Previously, we reported on Scott and Diana Anderson, the Arizona couple who sued Disney over their dismissal from Club 33 and lost. Now, they are talking to The Hollywood Reporter and dishing on the drama, expenses, celebrities, and alleged violations by other Club 33 members. Diana told THR that “It is a cult, and Walt’s the messiah.” This was interesting, given that when she lost her case, she allegedly told the LA Times she would sell a kidney to get their membership back.
The Hollywood Reporter has an interview in which the couple spills about Club 33, and we are going to take a look at some of their claims.
The couple reports that it took them 12 years to get off the waiting list and into Club 33. This is likely true as the list is very long. But when they got in the sticker shock was a bit much because the costs were higher than they expected. Scott Anderson says there were two levels of membership at the time a $40k tier and a $50k tier. A potential member must pay both the entry fee and first year’s membership at the time to join, so it costs the Andersons $$50k initially.
With the cost, members get to use the Club’s 33 areas, shops, 5 VIP tours a year, waived park fees, and 100 tickets for friends. Club 33 members do not need to pay for Lighting Lane passes either. However, Scott Anderson called it a “glorified annual pass.”
During the interview, the couple dished on some of the celebrities and other members who were violating the rules. They were accused of this when Scott was found having what he claimed was a “vestibular migraine.” Disney security said he was drunk, which allegedly led to their dismissal from the Club.
Here’s the tea they spilt about Club 33.
Apparently, Tom Hanks booked Thanksgiving at the club for his family, and this meant that other guests had to leave by 1:30 on Thanksgiving Day.
Rebel Wilson violated two rules by filming in the bathrooms and taking a video of her dancing with Minnie Mouse in an area where she was not allowed to film. She was suspended for 30 days but not permanently dismissed.
Katy Perry offered access to the Lounge for a charity event for $160k which the Anderson’s say is against the rules.
Other members are selling their 100 park tickets or access to lunch at the club as their guest for $125. This is against the rules.
Exclusive Club 33 merchandise is not meant to be resold yet the Andersons claim members are buying up merchandise and reselling it online. Annual Passholders are also not allowed to resell merchandise after using their AP discount.
Disney is upcharging Club 33 Members As Well as Regular Guests
Disney is trying to squeeze more money out of everyone it seems and Club 33 members are reportedly not immune. During the interview the couple listed several ways Disney has found to get more money out of the club members.
Scott Anderson said that the membership levels changed. They used to be labeled “Silver” or “Gold” but they added to “Platinum” and “Executive” levels and removed “Silver.” The change forced those who had “Silver” memberships to pay to move up to “Gold level” and if those who had “Gold” wanted to have more than the base membership they could pay more to be “Platinum.”
Diana Anderson said that Club Members could ride in Walt Disney’s personal Disneyland Railroad Car, the Lilly Belle, but now they charge $85 per person for the opportunity.
The couple said they used to have access to the famous Walt Disney apartment above the Firehouse on Main Street U.S.A. Originally they were allowed to spend as much time as they wanted in the apartment, even using the bathroom. They claim the original furniture was replaced with replica pieces and guest have to pay to go in.
Why did they take Disney to court?
The couple feel that they were unfairly dismissed from the club. Especially given the infractions of other members who were not removed.
Scott claims that he sent Disney medical documentation that proves he had a vestibular migraine as well as write the apology letter the manager demanded to fix the situation. He was still kicked out.
“I sent them my medical records. I emailed them multiple times. We didn’t know we were going to be terminated. It was so out nowhere. We get a letter in mail that says, “Terminated.”
Diana added, “First [the manager] said, “If you don’t write an apology letter, I’ll terminate you.””
Scott continued saying the manager told him “But if you write an apology letter, all will be forgiven.”
The interviewer at The Hollywood Reporter asked Scott if he wrote the letter and he answered that he did. Yet he was still kicked out.
While the couple has not been banned from the parks, they want Scott’s name cleared.
Scott Anderson claims he fought for his integrity to be restored because now he is labeled as being drunk in the park and they want to return to see their Club 33 friends.
You can read the original article for more information.
**The claims in this article were made by the Andersons to The Hollywood Reporter. PNP can not confirm or deny any of it.
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