Did you know that there is a secret, members-only restaurant in Tokyo Disneyland called Club 33? The majority of memberships are corporate accounts, allowing them to do business entertaining there, but there are also individual members. Don’t get your hopes up, though, because they aren’t accepting applications. If you want to get in the door, no matter who you are or how much money you have, you have to be invited by a member.

But what is this mysterious Club 33 actually like? We’ve tracked down someone who was invited to enjoy a luxurious evening there, and according to him, these are the six most amazing things about Club 33.

1. Lots of staff members come to the entrance to greet you with a smile
Our contact was surprised to be greeted at the entrance by a number of very smiley staff members. Once inside the entrance, there is a hallway where they will check your bags and coat. Then, they’ll direct you to an elevator up to the restaurant on the second floor.

2. Exclusive Club 33 memorabilia
There are gifts and other items that can only be purchased in the restaurant. For example, you can keep your Club 33 coffee cup if you are willing to shell out 16,000 yen (about $200) for it.

3. You can drink booze–high class booze, that is–in Disneyland.
In the rest of the park, alcohol is not allowed, but in Club 33, you can drink beer, wine and cocktails to your heart’s content and your liver’s limit. And along with your buzz, you can also bask in a feeling of exclusivity. Of course, even the plebs can drink at Disney Sea…

4. You can see the parades high above the crowds
From the second floor of the restaurant, you can watch the much-loved Disney parades with a glass of red wine in your hand. However, you won’t be able to hear the music, so if that’s your thing, you best secure a patch of sidewalk outside.

5. A matchbook-style collection of stickers embossed with your name

As a souvenir, the staff will present you with a book of stickers embossed with your name and the date. Inside, you’ll find all of your favorite characters from Mickey to Pluto. Our contact felt the personalization was a very nice touch.

6. The food is amazing!
A course menu of the finest French food including two hors d’oeuvre courses, a fish course, a meat course, dessert and coffee or tea will be brought out one at a time, each as elegant and delicious as the last.

Ah, there’s no limit to this journalist’s jealousy! Listening to these tales of luxury, I swore I would visit Club 33 at least once before I die, though who knows when that will be. Until then, I’ll be feverishly anticipating the dream day when someone will finally invite me… (Hint, hint!)

Follow this link to see photos! Use the advance button underneath each for more.


[ Read in Japanese ]