D23 Ticketing Turmoil and the Hidden History of Pressed Pennies (Ep. 93)
Jim and Lauren dig into the latest updates surrounding the D23 Ultimate Fan Event, including confusing ticket tiers, pin lotteries, and the growing tension between traditional fans and influencer access. From membership strategies to collectible exclusives, they break down what you need to know before tickets go live. Then, in this week’s feature, Jim explores the surprisingly rich history behind pressed pennies—how a simple, low-cost souvenir became a staple of Disney parks and a quiet revenue powerhouse.
NEWS
• D23 Ultimate Fan Event ticketing rolls out with tiered access, giving paid Gold Members early purchase windows ahead of Disney+ subscribers
• Honda Center seating add-ons and limited availability raise concerns for fans trying to secure access to major presentations
• Random Selection Process (RSP) pins debut with unclear odds, limited quantities, and eligibility tied to higher-priced ticket packages
• Disney+ perk offers 20% off D23 Gold Membership upgrades, prompting fans to weigh whether paid tiers improve ticket chances
• Ravensburger announces a Disney Lorcana Championship Qualifier at D23, adding a competitive gaming element to the event
FEATURE
• Pressed pennies date back to early railroad experiments in the 1800s—but didn’t arrive in Disney parks until 1987
• Introduced during the Michael Eisner era, penny machines were designed as low-cost, high-margin additions to boost in-park spending
• Early machines debuted on Main Street, U.S.A., quickly proving successful and expanding across Disney parks worldwide
• Modern machines now use pre-made blanks instead of real pennies, reflecting the discontinuation of U.S. penny production
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2
FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency
SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal tickets. If you’re planning a 2026 trip—or heading to D23—visit UnlockedMagic.com to save on park tickets and simplify your planning.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
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