Disney banknotes are the currency used at Disney theme parks, the Disney store, Disney Resort Hotels, and certain parts of Castaway Cay, the Disney cruise line’s private island. Aside from Disney theme park currency, these notes can be exchanged for their equivalent value or be kept as souvenirs. These notes feature iconic Disney characters and Disney theme park landmarks, with each year having a general theme. The Disney dollars come in four denominations: $1, $5, $10, and $15. All the Disney Dollar banknotes have Tinkerbell as a key element and are signed by Scrooge McDuck as the Treasurer.
The Disney Dollar banknotes were introduced to the public on May 5, 1987 at Disneyland Park, California, in $1 and $5 denominations. However, prior to Disney Dollars, Disney World issued recreation coupons—non-refundable coupons that can be used instead of cash—to VIPs. Harry Brice, a silhouette artist in Disneyland, is credited for the idea of Disney Dollars. He was inspired after visiting Disneyana, a Disney Collectors Convention. An early prototype of the Disney Dollar was used as an advertising tool. The first Disney Dollar banknotes were illustrated by Matt Mew, a creative service illustrator, and printed by EPI in Michigan.
Tokyo Disneyland has its own Disney banknotes- the Disney Yen. The Disney Yen banknotes were introduced in 1988, in 500 and 1,000 yen denominations. The Disney Dollar was discontinued on May 12, 2016.
