Disney pins...rookie questions

[vanguardgator]

Hi. I am a mom and heading to the Magic Kingdom in a few weeks with my two children and thought that it might be a nice tradition to introduce them to Disney pin collecting. Granted they are 2 & 3, but I figured I would get them each a lanyard and a few pins each for this trip. We live in Florida and so I expect that we will be visting Disney World at least 3 times or more per year. Thus, I thought it made sense to introduce this early on, and perhaps it could become a long-standing practice for them to enjoy and look forward to.

I have never bought a pin or traded a pin before so literally am just getting my feet wet. I also posted this message on a Disney Pin Trading Board I found, but have always valued the advice and opinions of this forum. I was wondering if it made sense to buy a bunch of the $2.00-3.00 pins I see on the For Sale board of the other forum, just based on characters I like and I know my kids like without any real regard to "pin value" or future trade value? Or are there any tips I should know and be mindful of before purchasing any pin at all...or any kinds of pins to avoid, etc? Example, I see mini pins and larger pins. Also, pins that reference they are part of a set, but only one is for sale. Does any of this matter? Should I be focusing on certain pin sizes, from the start? I see that some people like to focus on themes...should I be veering in that direction so as not to get overwhelmed by choices? (example, I used to be a college program cast member at the (then) Disney-MGM Studios, so would that make sense for me to get old MGM pins, while my daughter likes princesses and so get her princess pins, etc.? ...or just random selections?

Please forgive me in advance if these are incredibly silly questions. I just am a little overwhelemed with the amount of pins out there and not sure how to get started. Thanks in advance for any comments, suggestions, etc., you may have or any recommendations on reliable places to make some of my first purchases.

Best, Heather

 

[luv2cruisedisney]

For every person who collects pins you could proboably get a different answer.

My 2 cents worth though follows.

If you want to actually trade pins then it won't matter what pins you start with because you ar going to trade them away to get the ones you like.

That being said most people are not going to trade you a LE (limited Edition )for a mini. So keep in mind that you want to have ecent pins on your lanyard to get decent pins in return.

As you mentioned the sheer number of pins can be overwhelming. I would focus on a particular theme or character that you want. I for the most part collect DCL pins. I have few that are not cruise line but 98% of mine are


The other thing that comes to mind is to stick with cast members. Avoid the sharks by the trading stations at all cost. They take the fun out of it. IMHO

Since your children are young look for CM's with green lanyards. They only trade with children.

Good Luck and have fun

John

 

[td1129]

The other thing that comes to mind is to stick with cast members. Avoid the sharks by the trading stations at all cost. They take the fun out of it. IMHO

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement.

 

[vanguardgator]

Thank you both so much for your comments. I greatly appreciate the input!!