How Did I Learn About Club 33

It must have been around Oct. of 2000, that I finally asked a wonderfully friendly work acquaintance about his gold lapel pin. An understated gold pin, consisting of the tradition three circles forming Mickey's silhouette.

Funny how you can know someone for so many years and never realize you share a common interest. Disneyland.

He explained to me that as a young man he worked in the park, his favorite assignment, driving the main street vehicles. A wonderful job to cover college expenses and meet new friends. While at the park, speaking to guests and co-workers, he learned of a small restaurant within the park that was relatively unheard of, even by cast members. Now keep in mind, this was many years ago, long before the park openly acknowledged the club's existence. In other words, tours didn't stop there.

Well, that was it for him! He knew that once he graduated college and became established, membership into this club was an absolute must. He applied, waiting many years, and is now one of the club's senior members.

I actually grew up living 1/4 mile from the park, entering the actual park at least two times per year and visiting the hotel area and shops even more often. This was long before Downtown Disney. I even fished for trout near the dancing waters. Wow, that was a few gray hairs ago! During those many years, I had seen people entering the small door with the numbered plaque and always figured it was part of the Blue Bayou, perhaps private banquet rooms. Was I ever wrong!

Within a month of discussing my friends lapel pin, my family and I were ringing the door buzzer, reservations waiting.

Things have never been the same!

Dr Lee Is Now Blogging! Pay Him A Visit!

He's finally completed his blog is ready to discuss his adventures as a 28 year Disneyland veteran!
Here's his URL and we've also added a link to our navigation bar.
http://drleeclub33.blogspot.com/

What Is Your Favorite Dish?

If you've been to the club, we'd like to know which item was your favorite! Salad, appetizer, entree, dessert, which did you like best?

My Favorite Dish!

A few friends have e-mailed, asking which dish is my favorite. Well, I've been fortunate to have tried many of the items on the menu and my favorite, Lamb Osso Bucco. The sauce is flavorful with a hint of wine and the lamb is so tender you can easily cut it with a fork. The wonderful richness of the dish is best during the colder season, definitely a bit too heavy for hot Summer days. The lamb is currently served at lunch, but the Veal Osso Bucco is available on the dinner menu. It's also a wonderful dish, warm and hearty. I would certainly recommend either.
The Filet of Chateaubriand is also a wonderful creation, it's the club's signature plate. I've probably had it a few too many times.
My daughter loves the Sweet Corn Polenta Ravioli and my wife enjoys the Pan Roast Chicken. So, something to fit every taste.
During the Winter months, the club once offered a Pumpkin Creme Brulee, baked inside an actual petite pumpkin, seasoned perfectly, served warm from the oven. Unbelievable! Their standard offer Creme Brulee is a wonderfully sensual dessert, I think you'll like it.
The Kahlua Bomb is another of my favorites. While it may look small, the size of a Hostess Snowball, it's extremely dense, quite heavy and very, very rich. Take your time eating this one, you'll want to make it last.
Well, it's rather late, so I'm signing off until next time!
Chow!

The Blue Bayou-Ambiance Extreme

While most Disney fans would love nothing more than a meal at Club 33, let's face facts, its difficult to get in. Very, very difficult indeed. Feel bad? Don't!
Just next door is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Southern California. While it's located in So. Cal, the ambiance and architecture is distinctly 'Old South'. Paper lanterns, frogs croaking amidst a backdrop of cypress, a trapper's shack with the occupant still sitting on the porch, strums of a banjo, it's all there.
The Bayou is busy and for good cause, the food is wonderful. With an expansive menu featuring molasses brined pork loin, sumptuous prime rib, fresh fish, crab cakes, a delicious pirate cookie boat dessert, fresh salads, tasty appetizers, it's more than a restaurant, it's an experience!
As for us, we try to visit at least once every two months. I always request a water-side table along the rail, as we love watching guests float by as they begin their POTC journey. Yes, you can even here the famous talking skull and the joyous screams as guests slip down the first waterfall. Once I saw young chap, whilst trying to entertain his beautiful date, yell to a Bayou guests, "Throw me your bread!" I have no idea where it came from, but sure enough, a fresh sourdough roll was seen quickly flying towards the boat where the young man barely caught it. What ever you do, don't get caught tossing food, they'll politely ask you to leave!
We still laugh about that every time we visit.
The pricing at the BB is very fair. The approx. cost for dinner is $35.00 and includes soup or salad, fresh sourdough rolls, sweet butter, and entree. Portions are very ample, you will find that splitting a desert may be the best option.
Quality is outstanding with emphasis placed on presentation. Staff attire is appropriate for theme.
Living in Anaheim and working far too many hours, vacations simply aren't something we're able to enjoy. A trip to the The Blue Bayou however affords us a lovely two hour vacation, escaping into the South for a dinner which cannot be surpassed. One distinct benefit, no mosquitoes!
Premium annual pass holders qualify for a discount.
For three adults, our average check totals approx. $115.00 Not too bad when you take into consideration the airfare to New Orleans!

Lunch or Dinner: Biggest Bang For The Buck?

Ok, you've met a member and they have offered to make Club 33
reservations for you. Times are tight, everyone is being careful with their budget and you want the most memorable experience for the least about of money. Lunch or dinner?

Here are my observations, and they're just that, observations.

Lunch:

Figure your lunch with drink will cost approx. $78.00. Now, your lunch will be a partial buffet, meaning that everything is in ample quantity except the hot entree which is plated and served by the staff. Chilled meats, crab, fresh fruit, artisan bread, all for the taking! The dessert bar, while not quite as large as in previous years, it very impressive. Rich mousse, cheesecake, cookies, s'mores martinis, wow! It's good. Very, very good! The plated entree portions are fair sized and normally quite rich. So, you're going to walk out the door barely able to think of anything except your bed and about four hours to recover!

Dinner:

It's dark out, the lights are twinkling all about you and your stomach is grumbling! Dinner offers various options, these being single dishes from salads, soups, appetizers, and then your choice of entree from the menu. Keep in mind the club maintains a minimum charge of approx. $68.00. Soups and salads are approx. $10.00 to $13.00, appetizers can be slightly more based on choice. Soup/salad portions are of average size (bisques are extremely rich), appetizer portions are fair, do not expect a plate with items falling over the sides (remember, this is French cuisine). Entree portions are fair, not huge, but certainly enough to satisfy most adults. Desserts are approx. $12.00, and would, by most American standards, could be considered small. Lets face it, most Americans consider dessert a meal unto itself. Check out the chocolate cake at the Golden Horsehoe and you'll understand! Figure your basic dinner will cost approx. $70.00.
The Vintner menu is the club's five course meal. Approx. $90.00 with drink. After five courses, you'll be satisfied and a walk around the park will be most welcome.

Conclusions:

Quantity or ambiance? There it is.

If you're a big eater and really want to experience the club in a more casual setting with food being the main draw, lunch if probably your best choice. The selection of chilled seafood, cheese, meats, pate', salads and desserts is voluminous. It's a joy to eat to your hearts content, enjoying the daytime sounds of Disneyland.

If you're looking for a more elegant/romantic setting, evenings are simply unbeatable! You can easily enjoy the club, meeting the club's minimum purchase requirements, and leave gastronomically satisfied. Stuffed, we'll, that just depends on your personal capacity. If you're hungry and can swing a few extra dollars, the Vintner menu may be your best bet.

So, lunch for those who prefer a slightly more casual atmosphere and wish to sample a large variety of the club's creations and dinner for those seeking a more formal or romantic evening.

For my first experience at the club, I chose lunch. I wanted to sample the buffet and see what the club was capable of producing. After our wonderful lunch, it was only two days until the club received our letter requesting membership. Wow, that was a long time ago and yes, we're still waiting!

Patience, patience.....

We'd Love Your Photos!

If you've visited the club and would like to have your photos on the 'Guest Photos' web page, please send them to us with your names and special event and we'll post them right away!
We appreciate your input and assistance.
Thanks!

Spring Cleaning in March!

Today we were informed the club would be closing in March to allow for extensive cleaning and refurbishing. This is apparently an annual event in preparation for the busy Easter/Spring season followed by Summer.

Waiting Period For Membership

We were recently advised the approx. waiting period for a Club 33 membership is 16 years. While the club has not yet re-opened for new applications, they estimate opening the list in 2009 or 2010. Any employees with updates would be most welcome! Your help is greatly appreciated!

Bartender Lee Williams

We were recently notified by Dr. Lee Williams, former 28 year Club 33 bartender that he would be launching his own blog!
Once launched, we will post the link immediately. Thanks for checking in!

Welcome to our Club 33 Blog

Welcome to our new Club 33 blog! We are looking forward to hearing from Disney fans about their experiences with Club 33. Members, guests, soon-to-be guests, everyone is welcome!