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The dining room inside the Royal 21 at New Orleans Square at Disneyland.
The dining room inside the Royal 21 at New Orleans Square at Disneyland.
Photo: Courtesy of Disneyland Resort
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A hamachi citrus-based dish at 21 Royal.
A hamachi citrus-based dish at 21 Royal.
Photo: Courtesy of Disneyland Resort
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An outside sign outside the Royal 21 at New Orleans Square.
An outside sign outside the Royal 21 at New Orleans Square.
Photo: Courtesy of Disneyland Resort
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Inside the Royal Suite 21.
Inside the Royal Suite 21.
Photo: Courtesy of Disneyland Resort
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Andrew Sutton, executive chef at Napa Rose, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure Park.
Andrew Sutton, executive chef at Napa Rose, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure Park.
Photo: Courtesy of Disneyland Resort
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HOW DID DISNEYLAND USE TO WATCH:
Two months before she "woke up" in 1955, the Sleeping Beauty Castle, a Disneyland monument, received some final work from construction workers. Walt Disney wanted this castle to be a friendly and welcoming presence in its park, so that it was built on a smaller scale than its European counterparts. Less
HOW DID DISNEYLAND USE TO WATCH:
Two months before she "woke up" in 1955, the Sleeping Beauty Castle, a Disneyland monument, received some final work from construction workers. Walt … more
Photo: Disney
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1955: Disneyland workers prepare to pour cement where the northern boundary of Town Square meets Main Street USA.
1955: Disneyland workers prepare to pour cement where the northern boundary of Town Square meets Main Street USA.
Photo: Disney
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1955: A few days before its opening, on July 17, a crane lifts the "Rocket to the Moon" during the construction of Tomorrowland at Disneyland.
1955: A few days before its opening, on July 17, a crane lifts the "Rocket to the Moon" during the construction of Tomorrowland at Disneyland.
Photo: Disney
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In 1958, Walt Disney reviewed a model for the Disneyland Matterhorn Bobsleds that opened in 1959 at a height of 147 feet.
In 1958, Walt Disney reviewed a model for the Disneyland Matterhorn Bobsleds that opened in 1959 at a height of 147 feet.
Photo: Disney
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Hundreds of children cross Sleeping Beauty Castle after the long-awaited drawdown of the drawbridge in Fantasyland at Disneyland in 1955.
Hundreds of children cross Sleeping Beauty Castle after the long-awaited drawdown of the drawbridge in Fantasyland at Disneyland in 1955.
Photo: Disney
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1955: The cartoonist and American producer Walt Disney (1901 – 1966), using a toy revolver, smiles pretending to be holding children in a stagecoach at his Disneyland amusement park in Anaheim, California. Disney wears a cowboy hat and boots.
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1955: The cartoonist and American producer Walt Disney (1901 – 1966), using a toy revolver, smiles pretending to be holding children in a stagecoach at his Disneyland amusement park in Anaheim, California. Disney
… more
Photo: Hulton Archives / Getty Images, Getty Images
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The planted flowers form the face of Mickey Mouse, with the Disneyland train in the background.
The planted flowers form the face of Mickey Mouse, with the Disneyland train in the background.
Photo: Dean Loomis / The LIFE / Getty Images Collection, Getty Images
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The Disneyland Hotel opened in 1955 in front of Disneyland, but was built and owned by Jack Wrather, Walt's friend, until Disney bought it in 1988. The Disneyland circuit was expanded in 1961 for hotel, making it the only monorail in the country to cross a public street. Less
The Disneyland Hotel opened in 1955 in front of Disneyland, but was built and owned by Jack Wrather, a friend of Walt's, until Disney bought it at The Wrather Corporation in 1988. The Disneyland … more
Photo: Disney
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Walt Disney "meets" residents of the "It's Small World" attraction at Disneyland California during construction in May 1966. One of Disney's most popular attractions, the show is a fun show and the children of the world who transmit their message of peace and harmony through the international language of music. Less
Walt Disney "meets" some of the residents of the "It's a Small World" attraction at Disneyland California, during construction in May 1966. One of the most popular attractions of all time, the show … more
Photo: Disney
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Walt Disney reads the Disneyland dedication plaque in front of a national audience on the opening day in 1955: "To everyone who comes to this place happy, welcome.
Walt Disney reads the Disneyland dedication plaque in front of a national audience on the opening day in 1955: "To everyone who comes to this place happy, welcome.
Photo: Disney
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THE PRINCESS OF AMERICA – Former child star and future diplomat Shirley Temple joins Walt Disney at the inauguration of the Sleeping Beauty Castle solution at Disneyland on April 29, 1957. Visit of Disney story "Sleeping Beauty" told through a series of dioramas. Less
THE PRINCESS OF AMERICA – Former child star and future diplomat Shirley Temple joins Walt Disney at the opening of the Sleeping Beauty Castle solution at Disneyland on April 29, 1957. The visit … more
Photo: Disney
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Children crossing the door of the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, July 1955.
Children crossing the door of the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, July 1955.
Photo: Allan Grant / The LIFE / Getty Images Collection, Getty Images
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The American animator and founder of the Walt Disney film studio (1901-1966) sits on a lawn with his grandson, in front of Magic Kingdom Castle in Disneyland, Anaheim, California.
The American animator and founder of the Walt Disney film studio (1901-1966) sits on a lawn with his grandson, in front of Magic Kingdom Castle in Disneyland, Anaheim, California.
Photo: Gene Lester / Getty Images, Getty Images
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American producer, director and host Walt Disney (1901 – 1966) prepares to board a helicopter bound for his Disneyland theme park, under construction in Anaheim, California, around 1955.
American producer, director and host Walt Disney (1901 – 1966) prepares to board a helicopter bound for his Disneyland theme park, under construction in Anaheim, California, around 1955.
Photo: Photo Archive / Getty Images, Getty Images
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Walt Disney stands at a Disneyland plan and argues with "imaginers" around 1954 in Los Angeles.
Walt Disney stands at a Disneyland plan and argues with "imaginers" around 1954 in Los Angeles.
Photo: Earl Theisen Collection / Getty Images, Getty Images
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Walt Disney stands at a Disneyland plan and argues with "imaginers" around 1954 in Los Angeles.
Walt Disney stands at a Disneyland plan and argues with "imaginers" around 1954 in Los Angeles.
Photo: Earl Theisen Collection / Getty Images, Getty Images
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Vacationers at Disneyland California, 1955.
Vacationers at Disneyland California, 1955.
Photo: Keystone / Getty Images, Getty Images
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The actress Adelle August poses as she rides on Autopia during the Disneyland opening day in Anaheim, California on July 17, 1955.
The actress Adelle August poses as she rides on Autopia during the Disneyland opening day in Anaheim, California on July 17, 1955.
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images, Getty Images
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A view of the Mark Twain Riverboat Parkway during the opening day at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
A view of the Mark Twain Riverboat Parkway during the opening day at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images, Getty Images
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The first attraction to feature sophisticated characters from Audio-Animatronic opened on June 23, 1963 at Disneyland. The show includes more than 200 birds, tikis and flowers.
The first attraction to feature sophisticated characters from Audio-Animatronic opened on June 23, 1963 at Disneyland. The show includes more than 200 birds, tikis and flowers.
Photo: Disney
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This opening day attraction, based on a stage in Alice in Wonderland, encourages Disneylanders to take a giant cup of tea. In the photo, at its original location in 1966, it was moved near the Matterhorn in 1983 during the construction of the new Fantasyland. Less
This opening day attraction, based on a stage in Alice in Wonderland, encourages Disneylanders to take a giant cup of tea. In the photo, at its original location in 1966, it was moved near the Matterhorn in 1983 … more
Photo: Disney
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Photo: Courtesy of Disneyland Resort
The dining room inside the Royal 21 at New Orleans Square at Disneyland.
The dining room inside the Royal 21 at New Orleans Square at Disneyland.
Photo: Courtesy of Disneyland Resort
Take a look inside the most whimsical Disneyland lounge: here's the $ 15,000 experience at the Royal 21
There are a million ways to see Disneyland. The park is, at the base, an irreverent place with tea cups and train rides for children, a pier for carnival enthusiasts and soon a "Star Wars" cantina for 21 years old and up.
But for the contingent of Disney Park fans looking for the ultimate Disneyland tour, there is another option. In early 2017, the park discreetly deployed a slightly more accessible experience than accessing Club 33: a visit to 21 Royal.
The dining room and secret event above the Pirates of the Caribbean boardwalk can actually be booked by the public for a special meal or event. This is a "unique enchanted experience", the site of the space reads, but it requires a high price that reflects this difference: $ 15,000.
RELATED: First color photos of Disneyland in a new book on the history of the park
The space itself is stored. Designed by renowned interior designer Dorothea Redmond, it was destined to be Walt Disney's apartment, but it passed before it was finished. In recent years, it has been used as an art gallery where collectors could buy Disney-themed oil paintings, or enthusiastic guests could buy a plate of dessert and see the lights of the house. Artificial park for less than $ 100.
At one point, shortly before becoming the Royal 21, it ran under the name of Disney Dream Suite, a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment that offered overnight stays as part of a rare promotion. For the change, it was quickly reshaped by Disney Imagineers using Redmond's plan; When space finally reopened under number 21 Royal in January 2017, it kept its appearance, so it would appear that Walt Disney had wanted it.
But today, fans of Disney can book space for private parties or special occasions – for a fee.
There is some respite: This price of $ 15,000 does not concern a single person, it covers a group of 12 people. The 7-course meal provided obviously does not reduce anything to the presentation – it's Disney, after all – and is prepared by Disney's culinary director. Signature Restaurants Andrew Sutton and Head Chef Clint Chin.
As Disney explains, it's an evening of "epicurean theater" and tales where chefs explain the context of each dish, while program director and sommelier, Matt Ellingson, associates the wine.
RELATED: Disneyland will sell alcohol in public in 2019 when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens its doors
"We want food and wine to tell a personal story," said Sutton. "Our guests are in a unique and private setting, and we want the food to be dazzling and delicious."
But the experience does not just include food. VIP parking at the Grand Californian hotel is provided, as well as Park Hopper tickets for entry to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure for the group for the day. There is also a butler who greets guests with cocktails upon arrival.
As Ellingson says, "You are amused from the moment you enter 21 Royal."
But that's what comes after the meal that excited some Disney fans: a high-fire view. A writer for Eater, Carlye Wisel, went to see the places directly, and after the feast of the couple meal, she wrote about the joy of seeing the show from this perspective.
"That's what you pay, Disney fans," she wrote. "Not the caviar."
If the price does not scare you, you can book your place on 21royaldisneyland.com.
Alyssa Pereira is editor of SFGATE. Send him an email at [email protected] or find him on Twitter at @alyspereira.
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