Disneyland superfans, Scott and Diana Anderson, passionate Disney enthusiasts from Arizona, have invested a staggering $400,000 in legal fees over the past seven years.
Their quest has been to regain access to Disneyland’s exclusive Club 33.
The couple’s journey from devoted fans to legal battlers highlights their intense commitment to this secretive VIP club.
Andersons’ journey to experience club 33
Club 33, a hidden gem within Disneyland’s Anaheim park, offers a range of luxurious perks, including VIP lounges and special events.
Members also enjoy gourmet meals prepared by renowned chefs.
With an initiation fee of $33,000 and annual dues of $15,000, Club 33 membership is a coveted status symbol among Disney aficionados.
Scott and Diana Anderson saved for two decades to afford their Club 33 membership. However, the couple endured a ten-year waiting list before gaining entry in 2012.
Once admitted, they frequented Disneyland between 60 and 80 times each year. While they spended an estimated $125,000 on their visits.
Their dedication even led to friendships with celebrities like Kurt Russell and Dick Van Dyke.
The couple’s membership was revoked after an unexpected incident.
In the incident, Scott Anderson was accused of public drunkenness at Disneyland, leading to the revocation of their membership.
Their magical experience took a downturn in 2017 following this event.
However, Scott contested the allegations, attributing his unsteady demeanor to a vestibular migraine rather than intoxication.
Despite this, their membership was terminated, and their access to the exclusive club was blocked.
The Andersons have since devoted significant resources to legal efforts aimed at reclaiming their membership.
They sought $10,500 for unused membership time and $231,000 in damages for the seven years they spent on the Club 33 blacklist.
Their lawsuit was recently dismissed by an Orange County judge.
The ruling favored Disney, affirming the company’s right to enforce its membership policies.
Diana Anderson spend $400,000 in legal fees to reclaim membership in secret club
The legal expenses have had a profound impact on the Andersons’ finances.
Scoot also revealed that covering these costs will delay his retirement by five years.
Despite the financial strain, he expressed no regrets about pursuing the case.
Diana Anderson remains resolute, even vowing to go to great lengths, including selling a kidney, to appeal the decision and regain access to Club 33.
Disney attorney Jonathan E. Phillips commented that Scott’s actions had significant consequences.
“They did not want to pay the consequences of failing to follow the rules,” Phillips told jurors, the LA Times reports.
The saga of Scott and Diana Anderson underscores the lengths to which Disney superfans will go to maintain their connection with the magical world of Disneyland.
Their ongoing battle to be reinstated at Club 33 reflects their deep-seated passion for the park.