Is this true or false about pins

[mousey]

A co-worker of my husband just got back from Disney and he told us that someone told him that when your in the park and you see a cast member with pins, they have to trade any pin you want--even if you trade a pin you got at the outlet for 99 cents?? I can't believe this--is it true or false????

 

[Sarangel]

Essentially correct. You can find out more about pin trading by visiting our Collector's Board.

Sarangel

 

[rocketriter]

Don't know if CMs are required to trade with grown-ups. But they'll trade any pins to children, as my daughter has certainly figured out. And yes, every CM seems to have a couple of rare pins on that lanyard if you know how to spot them.

 

[donald...really]

Yes, they have to trade with anyone who wants one of their pins, as long as you are trading a Disney pin with them. They will even trade a pin with you if you are trading a FREE pin that Disney is giving out as a promotion.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

The only exception to that is if a CM has a green lanyard on. The green lanyard means they will only trade with kids and they do not trade with grownups.

Otherwise, as long as you are a trading an official Disney pin, they will trade any of their pins with you.

 

[daber]

A point of clarification, they must trade if:
1. The pin has the Disney copyright on the back, and
2. They don't have that pin already on their lanyard (otherwise you could have a lanyard with all 10 pins the same)

That being said, some CMs don't stick to the rules....that's why you might see two of the same pin on a lanyard....while they may stick to the rules with an adult, they don't want to disappoint a child.

 

[doombuggy]

Good point, Daber!

Another note is that you are only supposed to trade up to two pins with any one CM. So, for example, if that CM has three pins you would like to trade for, you are only allowed to trade for two of them.

Have fun pin trading!

 

[SuzEm]

My daughter just got hooked on trading this year. We also discovered that some castmembers have a stash of special pins not on their lanyard. We had two castmembers pull out a special pin not on their lanyard and offer it for trade because they saw it fit in with pins she was collecting. One castmember pulled out a ziplock bag from his pocket that was full of pins because he was certain he had the Snow White that went with her growing dwarf series collection. Unfortunately, he had left it at home that day. I don't know who was more disappointed - him or my daughter. I thought that was very cool.

 

[Princeton Charming1]

They also only have to trade pins that are on the lanyards...not if they are wearing them on their shirts or collars, I think.

 

[mdgoofy]

You are correct, the cast members are given pins and encouraged to trade with the guests (great marketing concept). The green lanyards are only for trading with children. Last time we were there, my daughter (13 years old at the time) was told no by a CM wearing a green lanyard because she was too old..

 

[Lil_Tink]

You are correct, the cast members are given pins and encouraged to trade with the guests (great marketing concept). The green lanyards are only for trading with children. Last time we were there, my daughter (13 years old at the time) was told no by a CM wearing a green lanyard because she was too old..

Thats sad.. I think 13 should still be a kid..Right?

 

[TSR6]

Yes, It is only lanyard pins, as some costumes have optional approved pins, such as "WDW Trainer" pins, which indicate that the CM is trained in the WDW Trainers course, and trains new CM's in his/her area, and other select approved pins - such as the Mickey head USA Flag, or other pins that are approved for short periods of time, such as United Way pins, or 50'th Celebration pins.

Any pin on a lanyard is fair game though, as long as it is being traded with a (C)Disney pin. Genaric pins are a no-no.

 

[JeffH]

This also includes affiliated pins...pins from those businesses on Disney property, including Rainforest Cafe (Orlando), Planet Hollywood...

 

[madoug]

My Kids have even traded at the outlet store with the CM's. They buy several of the markdown pins and trade a couple before we even leave the store so that they have a variety to trade at the parks.