Ahoy there William, and welcome aboard planDisney!
It sounds to me like you're one of the avid pin traders and collectors who really keep this time-honored tradition alive, and while in recent years we've observed a bit of a definite decline in the number of fans, folks and families who
remember just how prolific it had been just a decade ago and frequently ask for its return - it thankfully hasn't completely vanished! In fact I recently came back from my cruise last week and took the opportunity to inquire directly with the source to see what Crew Members thought about the future of pin trading on the high seas:
- I actually experienced a few instances with Crew Members and Officers who were happy to trade with guests, but certainly not to the extent of an officially-sanctioned activity like in the past. The crew let me know that places like Mickey's Mainsail across the fleet were more likely pin trading locations, but I also observed a considerable number of "scrappers" floating about as they also let me know that they weren't aware of whether any new pins would make their way on board.
- To combat this, you might want to consider joining the popular pastime of connecting with fellow cruisers on your voyage in the various groups that pop up on social media and in online forums where you can hopefully locate any fellow pin trading enthusiasts! I noticed a number of pin boards put up just outside stateroom doors, which may be a great option for you or your family - just be aware that there's always the possibility that folks may think that they're free to take, especially with the popularity of leaving gifts and treats outside your stateroom for others to enjoy.
I've also personally found that pin trading seems to experience a little jump on
some of the lengthier itineraries that bring out the diehard Disney fans coming to sail; I've always found that the longer a voyage extends beyond a week the more likely it is that certain activities that may no longer be found on the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App may get the opportunity to resurface in some way.
Here's keeping pin trading alive at sea!
Prince