Don't know squat about pins but want to learn!

[Mittens]

Okay guys,

I leave for WDW on Saturday, the closer it gets the more excited I get. I started reading all about this pin trading and at first I decided I wasn't going to start another collection so I avoided reading this thread - (I went crazy during the beanie baby craze). Then my sister told me about a pin that makes music and lights up when you are on some of the different rides. So now I've decided that I have to get one. Then, I've been reading about lanyards and I want to get one and start putting pins all over it. I don't know whats happening to me!!! I've decided that after I finish with this post I'm going to drive to the DS at the mall and see if they have some pins. What should I look for? Do I buy a lanyard at home or wait until I get to Disney? We will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge. Any guidance would be helpful.


Thanks,
Mittens

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

I don't believe the DS sells lanyards, so you'll have to wait to buy one at WDW.

The special pins that light up on attractions and during parades is a different than the usual collectible pins. The special pins are made of plastic and are rather large and thick to accommodate the lights and chips that make them so much fun. These special pins are $15.

The collectible pins are generally metal, cloisonne style, sometimes epoxy coated. These pins begin at $6.50 for a (non-limited) rack pin and go up as high as $18. Some of these pins light up too and have other special features.

As to what you should look for.....everyone here will tell you: Buy what you like! Maybe you want to focus on certain characters or attractions or types of pins.

As to trading....be careful. CMs will trade one-for-one, as long as they don't already have it on their lanyard. Trading with other guests is more complicated. If you don't know the value of your pin, frankly, it can become an unfortunate experience. Your best bet would be to go to either the pin meet at the Contemporary on Friday night at 7 PM, or at the Polynesian on Saturday night at 7 PM. These meets are hosted by our own Kathryn Pintrader with able assistance from many other DIS members. They will be happy to "hold your hand" and introduce you to the exciting adventure of pintrading.

 

[Kazooie1]

Mittens,

If you're going to buy a Magical Moments pin, spend a few minutes previewing the 100 Years of Magic at Disney.com http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/index

Collect the 5 virtual pins on the website and print out your certificate to get a free 100 Years of Magic Internet pin when you purchase your Magical Moments Pin at the "Hat" at Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park.

Have a wonderful trip and welcome to pin trading!

Jim

 

[PIN CRAZY UK]

I myself have collected pins for two years but I am still very much an amateur when it comes to trading I found that there are some traders are ready to take advantage of this fact. I can only buy pins when Iam on holiday in Florida which is once a year I wish that I known about the pin meetings in the two Disney hotels I am sure I would have loved them. Now I have found this site I hope I too will get help with my pin collecting. Thanks Margaret

 

[Mittens]

Just want to take the time to thank Eeyore's Pal, Kazooie, and Pin Crazy UK, for taking the time to answer my questions and start me on the road to pin collecting!

Kazooie, I did go to the WDW site and found the Virtual Pins! I had no idea that this was even on their site! I now have my certificate printed up and ready to redeem!

Went to the DS tonight and the Cast Member helped me pick out some pins. She spent a lot of time with me and gave me a lot of helpful hints. She had some Winney the Pooh Characters that had been maked down to 49 cents a box. And she had some pin albums that were marked down to $5 that originally went for $20.

I bought one of Walt Disney himself that is a locket type and changes from his baby picture to his older picture. Really kind of neat.

So thanks again for all your help. Will be leaving for the World on Saturday. Can't wait to get my special pins!

Mittens

 

[daber]

Another website that none of us can do without (and go thru withdrawl) is www.pinpics.com. It is a database amassed by those of us who collect of Disney pins. So after you pick what you want to specialize in (mickey, winnie the pooh, tinkerbell, tower of terror, etc.) use the search feature of the database and it will show you all known pins that fall into that topic. Now you know what pins to look for. Also, I have found it very useful to buy two of each pin (one to keep and one to trade), otherwise, if you see something on the CM lanyard, you would have to trade away a pin you want to keep to get the other one you want. Talk about angst.