Disney pin trading

It's no secret that I love all things Disney!

One of my favorite things about going to Disneyland is doing pin trading. I don't know if it's the thrill of the hunt, the experience of meeting new people, or the insatiable collector in me, but I am officially addicted to pin trading! In my opinion there is no better way to experience the Disney parks than to walk around in my blinged-out lanyard trading and collecting Disney pins. For those of you who have never heard of (or participated in) pin trading, here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started...What is pin trading? Disneyland theme parks sell unique and fun pins in most of their stores to collect and trade.

What do pins look like? The pins feature Disney films, characters, park rides, and other various Disney attractions. Each pin comes with a rubber back in the shape of mouse ears. (See picture above).

How much do pins cost? Most pins range from $6 to $50 depending on what you are buying. There are individual, sets, limited edition, and special collectors pins too. Most of them however, are simply used for buying and trading.

How do you trade? While at the park you might notice "cast members" (aka employees) wearing lanyards or satchels of pins. You can approach these cast members and ask to see their pins. If they are wearing a pin that you would like, you may trade one of your pins for one of theirs. Disney cast members have to trade with you, as long as they don't already have the pin you are trading!

How many pins can I trade? As many as you like. However, you are only allowed to trade up to two pins per cast member per day.

Where can I find pins to trade? Besides shopping in Disney park stores, the best place to purchase pins is on eBay. You can buy pins individually, or purchase them in a "Lot" or group. These "Lots" are generally cheaper if you buy them in bulk outside of Disney parks. Most of the "Lot" pins are in grab bags, so you don't always know what you are getting. However, it doesn't matter what pins they send you, as long as they are official Disney pins and can be legitimately traded at Disney theme parks.

I like to buy a bag of mismatched pins to take to the park and trade with cast members for better ones!

Why would I want to do pin trading? Besides the obvious collecting benefits, pin trading is a great way to experience Disneyland or Disney World. I have met a lot of really interesting people, and I have a lot of great memories doing pin trading. As you move through the parks you will begin to notice that there are many people who enjoy pin trading too! It's a great way to enhance your Disney vacation, as well as a wonderful conversation opener!

For more information about pin trading and collecting, please visit the official Disney website: Disney Pin Trading Services. Happy trading!