9 Super Secret Disney Pin Trading Tips
If you’re a fan of Disney World and all things related to Mickey Mouse, then you might have heard about Disney pin trading. This thrilling hobby is perfect for everyone, regardless of their age! In fact, many in the community are adults who frequent the parks searching for the perfect pin to add to their collection.
But before we dive into Disney’s best-kept secrets on the pin trade, let’s go over the basics first.
Disney Pin Trading 101: The Basics
Collectible pins have always been available in every single Disney park. However, the Disney pin trading tradition only began at Walt Disney World with the launch of the Millennium Celebration in October 1999. It spread like wildfire, and by the following year, collectors were even trading pins back at the Disneyland Resort in California.
In the most basic terms, Disney pin trading is the buying, trading, and collecting of collectible pins that feature characters, events, attractions, and everything else associated with Disney and its sprawling empire. Despite having been around for decades now, Disney pin trading continues to be a popular and growing hobby, beloved by kids and grown-ups alike.
Disney pin trading is found at nearly every Disney location – Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and even Disney Cruise Lines. Each one creates its own set of pins and practices. Every day, thousands of guests trade pins with Cast Members and other visitors throughout the different parks and resorts. This tradition continues to grow and evolve each year by introducing new pin designs and limited edition collections.
While Disney pin trading seems straightforward, there are a few basic guidelines that one must know and abide by. This etiquette is essential and should not be taken lightly, so if you’re new to the hobby and looking to start your own collection, then be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Pins must be official Disney pins marked with the “©Disney” sign on the back. Legitimate pins are also metal and not made of any other material.
- Collectors may only conduct a maximum of two-pin trades per Cast Member per day.
- Pins must be exchanged for pins only.
- Pins may only be traded one at a time and with the safety clip attached on the back.
- When trading, pins should still be in mint or near-mint condition.
- If you’re trading pins with other visitors, only offer to exchange ones that aren’t on their lanyards.
- Avoid touching anyone’s pins or lanyards, including those worn by Cast Members. You can ask for a closer look if you wish but refrain from infringing on their personal space.
The last bit of etiquette is significant as many Cast Members have complained about feeling violated by traders rude enough to touch them and even yank their lanyards without permission. Disney pin trading may be competitive and high-stakes for some, but do try to remain respectful of others.
Disney Pin Trading 101: The Terminology
As with any other hobby, there are several special words and expressions that only those in the community use. Here are the most common ones:
- OE (Open Edition)
- This refers to pins that are common and have many available copies.
- LR (Limited Edition)
- As the name suggests, these pins are exclusive and somewhat hard to find. LR pins usually sell out within a day of being released, so count yourself lucky if you manage to snag one!
- Grail
- This refers to the particular pin that a trader would love to have. Think of it as your goal pin; you’d love to have it, but you can’t seem to find it.
In addition to the terminology, it’s also important to know the different kinds of available pins. Since this tradition has been around for decades, quite a lot of different pins have appeared throughout the years, and traders have classified them into the following categories:
- Hidden Mickey
- These are semi-common pins that have small mickey heads hidden in the design. They aren’t available for sale and can only be found on lanyards worn by Cast Members.
- Characters
- These pins feature your favorite Disney characters, from the Disney Princesses to Chip and Dale!
- Series
- These are sets of four to eight pins that have a similar theme.
- Retro Disney
- These pins feature Disney characters, attractions, films, and television shows from years past. They’re a favorite among history enthusiasts and big fans of Disney’s “vintage” look.
Disney Pin Trading 101: The Scrappers
In the Disney pin trading community, “scrappers” is a term used to refer to pins that were flawed and should have been destroyed in production but had somehow made their way into circulation. Scrappers are a very polarizing topic among traders; some purchase them in bulk through Amazon and eBay to trade them later on for higher quality pins. However, others claim that while buying scrappers allows collectors to save money, it ultimately ruins the spirit of the Disney pin trading tradition.
The Disney pin trading community may not fully accept scrappers, but they shouldn’t be considered entirely fake. Counterfeit pins, however, are those that were produced using pin molds stolen from official Disney factories. Despite counterfeit pins featuring the same characters and attractions as the original ones, something about them may seem a bit suspect.
If you’re in doubt about the authenticity of your pins, double-check if they have the “©Disney” mark. You can also approach Cast Members in the parks since many of them are well-versed in the difference of quality between original pins, scrappers, and counterfeits.
Disney Pin Trading 101: The Best-Kept Secrets
Now that we’ve got all the basics covered, it’s time to get into nine of Disney’s best-kept secrets about the Disney Pin Trading tradition.
Lock Up High-Value Pins
In the hustle and bustle of Disney World, pins tend to get dislodged and knocked out from lanyards and bag straps. Many collectors have chanced upon pins on the ground, and some have even found their grail among the fallen ones!
To prevent your collection from suffering the same fate, get locking pinbacks for pins that are of high value or are particularly heavy to ensure that they stay secure and in place on whichever surface you’ve pinned them to. Locking pinbacks are incredibly cheap and cost only a few dollars online, so they’re a small price to pay for the safety of your collection.
Insider Tip: The best and most affordable locking pinbacks can be purchased from an eBay seller called “disneypatriot,” whose locks are sold in bulk, are easy to put on, and are incredibly secure. It’s no wonder why many in the community swear by his locking pinbacks!
Keep An Eye Out For Pin Trading Cast Members
One of the best – and easiest – ways to add to your collection is by approaching pin trading Cast Members whose lanyards are affixed with 12 pins at all times. Trading with Cast Members is easy although keep in mind that they may refuse to trade with you if your pins are inauthentic. Disney pin trading Cast Members are usually those working in merchandise, guest relations, and custodial services.
Insider Tip: Since Cast Members working merchandise interact with guests more often, their pin collections rotate a lot, giving you a higher chance of acquiring something special. If you’re after a particular pin, you might find it with Cast Members stationed at gift shops and merchandise kiosks!
Don’t Be Shy To Ask Cast Members
Cast Members often have exclusive pins, so if you see one you like, don’t feel shy about asking them! As long as you’re trading an authentic Disney pin, they won’t turn it down.
Insider Tip: The color of a Cast Member’s lanyard signifies whether or not they’re up for trading pins. Blue or black lanyards mean that anyone can trade with them, but green ones are reserved only for collectors aged 12 and below.
Cast Members Don’t Accept Duplicates
If you’re looking to trade with a Cast Member, know that they don’t accept pins that are already in their stash. This restriction prevents Cast Members from ending up with unwanted and duplicate pins while losing high-value ones.
Insider Tip: Expert traders recommend bringing at least 50 pins on your trip. That way, you’ll have a large selection to trade with, and you’ll never have issues with duplicates.
Ask Cast Members About Secret Pin Board Locations
Some pinboards aren’t displayed in high-traffic locations, so it’s easy to miss them. However, nearly every single Cast Member knows of these secret places, so feel free to ask them. A few Cast Members have even said that some pinboards aren’t publicly displayed but are brought out only when requested by traders. Be sure to ask those working the attractions if they have any pinboards hidden in the back – it might just contain your grail!
Insider Tip: Disney pin trading boards are found in each country in the Kidcot Fun Stops in EPCOT. There isn’t much traffic at this attraction, so finding unique pins here is a guarantee.
Visit Pin Selling Stores
Suppose your grail can’t be found with a Cast Member or at any of the pinboards, head over to the stores found inside the parks. Not all stores carry the same pins, so be sure to check out as many of them as possible. This may seem daunting, but you’ll thank us later!
Insider Tip: The Disney Pin Traders store at Disney Springs is considered the Disney pin trading Mecca. With over twenty racks full of pins, this shop has one of the largest selections at Walt Disney World. Oftentimes, Cast Members working here unveil boards containing only mystery pins, so this spot is a must-visit for any trader.
Check Out The Resorts
Many newbie collectors stick to the Disney parks, but Disney pin trading opportunities are abundant at the resorts as well. And the best part about pin trading here? You don’t have to be a checked-in guest to do so!
Insider Tip: Ask the Concierge or the reception staff for their pin book to see their stash of available pins. Some resorts even have pinboards concealed behind the front desk, so be sure to ask for these too.
Limited Edition Pins Sell Out Fast
As the name suggests, Limited Edition pins are manufactured with a finite number of stock. These tend to sell out on the very first day that they’re released, so grab one while you still can. They may cost a bit more than regular pins, but they’re a great addition to your collection, and you can also use them for trading up for higher-value pins.
Insider Tip: If you’re too late to purchase a limited edition pin, don’t give up just yet! Ask a Cast Member for help, and they might have some in stock behind the counter. Or they can find another location in the park that still has the pin.
Trade For Mystery Pins
Some Cast Members have mystery pins with the design hidden from view and only the Mickey pin back showing. Just ask the Cast Member to show you the mystery pin, although you can turn it down if it turns out that you already have it in your collection.
Insider Tip: Some Cast Members amp up the mystique by asking traders a trivia question before unveiling the mystery pin. Don’t worry, though! Even if you get the answer wrong, they’ll still show you the pin and let you trade.
Those are nine of the best-kept secrets about the Disney pin trading tradition. Do you have other tips to share with your fellow collectors? Let us know in the comments section down below. We want to hear from you!
Cover Image
Photo: Theme Park Tourist via Flickr
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