Learn about Disney’s former currency and what makes it so special!
Disney Dollars were once a common currency within Disney parks and resorts, but has now transformed into a beloved collectible for Disney memorabilia fans.
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If you’re a longtime fan of Disney parks and memorabilia, you may have fond memories of Disney Dollars.
Or maybe you never encountered this currency, and you’re curious about it.
Disney Dollars were once a popular way to spend money at Disney parks, resorts, Disney cruise ships, parts of Castaway Cay (Disney’s cruise line port), and Disney Stores.
If you still have any of the popular currency from the past, you may be wondering what you can use them for these days, or if they’re worth anything.
We’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the history of Disney Dollars, where you can find them, and how to spend them.
What are Disney Dollars?
Disney dollars were created by the Walt Disney Company as a park-specific currency from the years 1987-2008, prior to the widespread use of gift cards.
Features of Disney Dollars
The paper currency notes feature famous Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Cinderella, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, and Tinkerbell.
There was even a Pirates of the Caribbean version at one point!
Disney would come out with a new design almost every year, so the limited edition currency became a collector’s dream.
Each of the individual bills featured the signature of Scrooge McDuck as the treasurer. 🙂
They were intended to be used as a more convenient way to spend money at the parks, since guests didn’t have to worry about exchanging their currency for U.S. dollars, carry travelers cheques, etc.
The colorful bills looked similar to play money and could be used at any Disney theme park or resort.
The Disney money was printed on high quality bank note paper in $1, $5, $10, and $20 denominations.
Markings and Anti-Counterfeit Measures
The bills contained anti-counterfeiting features such as reflective ink, embossing on the front and back of the bill, and microprinting.
Bills were marked with a serial number. Those printed for Disneyland in Anaheim were marked with an “A” and those printed for Walt Disney World Resort in Florida were marked with a “D”. Bills printed for the Disney Store were marked with a “T”.
What Were Disney Dollars Used For?
These dollars worked just like cash and can be used to buy souvenirs, food, and other items inside the Disney parks.
Some people chose to purchase Disney Dollars as a gift to loved ones who were planning a vacation (because the cost of a Disney vacation is nothing to scoff at!).
Many Disney memorabilia fans chose not to spend them and instead kept their Disney Dollars as a memento of their trip.
I remember my grandmother giving us kids Disney Dollars as our own money for spending on souvenirs while we were on vacation.
I wish I would have kept more of mine over the years!
These days, I think it’s more practical to use these printable Disney coupons for kids.
Do Disney Dollars Still Have Value?
The short answer is yes, the currency does still have value. However, the bills can only be used at Disney theme parks and resorts. They cannot be exchanged for regular U.S. currency.
The value marked on the front of the bill is still what they Disney Dollars worth today if you’re spending the money in the parks.
However, many of the bills are collector’s items and can be sold for higher prices than their face value.
For example, a $1 Disney dollar bill from 1987 is worth about $5. A $5 bill from 2003 can go for around $15, and a $20 bill from 1999 has an estimated value of $50.
Additionally, there are some bills released in 2005 for the 50th anniversary of Disneyland, which were signed by Disney artist Charles Boyer. Those are more rare and are therefore worth more.
Where to Buy Disney Dollars Now
Unfortunately, Disney dollars are no longer being produced. The last batch of bills was printed in 2016.
However, you can still find them for sale online from private sellers and some currency exchange companies if you’re willing to pay top dollar (pun intended) for the Disney collectible.
eBay
The online marketplace is one of the most popular places to buy and sell the popular Disney currency. You can find a wide variety of bills for sale, but expect the prices can be higher than face value.
While the face value is printed on the bills, the sellers can obviously charge whatever they want.
Other Online Options
You can often find Disney bills for sale at various currency exchange companies and resale websites.
I’ve seen them listed everywhere from Poshmark to KathsDisneyDollars.com to EliteCoinage.com. You can even find Disney Dollars listed on Amazon.
What to Look for When Buying Disney Dollars
Most of the dollars are now worth way more than they were originally sold for, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for and what to expect before you go online to make a purchase.
You should always do your own due diligence ahead of time.
Condition
If you’re interested in purchasing Disney dollars, make sure to check the bill’s condition before making a purchase. Some sellers may try to sell damaged or counterfeit bills without disclosing that information.
Serial Numbers
When Disney dollars were still in circulation, each bill had a unique serial number. This was to help prevent counterfeiting.
If you’re looking at purchasing a bill, make sure to check the serial number matches it see what it’s valued at.
The Price
If you want to buy Disney dollars without overpaying, your best bet is do your research and find a currency exchange company that specializes in collecting and selling the popular bills.
Specific characters, years, and serial numbers can add to the bill’s value, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for before making a purchase.
Can You Still Spend Disney Dollars?
If you have Disney dollars, you can use them just like cash at any Disney theme park or resort. They’re still considered real dollars in the world of Disney!
Here is the list of locations that accept Disney dollars:
- Theme park ticketing locations
- Food and beverage venues
- Merchandise locations
- Recreation areas
- Disney Resort hotel Front Desk
- Disney Resort hotel concierge
- Guest Relations at Disney theme parks and water parks
How to Store Disney Dollars
If you’re a Disney fan who loves to collect souvenirs, you may be wondering how to store your Disney bucks.
You’ll want to be mindful of moisture and temperature in your storage area.
The best way to protect them for a long time is by storing them in a protective sleeve or wrapping them in acid-free paper.
You can also frame them or keep them in a scrapbook as part of your collection.
Many people opt to purchase large currency top-loading holders for storage.
- Superior Material: Made from rigid PVC, our topload holders guarantee that your large US currency is not just stored but preserved. The material ensures that your currency, collectible bills, or historical notes remain in pristine condition
- Protective Design: These currency protectors shield against environmental hazards like dust, moisture, and handling. These holders provide a clear view that enhances the visual appeal and ensures your collectibles are displayed in top condition.
Alternatives to Disney Dollars
If you don’t want to spend your Disney Dollars, that’s totally understandable. Luckily there are other options for spending money in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
You can use a Disney Gift Card, which can be purchased online or in person at any Disney theme park or resort.
You can also link your credit or debit card to your MagicBand and My Disney Experience app so you can make purchases without carrying any cash or credit card with you.
While Disney dollars are no longer being produced, they’re still a popular currency among collectors and Disney fans.
The printed money can be used just like cash at any Disney theme park or resort, but their true value lies in the fact that they are now collectibles.
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