Autograph books vs pins???

[GoofItUp]

We are leaving Saturday and I steered my MIL and SIL away from getting autograph books and encouraged them to get pins for my DNiece4. Do you think this is a good idea? My rationale is that I like pin trading and we could do this together, but I don't really want to wait in all the lines for autographs from all the characters. Thoughts and opinions, please.......

 

[mclimo]

I do both.

Pin trading is a great way to interact with CM's and other park guests.

But the autograph books can be fun too, and less expensive. You don't always have to stand in lines to get autographs. Any of the character meals throughout the property, chance encounters with them while walking.

I don't know about other fans, but I have noticed a major increase in the character presence in all the parks since 9/11.

 

[disneyatl]

I think the autograph books are more fun for the younger kids. My daughter always had the best time seeking out characters and having them sign her book. Pin trading I think would be more enjoyable for older children and adults.

 

[scoggs]

Have a great time! Maybe see you at the Dolphin??? My daughter is 4 also and I bet the girls would love to swim together!!

Dana

 

[DisneyArk]

I vote autograph books! We just returned from Disney World and my sons are 3 and 5. I had bought them pins to trade and they really didn't get into it. They had so much trouble deciding which pin to trade for which one. I purposely bought some plain ones they wouldn't want to keep, but trading seemed to overwhelm them.

However they loved getting autographs and it gave them a mission. The characters really are everywhere and we didn't wait more than 5 minutes. If you are at the front of Epcot when the character bus arrives you can meet a lot of characters in just a few minutes! You can also meet a lot of characters in a short time if you are at Toontown in the MK when it opens at 10:00. Animal Kingdom is also a great place to meet characters!

 

[Teri Zolman]

I would also go for the autograph books. Pin trading can be very expensive and quite time consuming. I don't know how you little one is with discision making, but it took my 11 yrd forever. My kids still like to get autographs.

 

[castlegazer]

I have a funny point, with the autograph book you actually get to spend more time with the character than you would otherwise as it takes them a moment to sign.

I did not feel we ever stood in line to see any character except Mickey other than a few people long. The characters are everywhere and everyone is getting autographs. It takes some bravado to get really good at pin trading, at least for me and I am an old foggie. I found myself doing it in out of the way places. Maybe I will be better this year. It takes some time too, as stated above. You have to look the pins over and see what appeals to you and what you want to relinquish. It is fun, but just a little intimidating. Autograph seeking is just plain fun - I did it for my one year old, yeah that's what I tell myself, and I just loved it. I got the biggest kisses from characters and it made me blush like a school girl.

 

[GoofItUp]

Looks like I may have to get an autograph book now! Thanks for all the info. We'll try both and see which she likes best.

Scoggs - can't wait to see you there! Our swimsuits are packed!