International Gateway Pin Event?

[Mr. Snail]

I'm in the Disney Vacation Club, and on one of my last visits with my family I saw some kind of pin event on the Boardwalk side of the International Gateway. I didn't stay too long because I was kinda broke, but there were lots of people there closely scrutinizing what I'm supposing were extra special pins. I didn't really get a good look because what was in theory some lines was in practice was more like some crowds. I'm not too well-versed in pin trading so even though I know it's extremely popular, I was both a little mystified and a little intriqued by all these people studying the pins so closely. Now that I know that no one really cares about personal space and it's ok to more or less jump right in on this event (and because I have a better job and am about to graduate), I'd like to know a little more. I heard someone on the trip with me say this only happens in December, which I hope is true since I'll be there next month on the 17th.

Anyone know what I'm talking about? I think this was a pin event for Disney Vacation Club members that apparently only happens infrequently and was on the Boardwalk side of Epcot's International Gateway.

 

[Figment2]

There has never been a pin event just for DVC members however last year DVC held Holiday Parties which were in an area right next to the Intl Gateway entrance. There are a lot of pin collectors in DVC so maybe someone was admiring some else's lanyard? Members were probably standing in line until the party started. Could that have been what you saw?

Cyn

 

[Towncrier]

At the DVC Member Mixer in 2005, they previewed the pins for that year's pin pursuit. There were also Disney CMs on hand to trade pins. There weren't any special pins exclusive to that event, but the pins that were available for trading were slightly above the average lanyard (from my limited trading experience).

 

[buckylarue]

There are exclusive pins this year; here's a link to DizPins page of the December 2006 WDW releases. Here's what it says about the pin:

Disney Vacation Club Members are invited to attend the Merry Member Mixer on December 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2006. This Member only event will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. just outside of the International Gateway entrance to Epcot.

A special Limited Edition pin has been created to celebrate this year's event. Mickey Mouse is dressed in holiday attire standing in front of a holiday wreath. The pin will be released during the Merry Member Mixer events only and will not be available via Mail Order.

To purchase this pin, Disney Vacation Club Members must present a valid membership ID card at the event. All pins are available while supplies last. Normal Limited Edition purchase policy applies - two pins, per Member, per event.

It is a limited edition of 1000; glad I'll be there on the 7th to get mine!!