Club 33 Lunch or Dinner?

[SOCALMouseMommy]

We might have an opportunity to dine at Club 33 this summer due to the generosity and kindness of someone we know. We will be visiting with two well-behaved children ages 10 and 8, who are both certified Disney mega fans who know of the significance of Club 33 and how extremely special this opportunity will be. This will be to celebrate the birthday of my niece as well as celebrate the successful end of her cancer treatment.

I’m wondering if we should consider lunch or dinner? It seems like an early dinner might feel more elegant and special than lunch, but as I’ve never been before, I’d love input from others. Both kids are adventurous eaters and have no trouble staying up and behaving appropriately. We probably won’t do the parks that day, or if we do, it would be a few special rides only.

 

[amyg1975]

We have been able to go a handful of times, and both are wonderful experiences. Dinner is much fancier, allowing you to be all dressed up and it is beautiful at night. Lunch is still nice, and while we still dress nice, we do not get as fancy at lunchtime. We hope to go again next month, and we are choosing to do a lunch vs dinner so that we don't have to go back to our hotel to get ready. Either way, you will have a great experience. Enjoy!

 

[joseph821]

Sounds wonderful. I agree, an early dinner would be nice.

 

[bsjs0708]

I prefer the lunch..much more casual, and a bit cheaper...have fun!

 

[DizMe]

You get one more course with dinner than you do with lunch (5 vs 4). Dinner costs more, which adds up if you're paying for everyone. Keep in mind that drinks are not included and can add significantly to the bill. You pay a fixed price for the 4/5 course meal and choose from the menu options for each course.

Tip: you are directed to order one option from each category (appetizer, soup/salad, main, dessert for instance), but you don't have to do it that way. You can only order one main course option, but you can do multiples of the others as long as you end up with the right number of courses. For instance, for a 4-course lunch I almost always skip the appetizer choices but choose 2 desserts; I use one as my appetizer (cheese board) because I prefer it to the listed appetizer options.

This is wonderful and I hope that all of you have a fantastic time!!

 

[maleficent55]

How amazing!!! I hope you post a report afterwards


Also, yay to the end of cancer treatments!

 

[evilmommie]

Early dinner, so that you can see the ROA and surrounding area at dusk and nighttime from the balcony. There is something even more magical about Club 33 in the evening.

Enjoy!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Gosh, thank you all so much for the wonderful feedback! You brought up some great points I hadn’t considered.

Curious, about how long is an experience at Club 33? Is lunch or dinner longer in duration or are they about the same with a little longer at dinner due to the fifth course?

Is there a kids menu at Club 33? Or do they eat off the adult menu?

I’m not terribly worried about cost as this is a special celebration and unique experience for all. I think it would be fun to get more dressed up as we likely won’t be touring the parks much that day. It’s all about the experience and my niece’s smiles!

 

[amyg1975]

They do have a kid's menu with the best grilled cheese and tomato soup for an appetizer.

 

[dina444444]

I’ve only been for lunch and I want to say the whole thing took about 3.5 hours which included shopping and taking pics on the balcony etc.

 

[StormyCA]

I vote for a 'later' dinner. One of the best memories of our C33 dinner was being 'escorted out' by a wonderful trivia-filled host through a semi-darkened and closed park. He didn't rush us (too much) and his only caveat was not to take pictures of areas that were being cleaned or worked on.

Our dinner ended up being over 3 hours long. We weren't rushed and were free to look around between courses.

This was in the 'old' C33 and under the 'old' rules. Things may be different now.

 

[DizMe]

I vote for a 'later' dinner. One of the best memories of our C33 dinner was being 'escorted out' by a wonderful trivia-filled host through a semi-darkened and closed park. He didn't rush us (too much) and his only caveat was not to take pictures of areas that were being cleaned or worked on.

Our dinner ended up being over 3 hours long. We weren't rushed and were free to look around between courses.

This was in the 'old' C33 and under the 'old' rules. Things may be different now.

We did this once and it was so cool! Our host wasn't as friendly as yours and didn't say much, just tried to keep the pace at a pretty brisk clip. It was neat that he let us out with a special key. I don't know if that's still a thing but it was cool to leave when no one was there but the CMs working at night. We were told no pictures of anything! I think we were there about 3 hours. Other times, I've spent between 2 1/2-3 hours. Dinner takes longer, usually--not just because of the extra course, but because it's a little more laid-back and you usually don't have much planned afterward because you know it'll be late when you're done. At lunch (and maybe early dinner), you are most likely going back to the parks.

 

[chezcurrie]

I just wanted to pop on and say how good it is to hear your neice’s treatments have been successful. Wishing you a wonderful and amazing experience!

 

[DizMe]

I reread your post and noticed that you said you probably wouldn't be going to the park that day. I didn't catch that before. In that case, and based on what you've said, I'd recommend dinner for sure! Definitely go out on the balconies, and go late enough that you can see it when it gets dark (if possible, have someone go down below get a picture of your family on the balcony). It's fun to be able to see Disneyland from up there and the kids would probably enjoy it. It's also really beautiful at night, and having the last dining slot lets you walk out after hours. I'm not sure if your kids would care about that, though.

The last few times I went, they didn't have the Club 33 ball caps in the merch cabinet, but if they do, you can have the person's name embroidered on the back like the ears. You take it to a DL store that does that and show your receipt. They will tell you it is not guaranteed, so if they make a mistake, you can't get your money back or a new hat. My sister got one and had her name embroidered on it. It's so awesome. I got a cap, too, but decided not to have it embroidered and I've been sorry ever since.

 

[MykalSoCal]

Lucky! Congrats. I've always wanted to dine there. One day!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I just wanted to pop on and say how good it is to hear your neice’s treatments have been successful. Wishing you a wonderful and amazing experience!

Thank you so much! It’s such a relief!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I reread your post and noticed that you said you probably wouldn't be going to the park that day. I didn't catch that before. In that case, and based on what you've said, I'd recommend dinner for sure! Definitely go out on the balconies, and go late enough that you can see it when it gets dark (if possible, have someone go down below get a picture of your family on the balcony). It's fun to be able to see Disneyland from up there and the kids would probably enjoy it. It's also really beautiful at night, and having the last dining slot lets you walk out after hours. I'm not sure if your kids would care about that, though.

The last few times I went, they didn't have the Club 33 ball caps in the merch cabinet, but if they do, you can have the person's name embroidered on the back like the ears. You take it to a DL store that does that and show your receipt. They will tell you it is not guaranteed, so if they make a mistake, you can't get your money back or a new hat. My sister got one and had her name embroidered on it. It's so awesome. I got a cap, too, but decided not to have it embroidered and I've been sorry ever since.

Yes, we might let the kids do a few favorite rides (Space, Big Thunder), but we won’t be spending the day at the parks beforehand … the meal will be the main event and I think it would be fun to get extra dressed up—we are celebrating after all! I am hoping my niece’s hair is grown back enough by later this summer that she’s comfortable not wearing a hat.

I LOVE the idea of the ball caps and having them embroidered! Fingers crossed they are in stock!

 

[mommamonster]

I vote for a 'later' dinner. One of the best memories of our C33 dinner was being 'escorted out' by a wonderful trivia-filled host through a semi-darkened and closed park. He didn't rush us (too much) and his only caveat was not to take pictures of areas that were being cleaned or worked on.

Our dinner ended up being over 3 hours long. We weren't rushed and were free to look around between courses.

This was in the 'old' C33 and under the 'old' rules. Things may be different now.

My experience was very similar, we had a later dinner in 2014 and were able to explore and take photographs (everywhere was okay'ed except the restrooms) between courses, we were the last group to leave and got escorted through an empty park (also allowed to take photos of the emptiness). I was fortunate to be facing the window when fireworks went off, and had that amazing view during dinner.

OP- If you are night owls I would totally recommend doing the latest dinner possible, for a relaxed and unique experience.

 

[GoofyGoofyGoofy]

We might have an opportunity to dine at Club 33 this summer due to the generosity and kindness of someone we know. We will be visiting with two well-behaved children ages 10 and 8, who are both certified Disney mega fans who know of the significance of Club 33 and how extremely special this opportunity will be. This will be to celebrate the birthday of my niece as well as celebrate the successful end of her cancer treatment.

I’m wondering if we should consider lunch or dinner? It seems like an early dinner might feel more elegant and special than lunch, but as I’ve never been before, I’d love input from others. Both kids are adventurous eaters and have no trouble staying up and behaving appropriately. We probably won’t do the parks that day, or if we do, it would be a few special rides only.

Wow! I can only dream. For me, I would see if having dinner would include seeing Fantasmic (if it is even showing since the demise of the dragon).

 

[Malcon10t]

Gosh, thank you all so much for the wonderful feedback! You brought up some great points I hadn’t considered.

Curious, about how long is an experience at Club 33? Is lunch or dinner longer in duration or are they about the same with a little longer at dinner due to the fifth course?

Is there a kids menu at Club 33? Or do they eat off the adult menu?

I’m not terribly worried about cost as this is a special celebration and unique experience for all. I think it would be fun to get more dressed up as we likely won’t be touring the parks much that day. It’s all about the experience and my niece’s smiles!

There is a very limited kids menu. It starts with soup, then has either noodles with either butter, cheese sauce or marinara sauce or chicken breast with green beans, and ice cream for dessert.

They do have a kid's menu with the best grilled cheese and tomato soup for an appetizer.

I don't believe it is on the menu anymore. It is now chicken noodle soup.

I vote for a 'later' dinner. One of the best memories of our C33 dinner was being 'escorted out' by a wonderful trivia-filled host through a semi-darkened and closed park. He didn't rush us (too much) and his only caveat was not to take pictures of areas that were being cleaned or worked on.

I love late dinners. Getting walked out after everyone is gone is very magical.

I prefer the lunch..much more casual, and a bit cheaper...have fun!

Lunch and dinner are the same price now.

You get one more course with dinner than you do with lunch (5 vs 4). Dinner costs more, which adds up if you're paying for everyone. Keep in mind that drinks are not included and can add significantly to the bill. You pay a fixed price for the 4/5 course meal and choose from the menu options for each course.

This has changed also. Both are now 4 courses. Both are the same price. I have attached the current menu, which will likely change before your visit, but gives an idea on what it will look like.