Pin Trading

It is nearly impossible to visit any shop or kiosk on any Disney property without encountering pins.  They are a staple of Disney merchandise.  And while some may view the applications of pins as an odd exercise akin to putting on pieces of “flair” at Chotchkie’s.  

But for other Disneyphiles, pin trading is one of the main attractions to visiting a Disney park.  So what is pin trading and why do people go nuts to get their hands on these palm sized enameled Mickey backed pins?  

Pins have been around since the Disney parks were opened.  It wasn’t until the turn of the century that Disney really embraced and promoted Pin Trading.  Today, every Disney shop in every corner of the park has at least one panel dedicated to the same of Disney pins.  Thousands of pins have been manufactured  and sold over the years featuring beloved Disney characters, movies, rides - even favorite Disney food!  

So what do you do if you want to get started?  You probably want to get a starter pack which features a lanyard to put your pins on along with starter pins.  Starter packs can be purchased online at ShopDisney.com or at the parks.  

Once you have your lanyard, you can begin hunting for pins.  Like we said earlier, virtually ever Disney character, park, or occasion has been honored with a pin.  If you are a big fan of Darth Vader, you can find dozens of Vader pins.  If you aren’t visiting a Disney park, you can still get new pins.  One popular spot for purchasing pins is EBay.  Pin sellers have thousands of pins available for sale online.  Newer pins typically come with a markup - especially if they are a park exclusive. Disney will also sell newer pins directly to consumers through their online shops.  

If you are looking for a more organic feel, you and your pins/lanyard will have to travel to a Disney park.  Disney parks sell the newest pins.  Pin trading blogs and social media accounts will announce new releases so you know which pins are currently being sold.  The new pins typically tie-in with

new movies or events going on at the park.  Right now, you can purchase pins for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  

When you are down at a Disney park, you will see cast members wearing pins on their costumes.  You might see a pin that you really want and are willingly to part with one of yours.  Cast members have to trade pins with guests - so don’t be afraid to go up to one of them and offer a trade.  They won’t refuse you.  If you see another guest with a pin that you want, you can approach them and ask, but they do not have to trade with you if they aren’t interested.

There are also pin boards located through Disney parks at various locations.  You can typically find them by asking someone at guest services or by looking online ahead of your visit.

If you are looking for more information, check out the Disney Pins Blog.  Collecting pins can be a fun way of documenting your trips to Disney and displaying your love for various Disney characters. It’s also a more cost friendly way of leaving the parks with souvenirs in your bag.  It’s no secret that Disney parks souvenirs can get pricey.  You could spend $25 on a plush toy or pick up 3-4 pins to add to your lanyard or display case.

If you’re a pin trader, let us know in the comments if you have any tips or if we missed anything.