Is there pin trading at Univeral?

[ms.ojo]

We will be taking our first trip to Universal/IOA this Dec. My son is an avid pin trader at WDW. Last night I was telling him at Univ/IOA he'll be able to see Spiderman, Jimmy Neutron, Sponge Bob and other Nick stuff at Universal. He asked me if there would be pins and trading. I was pretty sure he could buy pins of some of his fav chars/rides....but I had no idea re: pin trading. Do they even sell pins? I'm sure you can't trade a Disney pin for a Universal pin but can/do they trade Universal pins? TIA!

 

[momof3disneyholics]

You can buy pins with all the different characters at Universal. They are the same quality as the Disney Pins.

 

[phamton]

There is also pin trading at Universal just not on the big scale of WDW. Most of the store employees have pins to trade. Most of the ride operators do not wear pins or have any to trade.

 

[ms.ojo]

Thank you both! I was pretty sure they MUST sell pins, heck even at Sea World they have a small variety of pins... but I wasn't sure about the trading. Glad to hear there is some of that too. Though I'm guessing I won't find inexpensive batches of Universal pins on ebay to buy as traders????

 

[keishashadow]

Thank you both! I was pretty sure they MUST sell pins, heck even at Sea World they have a small variety of pins... but I wasn't sure about the trading. Glad to hear there is some of that too. Though I'm guessing I won't find inexpensive batches of Universal pins on ebay to buy as traders????

Inexpensive - no; they seem to run more than WDW & are tougher to find...I had to replace my DS's pins on our last trip due to a lost luggage issue (many were more on the secondary market).

FYI, in IOA there's a pin kiosk near the lake, heading to Suessville. They sell a very reasonable pin trading lanyard/pins (woody woodpecker?) Most of his trading was done in the gift shops w/employees. Good Luck.

 

[phamton]

I haven't found the pins more expensive than Disney pins. They run about the same price. If you buy them at Universal the pins range in price for $1.99-$8.99.

You can also find some at the outlet malls for pretty cheap. I'd just buy some cheap ones at Universal and then trade them for better ones.

 

[keishashadow]

I haven't found the pins more expensive than Disney pins. They run about the same price. If you buy them at Universal the pins range in price for $1.99-$8.99.

You can also find some at the outlet malls for pretty cheap. I'd just buy some cheap ones at Universal and then trade them for better ones.

Since I had to replace my DS's pin that were lost/stolen (and I live in PA) I was @ the mercy of eBay. The popular pins were very overpriced. Made me appreciate the PAP merchandise discount.

Since I wasn't able to replace them all...what/where are the outlets that sell the pins?

 

[phamton]

Since I had to replace my DS's pin that were lost/stolen (and I live in PA) I was @ the mercy of eBay. The popular pins were very overpriced. Made me appreciate the PAP merchandise discount.

Since I wasn't able to replace them all...what/where are the outlets that sell the pins?

I haven't been to the outlet malls but one of my son works at merchandising in Marvel Super Hero Island at IoA and has been told that by several customers. I can't name a specific mall since I don't know but maybe someone else can answer this who is more familiar.

You can buy pins here:
http://www.ioacentral.com/live_the_adventure/ioacentral_store/pins.htm

There are 5 pages of pins there and you might be able to find one of your missing pins there. Also if you have a picture or a very good description, my son may be able to find the pin for you when he is at work.

 

[keishashadow]

I haven't been to the outlet malls but one of my son works at merchandising in Marvel Super Hero Island at IoA and has been told that by several customers. I can't name a specific mall since I don't know but maybe someone else can answer this who is more familiar.

You can buy pins here:
http://www.ioacentral.com/live_the_adventure/ioacentral_store/pins.htm

There are 5 pages of pins there and you might be able to find one of your missing pins there. Also if you have a picture or a very good description, my son may be able to find the pin for you when he is at work.

I'll have my DS look @ the site tonight. If he's still missing a "treasured" pin, I'll PM you. So happy w/your info, thanks a bunch.

 

[tink too]

My niece traded some pins with a CM there - they did tell her that she couldn't trade Disney pins there though (she had a mixed lot of US & Disney pins on her lanyard). She was quite pleased with her collection and the pins she showed to us were of good quality and quite cute!