop! What an experience!
Isn’t the food in Club 33 supposed to be really good?
DIANA It was when Marcel was there.
SCOTT Initially, our team’s first chef, Marcel [St. Pierre], used to prepare an incredible variety of dishes. For instance, if we were hosting a gathering of eight people, he would prepare a whole rack of prime rib and personally carve it up for us.
DIANA Waffles at four o’clock in the afternoon — no problem.
SCOTT It was truly a fantastic encounter, but they felt the need to renovate the restaurant and enlarge the kitchen. Consequently, they eliminated the Trophy Room and constructed a new bar-lounge named Salon Nouveau instead.
Do they have a no-photos policy in there?
DIANA They have a no-photo policy in the bathrooms, but that’s just California law.
SCOTT You can take photos in the lounge and the Grand Salon, but you can’t do any videoing.
DianaIt’s generally impolite and disrespectful to take photos of individuals who don’t belong to your group, as this behavior is often directed towards celebrities. Unfortunately, such actions occur frequently.
And there’s no blackout days or anything?
DIANA Right, but with a twist. If it’s not closed due to Tom Hanks’ upcoming Thanksgiving visit – in which case you need to leave by 3:30 – then everything is fine as usual.
And did that happen?
As a Gamer: Dude, I was really looking forward to having a great Thanksgiving dinner with my buddies from San Jose. We booked early to secure a good table. But man, the club let us down big time! They said the earliest reservation they could offer was 1:30 PM. Just as we were leaving, who should walk in but Tom Hanks and his family! So guess who got the private dining experience? [Tom Hanks didn’t respond to my request for a comment, either.]
DIANA [Member] Rebel Wilson faced a 30-day suspension after snapping a photo in the restroom. Approximately six months later, she recorded herself dancing with Minnie Mouse in the Grand Salon. Subsequently, she appeared on television, specifically on the Daily Show, to announce her suspension.
ALTERNATIVE FOR SCOTT In reality, it was Katy Perry who was involved in a larger controversy by offering exclusive access to her lounge for charity donations amounting to approximately $160,000.
Diana It’s forbidden to donate your admission passes to charitable organizations. [Perry declined to comment on the matter.]
How are people profiting off their memberships?
ALICE They are offering the chance to purchase admission tickets for their 100-acre park. They are essentially providing access, and each ticket costs approximately $125 for a meal in their exclusive club.
SCOTT Additionally, there’s Club 33 merchandise that is exclusive to members. Some enthusiasts who aren’t members acquire these items and resell them. These members often exit with multiple bags filled with the latest releases of merchandise.
DIANA One of them runs an online store, where they also organize exclusive events. These events are often sold to the public. We purchased gardening vests and clipping shears from Club 33, which had their emblem on the leather pouch. These items were rare and sold for a high price of $1,000 each online due to their scarcity.
SCOTT We had our meal within the Haunted Mansion, and there were about 25 guests seated at the dinner table. It seemed like it cost around $2,500 just for the two of us to be a part of that experience.
Does it give you access to secret stuff like Walt’s apartment?
SCOTTWe had a chance to view it before they removed all the original pieces and put in reproductions instead.
DIANA In the past, as members, we had all the leisurely time imaginable within those premises. Now, it requires payment and everything is roped off for safety. Previously, we could freely explore inside and even use the bathroom in Walt’s apartment since we spent so much time there. They would casually tell us, “Go ahead, use the bathroom. It’s no problem.
“Walt pooped here.”
I, as an ardent fan, can’t help but feel the strong sense of devotion that resembles a cult-like atmosphere. Whenever they unveil a new attraction and it doesn’t meet expectations, the fans seem to ask themselves, “What would Walt do?
DIANA It is a cult and Walt’s the messiah.
Is it true the “33” in Club 33 is a Freemasons reference?
SCOTT Walt was a Freemason and that is the highest level: Level 33.
DANIELAll of that’s just conjecture, as there’s no written proof supporting that theory about 33 originating from that location. They claim it’s because it was the street address associated with the initial door. However, the door has been moved since then, making that explanation quite nonsensical.
How long were you members before you were terminated?
SCOTT For the past five years, I had four great years, and then things took a turn for the worse when a new manager arrived. Following my incident, they waited the full 30 days before terminating me. I provided them with my medical records, and emailed multiple times without receiving a response. It was completely unexpected when we received a letter in the mail saying “Terminated.” We were not aware that our employment would be terminated.
DIANA First [the manager] said, “If you don’t write an apology letter, I’ll terminate you.”
SCOTT It was like, “But if you write an apology letter, all will be forgiven.”
And you wrote one?
SCOTT I did, yeah!
What did the check that night say in terms of how much you drank?
SCOTT We gathered for a Fantasy Football pick, which brought around fifteen to twenty people to our tab. There were two bottles of wine and beers available. I consumed two beers and had a glass of wine between noon and 3:30 pm. By 9:30 pm, I was discovered slumped on a park bench. I’d been sitting on the bench, and when security asked me to stand up, I found it difficult. After standing, I quickly sat back down on the bench again due to severe vertigo associated with vestibular migraines. All I had in my pocket at that time was my Club 33 membership card. They contacted the club based on this, and I was reported as a result.
Where was Diana during all this?
DIANA I finished closing our checkback in 1901, but security never reached out to me. My name is listed as an Emergency Contact on his phone, yet they dialed the last number that contacted Scott. Fortunately, it was one of our closest friends who picked up. What if it had been a business associate instead?
According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, it was mentioned that “the Andersons had encountered trouble the previous year. Specifically, Diana was temporarily reprimanded due to her use of inappropriate language, which included a few instances of the words ‘F’ and ‘foul.’
ALICE My buddy accidentally spilled her drink with her arm, then asked for another mimosa, to which the waiter replied with an offer of water or tea. After a while, I thought, “Hold on, did he refuse us more drinks?” So I went to speak with the manager, who avoided eye contact. Eventually, I leaned in and asked him, “What’s going on here?” To which he responded, “You’re done.
You hadn’t been drinking?
DIANA I had two glasses of a mix of wine and water. Everyone there is aware that I typically dilute my wine with water. To be clear, I’m not actually consuming two full glasses of wine. Trust me, when we have conversations like this, it feels a bit peculiar to us. In fact, my friends often joke about how we seem crazy sometimes when we discuss things like this. We acknowledge it ourselves, saying “we all sound insane.
You spent a great deal of money to be a member there and I assume you get no refund. So is it about that? Or do you really miss being part of the club? Why undertake this very expensive legal route?
SCOTT There were two reasons for this. Firstly, my character was questioned due to being labeled as “the drunk in the park.” It’s not just about me, it’s also about our friendships that we’ve built there. We all looked forward to going to Club 33 together. But now, since I’m in this situation, they might think we should skip it for a while. They would feel as guilty if the roles were reversed.
So you’re not banned from the parks?
SCOTT No, we’re not banned from the parks.
Have you been back to the parks?
SCOTT We have, twice is all I can recall.
DIANA We’ve been there three times, and we bought the Lightning Pass. However, they didn’t explain how to use it. So, we only managed one ride before everything was fully booked for the day. I couldn’t believe it when I said, “Seriously?” Unfortunately, while we were waiting in line, Disneyland also sold out, which meant we couldn’t visit both parks. It wasn’t enjoyable at all.
Your Club 33 troubles began in 2017. Why did it take seven years to go to trial?
SCOTT [Disney] got a summary judgment saying, basically, “We’re throwing this out.” So we went to appeals court. Appellate court said you can’t do that. So it got handed back down to lower court, then COVID happened and then the courts got shut down.
DIANA We actually [subpoenaed] Rebel Wilson.
But she didn’t take the stand?
SCOTT No. She probably should have.
The interview was edited for length and clarity.
Read More
- Pop-Tarts and Krispy Kreme Kick Off 2025 With Collaborative Menu
- The First Trailer for The Weeknd’s ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ Film Is Here
- Rick Owens Gives RIMOWA’s Cabin Roller a Bronze Patina
- JJJJound’s Made in Germany adidas Superstars Drop This Week
- Nadaaniyan song Galatfehmi OUT: Ibrahim Ali Khan, Khushi Kapoor’s heartbreaking separation in love will leave you emotional
- JPMorgan Sees Lower Demand for ETH ETFs Compared to BTC
- Alec Baldwin’s TLC Reality Show Got A Release Date And There’s At Least One Reason I’ll Definitely Be Checking This One Out
- Cookie Run Kingdom Town Square Vault password
- Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars Movie Here’s Everything We Know
- Mugler Creative Director Casey Cadwallader Reportedly Stepping Down
2024-09-12 18:26