Hi there, Malia! Welcome back to planDisney! It's simply wonderful to hear from you. And oh my goodness, your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth is just around the riverbend—only one month from today! Can you feel the magic calling your name?!
I'm so glad you asked about the
pressed coin machines because, like you, I absolutely adore them! Pressed pennies are such a classic and charming souvenir. With so many whimsical designs that change for special events and seasons, it's like a treasure hunt every time! Plus, they're one of the most delightfully affordable keepsakes in the parks.
To answer your question about how they work, the machines have actually had some wonderful updates over the years, offering a few convenient ways to create your penny masterpieces! And the best part? You don't even need to bring your own penny—a beautifully shiny one will be provided by the machine for you! Your first option is to insert dollar bills—usually, one dollar will get you one pressed penny design. But for ultimate ease (and if you're like me and want ALL the cute designs!), many machines now allow you to swipe a credit or debit card. When you use your card, you'll often receive the complete set of designs from that particular machine for a bundled price. I've even had luck using tap-to-pay with my mobile wallet, like Apple Pay or Google Pay, at several locations. So quick and easy when you're on the go!
And speaking of shiny treasures, have you also spotted the
collectible medallion machines sprinkled throughout the resort? These are another fantastic find! When you make a purchase, you'll receive a beautiful, gleaming medallion. Similar to the penny machines, you can often pay with cash for a single medallion or use a card to collect the whole set from that machine.
If you'd like a sneak peek or want to plan your collecting strategy, you can find a list of the
collectible medallion locations on the Disneyland website. Or, you could embark on your very own enchanting scavenger hunt for all the machines—they're hidden like little gems in both
Disneyland Park and
Disney California Adventure Park, throughout the
Downtown Disney District, and even at the
Disneyland Resort Hotels! And here’s an extra sprinkle of excitement, Malia: since the
Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration will be happening while you're there, keep an eye out for special, limited-time medallion designs commemorating this magical milestone! It's even more reason to Celebrate Happy and hunt for those unique souvenirs.
There you have it, Malia! May your pockets jingle with delightful pressed pennies and those commemorative 70th Celebration medallions! Go forth and create a collection of truly magical memories. Here’s to a trip that’s brimming with wonder, laughter, and all the pixie dust you can carry!
Cody