Hi there, Toni! Welcome back to planDisney.
How sweet that you want to pick up something for your nephew’s collection. My husband is in the Navy, and he always brings home local currency from his overseas travel for my children. My son LOVES bringing that money to school for show and tell, and he especially loves imagining the stories behind the currency. It's fun to wonder: whose money was this? What else has been bought with it? I have a big smile on my face thinking that this is exactly the kind of imagination, storytelling, and international connection Walt Disney would have loved!
You’re right that
Guest Relations locations offer foreign currency exchange, and this option is also available at the Lobby Concierge at Disney Resorts Collection hotels. Unfortunately, I spoke to a Cast Member, who told me that because Walt Disney World Resort is not an official currency exchange, they are only able to exchange one way (converting currency from foreign to U.S. dollars). This means that you would not be able to use U.S. dollars to purchase foreign money.
However, the Cast Member shared a fantastic option that your nephew might love! I am definitely going to look for this for my son. This
EPCOT International Coin Set is sold at shopDisney and also at
EPCOT. I would stop by Disney Traders or another merchandise location around the World Showcase to find this super fun set.
If you’ll be flying to Orlando for your visit, there is a currency exchange booth at Orlando International Airport. I bet they would have plenty of currency to sell!
I know you said he collects foreign currency, but if he loves money the way Scrooge McDuck does, he might love to receive some Pressed Pennies! My son has a huge collection of these, and there are
all kinds of spots around the Walt Disney World Resort where you can purchase a themed Disney penny. This might be another special souvenir for your nephew.
I hope this helps you SPEND your time wisely as you hunt for those foreign monies, Toni. I’ll be singing “it’s a small world” all day long now as I picture that epic currency collection.
Wishing you a magical vacation and a “jackpot” of foreign coins!
-Robyn