News Club 33 coming to Walt Disney World this Fall

[MickeyMinnieMom]

In most cases... and in nearly ALL cases in forums like this...

 

[xdan0920]

In most cases... and in nearly ALL cases in forums like this...

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I think you are trying to say I don't know if you are a member or not? Or maybe anyone that talks about WDW33 doesn't know anything about it? Either way....

Is that your guess for total members right now or max total?

That's what I was thinking -- that, and I'd hate to be walking around Adventureland and to see this fancy-shmancy looking thing that sticks out like a sore thumb. I love WDW in large part because of the theming.

Just saw this linked on Twitter... no idea how long it's been up, but it's the first reference I've seen on Disney's own site...
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Saw this on twitter the other day...

Envy does strange things to people on the internet!

I’m sure members are DEVASTATED to read this stuff. Really puts a damper on their enjoyment of that long list of benefits. I know I’d have a tough time enjoying a drink on the balcony of the MK club, thinking about these memes...

Like with most things online — best to ignore.

I’m sure the club recruiters will be devastated to hear that some of you aren’t interested in membership. I’m sure they’re having a REALLY hard time filling the rolls.

I went through all your posts in this thread(there's a lot), if you are a member, then these are real weird. Being purposefully obtuse about it doesn't really make any sense.

But I'll gladly admit to being wrong if you are, in fact, a member. If so I am curious how you feel about it?

 

[Benjamin_Nicholas]

I'm impressed it's taken 63 pages into this thread to get to this point.

33 Member or not, let's keep decent discussion going. This is not an 'us vs them' conversation.

 

[CPS17]

No, she isn't.

FWIW, I don't see the appeal of a WDW33. I see the appeal of some of the perks as the two members here have spoken about. I don't see the appeal of bundling them into one large purchase though. Which is what it appears to be. The DDP of VIP perks.

The appeal of an exclusive Country Club, ala Ridgewood or Hamilton Farms or some such, is the access to the course, the networking, the prestige. Even DL33 has this, access to Club 33, networking, prestige. WDW33 has none of those things, so it loses it's appeal in a hurry.

Now, having said all that, I have no problem with it existing or with folks who are serious WDW lovers being members. You go to the parks multiple times a year and still love the product that TDO is putting out, then good on you. It's in small enough numbers, and the locations of the clubs are small enough that they don't take away from the regular guests, that it's all good.

I do find the conversation about the club to be interesting, and I am happy to have actual members here relaying their experiences.

WDW33 isn't meant to duplicate DL33 - that's where many are missing the point. You're a golfer, so I'll give you a few metaphors - DL33 is Merion. Formal, venerable and teeming with history. Can't buy that, can't recreate that and would be foolish to try. WDW33 is Sand Hills. Casual, new but done perfectly knowing its membership is *different* than the old city club. Non locals who are willing to visit a handful of times a year to have some disconnected fun - I've never once *networked* inside a lounge, nor have I seen others do so. We're on vacation, not coming from the office to host clients as you may at DL33. The prestige thing is fleeting too - my home golf club hosts major tournaments and the buzz I get from that isn't worth a cup of coffee. You're not joining 33 because someone may genuflect at your logo hat walking through MCO.

That being said, one last golf metaphor to describe the experience of WDW33 - imagine if Pebble Beach had a small private membership, but still operated as a public resort course as it does today. It's a 6 hour round and people do it because it's awesome (same as why people wait in hour+ lines at WDW, it's a chore but worth it) - now pretend you're a *member* of Pebble Beach and every time you got to your ball, people just got out of the way in front of you and you play the course in 3.5 hrs alongside everyone else playing in the normal 6 hours. That's the appeal of WDW33. It's a different model, adjusted to better fit the makeup and preferences of a different membership and to that point, I would not have joined had it been identical to DL.

 

[Benjamin_Nicholas]

WDW33 isn't meant to duplicate DL33 - that's where many are missing the point. You're a golfer, so I'll give you a few metaphors - DL33 is Merion. Formal, venerable and teeming with history. Can't buy that, can't recreate that and would be foolish to try. WDW33 is Sand Hills. Casual, new but done perfectly knowing its membership is *different* than the old city club. Non locals who are willing to visit a handful of times a year to have some disconnected fun - I've never once *networked* inside a lounge, nor have I seen others do so. We're on vacation, not coming from the office to host clients as you may at DL33. The prestige thing is fleeting too - my home golf club hosts major tournaments and the buzz I get from that isn't worth a cup of coffee. You're not joining 33 because someone may genuflect at your logo hat walking through MCO.

That being said, one last golf metaphor to describe the experience of WDW33 - imagine if Pebble Beach had a small private membership, but still operated as a public resort course as it does today. It's a 6 hour round and people do it because it's awesome (same as why people wait in hour+ lines at WDW, it's a chore but worth it) - now pretend you're a *member* of Pebble Beach and every time you got to your ball, people just got out of the way in front of you and you play the course in 3.5 hrs alongside everyone else playing in the normal 6 hours. That's the appeal of WDW33. It's a different model, adjusted to better fit the makeup and preferences of a different membership and to that point, I would not have joined had it been identical to DL.

This is a brilliant post that describes WDW33 better than I ever could have.

I will agree... 33, on either coast, is not where I'd go to network. That's not the mindset.

I've seen people network on the GO side of things, but that's because it's where people live, not just visit for a few hours.

 

[xdan0920]

WDW33 isn't meant to duplicate DL33 - that's where many are missing the point. You're a golfer, so I'll give you a few metaphors - DL33 is Merion. Formal, venerable and teeming with history. Can't buy that, can't recreate that and would be foolish to try. WDW33 is Sand Hills. Casual, new but done perfectly knowing its membership is *different* than the old city club. Non locals who are willing to visit a handful of times a year to have some disconnected fun - I've never once *networked* inside a lounge, nor have I seen others do so. We're on vacation, not coming from the office to host clients as you may at DL33. The prestige thing is fleeting too - my home golf club hosts major tournaments and the buzz I get from that isn't worth a cup of coffee. You're not joining 33 because someone may genuflect at your logo hat walking through MCO.

That being said, one last golf metaphor to describe the experience of WDW33 - imagine if Pebble Beach had a small private membership, but still operated as a public resort course as it does today. It's a 6 hour round and people do it because it's awesome (same as why people wait in hour+ lines at WDW, it's a chore but worth it) - now pretend you're a *member* of Pebble Beach and every time you got to your ball, people just got out of the way in front of you and you play the course in 3.5 hrs alongside everyone else playing in the normal 6 hours. That's the appeal of WDW33. It's a different model, adjusted to better fit the makeup and preferences of a different membership and to that point, I would not have joined had it been identical to DL.

Well put, and I think we actually agree on what WDW33 is, my post probably came off a bit dismissive with the DDP metaphor, but that's a product of the forum we are on. Topical reference and all. It's a bundle, with a little extra exclusivity for folks who were already coming multiple times a year, who were already using VIP guides, already had Platinum passes and so on. For someone like that, it's probably a great club to be a part of.

If you find value and enjoyment in WDW33, that's great. Maybe 10 years ago I would as well, though I couldn't have really swung it at that point in my life. I don't have the same feelings for WDW as I did, so it's not really an option. Anyways, I don't mind WDW33, doesn't effect the regular guest in any measurable way, so it's all good.



On the golf......Wow, Sand Hills looks brilliant! It’s never come across my radar before, I mean who thinks Nebraska when they think Golf, but good lord.
On another golf note, I’ll be headed to the Open at St Andrews next summer. Trip of a lifetime is what I hear from those who have done it. Ever make the trip?

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Well put, and I think we actually agree on what WDW33 is, my post probably came off a bit dismissive with the DDP metaphor, but that's a product of the forum we are on. Topical reference and all. It's a bundle, with a little extra exclusivity for folks who were already coming multiple times a year, who were already using VIP guides, already had Platinum passes and so on. For someone like that, it's probably a great club to be a part of.

If you find value and enjoyment in WDW33, that's great. Maybe 10 years ago I would as well, though I couldn't have really swung it at that point in my life. I don't have the same feelings for WDW as I did, so it's not really an option. Anyways, I don't mind WDW33, doesn't effect the regular guest in any measurable way, so it's all good.

I think this is my thought as well. I’m definitely not bothered by its presence. The only one that sticks out at all is DAK.

 

[TP2000]

On property in WDW there are many options. That’s the point. If someone is primarily interested in a fine dining vacation they’ll go to Paris, NYC or any number of other cities. While vacationing in a theme park, it’s great to maximize that experience and not have to leave it. One can stay in the WDW bubble and go to V&A, a monorail ride from MK. In DL, no such option. Thus the greater attractiveness of a full dining 33 option there. Less demand in WDW. Simple.

I know some on these boards are determined to always conclude that everything is a money grab, Disney is just fleecing people, some have nothing better to do with their money and are being duped into an inferior offering, etc. Nothing anyone can say to change this. If they add a restaurant in WDW in the future, you’ll have different things that you’ll find... “interesting”. Have at it!

It seems like perhaps you aren't familiar with the dining options at the Disneyland Resort. So pardon me if you are already aware...

The Disneyland version of V&A's is the Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel, no monorail ride required.

The Disneyland versions of Takumi-Tei or California Grill or Jico, is Carthay Circle or Steakhouse 55 or Catal.

And yet in all of WDW there is still nothing like a 21 Royal experience, which makes Victoria & Albert's look like a Saturday night at Applebees. (Okay, that's just a joke, but 21 Royal is an entirely different ballgame).

My point is that fine dining options for non-club members are quite available at the Disneyland Resort. There's even a level well above Club 33 dining at Disneyland with 21 Royal. So the mistaken belief that there's a mysterious dearth of dining options in and around Disneyland can't be why WDW has chosen not to build a Club 33 dining room.

There has to be another reason. My hunch is that it involves the sharp pencil boys.

 

[Parker in NYC]

It seems like perhaps you aren't familiar with the dining options at the Disneyland Resort. But correct me if I'm wrong.

The Disneyland version of V&A's is the Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel, no monorail ride required. And if anything, Napa Rose is more highly regarded among foodies and has captured more recognition than V&A. Although, I do remember loving V&A when I ate there 20 years ago, so I'm not knocking it! But the direct analogy to V&A is Napa Rose, and Napa Rose stands very tall and proud in that direct comparison.

The Disneyland versions of Takumi-Tei or California Grill or Jico, is Carthay Circle or Steakhouse 55 or Catal.

And yet in all of WDW there is still nothing like a 21 Royal experience, which makes Victoria & Albert's look like a Saturday night at Applebees. (Okay, that's just a joke, but 21 Royal is an entirely different ballgame).

My point is that fine dining options for non-club members are quite available at the Disneyland Resort. There's even a level well above Club 33 dining at Disneyland with 21 Royal. So the mistaken belief that there's a mysterious dearth of dining options in and around Disneyland can't be why WDW has chosen not to build a Club 33 dining room.

There has to be another reason. My hunch is that it involves the sharp pencil boys.

I love me some Napa Rose but it is not the V&A of Disneyland. Not by a long shot. This is like comparing California Grill to Takumi-Tei. Fine dining but markedly different experiences.

But you DO compare California Grill to Takumi-Tei. Eep!

21 Royal, however, is next level comparatively.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

The Blue Bayou is also much closer to fine dining than anything at MK. (Previously, King Stefan’s Banquet Hall would have competed).

 

[Parker in NYC]

The Blue Bayou is also much closer to fine dining than anything at MK. (Previously, King Stefan’s Banquet Hall would have competed).

I hate to do two negative posts in a row here but I have never liked the food or service at the Blue Bayou. I much prefer the Liberty Tree and the Plaza at MK.

 

[TP2000]

I love me some Napa Rose but it is not the V&A of Disneyland. Not by a long shot. This is like comparing California Grill to Takumi-Tei. Fine dining but markedly different experiences.

But you DO compare California Grill to Takumi-Tei. Eep!

Going only off of price points there for me, as I've never been to Takumi-Tei but I have traveled through Japan extensively and had many fine meals in that country. I can completely understand that the California Grill would be a very different experience than Takumi-Tei (and the nation of Japan would breath a sigh of relief over that too).

My point was that the Disneyland Resort is not a dearth of fine dining options. They exist at the Disneyland Resort, quite famously for years at Napa Rose and Carthay Circle, so that can't be the reason why they have a Club 33 dining room and WDW does not.

And then there's 21 Royal, which is on a whole different level.

 

[CPS17]

It's a bundle, with a little extra exclusivity for folks who were already coming multiple times a year, who were already using VIP guides, already had Platinum passes and so on.

If those things were the main draw, I wouldn't be a member. I don't care about the exclusivity (nobody outside my immediate family and a few friends know I'm a member), I give my VIP tours away and wouldn't even own an AP, much less the Premier pass we get.

I've seen it dozens of times on forums, someone posts a list of what they think the perks/prices of WDW33 are (I've never seen it fully correct, which is funny - by now someone should have gotten it right by accident) and commenters add up whatever they think they'd buy a la carte and proclaim if they think it's "worth it" or not. The best put their Robin Hood hat on and dedicate themselves to saving others from being money grabbed by Disney. But nobody ever understands the *real* benefit to membership, which can't be quantified.

I can throw some clothes in a bag and fly to WDW completely unannounced and have the best park experience of anyone on property. That ability is not available for purchase.

My point is that fine dining options for non-club members are quite available at the Disneyland Resort. There's even a level well above Club 33 dining at Disneyland with 21 Royal. So the mistaken belief that there's a mysterious dearth of dining options in and around Disneyland can't be why WDW has chosen not to build a Club 33 dining room.

There has to be another reason. My hunch is that it involves the sharp pencil boys.

Far less nefarious. Have you ever taken grade school children to a 3 hour prix fixe meal in business dress on a 95* vacation? The two parks are very different, why is it surprising that the clubs, membership and membership priorities are different as well? The membership is full after just a couple of years - isn't that a good indication that Disney hit the mark on what we wanted? I get what's happening here, we're going to point out all of the differences, appoint them as negatives and flog accordingly - but they're not negatives to the people who have made the commitment.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

If those things were the main draw, I wouldn't be a member. I don't care about the exclusivity (nobody outside my immediate family and a few friends know I'm a member), I give my VIP tours away and wouldn't even own an AP, much less the Premier pass we get.

So what is the main draw?

 

[TP2000]

I can throw some clothes in a bag and fly to WDW completely unannounced and have the best park experience of anyone on property. That ability is not available for purchase.

Are you referring to that very handy stack of Fastpass+ tickets they give you via membership services? If not, I'm trying to figure out what it is in the WDW Club 33 menu of services that creates the best park experience for you?

It appears they don't do the big social events at WDW that Disneyland's Club 33 fills its social calendar with either, so I can't imagine your are heading there for social events that don't exist.

It can't be the complimentary rain ponchos, can it?

Far less nefarious. Have you ever taken grade school children to a 3 hour prix fixe meal in business dress on a 95* vacation? The two parks are very different, why is it surprising that the clubs, membership and membership priorities are different as well?

As a confirmed bachelor, I visibly cringed when the visual image of dining with grade school children for 3 hours entered my mind, so I understand your point there.

The two American properties are very different, I know that from experience. But three years after they began Club 33 at WDW, they really are going in a very different direction than the Disneyland model that was copied in Tokyo and Shanghai. If they ever did have a dining room in the plans for WDW's version, they either abandoned it or have put it into mothballs for now.

So why even call it Club 33? Why not be proud of their local culture and create something unique for themselves? Call it Club 71 or something?

 

[CPS17]

It appears they don't do the big social events at WDW that Disneyland's Club 33 fills its social calendar with either, so I can't imagine your are heading there for social events that don't exist.

False x2.

So why even call it Club 33? Why not be proud of their local culture and create something unique for themselves? Call it Club 71 or something?

Because they probably didn't feel the need to change its identity just because a handful of Internet forum posters pick at every nuanced difference? My purpose for posting was to generically clear up a couple of widely spread misconceptions, not to be the club's defender. So I'm going to bow out before I cross that line.

 

[xdan0920]

I can throw some clothes in a bag and fly to WDW completely unannounced and have the best park experience of anyone on property. That ability is not available for purchase.

Assuming this is true. And assuming you pay to be a WDW33 member. You did purchase that ability.

Anyhoo...thanks for the inside look at WDW33 membership. Enjoy the club!

 

[Naplesgolfer]

It seems like perhaps you aren't familiar with the dining options at the Disneyland Resort. So pardon me if you are already aware...

The Disneyland version of V&A's is the Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel, no monorail ride required.

The Disneyland versions of Takumi-Tei or California Grill or Jico, is Carthay Circle or Steakhouse 55 or Catal.

And yet in all of WDW there is still nothing like a 21 Royal experience, which makes Victoria & Albert's look like a Saturday night at Applebees. (Okay, that's just a joke, but 21 Royal is an entirely different ballgame).

My point is that fine dining options for non-club members are quite available at the Disneyland Resort. There's even a level well above Club 33 dining at Disneyland with 21 Royal. So the mistaken belief that there's a mysterious dearth of dining options in and around Disneyland can't be why WDW has chosen not to build a Club 33 dining room.

There has to be another reason. My hunch is that it involves the sharp pencil boys.

V&A chef's table is equivalent to a 2 Michelin star resturant. Never eaten at 21 Royal.

 

[Josh Hendy]

Anyhoo...thanks for the inside look at WDW33 membership. Enjoy the club!

Also appreciate hearing about it, something to shoot for!

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Assuming this is true. And assuming you pay to be a WDW33 member. You did purchase that ability.

Anyhoo...thanks for the inside look at WDW33 membership. Enjoy the club!

Everything is available for purchase. You can always rent a private lounge for you and your party if you want to. Lots of really cool spaces available all throughout the parks.