Disney Pins 2024

I had been to Disney World about a dozen times before I finally went as an adult.  Funny enough, I never noticed Disney pins as a kid. Have you heard of it?

Disney pin trading is this super cool and fun Disney hobby that’s been around since 1999.  The way it works?  There are official pins that you buy and then trade with other pin collectors and cast members while at the park.

Cast members?

Yes!  In fact, I rarely ever see cast members without a lanyard with pins around their necks.  You might not have noticed, but pins are a huge thing at Disney.  

Kids love the super cool-looking pins and interacting with people in the park to trade.  It’s almost like a game and definitely a GREAT time.  

Trading Disney Pins are the buying and trading of collectible pins featuring Disney characters, attractions, icons, events and other elements – http://disney.wikia.com/

Disney Pins and Trading 

History

Pins have always been a souvenir option at Disney.  The art of pin trading was introduced during the Millennium Celebration.  Since then, it has spread to most of the Disney parks worldwide and is still a growing hobby.

When Did Disney Pin Trading Start

Disney Pin Trading started at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in 1999. It was later introduced to other Disney Parks around the world, including Disneyland in California, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney Resort.

Disney Pin Etiquette

There are guidelines set forth by Disney in a pamphlet that are super handy.  Here are a few:

• Pins must be official pins with the ©Disney” mark.
• For safety, trade one pin at a time, from hand to hand with pin backs attached.
• Refrain from touching anyone’s pins or lanyards, ask for a closer look if needed.
• Pins should be in good condition and undamaged.
• Guests can make up to 2 pin trades per cast member per day.
• Pins must be exchanged for pins and nothing else.
• Have fun!

Words for the wise: Cast members will always trade pins, while guests can and will trade but can say no.

Pin trading is super fun, easy, and fair.  Guidelines are there to make sure everyone has a great time.

Disney Pin Trading Rules 

Disney Pin Trading is a fun and exciting way to collect and trade pins with other guests at Disney Parks. Here are some important rules to keep in mind:

1. All pins traded must be official Disney pins that have the Disney copyright on the back.

2. Guests are allowed to trade up to two pins per cast member per day.

3. Pins must be in good condition and not damaged, scratched, or missing any parts.

4. Guests are not allowed to trade for pins that are being worn by other guests, cast members, or trading boards.

5. Trades must be fair and one-for-one. Guests are not allowed to trade a single pin for multiple pins.

6. Cast members are not allowed to accept cash or gifts in exchange for pins.

Remember to always ask before initiating a trade and have fun collecting and trading Disney pins!

Where To Buy Disney Pins

I’ll start with my mistake.  When I first got into pin trading I went to the Walmart nearest Disney and purchased a few inexpensive pins to start with.  If you read the Pin Etiquette section, you know that you need official Disney pins.  Those were not.

The best place to start is with a set of pins purchased cheaply off of Amazon.  There are various starter kits that come with a ton of pins at a cheap price.

Summary of what you need to get started

• 5-1o Pins
• Lanyard
• Pin trading knowledge (which we will go over)

That’s it!

Why Do People Trade Pins at Disney?

These pins are beautiful; they are works of art.  I’ve spent hours in the stores just looking at them, trying to figure out where to best spend my money.  

You’ll find that some pins you won’t be able to give away.  Some will be easier to trade than others.  

It’s so much fun to pick out your favorite pins, decide how to display them, and which you will trade.  The excitement of constantly getting new pins cannot be duplicated!

1999 Disney Pins 

You can try looking for 1999 Disney pins on online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon. You can also check out Disney pin collector groups on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as collectors often sell or trade their pins within these communities. Additionally, you can try visiting Disney parks or Disney stores, as they sometimes carry vintage or limited edition pins.

2017 Disney Pins

You can find these two on online marketplaces such as eBay and Etsy. A quick Google search will pull up mostly options to buy them. 

Does Disney Still Do Pin Trading?

Yes, Disney still does pin trading. It is a popular activity among park visitors and there are many locations throughout the parks where you can purchase or trade pins with other guests. It’s a great way to meet new people and add to your pin collection!

Disney Pins and Disney on a budget

With PTM I like to connect back to going to Disney World on a budget but also sticking to a budget in general.  

Pins are inexpensive souvenirs when you head to Disney.  As I mentioned above, you can get 25 for $29.99.

If you have children old enough to trade you can give them 5 pins at a time, day by day to avoid purchasing any other souvenirs.

Where to Find Cheap Disney Pins For Trading

Amazon has starter sets of authentic for super cheap so if you are looking cheap Disney pins, that’s a good place to start. 

Be sure to purchase from a reputable seller to ensure that you are getting authentic pins. You can also try trading with other Disney pin enthusiasts. Look for groups or forums online where you can connect with other collectors and trade pins. 

Finally, consider attending pin trading events at Disney parks or other Disney-related events. These events are a great way to meet other collectors and add new pins to your collection.

The great thing about this, you will always get your money’s worth.  The cheapest pin at Disney is $8.95 with the most expensive being more than $18.  Most times, you aren’t going to get one of the simple $6.95 pins.  

Emotional and Sentimental Value Disney Pins Hold For Collectors

Disney Pin Trading is more than just collecting pins – it’s about the emotional and sentimental value that these pins hold for collectors. 

Many Disney fans have been collecting these pins for years, and each pin represents a special memory or experience they had at the Disney parks. 

For example, a pin that features their favorite Disney character might remind them of the first time they saw that character in a Disney movie or at a Disney park. Or a pin that commemorates a special event, such as a ride’s anniversary, might remind them of the fun they had on that ride with their family or friends. 

These pins hold a lot of emotional significance for collectors, and many of them will go to great lengths to get their hands on a pin that holds a special memory or meaning for them. 

By understanding the emotional attachment that collectors have to their pins, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the hobby and the value it holds for many Disney fans.

What do you think, do you pin trade at all?