Disney offers many different options that appeal to the collector in all of us. Whether it’s a wall full of Minnie ears, a cabinet full of Disney mugs, or a pinboard displaying a growing pin collection, there really is something for everyone.
One popular and inexpensive (comparatively speaking) collectible souvenir that can be found across Walt Disney World property is pressed pennies. Pressed pennies are exactly what they sound like: coins that are pressed between metal plates to elongate the coin and leave behind a design. These designs can be extremely intricate, which is somewhat surprising considering how small the “canvas” is.
In the past, you used to provide 50 cents and your own penny to obtain a pressed penny. The process was simple. You turned a crank to select the desired penny design, inserted your coins, and turned the crank until your penny dropped down into the return slot. You may occasionally find this style of machine around Disney, but they are increasingly being replaced by automatic penny press machines.
Automatic penny press machines make the process of getting your souvenir even easier. However, it’s less hands on, possibly less fun, and definitely more expensive. These machines accept dollar bills or a credit card. This eliminates the need for coins and is more convenient for many. The machines utilize a touch screen to make your selections. Once you pay, the machine automatically presses the coin(s) for you.
Each machine has between 1 and 8 designs. If you pay by credit card on an automatic penny press machine, you can purchase one design or all available designs at a discounted price.
Coin designs range from fun character motifs to ride-themed designs. There are location specific designs and even special dated designs to commemorate the year. So many fun options are available to consider for your collection!
Pressed penny machines can be found practically everywhere in Disney World. In the theme parks, they are often found inside gift shops or near ride queues. EPCOT has machines located in each of the World Showcase pavilions. You can also find penny press machines at Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks, Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf Courses, and around Disney Springs. Even Orlando International Airport has a pressed penny machine located inside the Magic of Disney store!
I’ve picked up some of my favorite pressed pennies from Disney Resorts Collection Hotels. Nearly every Walt Disney World Resort Hotel has its own penny machine. Some resorts, like Disney’s Polynesian Village, Disney’s Grand Floridian, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge even have multiple machines. Unfortunately, some hotels do not have their own machines. Beach Club shares a machine with Yacht Club and does not have its own penny design. Additionally, Coronado Springs lists a machine on the map, but I have yet to actually find it. Here’s a tip: if you’re looking for pressed penny machines at the resorts, they’re often in/near the arcade, near the resort’s bus stop, or in the lobby.
Another thing to be aware of is that the designs available in the machines can sometimes change. I like to periodically check back to see if there’s anything new, even if I know I’ve already visited a particular machine in the past.
A complete list and map of all of the Walt Disney World pressed penny machines is available here on the Disney website and in the My Disney Experience app (just search “Coin Press Machines”).
I personally keep my collection of pressed pennies in pressed penny holders that I have purchased from Disney gift shops. One of my favorite gift shops on property, Bay View Gifts (BVG) at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is a reliable place to find them.
Stay tuned to MouseHouseNews.net for more ways to bring a little bit of Magic home with you!
