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Introducing The Complete History of Disney Dollars
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The History of Recreation Coupons
Learn about Recreation Coupons created between 1971 - 1972
As time passed Disney created a recreation coupon more like an actual dollar, as each had a unique serial number and the printed signature of the Chairman of the Board of Disney Roy O. Disney but were nonrefundable. They were issued to celebrate the opening of Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida in October 1971.
Many argue these to be the first Disney Dollars even though they had no actual cash value and were unable to be redeemed for cash. They were produced in 1971 and 1972 but their use was limited to the Walt Disney World resort in Florida and mostly given to park guests and VIP’s. These coupons had limits as they were not valid in the Magic Kingdom section of the park.
Walt Disney World opened in 1971 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Guests at the Contemporary Resort were given a bonus of Recreation Coupons. These were not redeemable for cash, nor were they valid inside the Magic Kingdom. The monorail was free and there was little that these could be used for at the time. These coupons were the predecessor to the Disney Dollar of today. First issue of the first currency issued by Disney. This was 16 years before current Disney dollars test marketing the concept for VIP's and special guests.
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History of Recreation Coupons
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*All current notes, details and values can be found in our price guide for purchase.
The History of the Recreation Coupon
You don't need to be a VIP to learn about what some argue were the first Disney Dollars. Check out the history of these rare notes and where you could get them from.
Recreation Coupons
1971 - 1972
Recreation Coupons were for use at the Walt Disney World Resort, but "Not Valid in the Magic Kingdom." They could be used in lieu of cash towards golf, boating, water skiing, bicycling, horseback riding, archery, or children's activity programs. They could not be redeemed or cash at any time. They were issued in 'Series 1971 A' and 'Series 1972 A.' As the promotion was predominantly for the opening of the Resort, the majority were distributed in 1971 with limited quantities released in 1972.
The Recreation Coupons were issued in a $1 denomination. Each has a unique Serial Number. They feature the face of Mickey Mouse, the Mickey Walt Disney World logo (at that time), and an impression of Cinderella Castle. The reverse has vignettes of the Tom Sawyer Steamboat and Cinderella Castle.
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While there is a stunning resemblance to a dollar bill, the Recreation Coupon was not considered a corporate scrip like the succeeding Disney Dollars.
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These notes are highly collectible. Ungraded notes depending on condition can sell between 100 to 250 dollars on average where graded notes can increase their valued up to 4 to 5 times that amount. Understanding the grading process is important while the difference in price can vary significantly even based on a small grade difference. To learn more see our price guide to see current graded values of all the notes and a further detailed history of the notes.
Above is the Recreation note, both years were the same with the exception of the year.
The Recreation Coupons
1971 Series A - Recreation Coupon - One Dollar
1972 Series A - Recreation Coupon - One Dollar
Click the link above to see our collection of Operation M.O.U.S.E. notes.
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If you would like to learn more about Operation M.O.U.S.E. bills and other Disney notes, purchase our price guide with the most up to date pricing and information.