Disney Pin Trading is for the Whole Family
This Disney Pin Trading lens will be of interest to both new collectors and the more experienced. There is a section on rules and etiquette, and also a section on what to look for with some tips on how to get the best pins. Finally there is a large selection of pins that you are able to purchase if you so desire.
Disney Pin Trading
An Introduction to Disney Pin Trading
Disney Pin Trading is the buying and trading of collectible pins and related items featuring Disney characters, attractions, icons, and other elements. Many thousands of unique pins have been created over the years. Pins are available for a limited time; the base price for a pin is US$6.95. Limited edition pins, and special pins (e.g. pins that have a dangle, pin-on-pin, flocking, lenticular, light-up, moving element, 3-D element, etc.) cost up to $14.95. Featured Artist and Jumbo Pins...
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
Tomart's Disneyana: Guide To Pin Trading
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
This book has pictures of thousands of Disney Trading Pins. This is really useful when you are trying to collect a full set of a particular type of pin, you get to see what you are looking for which helps you recognise it when you find it.
Also the book gives each pin a value rating. This is not an actual value but it helps you to determine if the pin is rare, highly sought after or has any other reason for being more valuable than others.
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?
Some people only have a couple of favourites, some people collect a specific theme, others will take anything they can get their hands on.
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.
Here's my favorite link:
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. Cast Lanyard 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, manufacturer, and 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. You can find these cast members in places like the resorts, Downtown Disney, even the Disney greeters at Orlando International Airport.
- 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. During 2009, the offer was to buy a $1 pin for every $30 spent on Pin merchandise. Check if there is an offer on whilst you are there.
- Save Money on Pins - Buy pins in bulk before you go to Disney from places like eBay. It doesn't really matter what it is you buy as long as they are genuine Disney pins as these are the only ones that can be traded in the parks. Whe you buy the pins go through them and decide which, if any, you want to keep and take the rest to trade.
Pin Trading at Animal Kingdom
Add a whole new dimension to the parks.
Trading pins with cast members helps children with their confidence of talking to strangers but in a safe environment. Of course any parent show exercise discretion and teach their children the dangers of approaching strangers but we all have to learn sometime.
Up Coming Events
Check back regularly for updates
- DISNEY PIN CELEBRATION 2009 - THE MUSEUM OF PIN-TIQUITIES
- Disney Pin Traders from around the world are cordially invited to celebrate the "10,000" year history of Disney Pin Trading during Disney Pin Celebration 2009 - The Museum of Pin-tiquities. This three-day, grand opening gala will be held from Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28, 2009 in World ShowPlace at Epcot®.
Disney Pin Trading on Amazon
Need to know more? Need a reference to take with you?
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)
UK Buyers Click this Link Tomart's Disneyana Guide to Pin Trading (Disneyana Catalog & Price Guide)
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $29.95
Disneyana: Guide to Pin Trading
UK Buyers Click this Link Tomart's Disneyana Guide to Pin Trading
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $24.95
Collecting Disneyana: Identification & Value Guide (Identification & Values (Collector Books))
UK Buyers Click this Link Collecting Disneyana: Identification & Value Guide
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/23/2009)
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 12/23/2009)
List Price:
Disneyana
UK Buyers Click this Link Disneyana: Classic Collectibles
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $20.00
See these other Great Lenses
Loads more Disney Information.
-
Disney Holiday Tips
-
Planning a Trip to Walt Disney World Florida? See More of my tips to help you make the most of it.....Here I include some more tips to help you make the most of your Florida Holiday. Is your holiday date getting nearer? Are you wondering...
-
Christmas at Disney
-
Thinking of going to Disney before Christmas? Already booked your trip? Read on for some valuable advise on how to get the most of your trip. See our section on FREE STUFF to do at Disney. See my other lens for tips on visiting Disney and Flori...
-
Great Disney Holiday Tips
-
Have you booked your trip to Disney? Are you wondering how to get the most out your holiday? Our fantastic Disney Tips will help you make the most of your trip. Where to stay, how to get to the parks, what to do when you are there and most importantl...
-
Guide to Magic Kingdom
-
This is my unofficial guide to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Florida. Find out everything there is to know about the Magic Kingdom. What are the best rides, how to avoid the longest queues, and where is the best place to watch the firework...
-
First Time Trip to Disney Florida Advice
-
Have you booked or are you planning your first trip to Florida? Are you concerned about what will happen, are you a nervous traveller and want to find out more? This lens contains some of the questions that I am asked frequently and the advice I typ...
Pin trading at Disney
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.
-
Reply
- Disney-for-Less Disney-for-Less Jun 5, 2009 @ 8:58 pm
- You said it well right at the beginning: Disney pin trading is seriously addictive =) We are in the 100-500 range............so far! Great lens and info!
-
Reply
- dagsmith dagsmith May 29, 2009 @ 5:36 pm
- Great lens. One trick that helped us was to buy a collection of pins on eBay for ~2.50 a pin. We used those pins as traders to get Pins that we wanted trading with Disney employees.
-
Reply
- colibri colibri Apr 26, 2009 @ 12:08 pm
- Wow, you actually got me interested in something I never heard of!
-
Reply
- Janusz Janusz Apr 15, 2009 @ 2:46 pm
- Great Lens! Blessed by a Squid Angel :)
-
Reply
- MarcoG MarcoG Oct 20, 2008 @ 11:35 am
- I find this fascinating. I just got back yesterday from DisneyWorld and saw all the staff with the flaps and wondered about them...this just answered my question :)
- Load More
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.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
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.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byCast Member Pins
Complete your series
Cast member pins can not be bought in shops, however many get listed on eBay as they are surplus to peoples collections. Check these out to see if any will complete a Cast Member Lanyard Series that you have started to collect. Click on any image to see more cast member lanyard pins.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byKeep 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.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byRevisit and Read Again
Quick navigation back to what you have seen.
- Disney Pin Trading
- What are Disney Pins?
- Disney Trading Pin Bible
- What is Pin Trading?
- How many Trading Pins do you have?
- Disney Trading Pin Links
- Check out this Disney Trading Pin Site
- What are the Origins of Pin Trading
- Rules and Etiquette of Disney Pin Trading
- Some Common Disney Pin Terms
- The 'Bible' for Pin Collectors.
- Pin Trading Tips
- Up Coming Events
- Pin trading at Disney
- Let me know what you think about Disney Pin Trading
- Cast Member Pins
- Limited Edition Pins on eBay
More Disney Trading Pin info on the Web
Check out these links to see what others are saying about Disney Pin Trading
- Disney Pincast Episode 89 (12/4/09) – Normal Edition » The Disney ...
- Welcome to another edition of The Disney Pincast. Join hosts Tom Corless and John Rick for Disney pin news, upcoming pin trading opportunities across the United States, a profile of I.P.L.S. member number #69, all of this week's pin ...
- Walt Disney Legacy Collection – True Life Adventures, Vol. 3
- Experience the wonder of Walt Disney's groundbreaking nature series for the first time on DVD! These acclaimed stories, fully restored to their original beauty, offer previously unseen looks into the.
- Disney Announces Dates for Star Wars Weekends 2010 « Westgate ...
- ... Wars activities and celebrations, dozens of favorite characters from R2D2 to Darth Maul, Star Wars celebrities, Galactic Game Show, Jedi Training Academy, trivia contests, collectibles and pin trading and the Star Tours thrill ride. ...
More Great Disney Lenses
Check out these great Disney Lenses
-
Guide to Disney MGM Studios
-
This is my unofficial guide to Disney MGM Studios at Walt Disney World, Florida. I will try to keep it as up to date as possible, but as many of you will know things are constantly changing so any very recent changes or additions at the park ma...
-
Guide to Magic Kingdom
-
This is my unofficial guide to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Florida. Find out everything there is to know about the Magic Kingdom. What are the best rides, how to avoid the longest queues, and where is the best place to watch the firework...
-
Guide to Epcot
-
Welcome to my unofficial guide to EPCOT at Walt Disney World, Florida. If you are planning a trip to Florida this lens will give you the must have information to allow you to plan your trip effectively. All the main attractions at EPCOT are included...
-
Orlando Florida Hotels
-
With so many hotels available in Florida, especially around the Disney, Orlando, Kissimmee areas, it is difficult to know where the best place is to stay. This is even more difficult if you have never been to Florida before. Read on for s...
-
Guide to Animal Kingdom
-
This is my unofficial guide to the Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Florida. Check out this lens for great information on the Animal Kingdom, what to do, what to see, hints and tips along with other ideas that you may like to try. My d...
Limited Edition Pins on eBay
Limited Editions are highly collectible
Given the fact that there are only a certain number of pins produced, limited edition pins have a higher value that the generally produced pins. Check these out to see if any will compliment your collection.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byChristmas Holiday Pins on eBay
Start your Christmas Pin Collection.
Why not remember your Christmas Holiday at Disney with a Disney Pin. Buy whilst you are in the parks, trade if you want to, or buy when you get home. Here are some that are currently available....
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byNew Year Trading Pins on eBay
These will compliment any Holiday Pin Collection
Check out these Pins currently on eBay. Of course if you are at the parks over the New Year celebrations, why not get some Limited Edition pins whilst you are there. Otherwise you can trade them if you see them elsewhere or failing that a good alternative is to buy on eBay. Enjoy....
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byCurrent Weather in Florida
Current weather conditions in Kissimmee, FL
Local Pollen Reports
50°F (Feels like 46°F)
Last update: 12/23/09 2:53 AM EST
Humidity: 94%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 48°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.15in falling
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 9mph From: Airport Conditions
by ByRoy
Spent loads of time researching and getting involved in all sorts of different things, some successful some not so. Time I think to start sharing some...
(more)Explore related pages
Disney Pin Values, Collecting and Trading- An Online Disney Pin Trading Guide for Beginners (and Non-Beginners too!) ...
DISNEY PIN TRADING TIPS FOR NEW COLLECTORS- Disney Pin Trading can be a fun experience for the entire family. It's...
Disney Pin Trading- WARNING! Disney pin trading is highly addictive and may be hazardous to your wal...
Christmas at Disney- Thinking of going to Disney before Christmas? Already booked your trip? Re...
First Time Trip to Disney Florida Advice- Have you booked or are you planning your first trip to Florida? Are you concerne...
Great Disney Holiday Tips- Have you booked your trip to Disney? Are you wondering how to get the most out y...
