Disney Club Lawsuits: A Costly Battle for Membership
An Arizona couple has made headlines for their seven-year legal battle to regain membership to Disney’s exclusive Club 33, spending a staggering $400,000 in legal fees in the process. Scott and Diana Anderson, both 60, found themselves expelled from the elite club in 2017 following an allegation that Scott was intoxicated in public, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Court documents reveal that in September 2017, a security guard at Disney’s California Adventure Park reported Scott Anderson, a Club 33 member, as being “heavily under the influence.” The guard described Anderson as “hunched over and slurring his responses,” with reports of him falling while attempting to stand up. Subsequently, the general manager of Club 33 terminated Anderson and his wife’s membership account.
The Anderson’s Fight for Club 33 Membership
In response to the allegation, Anderson wrote a letter stating that he was incapacitated “from a severe allergy attack, a medical condition that disabled me to the point where I was in great physical pain and distress,” according to court documents. The Anderson’s attorney, Sean Macias Macias, emphasized that Scott “doesn’t want to be known as a drunk” and that the couple’s love for the club was a driving force behind their legal battle.
Despite Anderson acknowledging drinking on the day in question, he denied excessive consumption. Following a ruling by an Orange County jury in September, Disney’s suspension of the Andersons was deemed justified. This decision marked a significant setback for the couple, who have been actively pursuing reinstatement into Club 33 ever since.
The Costly Consequences of Litigation
The Andersons’ legal fight has come at a high cost, with Scott revealing that the $400,000 spent on legal fees has delayed their retirement plans by five years. The couple’s initial investment in Club 33 was a mere $10,000, which has since skyrocketed to $32,000 for current membership. Alongside this hefty fee, the Andersons also spent approximately $125,000 annually on travel expenses from Arizona to the Anaheim amusement park.
Despite the financial toll and emotional strain, the Andersons remain unwavering in their determination to rejoin Club 33. Diana Anderson expressed her willingness to go to extreme lengths, stating she would even sell a kidney to regain access to the exclusive hangout spot. “There is no way we’re letting this go,” she affirmed in an interview with the LA Times.
The Enigmatic Allure of Club 33
Club 33, a discreet VIP lounge at Disney, boasts a membership roster that includes world leaders, pop culture icons, and corporate bigwigs. The exclusive venue provides a private retreat for its members to escape crowds, relax with refreshments, and indulge in gourmet cuisine. Despite its exclusivity, many Disney fans are unaware of Club 33’s existence due to Disney’s efforts to maintain secrecy.
The allure of Club 33 is so potent that dedicated Disney enthusiasts are willing to endure significant financial strain to secure membership, often disregarding the associated costs. A recent LendingTree survey highlighted this trend, revealing that 45 percent of parents with young children have incurred Disney-related debt in pursuit of the magic offered by the entertainment giant.
A Glimpse Inside the Secret World of Club 33
Club 33 underwent a major renovation in 2014, resulting in a complete re-theme. In 2022, Disney appointed Chef Gloria Tae as the exclusive venue’s first female chef de cuisine, further enhancing the club’s appeal. While Disney strictly prohibits the publication of official Club 33 photos on its platforms, determined fans can uncover glimpses of the interior through third-party media coverage of occasional events.
Sharing unauthorised photos of the club’s interior is strictly forbidden, with severe consequences for those who violate this rule. Members and their guests who post unauthorised photos on social media risk suspension of their membership, including park admission. Despite the risks involved, a peek inside Club 33 remains a coveted privilege for many Disney enthusiasts.
Who Can Join Club 33?
Club 33 maintains its exclusivity by accepting only a few hundred members per location, with membership at one Club 33 site not guaranteeing access to others. The steep membership fees associated with Club 33 act as a deterrent for many potential members, with the original Club 33 in Anaheim requiring an initial investment of $60,000 and annual dues of $25,000.
Membership benefits at Club 33 include an annual pass, 50 single-day guest passes, private yearly VIP tours, exclusive merchandise, personalised VIP services, early access to park news, complimentary resort hotel upgrades, valet parking, and access to 1901, the exclusive lounge in Carthay Circle Theater. While membership costs may vary by location, Club 33 remains far from affordable for most individuals.
Despite the financial implications and legal battles faced by prospective and current members, the allure of Club 33 continues to captivate Disney enthusiasts worldwide. The exclusivity, luxury, and prestige associated with this elite club make it a coveted destination for those willing to go to extraordinary lengths to secure membership, regardless of the costs involved.