How Much Would Every Pressed Penny at Disney World Cost?

Earlier this week I made a video about the history of the pressed penny. Towards the end of that video I mention that there are currently over 750 pressed coins in Walt Disney World today. There are 770 to be exact, spread across 204 machines on property. Thinking about that number, I started to wonder how much it would cost to get all of them
New here? Be sure to subscribe!
🔷goo.gl/x17zTL
My Patreon!
❤ / robplays
My Disney Podcast!
🎧ttapodcast.com
Follow me on Twitter!
📱 / robplays
I try not to bury the lead too much, so I’ll get right to the point: it isn’t cheap. Collecting every pressed coin on Walt Disney World property is going to cost you $462.14
Before I dig into that figure, I want to thank PressCoins.com for the data. They are a fantastic resource when it comes to Disney World pressed pennies, and if you ever find yourself wanting to hunt some down, this is the website to do it. I also want to thank my pal Disney Dan for help with researching this!
So how does it break down? Well the complete collection would include 69 pressed quarters, 4 pressed dimes, and 697 pressed pennies. Now of that $462 you’d be spending on pressed coins, only $24.62 of that would actually be the coins getting pressed. You’d be flattening $17.25 worth of quarters, 40 cents worth of dimes, and $6.97 worth of pennies. The rest goes to the machines.
In terms of location, it’s pretty well distributed. The Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios tie at 135 coins per park. Epcot follows behind at 124 coins, and the Animal Kingdom comes in behind that at 77 coins. So where are the rest? Well Disney Springs offers 101 coins, and the two Disney water parks have 18. The final 180 coins can be found across all of the resorts at Disney World.
Now for my favorite part: Most of these machines obviously require coins. Not just to smush, but also to operate. There are a few newer machines that accept credit cards, mostly in Hollywood Studios, but for the most part you’re going to need coins, lots and lots of coins.
If you wanted to bring all the coins you’d need with you, you’d need to bring 2008 coins. That’s 549 pennies and 1455 quarters. Oh yeah, and 4 dimes. That’s going to mean some heavy pockets.
I took a look at the average weight of a quarter, dime, and penny, since I was that bored, and it turns out carrying all of those coins with you will mean carrying around 21.1 pounds, or 9.6 kilograms of extra weight.
So I guess it goes without saying, but if you find yourself on the hunt for every pressed coin in Walt Disney World, you might want to make ample use of change machines around property and take the journey slow. Especially if you want to spread out that $462 price tag.
Now the next question is if Disney will accept the $462 worth of pressed coins as payment for a 5 day park hopper.
Probably not.

[@kingposeidon4535]

I love your videos. Not just the historical and behind-the-scenes kind of stuff, but also these more obscure ones for things I wouldn't even start to think about. Here's a challenge: For whatever reason, it fascinates me whenever I notice a sprinkler system in the landscaping of the parks. They're often lost in the themeing but are present if you look for them. What are the logistics and costs of keeping all the landscaping watered on property (especially the one random fern on Splash Mountain which gets its own dedicated sprinkler).

[@Defunctland]

Hi Rob. Kevin here. Good video. Didn't know if you got my message about the application on the 2032 World's Fair being held at your place. Well, good news! It was approved. We should probably meet because the board is already on me to lock a theme down. This is the first World's Fair in the US since like the eighties, so they really want to make it a good one. Anyways, how's the Mrs? Get back to me when you get a chance.

[@DuchessRococoPuff]

I get a pressed penny or two every time I go to Disney World, so these past two vids have a special place in my heart! Great work Rob!

[@Tryingtohaveityall]

I love your what would it cost videos. It’s a great way to encourage math skills to kids in a practical way and because they are about Disney my kids are interested to learn. Side note - we are a penny collecting family. We collect pennies and quarters in advance and bring them to the parks in old pharmacy medicine bottles. They are lightweight and the prefect size. We determine how many we want to do for each park and plan accordingly. It also provides a safe place for them after pressing so they don’t get mixed in with our money and possible lost.

[@ECamp8]

Stacey Gregory i want a machine for my house. Give out to guests. How cool would that be???

[@obey_forever_mae]

Stacey Gregory possibly*

[@disneycenter487]

My question for all you; would you rather have a 5 day pass or all of the presses pennies

[@jaysculler2501]

Can I take both?

[@ethanguerrero9529]

Theme Park Teen all of the pennies

[@alexthelion335]

5 day pass baby!

[@DrewtheDisneyDude]

Theme Park Teen All the pennies!

[@MrNateSPF]

Consecutive days or are they anytime passes?

[@alexthelion335]

In conclusion, it would cost a *pretty penny* for all of the pressed coins in Disney World!

[@igelkott255]

I've gotten just a handful from disney. I don't search them out but just keep an eye out and when I see one I get 1 or 2. It's a fun souvenir. A word of advice though, try to bring pre-1982 pennies if you can so that after they're pressed you don't get that shiny zinc color showing through. After 1982, pennies are 97.5 percent zinc and 2.5 percent copper.

[@cardboardbelt]

I like this video even more than the more straight forward one earlier this week. Keep having fun. It translates. While I’ve always been aware of the pressed penny machines around property I have to admit that I’m surprised at how many there actually are. It’s not the sort of thing I look for, so I guess I just walk past them without noticing.

[@MidwaytoMainStreet]

Thanks! I think the biggest misconception that researching this video has broken for me was that I always assumed so many of the machines were duplicated. I just figured there were a ton of more generic machines peppered throughout the parks since I never paid close attention to them, but nope. All unique!

[@agon1963]

Daffy Stardust you and me both. With the zinc pennies, I am sure they arent going to last long.

[@ava.el.n]

Bless your soul for making this! I'm planning on collecting some pressed pennies on my Disney trip in a few months, so thank you! :)

[@amber4051]

You're forgetting about all of the retired and discontinued coins/machines from over the years! I'd probably add on a lot more than that! Before I go on trips, I look at websites for all the places where coin machines are and calculate exactly how many pennies and quarters I'll need and add it into the trip. When I took a trip across Tennessee to Memphis and Nashville I needed about $50 - but for Disney, I do my collection in trips and try to enjoy the parks rather than go my usual coin crazy!

[@Fettman07]

These machines change somewhat frequently but if you’re interested you can get a map of all current machines for pressing on property at any guest relations or concierge.

[@TheMikeyDunn]

This video is a such a great example of why I love your videos, Rob. Always well researched, well produced, and well executed. Keep it up!

[@LemonPointSenior]

love how to the point you are w all of your videos. im going to be a forever subscriber because of how high quality every video is that you fo

[@blakewood7177]

Alright the info graphics for this video we're awesome. I nerded out a bit

[@Cadmandu2000]

I, too, was impressed by the animated ring charts, etc. This is an attractive touch that presents a very professional appearance. And a financial analysis video is exactly the right place to use them. Well done, sir.

[@stephdane]

Thanks for taking the time to make this! I’ve always wondered!!!!

[@timothybjorgen]

That's funny. I actually figured this out as well earlier last year after a trip to WDW. Going in March and me and my son are going to get as many as we can!

[@dellamantle355]

Awesome! We’ll be there next week (😀🎉) and will be collecting some pressed pennies with my children as they love them. Not all of them though after seeing your statistics!! 😱

[@ECamp8]

Great video!!! We now bring rolls of quarters with us and clean the pennies we use for the machines. The hand crank ones are my fave because you actually have to work for it. My 2 year old son called the machines “monies” when we there this past December.

[@amdtink00]

Thanks Rob, this sounds like something I would sit down and calculate ... Time to start saving more pennies and quarters (and a few dimes)

[@ThreeOfKlubs]

I'm very impressed with the work you do on your channel! Great job

[@srayj]

I love how thorough your videos are! You always make a topic fascinating, I'm so glad I subscribe to your channel! Have you ever done a video about Walt Disney's airplane?

[@MidwaytoMainStreet]

Thanks! On the topic of Walt's plane, I haven't, but that's a good idea for the list!

[@ironsfamily6]

This video was amazing. I literally laughed out loud when you talked about the weight. We just got back from WDW and my siblings love these things. Thanks for the laugh!

[@oodololly2529]

We always love your content----thanks so very much for producing at such a high caliber (and a shout out to you as a fellow New Yorker.)

[@MidwaytoMainStreet]

EY I'M WALKIN HERE. Thanks for the kind words!

[@danalmont8340]

There are also at least 2 machines at MCO.

[@bitchass7198]

I would love collect all of them. Maybe put that one on the bucket list! I’d designate one trip a month to a park or resort. Of course, I don’t exactly think I’d ever fulfill this. It’s weird how many hidden things like penny pressing machines are at the parks, though! That’s what I love about Disney, there’s so much hidden and overlooked stuff.

[@corrieka5419]

I have always loved the pressed coins from Disney. I have around 300 now from over the years. They also have these machines at the Tokyo Disney parks and resorts, but they don’t press actual coins, just copper discs. Thanks for doing these videos. I have wondered what it would cost to collect them all. It seems like you would have to devote your entire trip to getting coins

[@bcheuett]

I need to hire you for a guide next time i go to Disney World. Haha. Only been 1 time, but I’ve to Disneyland about 20x.

[@Bangtandoll]

I was wondering this exact thing after spending well over $50 on pressed pennies from Busch gardens discovery cove, sea world, and Disney springs.

[@TheMagicGeekdom]

Wow. That's a lot of pressed pennies and so much change to have to carry around to get them all.

[@nol_dur]

Now I want to get some pressed pennies. Great video

[@ssr10260]

This is great. Now I feel this overwhelming urge to find all the machines.

[@MyCalicoDreams]

Another awesome video Rob, thank you. During your research, was there any statistic as to how much money is taken out of circulation on a daily basis by these smooshing machines?

[@TheMaddieKrajewski]

Love the vid

[@8DAM]

Fun to watch

[@UmmYeahOk]

Funny that you mentioned how much all of that would weigh. As many pins as I or other guests carry, it does make you question why we do it. A full day at the park, carrying all that extra weight, and for what? Oh well, everyone has some sort of hobby that others might find silly.

[@d.d.5633]

In 2016, there was also one machine in the Disney Store at Orlando Airport.

[@CrossedCoder]

The Metric conversion is much appreciated!

[@dragonkingmastaman]

DOING IT

[@Andrewsachsandrewandrew]

Hey rob I was wondering, do cast members get assigned roles in the parks or do they audition or choose for parts

[@MelissaJSams]

The coin operated mechines are going away, dime mechines are gone, quarters are only at deluxe resorts now..

[@peter-mickey-chu198]

I Have Gotten One Disney World Press Coin On My Last Visit In July 2018!

[@majam3887]

You are amazing 👍

[@Somacomacola]

Hey Rob big fan of your show!

[@8DAM]

Good to know

[@KyraHogue]

Now I just need to figure out how long that would take me to collect them all. My grandfather adores pressed pennies and I enjoy collecting a few myself.

[@sailorearth2007]

I got all the Disneyland 60th coins plus a few extra to fill up the book and have a feeling WDW might follow suit and add some special machines for the 50th in 2021

[@sketchyAnalogies]

In Adventureland, there is a change machine that gives you free pennies. $1 yields 4 quarters and 2 pennies.

[@bigmeowmeowfan8002]

My life goal is to have every Disney world merch ever

[@213dreamingstar]

Ahhhh I love the internet. Great video. Trying to get all of Disneyland's pressed coins may be more realistic lol

[@evan8817]

Rob when are you going to Disney next?

[@Baumer747]

Any information on the pressed coins at Disneyland? And how often do they change the presses to different characters or scenes?

[@willbaumiller9018]

I'm 4 full books in and I'm not stopping till I've got them alllllllllll

[@davidtaylorsr]

nice rob. This is assuming that every machine has a unique imprint design. And looking at presscoins.com that appears to be the case! wow, i would have thought there would be a lot of duplication.

[@jakemielcarz798]

Any thing new on MC magic? I miss your vids on it and I think there is probably a lot more new things on it.

[@rayzorfire133]

Well I know what I'm doing on my next Disney Trip

[@SeriouslyCreepy]

Wow! That's insane! Lots of math here!

[@hannarae4311]

It cost me $25.00 dollars in quarters and pennies and a few dollars to get my collection while I was there! I brought $35.50 with me.

[@trickycrayon]

Ok but last night we watched the other video and said we should try to do a bunch at WDW...so this is timely.

[@elliotearles8302]

My Disneyland pass just expired and I collected about 50 pressed coins this year.

[@jaceyking5015]

This is not something I ever thought I would be interested in learning about. Boy was I wrong.

[@boobsmakemehappy21]

Could you do one for Disneyland

[@timmyb2322]

💰add the cost of those press pennies booklets... I think they hold 50 pressed pennies at a cost of $15.00 per booklet... Sooo... Yeah...😂😂😂😂 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰 🏰 Have A Magical Day 🏰

[@atravers_]

I feel like that still isn’t that bad considering how many coins you get

[@emmay317]

I would love to collect all pressed coins in Disney World

[@Firetomysoul]

So its now 2021. Any changes in those numbers. And I had no idea there were so many press coins at Disney. Was this Walts idea?

[@jeremycoco9914]

How would take to accomplish this task Rob?

[@allant2344]

What they used to coast 5o cents

[@rickblevensjr8998]

How many old-fashioned hand crank penny press machines still remain at Walt Disney World?

[@michaelsilva1987]

How much would it cost to just do pennies?

[@kylegooch9374]

Do this for pins.

[@deadheadzcoin7772]

can you get all of them in one day?

[@Trainman0401]

I thought defacing currency was illegal in the USA?

[@MidwaytoMainStreet]

Defacing it in order to defraud is illegal. So if you take a $1 bill and try to make it look like a $100 bill it'd be illegal, but since nobody mistakes these smushed pennies for usable money it isn't stopped.

[@jerrybacca634]

I'm at 0:28 and my guess (using a calculator) is 392.7

[@earthdog7900]

Is there a Disneyland version of this video?

[@Cody-Bear]

How much would EVERY pressed coin in the US cost?

[@MrNateSPF]

Again, how do they get around the whole it being illegal to destroy currency law? To be clear I am not talking about the law concerning altering currency to change it's value, but rather the second law after that in regard to altering currency to be no longer fit as currency.

[@MidwaytoMainStreet]

Those laws (both of them) are specifically in reference to attempted fraudulent acts. Pressed pennies don't fall within that umbrella because the act of pressing the penny isn't done to try and trick a business or government or person in any way. They're just souvenirs. Now for instance if one day they made a machine that, say, pressed two pennies into the shape of a quarter and altered the color so it might pass as a quarter, then you'd move into fraudulent territory and they'd probably get government attention. But as of now there's never been a reason to make an issue out of it since nobody can really commit any form of fraud with a pressed penny.

[@MrNateSPF]

Yet again I am not referring to those laws. To be clear I'm referring to the law in regard to altering currency to be no longer fit as currency. U.S. Code › Title 18 › Part I › Chapter 17 › § 333

[@MidwaytoMainStreet]

Looking at that law, I would still wager the keyword there is "intent". "with intent to render such bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt unfit to be reissued" I'd bet the case made would be that the intent of a company manufacturing coin press machines is not to render the coins unfit to be reissued. That's just the byproduct of the actual intent, which is to create a souvenir. But I also think that highlights that in many cases it boils down to the spirit of the law vs the letter of the law. Whether the machines are or aren't breaking that US code, it seems clear that it's not enough of a problem for the US government to pursue any action against the companies. Probably because in regards to the spirit of the law, there's no malicious or fraudulent intent, not to mention there's no ongoing problem in which the pressed coins are still being used or mistaken for other currency.

[@MarkWayUp]

wow, you did the math on that? :) never would have occurred to me to do :)

[@MidwaytoMainStreet]

Ended up doing it twice. After Disney Dan informed me of the credit card machines that have slightly different pricing, I went through and did it again.

[@MarkWayUp]

wow, and I thought you were just a disney geek - ! :) good job!

[@kraftykay4276]

Im doing this im getting them all. Im a passholder. I can do it

[@bman_Bull]

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!

[@adash16]

More pressed pennies?

[@CmdrBittles]

$460?! No thanks.

[@cameoshadowness7757]

Why so little dimes? ;_; poor dimes.

[@agon1963]

Wow. I wonder what the gross revenue Disney makes on this? Must be a "pretty penny".

[@solasrune4287]

Are all the machines still available and functioning?

[@MidwaytoMainStreet]

Yeah they're all over the parks.

[@RLucas3000]

Midway to Main Street You might not be aware but there are seasonal pressed nickel machines as well. Also collectors prefer if your pennies you use are dated before 1982 since they are full copper and after that they are copper-zinc which can leave streaks in the presses pennies.

[@KosherWithoutBorders]

Anyone else here to see how much a pressed penny would cost at Disney and still doesn't know the answer after watching the entire video?

[@cadeningram5]

Kosher Without Borders The normal machines cost 2 quarters and one penny

[@goingthere9302]

FirSt?