Howdy Alicia! We love Trading Pins! We typically purchase pins each vacation to commemorate our resort, special events or attractions we experience for a first time (our kiddos are currently 4 and 6 so there is always a new pin we "have" to have. There are also special pins for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members and more! (We are not actually that great at the "trading" part but we are fantastic at purchasing the pins!)
Disney Pin Trading is a popular interactive experience where Guests can trade pins with Disney Cast Members as well as other consenting Guests. Some of the merchandise stores offer trading sessions at certain hours of the day.
Getting in on the fun is easy. There are starter kits you can purchase or you can begin with a lanyard you like and purchase pins to add. Then, when you visit Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort or Disneyland Paris, locate a Cast Member wearing a lanyard with Disney pins and find a pin you'd like.
Trading with other Guests can be a magical experience but it's important to note that just because a Guest has Trading Pins, they may not want to trade.
You can find pins throughout the resorts. At Walt Disney World, our favorite location to purchase pins is Disney's Pin Traders in Downtown Disney.
During our last visit to Walt Disney World, my husband visited with one Cast Member who shared a great deal with him about the Pin Trading experience. I had no idea how much was involved but many of the Cast Members are "experts" in Pin Trading and can help Guests (in particular younger Guests) understand the value of different pins and maximize their Trading Pin experience. It's true Disney magic!
Please let me know if you need any further information. Thanks for your question and happy pinning!