If you are planning on getting started pin trading at Disney World, the first thing you need are pins. I’ve been pin trading since 2009 with various lots of pins that I purchase on Ebay. There is one seller that I really like that I have ordered from multiple times over the years and had zero issues with their pins.
They sell their pins in lots of 50 or even lots of 100. You can find smaller lots, but I would recommend the 50 lot for your Disney World vacation.
What is Pin Trading?
Pin Trading is available at both Disney World and Disneyland Park. Cast Members wear lanyards that contain a selection of Disney themed pins (when they first reopen after being closed, pins will be available on boards vs Cast Members wearing them). Guests are able to trade their Disney pin(s) with the Cast Member. Each Cast Member has a different selection of pins, so it’s always fun trying to find that specific pin you want.
The Rules of Pin Trading
- Guests can trade up to two pins per Cast Member, per day
- Pins should be in good, undamaged condition
- Guests should offer a pin that is not already displayed on the Cast Member’s lanyard
- Cast Lanyards should display a minimum of 12 pins
How To Trade Pins:
- Approach the Cast Member and ask to see their pins
- Inform them of the pin that you would like to trade for.
- Present your pin to the Cast Member with the back in place. They don’t care which pin you give them as long as they don’t already have the pin on their lanyard.
- If a cast member has a green lanyard, they will only trade with kids under 12.
Pin Trading Tips
- You can purchase pins from Ebay before your Disney trip. Just make sure that the seller has positive ratings and their auction is for OFFICIAL DISNEY TRADING PINS with MICKEY RUBBER PIN BACKS and the Official Disney Pin Trading back stamp.
- The starting price of Pins available for sale at the Parks is $6.95.
- Disney Springs is a great place for trading pins.
- If a Cast Member has a pin on backwards with the back showing instead of the front of the pin, that is their mystery pin. You can trade for it, but you can not see what the pin is before you receive it.
- Most resorts have a Pin Trading Board that is brought out at specific times during the day. The board usually contains around 100 pins and you are allowed to make 2 trades.
- Certain locations in the parks have either Pin Trading Boards, Duffy Bears wearing pins or even a stroller full of pins. I know there is a Duffy Bear in the Pin store in Frontierland and a stroller with a Duffy Bear at the stroller center at Epcot.
Do you have any Pin Trading tips and tricks? You can also read this Pin Trading frequently asked questions post.
Learn more about souvenirs in the Walt Disney World parks.