If sleeping in castles, accessing private clubs and hosting extravagant parties sounds more like the rousing’s of the royal family rather than a family vacation, then you have yet to experience a luxury Disneyland vacation. Forget long lines and mediocre accommodations, here’s how to experience the happiest place on earth in the lap of luxury.
Ditch the Lines & Map: VIP Tours
Discerning travelers don’t wait in lines for attractions and shows, at least not on a Disneyland splurge. Schedule a private VIP tour and let Disney roll out the royal carpet as a private guide accompanies you through the park. Think Disney’s unparalleled customer service on steroids. Enjoy behind the scenes stories, priority access to over 30 attractions and character greetings, reserved seating at stage shows and nighttime spectaculars, as well as unlimited photo pass downloads, so you can bring the memories home.
Private Dinner Party: 21 Royal
Celebrating a special occasion? Be the talk of the town when you host your very own private dinner party in the heart of Disneyland. A VIP escort will meet you and your guests at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa and accompany you to 21 Royal, located above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Personal butlers serve signature cocktails in the salon, followed by a reception on the patio with time to explore rooms envisioned by Walt and Lillian Disney. A lavish evening of food and drink unfold leading up to the grand finale: dessert on the balcony with prime views of the nighttime entertainment. Price minimum of $15,000 or $1250 a guest. Experience? Priceless.
Sleep Like a Queen or King: Fairy Tale Suite, Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa
Located in the center of the Disneyland resort, the AAA Four-Diamond property gathers design inspiration from the California Arts and Crafts era of the turn of the 20th century. Recently renovated, the hotel offers extraordinary views of the parks. If you want to feel like royalty, book the Fairy Tale suite. A favorite among celebrities, the marble foyer descends into a massive bedroom overlooking the resort, while shades of champagne and sage set off elegant finishes for a truly regal appearance.
Private Club: Club 33
Originally designed as a place for Walt Disney to entertain, the ultra-exclusive, invite-only club is limited to a mere 500 members. If you do make it off the waiting list, the initiation fee runs upward of $30K, along with the annual price of $15k to $20k. This does however give you access to the only place within Disneyland that serves alcohol. Located at 33 Royal Street in New Orleans Square, the interior is lavish, rich and decadent, housing furniture from Walt’s private collection. With plenty of beautiful areas to escape the crowds, guests find reprieve in the club’s two grand lounges, elegant bars, and signature five-star restaurant.
Exceptional Dining Experiences: Napa Rose
If you aren’t successful at scoring a membership to Club33, don’t despair. There are still options for gastronomical delight. The chef’s table at the AAA Four Diamond restaurant, Napa Rose, located at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, is by far the best dining experience on property. Epicureans and wine connoisseurs can explore plates like Hearty Braised Winter Goose Ragu and Grilled Maple Leaf Duck Breast. An impressive wine selection of over 450 bottles of international wines and a 17,000-bottle wine cellar, makes for perfectly paired plates. For a personalized experience opt for the chef’s table, a six-course tasting menu prepared explicitly for you. Promptly secure a reservation if you are interested, there is limited seating of only 12 guests per the 2 seating sessions each evening.
