Robert Niles
Editor
Robert Niles

D23 offering Disney fans 'off the map' access to Disneyland, for $250

February 2, 2012, 10:46 AM · Remember that $2,500 Disneyland Candlelight Processional special that got you into Walt's Main Street apartment? Well, now Disney's lopped a zero of the end of that price, offering D23 members a chance to get into the apartment, as well as other "behind the scenes" sites at Disneyland, for "just" $250.

Walt's apartment

The D23 "Disneyland Off the Map" tour event run all day on Tuesday, March 6. Tickets go on sale Feb. 9 at 10am PT (at the link above - theme park admission is not included, but required to get into the event). The event will include tours of the Main Street Apartment, as well as the Dream Suite apartment above New Orleans Square that once was the publicly accessible home of the Disney Gallery. Participants also will get a ride on the Disneyland Railroad's Lilly Belle VIP parlor car. And then, there's this:

We will be meeting at 6 p.m. for a very special dinner (and drinks) inside one of the resort’s most unique restaurants.

For some reason, Disney's not mentioning the name of the restaurant, but the only place in Disneyland where you can get a "drink" - and the only "off the map" restaurant in the park - is Club 33. If dinner at Club 33 is included, does anyone know why Disney wouldn't advertise that? And if the dinner's not at Club 33, do you think it's a bit of a bait and switch to imply that it is?

I'd love to hear you thoughts about this event, and whether or not you think I should spring for the cost and go (and take lots of pictures for publication on the site, of course).

Replies (12)

kjay
kjay
February 2, 2012 at 10:53 AM · This seems well worth $250 to me! It has to be Club 33. Do it, Robert. :)
nt3
Neil Trama
February 2, 2012 at 11:08 AM · The fact that they're saying "the resort's" instead of "Disneyland's" could imply that it's just like Napa Rose or something. BUT, if it IS Club 33, maybe they don't want to mention it so as to not devalue actual membership in the club. Why join if you could just do one of these tours when they're offered. (Not that someone using that logic is correct, but this might be what Disney is thinking.)
robert
Editor
Robert Niles
February 2, 2012 at 11:38 AM · Excellent point about "the resort," Neil.
anonymous
50.58.117.34
February 2, 2012 at 1:02 PM · Not that they would be ready for this in any way... but one of the resorts most "unique" restaurants would be in Cars Land. Why not--as they often do for corporate events--cater something in the yet-to-be-opened Flo's? (Probably for lots of reasons, like it's in a construction zone and not legally allowed to be occupied). But it's probably Club 33, and I agree that you wouldn't want to upset the membership by letting just anyone in for $250.
anonymous
99.246.37.54
February 2, 2012 at 4:19 PM · I'm sure they're not advertising it as being Club 33 as it's a one time only thing and they don't want to make a big deal out of it.

I'm planning on attending this, as the value of a tour of Walt's apartment, dinner at Club 33, and various gifts is worth the $250 themselves. The tour of the Dream Suite and the Lily Belle ride are just a plus.

(Maybe plan a TPI meetup for this Robert?)

Joeybats1
Joseph Catlett
February 3, 2012 at 6:21 AM · Guys, I wouldn't get your hopes up here about the dinner being held at Club 33. It just doesn't add up in my head, I'm thinking that the location is more likely to be in one of the hotels.
Anonymous878
Anon Mouse
February 3, 2012 at 1:49 PM · All the restaurants are unique, one of a kind. They are not saying because they don't know yet. For all we know, they can simply be reserving a section at a fast food restaurant with a set menu.
jhogley
Mostly Anonymous
February 3, 2012 at 2:05 PM · My guess as to why they're not specific? They're not 100% sure where the dinner will be. It's very possible that they're hoping to make Club 33 work out, but don't want to promise it.
Mforce
Brad Schuster
February 3, 2012 at 2:31 PM · If the mystery dinner is club 33, then this is definitely worth it. If not, then I dont think if offers enough back stage locations to justify the coin. The fact that they dont come right out and say it is club 33 or even say something like "get ready to dine at a special restaurant above the blue bayou" or something more specific that hints directly at club 33 without using the name, makes me think that this is a ploy to make people think they will be dining at club 33 to get them to shell out the 250, while still being vague enough to hold the dinner at a less prestigious location. Sounds fishy to me.
OT
O T
February 4, 2012 at 7:44 AM · I´m always amazed how much money Disney is able to ask for this kind of events. As long as regular guests aren´t pushed aside to make place for these groups I´m o.k. with it.
But a long time ago I remember I always watched Illuminations from the island in front of Italy but that is now always off limits for special (paid) events, just like the tomorrowland restaurant where there now is a desert party for watching the fireworks. Anyway, this seems ok.
anonymous
142.165.85.226
February 4, 2012 at 10:45 PM · I sure hope it is not Club 33. That would have members upset very quick. As far as I know D23 does not have a membership so if Disney is letting guests into Club 33 whenever they wish and charging for it, I am offering a tour of Wal-mart with a meal and drinks at a members only Club at Disneyland for 150.00 Keep your eyes open, if Disney de-values my membership my tour is up for grabs. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
kjay
kjay
February 5, 2012 at 10:22 AM · Amending my first response- I see now that it may very well not be Club 33, after considering the previous posters' points. Whether something is "worth it" is so subjective, for so many reasons. However, I'm going to say that for a Disneyphile, a parks aficionado, an industry devotee- $250 seems like a fair price for a access to private areas of DLR as well as what's likely a signature dining experience (Club 33 or not).

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