How to Pin Trade at Disney
There are many opportunities for cast member interactions at Disney theme parks. One of my favorites ways to interact is to Pin Trade! Below, I talk about the proper way to pin trade, what it is, and how you can maximize this experience in the parks on your next visit!
What is Pin Trading
Disney pin trading is a fun, free, interactive experience where Disney guests can trade specially-marked Disney pins with Cast Members and fellow guests. Pins have always been present at Disney parks, but it wasn’t until 1999 as part of the Millennium Celebration that Disney Pin Trading at the Walt Disney World Resort was introduced. You are able to trade pins at all theme parks around the world, as well as Disney Springs, Downtown Disney, and even some Disney stores!
How to Pin Trade
When you walk around the Disney Parks, you will see many stores selling themed pins. You will also see cast members wearing lanyards or small satchels with pins attached to them. Cast members will always trade a pin of theirs for one of yours if you ask! You can also go to a cast member and ask to see their pins with no commitment to trading! I always try to talk about something with them while doing this; maybe my pins, the weather, or anything else to help make the experience more fun. Cast members are usually enthusiastic about trading as they are able to get the pins for free and use it as a way to interact with guest!
Some people are very serious about collecting limited edition pins or series of pins. You might see people walking around the parks with binders of pins or set up at tables talking to people about their pins. Feel free to interact, but remember that you do not have to trade with anyone, and that trading should always be free!
Maximizing the Experience
Pin trading can get very expensive if you’re not careful. I started pin trading a few years back, and purchased a few of my favorite pins at the parks, and quickly realized this was not going to be a hobby I could afford. Then, I did a quick search on Amazon and found that people sell pins for trading at less than $1 each! After buying a couple of these packs, I took these pins to the park and was able to “upgrade” to the pins that I really wanted!
Another area to be aware of with pin trading is that there are sets of designs to collect. On the back of certain pins you will see a “1 of 5” or “3 of 7” to signify which number of the set you have. These sets can be found while looking online to see what you might be missing. When you know what you are looking for, it can help when discussing with cast members!
Maven Tip: Some locations in the theme parks have books of pins “in the back” if you are looking for a specific pin. When in doubt, have a conversation with the cast members and tell them what you are looking for!
Finally, always be sure to keep a few pins on hand in the parks that you want to trade. This might be when you walk by a cast member and see that pin you have always wanted to get, or might be with a small child who is just starting to trade pins. Trading (or just giving) some random pin to a child will make their day and help them get started with this fun experience!
Types of Pins
One of my favorite aspects of Pin Trading is that there are so many pins available. This means that you collect certain categories of pins (my favorite are pins with the Orange Bird on them), and there will be plenty of different pins within that category for you to collect. Some fun options to get you started include:
- Hidden Mickey’s – These are semi-common pins with small mickey heads hidden on them that are available in a series that are unique because they’re not available for sale in stores, and can only be found on Cast Member lanyards. There are many unique cast member exclusive pins, so trading is the only way to get these!
- Disney Characters – Choose your favorite character from any movie, TV show, or attraction in the parks and trade for as many unique pins containing that character as you can.
- Series – Groups of 3-8 pins that have a similar theme but are substantively different. This might be a grouping of Hitchhiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion, different types of fruits, or the cast of The Muppets!
- Historical Disney – Pins featuring Disney attractions, characters, and films from years past.
There are tons of unique pins, including ones that are only available to Annual Passholders, Disney Visa Cardholders, and Limited Edition pins exclusive to special events and locations. The number of Disney pins available can be quite overwhelming, so be sure to start small!
Authentic Pins
Every official Disney Pin should have a Pin Trading logo on the back of it. The main part of the logo is a classic Mickey Mouse head with a banner across the middle with “Pin Trading,” with the release year beneath the banner. Newer pins have a Mickey Mouse head logo set atop a crest shape, making it look even more official. Official pins will also say “© Disney” and have a Mickey Mouse shaped pin back.
If you happen to get pins that do not meet these expectations, cast members will not trade with you. Be sure to be careful of counter-fit or fake pins when you start trading!
Where are your favorite places to make pin trades? Be sure to share any tips in the comment section below!
