Disney Dollar History

How it came to be

The idea of Disney Dollars first started when Harry Brice, a silhouette cutter on Main Street in Disneyland was visiting a Disneyana (Disney collectors) convention. Mr. Brice stated,
Matt Mew - Creative Service Illustrator
“I couldn't believe that people were paying, money for -- anything with Disney on it. So I began to wonder, 'why couldn't Disney make something just for the collector?' So I came up with the idea to make a souvenir item, which would be sold in the park, that looked like money." (Clark & Cahill, 1987, 4)”
After sharing this idea with an associate, ideas were discussed and the design process was set into motion. Some of the original ideas were to create “a three dollar bill with a picture of the Three Pigs or a seven dollar bill with the Dwarfs” (Clark & Cahill, 1987, 4) In fact the first rendering of the Disney Dollar was created as an advertising tool. As seen in the image of Disneyland’s Star Tours attraction. The designs were eventually finalized. They were illustrated by the Creative Service Illustrator Matt Mew (above). The printing was done by EPI of Battlecreek, Michigan. They were known for high quality printing using intaglio steel engraving. This printing process along with using special 100% cotton paper, "gives the bills the look and feel of real money" (Clark & Cahill, 1987, 5)
Disney Dollars were released in 1987; the first series was the A series released at Disney World and Disneyland. The bills stated, "May Be Used As Legal Tender Only At Disneyland". Shortly thereafter both the D series and the 1987 A series were released with "May Be Used As Legal Tender Only At Disneyland and Disneyworld". Disney printed 870,000 of the original series for the May 5, 1987 release at both parks. The "1987 A" bill was first noticed on September 9, 1987 at Disneyland and a new D series became available on October 2, 1987, at Disney World (A "D" series was not released on May 5, 1987.)
Artist prototype "Star Tours" Disney Dollar
Each bill was series "A" or "D". The former was created for Disneyland in Anaheim, California (hence the "A"), and the latter "D" was for Walt Disney World in Florida. New Disney dollars have been produced every year since 1987 except 1992, 2004 and 2010. References: Clark, Sara., & Cahill, Michelle. (1987). Getting Our Money Into Circulation. Disneyland Line, 19(23), 4-5.
Click images below for more information
DisneyDollars.net is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company. DisneyDollars.net ©2025
Fall 1987 Disney Magazine - Article Disney Dollars: Currency with Character For The Magic Kingdom - Click image for article
Disneyland Line Vol. 19 No.23 June 4, 1987 “Getting our Money into Circulation - Click image for article

Disney Dollar History

How it came to be

The idea of Disney Dollars first started when Harry Brice, a silhouette cutter on Main Street in Disneyland was visiting a Disneyana (Disney collectors) convention. Mr. Brice stated,
Matt Mew - Creative Service Illustrator
“I couldn't believe that people were paying, money for -- anything with Disney on it. So I began to wonder, 'why couldn't Disney make something just for the collector?' So I came up with the idea to make a souvenir item, which would be sold in the park, that looked like money." (Clark & Cahill, 1987, 4)”
After sharing this idea with an associate, ideas were discussed and the design process was set into motion. Some of the original ideas were to create “a three dollar bill with a picture of the Three Pigs or a seven dollar bill with the Dwarfs” (Clark & Cahill, 1987, 4) In fact the first rendering of the Disney Dollar was created as an advertising tool. As seen in the image of Disneyland’s Star Tours attraction. The designs were eventually finalized. They were illustrated by the Creative Service Illustrator Matt Mew (above). The printing was done by EPI of Battlecreek, Michigan. They were known for high quality printing using intaglio steel engraving. This printing process along with using special 100% cotton paper, "gives the bills the look and feel of real money" (Clark & Cahill, 1987, 5)
Disney Dollars were released in 1987; the first series was the A series released at Disney World and Disneyland. The bills stated, "May Be Used As Legal Tender Only At Disneyland". Shortly thereafter both the D series and the 1987 A series were released with "May Be Used As Legal Tender Only At Disneyland and Disneyworld". Disney printed 870,000 of the original series for the May 5, 1987 release at both parks. The "1987 A" bill was first noticed on September 9, 1987 at Disneyland and a new D series became available on October 2, 1987, at Disney World (A "D" series was not released on May 5, 1987.)
Artist prototype "Star Tours" Disney Dollar
Each bill was series "A" or "D". The former was created for Disneyland in Anaheim, California (hence the "A"), and the latter "D" was for Walt Disney World in Florida. New Disney dollars have been produced every year since 1987 except 1992, 2004 and 2010. References: Clark, Sara., & Cahill, Michelle. (1987). Getting Our Money Into Circulation. Disneyland Line, 19(23), 4-5.
Click images below for more information
DisneyDollars.net is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company. DisneyDollars.net ©2025
Fall 1987 Disney Magazine - Article Disney Dollars: Currency with Character For The Magic Kingdom - Click image for article
Disneyland Line Vol. 19 No.23 June 4, 1987 “Getting our Money into Circulation - Click image for article