1901

Just another visit to the park was what I had intended when I walked through the gates of DCA with my friends. But they had something special in mind that evening. Aside from riding Tower of Terror and Radiator Springs Racers with me, we were going to have drinks at 1901. For those of you who aren’t aware, there’s a members only lounge at DCA next to Carthay Circle called 1901. Entrance to 1901 depends on what level of Club 33 membership you have. I won’t go into details since I don’t particularly know but let’s just say it’s expensive.
The interior is splendidly decorated with photographs of Walt Disney. There’s plenty of Disney memorabilia adorning the walls. The lavish chairs beckon you to sit in them. My favorites were the directors chairs with Walt, Lillian, Roy, and Edna Disney’s name on them. The spherical ice machine is a marvel. They demonstrated it for me and it was awesome. Check out the hallway with «Walt’s ghost» which appears periodically.
Thank you so much to the member who walked us in. Members can bring up to 4 guests but they must be present with their guests the entire time they are there. The lounge is relaxing to be sure but the menu is exactly the same to what is next door at Carthay Circle. There is no dress code for 1901. The cool factor was that we had the entire place to ourselves. Thanks to our bartender, Shane, for excellent service. We sat and chatted and were never rushed. The lounge is quiet and is a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

I love this place the costumer service the best one I want to be back here asap. Then I came here one day it was so fast if you want to eat something delisuous.

Located in the middle of California Adventure’s Carthay Circle is a safe haven from all the hustle and bustle by name of 1901. This is the Club 33 on the other side for platinum members only (with guests) and fortunately I came with a group of friends with perky privileges.
So this review is coming from the common man.
You get what you pay for! Everything here was thought up in the utmost detail by the Disney Imagineering team. Finally, a quiet place to escape from being flat-​tired by strollers and getting your eyes sore from underaged couples. The lounge sets back to the 1930s with art deco styling, white crowning all over the edges and dim lights to give you the old timey feel (kind of reminds of Indiana Jones’ home) Not only is it spacious but there’s always something to see all over the walls with historic mementos that belonged to Walt and family. Well air conditioned and very quiet (as it is less popular compared to Club 33, but I prefer it) I dozed off after a couple of their specialty drinks from being too comfortable here.
For the adults, it’s the Disneyland from the Disneyland/​CA.
Remember about the reservations, and also you’ll enjoy it more if you’re in no rush to see anything (give 2 – 3 hours for mental rejuvenation)
Oh, and ask about the ice sphere demonstration. People go nuts over it.

If you’re a member this is your Disney oasis out of the crowds and heat! Friendly bartenders and exclusive surroundings. Don’t worry, if you’re not a member just go to the adjacent lounge at Carthay Circle for the same great food and drink!

This is a great «members only» bar to escape to when the parks are overwhelming you. There is free wifi (ask at front desk), phone chargers and a full bar. Ask for a carthay martini and watch how they make the ice cube! It’s amazing. Some days the club is limited to how many guest one can bring in. The menu is always changing so be sure to check it out!

If you like exclusivity, this is the place for you. Not all club 33 members can get into 1901. There are different levels of memberships. And it’s not like club 33, where any member can make a reservation for you. You need to be walked in!
There are photos of Walt hung on the walls, one of them is supposed to light up or move but it wasn’t working when I was there. Great stories behind everything, be sure to ask about the photos, chairs and the wall.
I docked one star because it’s just like Carthay circle. From the drinks, to the napkins. I suppose it’s better in a sense that you get better service since this place is rarely packed. But in terms of what they offer, you can get the same thing next door, nothing unique except the experience.

When one begins to feel weary and the bustling mass of humanity begins to wear on your patience… when one feels as if they will snap if the have to dodge one more insane Disney geek or rambunctious child, 1901 beckons. Almost as hidden as its partner Club 33, 1901 is tucked adjacent to the Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney’s California Adventure. Beneath the pronounced Carthay Circle sign lies 3 doors. The two on the left lead you into the restaurant while the single door on the right takes you somewhere truly remarkable.
Modeled off of The Carthay Circle Theater in Los Angeles and named after Walt Disney’s birth year, 1901 is a private lounge reserved for Club 33 members and their guests. As the lucky lady on the arm of my Club 33 gentleman, I found myself on another grandiose date here. After a long day in the park during the holiday season two dog-​tired adventurers stumbled into this tranquil lounge. You are first greeted by two cast members behind a large desk. After a warm greeting, a quick display of a platinum card, you are lead into a peaceful time warp that takes you back to the 1930’s. The creative and adventurous enthusiasm of Walt and his gang of talented artists fill every corner. Travel souvenirs from across the globe are carefully placed upon the shelves and Art Deco fixtures take you back to a vintage Hollywood most can only dream of. Black and white photos of Walt, his family, and his animators cover the walls from the front door all the way to the well stocked marble bar. The lounge is divided into two areas. On one side of the room you’ll find comfortable couches with big fluffy pillows surrounded by colorfully upholstered armchairs, loveseats, and a few small tables encircled by large leather & wicker chairs. The walls are lined with shelves of memorabilia that Walt might have placed himself. There’s a replica of his private plane, vintage Mickey and Minnie dolls, lots of books, and other treasures. The other side is adorned with more places to dine, a portable martini cart beneath a tribute to Disney’s 9 Old Men, as well as the polished & magnificent bar where you will be greeted by another cast member. Our cast member and bartender for the night was Mugsy. His quick wit and friendly demeanor would give us a delightful experience here. The chairs placed next to the bar are meant to look like directors seats. Walt and his brother, Roy-​along with their wives, ran the show so it’s only appropriate that director seats would be coupled bar side.
After being seated in Walt and Lillian’s chairs, my date and I took a look at the small eats and treats served here. While we pondered upon the menu full of specialty drinks, desserts, and small bites we were given complimentary house olives and fresh ice water. I was feeling particularly hungry after a full day of Disney’s magic, whimsy, and unforgettably long lines so my date and I selected the spicy chicken rolls and the Vietnamese twice cooked beef tacos to share. The chicken rolls were pleasantly refreshing containing garden-​fresh cilantro, cucumbers, and lettuce. The tacos; however, were my personal favorite. The dish was served on a stainless steel taco tray with four crevices built-​in to envelop four mini tacos. The taste was a combination of spicy and sweet as the chef added fresh pineapple mint salsa atop the tantalizing beef. To wash down our decadent meal we looked to the drink portion of the menu. As my classic signature I ordered a full-​bodied Cabernet from Napa Valley, while my date decided to be more adventurous. Among many special details and subtle tricks Disney employs to make every guests experience unique, 1901 has its own charm. This comes in the form of a Carthay Martini. Behind the bar, Mugsy had a Japanese ice making machine that takes a cylinder of crystal clear purified ice and transforms it into a perfect ice sphere in about 20 seconds. The martini is one of several sophisticated cocktails served inside 1901 garnished with truffle olives and a glass stirrer. Not to be outdone, I also sampled a cocktail called a Tequila Daisy. This little spirit came with Don Julio Reposado tequila, Cointreau, crème Yvette violet liqueur, fresh lime juice, and organic agave nectar served up with a delicate flower on top. If that wasn’t enough to bring us to total surrender of our senses, we ordered dessert. We decided upon the mini mousse cones that come in 3 different varietals. Chocolate fudge with salted caramel, coconut-​lemon custard, and tiramisu with hazelnut brittle.
Feeling arguably more weary than when our escapade began here, I took leave of my bar stool and settled upon one of the soft & cushy leather sofas. Sleepily joining me my date and I relaxed and surrendered into a trance of serenity. The surprises were not over yet however. If one looks closely & if one can muster up the patience, you might catch a glimpse of Walt’s shadow roaming around the walls. Come see for yourself at the splendid 1901 lounge.

I don’t even know how to fathom a fancy pants club in the middle of Disneyland. Going in with jeans and a t-​shirt was a little weird. What was not weird was drinking a fancy pants drink… Because it was good!
I was impressed by the classic cocktail menu. I did NOT expect the drinks to be quality, but they exceeded my expectations. They were just like you’d get at a regular cocktail specialty bar. I ordered the Negroni and it was strong and delicious. Or, just ditch the other drinks and get the martini just so you can see them melt the circular ice cube! Trust me, it’s really cool to watch!
I like that there’s little artifacts from Walt’s life inside. I especially was entertained by the little note that states they didn’t want the cartoons to have belly buttons shown anymore. Oh, how times have changed!
You can actually get some free warm olives as a little app teaser. It’s quite large and delicious! I was surprised considering Disney food is sometimes a little iffy. I know this isn’t necessarily something you get to experience every time you’re in Disney because you need to have the special pass in, but if you have one or know someone that does, go for it! You’re allowed to feel classy in Disney!

We recently went to the park with a group of friends and found it to be a) extremely hot and b) extremely crowded… so we made our way straight over to 1901 to cool off with a nice cold beverage. The secret door is to the right of the entrance of Carthay Circle and you have to have a Club 33 member with you to check in upon entering. We found the place to be peaceful and quiet and the perfect place to catch up over some cocktails. I tried two cocktails — the curve ball, which is a creation by one of the cast members here that is a bourbon based drink. I can’t recall exactly what’s in it because it’s not even on the menu but it was simply delicious! The curve ball is that you’ll be feeling nice and happy after one or two of those! :) And then I had to of course try Pimm’s Punch which is gin & strawberry lemonade served over crushed ice and topped off with a strawberry and a raspberry. Equally delicious especially on a hot spring day!
I LOVED this lounge so much. From the relaxing music to the 1950s themed décor, it was perfect! It’s truly such a special place. This is the place to go to escape all of the crowds and screaming children. The only downside is that they do allow children in here and a crowd of kids came in and were pretty loud… a brief little reminder that we were still at Disneyland. Fortunately they left after 5 minutes.

You know that scene in «The Nightmare Before Christmas» when Jack Skellington enters Christmastown and starts singing, «What’s this? What’s THIS?» That’s exactly how I felt as I entered 1901 Lounge, located discreetly to the right of the Carthay Circle Lounge and Restaurant. This members-​only lounge can be accessed by Club 33 members, and unlike the Club, the actual member has to be in attendance. There is no reservation to be made; just a show of membership card and entrance is granted for you and your guests.
I was celebrating a friend’s birthday at the Disneyland Resort and he mentioned that we should grab a drink over at DCA. My mind flashed to the Alfresco Lounge or the Carthay Circle, but never could I have imagined my fortune of seeing him nonchalantly walk into 1901’s doors with a secrecy that still escapes me.
Disney never ceases to amaze me with their attention to detail. The interior designers really did a great job of transporting me back to a time when Walt came to California and brought his animation dreams to life. So as not to ruin the mystery and exclusivity, I won’t reveal too many details but there are so many great photographs on the wall and hidden references. Of course, «Carthay Circle Lounge Sessions» CD was on full loop, jazz renditions of popular Disney songs (i found you can buy this at one of shops in DCA!)
Our Cast Member, Greg, was fantastic and gave us menus, which are pretty much identical to the Carthay Lounge next door, except they have ‘1901’ printed on the front. We ordered some drinks and sank into some fancy chairs. There are phone chargers available for iPhone and Android, and the ambient lighting gives this a very charming, cozy feel. There was only one other couple in the lounge when we visited it.
Order a Manhattan or a martini in this establishment and see the wondrous Ice Sphere machine — which really isn’t much of a machine but more of a lesson in physics. A cylindrical piece of ice is compressed into a perfect sphere devoid of any ability to water down your drink.
If you’re lucky enough to know someone who has a membership, do take advantage of seeing the Lounge, if not for the drinks, for just the sense of nostalgia to a time long past that a room built in 2012 could evoke.
Thank you WH for the brilliant experience!

At California Adventure Park next to the Carthay Circle Restaurant
Perhaps I would have to speak to a member of this club to massage my opinion of this lounge, but I found it to be a bit overrated.
For those who haven’t heard of 1901 it is a membership only club/​lounge akin to the more famous and offering quite a bit more Club 33.
Pricing to be a part of this Club is similar to the pricing of Club 33, but one receives a lot less in terms of benefits so to speak. While Club 33 is a full restaurant with various events, souvenirs, and history this is a newer lounge that makes for a nice escape from the crowds at California Adventure, but truth be told if that is what one desires then that can be achieved sans membership by going over to one of the Disnelyand Hotels.
The food menu here was designed by Chef Andrew Sutton of Napa Rose fame so I could only imagine how delicious that must be. They also have a full bar here too.
There is quite a bit of comfortable seating inside to relax in a nice temperature controlled atmosphere. The walls are also adorned with various Disney artwork that one can appreciate.
I also love that they have iPod/​Android Phone charging stations which proves quite handy as well.

Before your day in the park is done,
When it’s time to escape the sun,
If you should have the chance to come,
You’ll find your respite in 1901.
I believe the actual name of this place is «1901 Lounge,» though I could be mistaken. In any case, I was lucky enough to spend an evening here, recently, and let me tell you, I enjoyed it so much that I stayed from late afternoon very nearly until closing. I should mention — the drinks are reasonably priced, as they probably should be given the minimum annual fee to be a member. So a few hours of drinking won’t break the bank.
As a Disneyland passholder, I am no stranger to the crowds and the noise of a day or night in the parks. And I love that. But there is something amazing about the ability to spend a quiet evening or even just a brief respite from the noise in the heart of the park. And quiet it was — for most of the night, it was just me, soft clinking here and there of glasses at the bar, and jazz versions of Disney classics (where can I buy that album??) played at the perfect volume.
The décor and ambiance of 1901 Lounge is truly wonderful if you’re a discerning Disney fan. I personally thought Walt’s presence was even more touching and keenly felt than even in Club 33, which is a feat considering it’s brand new. If you get into the lounge and you don’t take some time to look at all the artwork, you are remiss.
As for the service, it was basically perfect. After I’d been there for a little while, I scrapped my plans to do anything else in the park and decided to stay there and drink and read all evening. It was really like being in a cozy hotel lounge, and for much of the night (after my date had to leave) I was delighted to be the only patron. The bartender came by at well-​timed intervals, not too often, to see how I was doing. By the end of the night, I realized that I was never really waiting for service to ask me what I wanted next.
I also took the opportunity at the end of the night to get a demonstration of their cool ice cube maker (search youtube if you’re curious), and took my ice sphere with me as an ephemeral souvenir.
I had one appetizer there — some sort of moroccan skewer, I think. It was very similar, I thought, to something you can get at Paradise Garden Grill. Good, but nothing groundbreaking.
For drinks, I would say don’t miss the Chip Shot. It was so good that I want to try to replicate it. I want one right now.
All told, even though I have had many a magical evening at Disneyland and DCA with friends and family, I can’t believe I’m saying it, but I count the night I spent alone in 1901 among my very favorites.

1901 is probably the best hidden gem in all of Disney. At least in my humble opinion. Since we live close enough, we’ll plan to meet folks at the park or just go and get away for an escape. Once in the park (s), if we find it to crowded or hot (depending on the season) we simply slip into 1901 where we are greeted with warm smiles, cold drinks, and soft seats. Once inside you’re surrounded by all sorts of Disney Magic — did you seriously think I was going to give everything away… you’ll have to experience it for yourself. Walt would be so proud of 1901.

Its a Private membership club no where as exclusive as Club 33, I have a Club 33 membership a added 1901 for about $ 7000 more a year, don’t get me wrong it’s nice & you don’t need reservations just go in with your guests & show your membership card, they have great twentiesn art deco décor drinks and tapas styled food, if you ask for food from Carthay circle they will no longer accommodated you but it is a membership club & not open to the public allot cheaper & easier membership to get than Club 33. Great to entertain guests or get a relaxing break from the park. Little know fact order a double for only $ 1.75÷2.50 more. All Disney owned bars Even Club 33 do that except Napa Rose.

This place I hear is more exclusive than Disneyland’s Club 33. The food is exactly the same as the food next door at Carthay Circle. Look for the small plaque with the gold 1901 numbers at the black double doors to the right side. Knock on the doors, and whisper the secret name. :)