Disney Certainly Isn't Cheap
If you think Disney World is just for children and families, think again. Some elite experiences will cost you a pretty penny to partake in.
Victoria & Albert's: A Michelin Star Experience
First, let's explore one of the finest restaurants, Victoria & Albert's, which is located at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. As of 2024, it is the very first American theme park to boast a restaurant with a Michelin star—and for good reason.
Haydn Blackey, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Victoria & Albert's: It's Not What You Think
Naturally, when one thinks of the dining options at Disney World, sugary churros and Mickey Mouse pretzels might come to mind. But at Victoria & Albert's, the gastronomic experience is on an entirely new level.
Victoria & Albert's: Every Guest Is Special
Every evening, there is just one seating—and while the food might be the star of the show, every guest is given the royal treatment. According to the maître d’hôtel Israel Pérez, the staff makes sure to commit every diner's name to memory.
Victoria & Albert's: Perfect Service
By asking all of the important questions before the guests even arrive, the staff can prepare for their every need, thereby ensuring an organic experience that does not feel like a "transaction". The cherry on top? You get to listen to a live harp player while dining.
Victoria & Albert's: Vegan Friendly
One way of catering to every guest is to construct the courses around their dietary restrictions and desires. If you're a vegan or vegetarian or even have a distaste for certain foods—you name it—the kitchen will most likely be able to accommodate you. What's more? It's guaranteed to be a delight for your taste buds no matter what.
However, keep in mind: If you have an allergy, make sure to notify the restaurant at least 24 hours in advance.
Victoria & Albert's: The Servers Are A Wealth Of Information
Behind the scenes of the fluid and well-planned service, servers are always on their game—and are ready to answer any question about the food and the many ingredients of every dish.
But if you plan on returning, you might be surprised by the change in menu.
Victoria & Albert's: A Changing Menu
You see, around every three months, the chef switches up the menu.
According to the current chef de cuisine in 2024, Chef Matthew Sowers, “We're always trying to allow for the ingredients to drive the menu. They’re a moment in time that you capture and you showcase that to the guests that maybe haven't had an opportunity to enjoy that before".
So, what might a unique experience like this cost?
Victoria & Albert's: The Cost
At Victoria & Albert's, there are three sections of the restaurant—and depending on where you sit, the price will differ.
For instance, in the main Dining Room, the prix-fixe menu costs $295 per person. Then, there is the Queen Victoria Room, which is a bit more private—and stands at $375 per person. But that's not even the most expensive option.
Victoria & Albert's: The Chef's Table
If you want to eat where the elite few dine at the restaurant, you would have to sit at the Chef's Table. Here, there is only room for six special diners, who have paid $425 each. However, this allows them to watch the chefs at work and even interact with them.
Somehow, though, there's still a way to spend even more money at Victoria & Albert's.
Victoria & Albert's: The Water Menu
In addition to the succulent meal, signing up for a wine pairing or zero-proof pairing will be another added expense. And if neither of those options tickle your fancy, then they also offer a water menu.
Depending on the course, you will be given different kinds of water, which have been sourced from around the world.
Victoria & Albert's: Stay As Long As You Want
Though most guests stay for around three hours, they are, of course, welcome to stay longer if they please. In fact, the restaurant will always adhere to the guest's timeline. For instance, on rare occasions, they even host people for as long as seven hours.
Victoria & Albert's: The Dress Code
If you're planning on dining at Victoria & Albert's, make sure to plan your outfit in advance. Their website outlines a strict dress code: “Victoria & Albert’s is an exquisite and intimate upscale dining experience and the culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World Resort. Guests are expected to dress accordingly in semi-formal/formal attire that respects the restaurant’s elegant and opulent aesthetic".
Victoria & Albert's: Valet Parking
If you make reservations at Victoria & Albert's, you can enjoy the convenience of valet parking which is included with your meal. It's also extremely close to the theme park, which can be reached by monorail or ferry.
However, as luxurious as dining here seems, it still isn't the most exclusive place to visit.
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Club 33: The Most Exclusive Club
At several Disneyland parks, there is an elite club known as Club 33—and you can only get in if you're a member. But what makes this club so fascinating is that it's utterly drenched in secrecy.
Club 33: Opened In 1967
The original Club 33 opened at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California in 1967. Today, the average guest would likely pass its unassuming entrance and never even realize it.
Club 33: The Original Location
Originally, the club's entrance could be found at "33 Royal Street," with an identifiable address plate displaying the number "33". However, in 2014, it underwent some serious renovations.
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Club 33: The Court Of Angels
Today, La Mascarade d'Orleans gift shop also serves as the foyer leading to Club 33's new entrance, located at the Court of Angels. But before we explore what it's like to be a member here, let's step back in time and have a peek at its origin story.
Club 33: Too Many VIPs
Back when Walt Disney was still alive and kicking, he faced a bit of a problem. He simply had too many VIPs and not enough room to host them all. Therefore, Club 33 was the answer to entertaining all of Disneyland's important corporate sponsors. But that wasn't all.
Club 33: Individual Memberships
Unfortunately, Walt Disney didn't live to see the debut of Club 33 as it opened its doors just half a year after his passing. However, because the club also offered single memberships, very wealthy individuals could buy themselves entrance to this exclusive space.
Club 33: What's The Price?
It's hard to know the exact details of Club 33 because the mystery surrounding it is part of its allure. However, the reported cost of getting one's foot in the door is an exorbitant price.
Club 33: Get Ready To Spend A Fortune
The initiation fee? Supposedly it's somewhere between $25,000 and $50,000. However, once you become a member, you still have to pay an annual fee—and this can reach up to $30,000.
Club 33: A Magnet For Celebrities
With price points like these, it's no wonder that members are confined to an elite group of corporations and celebrities. According to rumors, some say that Tom Hanks, Holly Madison, and Rebel Wilson are members.
Club 33: A Ridiculous Waitlist
However, even those who are more than willing to pay the number on the price tag might have to wait in line to get their hands on a membership. You see, in 2007, the waitlist reached its limit. There were just too many people in line, so the club had no choice but to freeze the waitlist for a whopping five years.
Club 33: Hospitality At Its Finest
If you manage to become a lucky member of Club 33, you will be privy to the highest level of hospitality that Disney can offer. And like the rest of the park, there's something extremely magical about it.
Club 33: Gorgeous Interiors
The interior of the club is inspired by the New Orleans Square architecture of the 19th century. The warm parquet floors are paired beautifully with the baroque wallpaper. When you reach the reception area, you can cast your gaze on a special relic—a harpsichord once owned by Walt Disney's wife, Lillian.
Club 33: Two Salons
After passing the reception area, guests must pass through the Court of Angels (which is no longer available to the general public). After ascending the iron staircase here, you have two options: Le Grande Salon or the Salon Nouveau.
Club 33: How Non-Members Can Visit
If you are not a member, but a guest of a member, you will be permitted to dine at Club 33. To get the experience without paying thousands, you'll have to befriend a member, so that they can snag you a reservation. Of course, that's easier said than done.
Club 33: It's Not Cheap
At the Salon Nouveau, the fare is as expensive as one might expect. Think: $75 for a burger. However, at the restaurant next door, Le Grande Salon, things get even fancier.
Club 33: A Mouthwatering Prix-Fixe
Le Grande Salon is an immaculate place to enjoy a meal. Their prix-fixe is over $100, and has served up dishes such as saddle of lamb, steak tartare, and diver scallops—though the menu is not set in stone.
But while many Club 33 secrets have yet to be revealed, there's still another part of Walt Disney World that's even more difficult to gain access to.
The Cinderella Suite: Disney's Apartment
Even the biggest Walt Disney World fans likely haven't had the privilege of visiting the Cinderella Castle Suite—an apartment initially devised for the enjoyment of Walt Disney himself. Anytime he planned to visit Orlando, Florida, this would have been where he laid his head for the night.
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The Cinderella Suite: It Wasn't Open To The Public
Unfortunately, though this suite was specially made for Disney, he passed before he had the chance to stay in it. For almost 20 years, the space was used in different ways—as an office and storage area.
However, in 2006, the suite finally had its moment in the sun.
The Cinderella Suite: A High Prize
In 2006, the "Year of a Million Dreams" promo campaign dragged the long-forgotten suite into the spotlight. It officially transformed it into the Cinderella Suite. Disney offered it as an exclusive experience with only a few lucky people getting the chance to stay there for just one night only.
The Cinderella Suite: The Rarest Experience
Following this campaign, the Cinderella Suite has become the rarest Disney experience. And unfortunately for those determined to book a stay there, there are only a few ways you can actually wriggle your way in—and it all comes down to chance.
The Cinderella Suite: You Can't Bribe Your Way In
You might be thinking that the suite has a high price tag—but in truth, nobody can actually book a stay there. Supposedly, people have tried to bribe their way in, offering up as much as $40,000, but even the wealthiest can't pay their way into the exclusive bedchamber.
So, how have people managed to stay there?
The Cinderella Suite: Celebrity Privileges
There are a few ways you might miraculously get to stay at the Cinderella suite—the first being, if you get your very own invitation. If you're not a celebrity, however, you just might have to kiss your chances goodbye.
Reportedly, famous folks like Tom Cruise, Kevin Jonas, and Mariah Carey were lucky enough to stay the night. However, if you really want in, there's still hope for you.
The Cinderella Suite: Social Media Contests
Overall, the room is rarely open for use. However, once in a blue moon, a promotion might present the suite as a special prize. These might include social media contests or charity events that auction off a spot on the guest list.
The Cinderella Suite: Lucky Winners
For instance, an employees-only sweepstakes program granted one very lucky Disney cast member an exclusive stay in the suite. He even got to bring his family along to enjoy the win alongside him.
However, if you can't win your way into the Cinderella suite, you might be thinking to yourself: Can I, at least, tour the apartment?
The Cinderella Suite: No Tours
Well, unfortunately, the doors to the secret suite closed in 2007. No tours have been made available to the public since then. However, we can describe the stunning interiors for you.
The Cinderella Suite: Small But Mighty
One might be surprised by the size of the suite, which is just 650 square feet. But though it might not be a massive accommodation, it is undoubtedly a gorgeous one.
The Cinderella Suite: A Mini Chateau
Drawing inspiration from 17th-century French architecture, it has the look of a chateau—boasting glittering stained glass windows from the Cinderella story and coffered ceilings. The Imagineering team who designed the suite paid a lot of attention to details, and it definitely shows.
The Cinderella Suite: Easter Eggs Galore
Even getting to the suite itself offers up an Easter egg relating to Cinderella. Just before entering the elevator that will take you to the fourth floor, you can find a grandfather clock. And it just happens to be frozen at the tell-tale time of "11:59 pm"—just one minute before striking midnight.
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The Cinderella Suite: Her Glass Slipper
Upon arriving at the suite, you'll step through an elaborate foyer—its floor made from delightful mosaic tiles. You'll also see some important objects on display, including Cinderella's famous glass slipper and a model of her pumpkin coach.
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The Cinderella Suite: Parting Gifts
Allegedly, the celebrity guests who have stayed in the Cinderella suite received a special parting gift: They got to take home their very own glass slipper.
The Cinderella Suite: Gorgeous Details
The fun details continue throughout the suite. When entering the parlor, you'll find books "borrowed from Belle," as well as a desk from the 17th century and a rotary phone. However, the bathroom might be the most magical place of all.
The Cinderella Suite: Bathe Like A Princess
Bathing in the Cinderella suite is the peak of luxury. You can unwind in the spa tub and adjust the lighting to match your mood. Looking up is also very transportive, as the ceiling looks like the star-filled night sky. There are also scenes from the princess' story, illustrated through mosaics.
The Cinderella Suite: The Coziest Bedchamber
The bedchamber's brown color scheme is so warm and cozy, and there are two lavish canopy beds—their headboards decorated with Cinderella's royal crest. Boosting the ambiance are an antique fireplace and a television disguised as a portrait of the princess herself.
The Cinderella Suite: There's More To See
Though you may have to satisfy yourself with just knowing that the Cinderella suite exists, there are a few other opportunities for curious visitors to explore other sections of the castle.
The Cinderella Castle: The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Behind the Cinderella castle, you can find the entrance of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. If you have young children, you can treat them to a fairy-tale makeover. Set in a resplendent room decked out with golden chandeliers and blue drapes, this is the ultimate Cinderella experience.
The Cinderella Castle: A Makeover To Remember
Fairy Godmother Apprentices tend to your child's special makeover, doing their hair and nails. They also get to try on a special outfit. However, even adults can have their fun at Cinderella's Castle.
The Cinderella Castle: Her Royal Table
Sure, you may not be able to sleep in Cinderella's suite, but if you make a reservation, you'll be able to dine at Cinderella's Royal Table. To make your way to the banquet hall for this experience, you'll have to climb the spiral staircase or ride up the elevator. And once you arrive, you'll get to eat at a restaurant like no other.
The Cinderella Castle: An All-Around Feast
Eating at Cinderella's Royal Table will be sure to awaken your inner child. Whether you're going for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the environment alone will take your breath away. The soaring archways, high ceiling, and detailed glass windows will be a feast for your eyes as you feast on your meal.
Only If You're Lucky
So whether you're dining at Victoria & Albert's, hoping to snag a reservation at Club 33, or dreaming of the day you can sleep in Cinderella's suite, know that Disney World can indeed cater to the very rich, the very lucky, or the very famous. However, only some will be able to enjoy its most exclusive experiences.
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