Welcome to New Orleans Square
This place of Ghosts, Pirates and Mardi Gras is one of the favorite places for park guests to visit. It's a great place to have a relaxing lunch on the Bayou, or along the river at a busy cafe. New Orleans Square is also a fabulous place to shop for souvenirs or catch the train for a grand circle trip around the Happiest Place on Earth. However, many of the day guest never get the opportunity to visit a private little oasis right in the middle of all this hustle and bustle.
Just next to the Blue Bayou restaurant is a simple little door with a fancy number on the door. This is the entry to Club 33, a private lounge/restaurant reserved for members. This private little area was originally envisioned by Walt Disney himself as a place to entertain dignitaries that would visit Disneyland. It was/is attached to an apartment that was to be the family residence for Walt and Lillian. That apartment became the Disney Gallery and is now the Dream Suite. Club 33 has been a mystery to many over the years, and much has been written about what can be found there. Do a Google search and you will find no shortage of articles.
I, along with several of my fellow cast members, recently had an opportunity to visit the exclusive club for brunch. It was a crisp Fall day, celebrating a few birthdays. Such an enjoyable afternoon that words cannot accurately describe. I took a bunch of photos, but due to failing technology the photos were lost to the either. So you imagination will have to fill in the blanks.
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We arrived early, but still had to wait. The hostess at the door makes sure that nobody gets in too early. After a short wait we entered the lavish foyer. The hostess took our coats, confirmed our group and then invited us to either take the stairs or the antique two-person elevator up to the upstairs to the 2nd floor. All through the lobby and stairwell are pieces of artwork and sculpture that prepare you for the opulence that makes up Club 33.
The Club has several different rooms for dining. The Trophy Room, just off the 2nd floor landing is an intimate little spot that looks out over the bustling street below. This is where we sat for lunch. Just off the landing is a hallway that lead to the restrooms and a walkway that crosses over the street to the Parlor which then opens out into the main Dining Room. The parlor is the location of the bar, and today was where the luncheon buffet was set out. There is also a small piano here and assorted tufted chairs for casual seating. The Dining Room is set with several small tables (for small parties) arraigned around the perimeter of the room and two or three larger tables (for larger groups) in the center of the room. An ornate fireplace dominates the exterior wall and a large mirrored bar/bookcase commands the interior wall.
Although we didn't eat here, this visit, I did have the chance to eat dinner in the dining room a year ago, during the Christmas Holiday, and it was decorated beautifully for the season. For the Fall there are no seasonal decorations, just the fresh cut flowers and the handpicked antiques that line the room. It feels as if you are in a classic Victorian home.
As we were seated for brunch, in the Trophy Room, we were greeted by Mickey Mouse and Pluto. They greeted us as well as the other group that shared the room. Photos all around and birthday wishes, and then they were off. After all, Mickey is very busy what with all the parades and and park meet and greets he has to be at. We were invited to partake of the appetizers from the buffet. Today's layout included salads, pasta, shrimp, and a variety of fruits and veggies. After a second trip for shrimp and fruit it was time for entrees. London Broil, Sesame Chicken, Pork Loin and Veggie Plates arrived hot and ready. Delicious. As if that were not enough we now had the chance to go back to the buffet for dessert. Tarts, Cookies, doughnuts, and decadent parfaits were all laid out. With an all-you-can-eat appetizer and dessert buffet none of us went away hungry. In fact a few cookies went home in purses and pockets.
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During the course of lunch I did get a few photos that I was able to post on twitter, so for a peak at those photos be sure to follow me on Twitter (see link on the right side bar). For more fun, videos, and links be sure to follow me on Facebook or Twitter (links at right).
