Disney Dollar Banknotes – End of An Era

Conceptualized by Disneyland’s silhouette artist, Harry Brice, Disney Dollar banknotes were introduced by the Walt Disney Company at Disneyland Park, California on May 5, 1987. The first Disney Dollar Banknote came in 1 and also 5 denominations. They were illustrated by creative service illustrator Matt Mew. Backed by real currency, Disney dollars were used at Disney theme parks. In addition to the Disney Store, DisneyWorld Resorts, and certain parts of the private island in the Caribbean, Castaway Cay.  

The Design of Disney Dollar Banknotes

Disney Dollars are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 50. Every Disney dollar note shows Disney characters and Disney theme park attractions. They also feature Tinkerbell and are signed by Treasurer Scrooge McDuck. And just like a regular banknote, Disney Dollars come with security features. Both on their obverse and reverse sides such as micro printing, reflective ink, imprinting, and serial numbers.  

The End of The Disney Banknote Era

Printing and distribution of the token banknotes were discontinued on May 14, 2016, with the Mountain Series as the final theme. The Mountain Series highlights three Disney theme park mountain attractions: Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and also Big Thunder Mountain. 

The Creator of The Disney Empire

Born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago, shy and timid Walter Elias Disney developed an interest in drawing at a young age. In the early 1920s, he and his brother Roy set up the Disney Brothers Studio and also introduced Mickey Mouse in 1928.  

Walt Disney ventured into the amusement park industry in the 1950s, opening Disneyland in Anaheim in July 1955. He expanded into television programs such as The Mickey Mouse Club and Walt Disney’s Disneyland to fund the theme park project. In addition Walt Disney started the development of Disney World in 1965. The amusement park includes the Magic Kingdom with the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT).  

A heavy smoker, Walt Disney died of lung cancer in 1966 before the Disney World or the EPCOT project was finished.