The Stars Insider gave us a "Peek inside the most exclusive and secret [theme park] club in Disneyland," if not in the world.

Like many, I too love Disneyland. Growing up in close proximity to it in Southern California on a bit of a hill, I could see its nightly fireworks from my bedroom window. While many probably knew of its existence, I had never heard of this club until recently.

If you covet one of the limited number of memberships available, it'll set you back $25,000 (entrance membership fee) plus $10,000 for minimum annual dues.

Oh yeah, there's also a waiting list . . . of between 10 and 18 years.

And if one is ultimately accepted, there are also requirements on dress attire and codes of conduct.

Walt Disney started the club in 1967 as a VIP area for corporate sponsors. He didn't live to see the club's completion, but it was surely brought to fruition according to his impeccable standards and elegance.

Club 33 is inconspicuously tucked away at 33 Royal Street in Disneyland's New Orleans Square.

And membership has its privileges.

Among the perks are access to the 5-star gourmet Club 33 restaurant and the jazz lounges of Le Salon Nouveau and 1901, Premier Passports, free valet parking at Disney Resort Hotels, a ride with the pilot of the Mark Twain Riverboat and lots of charm/hospitality in the richest Disney tradition.

As some are mystified by the meaning of the Club's name, explanations for Club 33 run the gambit: from its address (33 Royal Street); to the number of original corporate sponsors (33); to some numerology thing having to do with Mickey and Minnie; to Disney himself having been a 33rd degree Mason.

The Club has been made a Disney franchise, with new club lounges opened at Disney properties in Orlando, Tokyo and Shanghai.