Disney Pin Trading 

An Introduction to Disney Pin Trading

What are Disney Pins? 

Disney Trading Pins are collectors items.

Disney Pins feature Disney Characters, attractions, memorable events and many other Disney related themes.

Many thousands of different pins have been issued in different styles, quantities and method of release.

There are a number of different category of Disney Pin, these include general release, limited edition, and cast lanyard pins. Within these categories of pin there are also different styles of Disney Pin, eg Standard pins, 3D Pins, pins with dangles, slides and other add on elements, the variety is vast.

Many pins are generally only available for a limited time, especially the more desirable Limited Edition Pins. These are manufactured in a short limited production run. The lower the number made, the higher the desirability and hence the pin is considered to be more valuable.

Some pins are only available to purchase in specific locations during specific events making them harder to obtain eg, the opening day of a new attraction, special parties, calendar events etc.

As a result the subsequent value of these pins is higher due to their limited availability.

Most genuine Disney pins are enamel or enamel cloisonné with a metal base.

Lots of people collect Disney Pins, some will collect any kind of pin but most collectors will restrict their collection to there most desired category, type, or theme of pin.

Disney Trading Pin Bible 

This is the must have book for all Pin Traders

What is Pin Trading? 

Swap your pin for another.

Disney Pin Trading is the trading of Disney Pins for other Disney Pins in order to expand or complete a particular part of your collection.

This is a common means of obtaining Disney pins that would otherwise be very difficult to collect.

Much pin trading happens in the Disney Parks, with Disney Cast Members (the people who work at the parks) playing a key role.

There is an etiquete associated with pin trading that should be observed, there is more on this below.

Disney Pin Trading gives you access to a vast array of pins that would be otherwise generally unavailable.

How many Trading Pins do you have? 

What is the typical Disney Trading Pin collection size?

Disney Trading Pin Links 

Disney Pin Collector

Check out this site for more details of my daughters Disney Pin Collection. Hints and Tips on Florida and Walt Disney World. And Much more....

PinPics.com

This fantastic site has pictures of thousands of pins. If you are a pin trader you should log your collection here.

Most of the pin pictures that I use have come from this site. A great resource.

What are the Origins of Pin Trading 

Where did it all start?

Pin Trading has been occuring in Disney Parks for many years, but it was only during the lead up to the millenium celebrations that Pin Trading saw a huge increase in popularity.

Generally there is a large variety of pins available throughout all the Disney Parks and Resorts, although Tokyo Disney Resort no longer supports Pin Trading and only has a limited selection of pins available.

A large proportion of Disney's Cast Members wear pins on a lanyard around their neck, or on a pin flap attached to their waistband.

Cast Members have access to Pins that are not available for general purchase, known as Cast lanyard pins these pins can be particularly desirable and are a favourite among many collectors. These pins may include special pins with a Hidden Mickey or other Cast Member related design.

The official Disney Pin Trading Website has downloadable catalogues of these pins so that collectors are able to see what is needed to make up a complete set.

A Disney cast member can trade up to two pins he/she wears to a person wishing to trade with them, but can only accept pins that he/she does not already have.

Rules and Etiquette of Disney Pin Trading 

Disney's Rules

Disney has established a list of Rules or Guidelines for trading pins, and tips on Pin Etiquette. These tips include:

• Disney Cast Members can only trade official Disney Pins that have a Disney character, park, attraction, or other Disney related theme. Personalised Pins that contain personal names are not tradable with Cast Members.



• Pins should be traded one at a time, and the pin back should be in place to prevent accidental injury (pins posts are usually sharp)



• Guests can trade up to 2 pins with each cast member per day



• You shouldn't touch another person's pins or lanyard, ask to see the pin so they can bring the pin into closer view. If you want to see more details such as on the back of the pin, you should ask the other person to remove the pin from the lanyard.



• A Cast Member can not trade a pin for another pin that is a duplicate of any pin they already have on their lanyard.



• Pins can only be traded for pins, no money or gifts can change hands on Disney property in exchange for a pin.

Some Common Disney Pin Terms 

Get to know the Disney Pin Trading language

• "Artist Proof" - Artist Proof pins (or "AP" pins) are created during a manufacturing run to verify quality, details, etc. "AP" pins have a small "AP" on the back stamp. "AP" can also stand for "Annual Pass holder" pin. Some pins are exclusive to annual pass holders, and the pass must be presented at time of purchase.



• "Back Stamp" - A pin's back stamp may contain information about the pin and can include copyright information, edition size, and manufacturer, number within a series.



• "Bootleg" - A pin that is an unauthorized copy of a licensed Disney pin. Many of the higher priced pins on the secondary market are targeted by bootleggers to try to capitalize on the pins value or popularity.



• "Build-A-Pin" - The Build-A-Pin program was introduced in 2002. Guests could personalize pins bases with character add-ons. After selecting their favorite base and add on, the pin was assembled with a special machine. The Build-A-Pin program was retired in Summer 2004.



• "Cloisonné" - A French word meaning "partitioned." It refers to a style of pin in which the surface decoration is set in designated sections, one color at a time. Cloisonné also refers to a pin type in which crushed minerals and pigments are used to create coloring on a pin.



• "Dangle Pins" - Dangle pins have an extension to the base of the pin that dangles (hangs) from one or more small loops or chains.



• "Epoxy Coating" - Epoxy coating is a glassy, opaque substance used as a decorative or protective coating. When dry, it forms a smooth, glossy surface.



• "Fantasy Pin" - A pin commissioned or produced by fans of Disney pins as a fantasy pin uses recognizable, but not copyrighted, motifs and are considered by some an addition to their Disney pin collection. These pins are not allowed in trade with cast members for their lanyard pins, but many collectors trade for these pins amongst themselves. From time to time, Disney will produce a pin that is very similar to a fantasy pin that has a clever motif or quality artistic details.



• "Flocking" - A flocked pin has an area that is fuzzy.



• "FREE-D" - "Free-D" stands for Fastened Rubber Element on a pin for Extra Dimension, often refered to as 3D.



• "Hard Enamel" - Hard Enamel is similar to cloisonné. A much wider selection of colors is available.



• "Holy Grail" - A pin collector's most wanted pin or pins. Sometimes traders will simply use the term grail. These are usually a pin that is required to complete a series or perhaps one that has special significance to the individual.

The 'Bible' for Pin Collectors. 

This book is the 'must have' book for all Disney Pin collectors and Pin Traders. This is the most recent edition.

Other older editions contain information on old pins from other Disney sources that no longer appear in this book. Of course new pins are being released all the time so it is difficult to keep up.

One useful feature of the book is that is gives each pin a 'value' rating depending on rarity and desirability.

UK Buyers Tomart's Disneyana Guide to Pin Trading

USA Buyers Tomart's 6th Edition DISNEYANA Guide to Pin Trading

Pin Trading Tips 

How to find the best Pin Trading Opportunities

• Look out for Cast Member Managers.
  
  The Cast Member Managers usually wear different uniform (if a uniform at all) to the regular cast members.
  
  As they do not spend as much time interacting with park visitors they don't trade as many pins.
  
  As a result they are more likely to have a special, or rare pin that you are looking for.
  
  Also, often they will have pins that they can give out free as they wish. Just remember that they will be busy so as always be polite and patient.



• Look for Cast Members just arriving for their shift. This can be first thing in the morning or at shift change over in the afternoon.
  
  Look for the common cast member entrances (not marked) where you will see cast members appearing and disappearing around gates, doors, or other scenery. These cast members will most likely have been to the cast member pin window and will have a fresh selection of pins to choose from.



• Pin Trading Meets - Most of the resorts host pin trading (often 5.00pm) in their foyer. This is a chance to trade pins from the resort pin board and to meet other pin traders who you may want to trade with or just share your pin trading experiences. These sessions normally last about half an hour.



• Pin Trading Board - Ask staff in the resort if you can see the pin trading board if you can not get to the pin trading session. If they are not too busy they may go and get it for you.



• Cast Members outside the parks - Remember cast members outside the parks can also trade pins, and do not get to see the same volume of guests. Check their lanyards, you may get lucky.



• Special Offers - Look out for special offers, occasionally Disney will have special offers on which will allow you to get special pins not normally available. Towards the end of 2007 they had a dollar pin offer which meant that when you spent $15 on pin merchandise you could buy a special $1 pin if you wished, there was a dollar pin for each park, one for the resorts, and one for pin trading.

Up Coming Events 

Check back regularly for updates

Disney's Pin Celebration 2008 - Pin Trading University

September 5, 2008 - Silent and Live Auction Previews are now live!

Download .PDF Catalogs of these unique auction lots created especially for this event.

Disney Pin Trading on Amazon 

Need to know more? Need a reference to take with you?

Interesting Books to get you going and also a good reference guide on relative values and collectability of the different pins.

UK Buyers click the UK Buyers Link to save on postage costs.

Tomart's 6th Edition DISNEYANA Guide to Pin Trading (Tomart's Illustrated Disneyana Catalog & Price Guide)

by Thomas Tumbusch

UK Buyers Click this Link Tomart's Disneyana Guide to Pin Trading (Disneyana Catalog & Price Guide)

Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 10/13/2008)
List Price: $29.95

Disneyana: Guide to Pin Trading

by Tom Tumbusch

UK Buyers Click this Link Tomart's Disneyana Guide to Pin Trading

Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)
List Price: $24.95

Collecting Disneyana: Identification & Value Guide (Identification & Values (Collector Books))

by David Longest

UK Buyers Click this Link Collecting Disneyana: Identification & Value Guide

Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 10/13/2008)
List Price: $29.95

Heritage Comics Signature Sale #813 Animation Art & Disneyana

UK Buyers Click this Link Heritage Comics Signature Sale #813 Animation Art & Disneyana

Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)
List Price: $29.95

Disneyana

by Bob Heide, John Gilman

UK Buyers Click this Link Disneyana: Classic Collectibles

Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)
List Price: $20.00

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Check out this great Disney video clip.

Let me know what you think about Disney Pin Trading 

How many Disney Trading Pins do you have?

This is your chance to let others know about your Disney Trading Pins, leave feedback about this lens or any other Disney Trading Pin comments that you may have.

Disney Trading Pins For Sale 

Get Trading Pins on eBay before you go to the parks

There are loads of pins to be bought on eBay. These may be those hard to find pins that you need to complete a set or simply bulk buy trading pins to take with you.

Be aware that some people may try to rip you off with fake pins that you may not be able to trade. Read descriptions carefully and check seller feedback. All other eBay precautions apply as well.

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Trading Pins in bulk lots 

Buy in Bulk to save money

Typically pins in the parks cost from $6.95 upwards. There are some trading pin sets where you can get 6 or 8 pins for about $22.00, this still works out at $3 - $4 per pin. Buying Pins in bulk before you go to the parks is a lot cheaper than buying pins at the parks. If you are careful, you can end up paying between $1 and $2 per pin.

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Keep Trading Pins Safe in a Pin Bag 

Get a bag to keep all those pins in order

It won't be long before your collection out-grows your lanyard. The best bet then is to get some kind of bulk storage. These bags will allow you to keep your pins safely and in order. They are also good for displaying your pins and you will see many pin traders using them.

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Current Weather in Florida 

Current weather conditions in Kissimmee, FL

Local Pollen Reports

75°F (Feels like 78°F)

Last update: 10/13/08 2:50 PM EDT

Humidity: 89%
Visibility: 5.0 mi
Dew Point: 72°F
UV Index: 1 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.10in falling
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 13mph From: Airport Conditions

More Disney Trading Pin info on the Web 

Check out these links to see what others are saying about Disney Pin Trading

Disney Pin websites?

My DH, DD6, and DS2 started pin trading 2 weeks ago on our most resent trip. Even my 2 year old had a ball doing this! We are going back to WDW for a few days in December and they want to have more pins to trade. ...

MICKEY & FRIENDS ANIMATED TALKING TELEPHONE Prices & Review

2GB DISNEY MICKEY MOUSE MP3 PLAYER 2 GB GO GE(9 color). DISNEY TRADING PIN -JEDI TRAINING LOGO W/GOOFY CHANGITNOW MICKEY ... WDW Disney pin Director Mickey LE 50 RARE HTF. Minnie and Mickey Celebrating Thanks giving 2002 ...

“Salutatorian” Grand Prize Award from PTU

Pin Trading University - T-Shirt; Disney's Pin Celebration 2006 - Figment Framed Set - Artist Proof with ?AP? mark. Disney Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest - Opening Day boxed set - Artist Proof with ?AP? mark. ...

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These will compliment any Holiday Pin Collection

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