Hi Amy!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
As you are already avid pin traders, I suspect you know a lot about pin trading already, but I'm happy to share what I know and hopefully give you a few tips. As a family we have enjoyed pin trading for many years, and I still always buy at least one new pin every time I visit Walt Disney World Resort. Sometimes we buy the pins that we are drawn to, just by appearance, but we also had to set specific categories to limit most of our purchases, otherwise it could get out of control! I always collect pins from my favourite Resort hotel - Disney's Wilderness Lodge -along with Year pins, Christmas pins, limited editions if I see them, pins for my favourite attractions, and any pins featuring Mickey. I also love the mystery packs as you never know if you'll receive a little gem!
Pin trading is a lovely interactive experience, and this is permitted between Guests, but no Guest is obligated to trade a pin that they may be wearing. Cast Members will happily trade pins, and for your best selection look out for them early in the day. They will trade any pin, regardless of value - so you could get lucky and trade for something of a much higher value! Cast Members who are wearing a green lanyard will only trade with children, all other lanyards are available for everyone to trade. It's worth noting that pin trading etiquette allows you to point to a pin you wish to trade, but no touching allowed. Official trading events take place at
Disney's Pin Traders at
Disney Springs Marketplace and Pin Central in
EPCOT's Future World, and sometimes small trading events are held at Disney Resort hotels. You will find pins everywhere at Walt Disney World Resort, and online at
shopDisney.
When at Walt Disney World Resort there are many ways to wear your pins - lanyards are available in many different designs - and you can also wear them on your hat or your bag. For extra security you might like to purchase locking pin backs, especially for your favourite, or most valuable pins. These pin backs usually require a tool to lock them so they are not the best pin backs to use when trading, but are great for keeping your favourite pins safe. At home, there's nothing like a pin board to display all your collection. You can also use pin books, or hooks on which to hang your lanyards, to show off your pins that way.
If you buy pins elsewhere, there are ways to check authenticity. Official pins will have a Mickey head logo on the back with a banner across that reads "PIN TRADING", with a year date underneath that, and ©DISNEY. There is also a small nub (or two) next to the stick pin. Also, check that every element is precise, with a professional finish, the correct colours for everything and correct spellings.
Please come back and visit us again if you have any further questions. We will be happy to help you plan your magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort.
Sue