Scott and Diana Anderson only want one thing: to be let back into Club 33. But Club 33 definitely doesn’t want them as members.
Since 1967, the club has served Disneyland’s highest-rolling VIPs — an in-the-know oasis over the Pirates of the Caribbean ride that purports to make the happiest place on Earth even happier. (Much of that is due to the fact that Club 33 was for decades the only place inside Disneyland proper to get a hard drink.) In 2012, the club opened a satellite location available to its Platinum-tier members, the 1901 Lounge, in California Adventure.
The Andersons, both 60, have been together for 44 years. They waited 12 of those years to receive their Club 33 invitation, shelling out $50,000 for their first-year dues alone. They got their money’s worth, however, using the clubs upward of 80 days per year.
By their fifth year of membership, however, the magic was fading: They say new managers had taken over, their favorite chef was gone, and they were repeatedly slapped with member violations. The worst of them came on Sept. 3, 2017, when Scott was discovered by park security keeled over a bench in California Adventure near the 1901 Lounge.
The Andersons, who are both in their 60s and have been together for over four decades, dedicated themselves to Disney’s exclusive Club 33. They frequented the club, located in the heart of Disneyland, an average of 80 days each year. The couple, known for their unwavering devotion to the theme park, eventually made the club their social epicenter, regularly hosting friends, colleagues, and even business associates within its walls.
A park guard said he smelled alcohol on his breath. Scott says it was a “vestibular migraine” triggered by red wine. A month after the incident, the Andersons were informed they had been expelled from Club 33 forever. Thus began their $400,000 legal odyssey to get reinstated and seek $231,000 in damages. But the Andersons lost after a jury of 12 deliberated for 45 minutes and ruled in Disney‘s favor.
Despite the recent legal setback, the Andersons remain steadfast in their devotion to Disney. They still visit the theme parks, albeit less frequently and with a tinge of bittersweet nostalgia. The Andersons even paid for Lightning Lane passes during a recent visit, only to discover the passes were sold out for the day. This left them disillusioned with the contemporary approach to Disney magic, a far cry from the seemingly effortless, magical experiences they cherished during their Club 33 days.
The Andersons’ ordeal highlights the complex and often controversial world of Disney fandom. Their story is a cautionary tale for those who dream of becoming members of Club 33, demonstrating that even a seemingly unbreakable bond with Disney can be tested and shattered by unforeseen events. The Andersons’ dedication to Disney, while admirable, ultimately led to their downfall. The couple’s passion for Disney became so deeply ingrained that it consumed their lives, leaving them emotionally and financially vulnerable when their membership was revoked.
The Appeal of Club 33
Club 33, shrouded in mystique and exclusivity, has long been the ultimate symbol of Disney fandom. It represents not only a privileged membership to a private club but also a membership to a community of like-minded individuals who share a deep-seated affection for the Disney world. Membership is coveted, with a waiting list that can span decades. Even after obtaining membership, the annual dues are exorbitant, with some estimates placing the cost at $31,500 per year.
The Andersons' Perspective
Scott and Diana Anderson’s story resonates with a certain pathos. They were devotees of Disneyland, spending countless hours, and an enormous sum of money, to fully immerse themselves in the Disney experience. Their membership in Club 33, with its exclusive benefits, embodied the pinnacle of their Disney journey. For the Andersons, Club 33 wasn’t just a club; it was a way of life, a social hub, and a shared passion.
The Reality of the Dispute
The Andersons’ legal battle sheds light on the reality of the relationship between Disney and its loyal devotees. The incident serves as a reminder that the Disney experience, while seemingly idyllic, can be marred by real-world conflicts. The Andersons’ case, though perhaps extreme, illustrates the potential for even the most devoted fans to find themselves at odds with the corporation that they admire.
The Legacy of Club 33
Club 33 remains an enigma, a symbol of both luxury and exclusivity. It is a place where dreams are made and friendships are forged, but it also serves as a constant reminder of the power dynamics that exist between the corporation and its fans. The Andersons’ story is a testament to the enduring power of Disney magic, even when the magic turns sour.
The Takeaway
The Andersons' story raises questions about the nature of fandom and the blurred lines between passion and obsession. It demonstrates how the pursuit of a seemingly unattainable dream, even one as seemingly innocent as membership in Club 33, can lead to unexpected and devastating consequences. It also underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between personal aspirations and the reality of life beyond the magic.
The Andersons’ story is a reminder that even in a world of fantasy and dreams, the real world eventually catches up. Disney, with its carefully crafted image of happiness and enchantment, is ultimately a business, and it will always prioritize its own interests, no matter how devoted its fans may be.
Disney's Response
Disney, through its attorneys, maintains that the Andersons’ expulsion from Club 33 was justified, citing their violation of membership guidelines. They emphasize the importance of maintaining order and decorum within the club and the need to uphold its standards, even when dealing with long-standing members.
The Verdict
The jury’s verdict, though disappointing for the Andersons, reflects the complexities of the situation. While they may have felt wronged by Disney, the jury ultimately found in favor of the corporation, upholding the validity of the membership rules. The verdict serves as a reminder that even in cases involving emotional investments and deep personal connections, the law often favors established corporations.
The Andersons' story is a reminder that even in a world of fantasy and dreams, the real world eventually catches up. Disney, with its carefully crafted image of happiness and enchantment, is ultimately a business, and it will always prioritize its own interests, no matter how devoted its fans may be. The Andersons’ story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of becoming too consumed by a dream, even one as seemingly innocent as membership in Club 33. Ultimately, the Andersons’ story highlights the inherent tension between the pursuit of dreams and the harsh realities of life, reminding us that even in the magical world of Disney, the real world always has the last word.
The Future
The Andersons have announced that they will appeal the court’s ruling, determined to reclaim their membership in Club 33. The legal battle is far from over, and the outcome remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the Andersons’ story will continue to fascinate and intrigue those who are drawn to the mystique and allure of Disney's Club 33.
It remains to be seen whether the Andersons will ultimately prevail in their legal battle. But their story has already become a part of the lore of Club 33, a cautionary tale for aspiring members and a reminder that even the most devoted fans can be caught in the crosshairs of Disney’s complex and often unforgiving world.
It is a reminder that Disney, for all its magic and wonder, is ultimately a business, and that its interests sometimes take precedence over the dreams and aspirations of its fans. The Andersons’ story, though tragic, is a reminder that the pursuit of happiness is a complex and nuanced journey, and that even in the magical world of Disney, life is not always a fairy tale.
The Andersons’ story is a testament to the enduring power of Disney magic, even when the magic turns sour. The couple’s dedication to Disney, while admirable, ultimately led to their downfall. The couple’s passion for Disney became so deeply ingrained that it consumed their lives, leaving them emotionally and financially vulnerable when their membership was revoked.
