Autograph books & Trading Pins?

[princesskaelybear]

I have seen a lot of information about kids getting autographs from Cast Members & also trading pins with them. Is it too much for a child to do both?
Also, where is the best place(s) to buy reasonably priced autograph books and trading pins?
How many trading pins would I need for one child?
Is 5 yrs old too young to trade pins? get autographs?
Are there any "rules" for getting autographs or trading pins?

Thanks!!

 

[meeko_33785]

Most pins and autographs at Disney are the same price. I believe books are $6 and pins range from $6.50 and up (depending on if it is a limited edition, lights up, has movable parts, etc.) You can always buy a different book (such as a journal or notebook) which are usually cheeper, but the only offcicial Disney book is the $6 one you'll find at any WDW gift shop. Also for pins, I believe Disney also sells a pin trading set for kids which includes a lanyard (what you wear around your neck that hold the pins) and 4 tradable pins for about $25. That's really not a bad deal when you consider that if you bought 4 pins and a child's lanyard seperatly it would cost close to $10 more!

I'm not sure what age is a good age to start pin trading (I'm not really into it myself), but I know it's a great age for autograph collecting. They won't bee affraid of the characters or too old to think they're "too cool" for it.

As for rules, here's a few sites that might help you:

Pin Tradin Rules

Autograph Collecting Tips

Hope this helps you out.

 

[TerriBelle]

We have three kids DD-10, DS6, DS6 and it really depends on the kid. My DD at 5 loved the characters and enjoyed getting the autographs. She still loved it on our last trip. My boys were 6 on our last trip and they want very little to do with the characters and they don't want to get the autographs even though they see their big sister doing it.

The pin trading they all enjoy. I try to buy some cheap pins at a Disney Store or Disney outlet before we go. They also sell packaged sets when you get there that come with the lanyard and 4 pins. (princess or buzz) Our kids only trade with the CMs. We usually let them buy one or two to keep - maybe the resort or favorite ride.

My kids have also enjoyed the pressed pennies.

 

[Duckfan]

We have always bought a autograph book and a larger pin before we left as they are cheaper at home. A larger barrel pen is preferred as the characters can grasp them more easily. A tip, try to have them sign on on side of the book, it is easier to read that way plus you can pictures or notes when you get home. Even if your child doesn't like autographs, you can get pictures taken with the characters.

As an avid pin trader, I just have to say that it takes as many pins as you are willing to invest in and the time you want to do it. It tends to get addictive as you start to look at the cm lanyards and find pins you like. Even at age 5. Some cm have lanyards just for kids to trade with. I would suggest 5-10 pins but like I said, it is what you make it.