Pin Celebration (9/5-9/7)--Q's for those who have been before

[thunderbird1]

We've never been to a pin trading event, and are wondering whether you felt it was worth the time and $$ to attend, especially if you had to miss the first day?

Dh and dd are collectors, but we won't be arriving until Friday night, so they'd be unable to attend the first day (Friday). I looked over the itinerary from last year, and it looks like that first day is pretty important, especially in terms of picking up RSP merchandise. How does the RSP process work? Would they even still be able to get checked in and pick up their stuff on Saturday morning? Would all of the "good" pins be gone by then? Are there many CM's trading with guests, or is it mainly for guests to trade with each other? What kinds of things are available in the "kid's area?"

As you can see, I'm quite confused, and hoping for some guidance from the experts. TIA!

 

[thunderbird1]

Hasn't anyone been to the WDW Sept pin-fest before? Is it a fairly new thing? I may just have to call event services and hope they have more detailed information. Thanks anyway!

 

[wdw4us2]

Sorry no one has posted yet, I just found your post.

I have been to the celebration all but one year. In answer to your question about missing the first day - it's up to you. The first full day of the event is mainly spent on the pin trading boards, playing games and the trading area. You can pick up your RSP merchandise as early as Thursday afternoon. You will still receive the meal cards regardless of what day you arrive since you have already paid for them.

I always arrive on Thursday and my DD doesn't join me until Friday night. I'm a mean Mom who won't let her miss school. She doesn't seem to mind missing the first day and she always has more energy than I do by the end of Saturday! Also, you will be able to attend the event of Sunday morning for a last chance at the trading boards. I don't ever go on Sunday morning because, by then, I have had enough.

What time will you be arriving at WDW on Friday? The event usually ends each day at 6 p.m. (I think). If you arrive before then, you could pick up your RSP merchandise and registration packet. If not, it would be best for you to notify Event Services after you register and tell them you won't be registering until Saturday morning.

If you really like the RSP merchandise and want a chance to get it, then I would recommend that you sign up. If you just want to go for the chance to meet/trade with people, I would probably skip it and try to go to one of the "unofficial" meets that will be going on during the weekend.

I hope I've helped you out. Feel free to post more questions if you need to.

 

[thunderbird1]

Thanks--sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Darned real life!

Thanks for all the great info, and of course, I have more questions, now that I have the ear of someone who's been there, done that.

Dh and dd are probably more interested in the event-specific RSP stuff than just trading--how does that work? Do you get to request certain pins, or are they just assigned to you randomly? After reading last year's schedule, I'm guessing the selection must be somewhat arbitrary, since there is a period during which you can return your RSP merchandise.

If they want to do any of the trading boards, will they be available Saturday? Or would they have to go back on Sunday?

Thanks again for helping out a newbie--I really do appreciate it!

 

[wdw4us2]

The RSP (Random Selection Process) merchandise is just luck of the draw. What you need to do is look over the RSP merchandise. Write down what you both want and list the edition size. Go back and decide what you want the most (based on edition size) and put the items in order from lowest edition size to highest. Then you can fill out your RSP form and submit it. In other words, if you want the Super Jumbo framed pin set that is LE 10, you would list that first and your last item would be the logo pin which is LE 1500. It doesn't matter when you turn it in so long as it's before the deadline.

After the RSP is run, a few weeks later you will receive a letter detailing your results. If you received items you don't want, you can return them before the event by calling Event Services. If you don't like the way they look at the time of pickup, you can also return them then.

The trading boards will be set up on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Just a warning, the lines are long! It usually takes around half and hour to get through the line. You are permitted to trade two pins each time it's your turn. There is a time limit, so you have to be quick about scanning the board. Generally, there are new pins released at the event that are placed on the board. There is a sheet included in your registration packet that has pictures of the pins so you know what to look for.

Away from the pin boards area there are tables set up where you can trade with other people attending the event. This also goes on all during the event. There are trivia games sponsored by Disney that take place periodically. If your name is called, you have the option to play if you'd like. The prizes are always pin related and are very nice, in most cases.

If you have any more questions, just ask!

 

[thunderbird1]

Thanks again for all your advice--I got dh and dd registered this week, so maybe they'll see you there! The trivia games sound really fun--I'll have to tell dd to listen for her name. Now I just have to get them going on their RSP forms.

And a few more Q's, of course, if you don't mind. Do you pay for your RSP merchandise when you pick it up? And why did they ask if we have any food allergies? I assume there isn't any food, since they give you the meal cards. Or do they set up booths where you can purchase food? Just curious.

One last thing--just noticed your tag--David Cassidy (where's the drooling smiley?). I was so sad to miss him at F&WF last year. 8 or 9 years ago we were in Las Vegas and I made everyone go see the show EFX instead of Cirque du Soleil just so I could see him, LOL. In my defense, we had already seen CDS, and EFX was getting really good reviews, but it was really all about Keith Partridge for me.

 

[wdw4us2]

Payment for your RSP merchandise can be made two ways. You can either submit a credit card for payment (which I do because it's easier) or send in a check after you receive your results. I find it's less confusing to use a credit card, especially if you have returns.

The food allergies question is now standard on all registrations through Walt Disney Event Services. Some events include meals (this one did at one time), but the only food served here is a snack on the last day and a cake. I generally bring in bottled water (although they have coolers set up) and some packaged snacks if I think I'm going to be there a long time between meals. It's just easier than leaving the building and walking around until you find what you want and then returning to the event.

Now, on to the most important question regarding David Cassidy. The reference to David Cassidy involved my being "tagged" by The DIS Boards Tag Fairy. I frequently post on The Community Board and there were several threads regarding teen idols. Everyone kept talking about Bobby Sherman and I jumped in and posted about David Cassidy/Partridge Family and mentioned that I own every one of their records! The next time I logged in, I noticed a new tag below my board name. I didn't get to see him during his F&W appearance because I couldn't talk anyone into driving up to WDW with me! Maybe next time I'll just go alone. . .

 

[thunderbird1]

Well, I think they've finished their RSP request forms, but holy cow! Trying to figure out how this process works is like trying to plan the Brinks Heist or something. First round, second round, completer pins--I think I need a degree in "pinology" in order to attend Pin Trading University, LOL.

Our main issue, as I've mentioned, is we won't be there until Saturday morning, as our flight gets in at 4:30 pm. Now that we're registered, the itinerary (which didn't seem to be available when I registered) says that any pins not picked up by 6 pm Friday will go back into inventory. So now my dh is freaking out that he won't be able to get any of the pins from his RSP. Like you suggested, I'm going to call Event Services tomorrow morning to find out what will happen to his "stuff" if he is unable to pick it up until Saturday morning.

So, when do they actually charge your credit card for your pins? The form says August 22, so about 2 weeks before the event begins? Then you can return any pins you decide you don't want before you even get there? Assuming they get at least $75 in RSP, when do they purchase their completer pins? Also before we get there, or when they pick up their RSP pins?

Thanks again for all your help. And if you ever need a "date" for a David Cassidy concert, just let me know. I'm sure it would be well worth the cross-country flight.

 

[Dancenash]

Sounds like fun. Can anyone give me and tips or hints? Around how many pins should one take for the event. What kinds of things do people look for .Thanks

 

[Flitter]

Take any kind of pin you would like to trade. People have just about anything you are looking for and they are probably looking for almost anything you may have. There will be tables and tables and tables of pin traders from EVERYWHERE!
If you like serious pin trading this is the place to be!

 

[Lan]

I will be attending the event as a newbie. In doing some research, I saw in past events, you got thank you gifts for attending. Are these given out on the last day of the event or when you pick your registration material? I will not be able to attend on Sunday because of my flight.

Thanks for any help

 

[wdw4us2]

I will be attending the event as a newbie. In doing some research, I saw in past events, you got thank you gifts for attending. Are these given out on the last day of the event or when you pick your registration material? I will not be able to attend on Sunday because of my flight.

Thanks for any help

The thank you gifts become available Saturday afternoon. You should have plenty of time to get them before 6 pm on Saturday.

 

[Lan]

Thank you so much,wdw4us2 . I wasn't sure if I needed to get there when they first opened on Saturday or what. Will all of the info that I would need to know be in my registration material? I dont want to look too crazy or lost

 

[wdw4us2]

When you register, you will be given credentials which you wear on a lanyard. It has the event logo on the front with your name and you have to wear it to get into the event location any time you leave.

On the back of the credentials there is an itinerary listed for your reference. If you want to see the itinerary now, go to this link:

http://www.dizpins.com/events/2008_event/info.htm

I hope this helps you out!

 

[Dancenash]

Got my list of pins I got in the mail today. Got everything I wanted

 

[Lan]

I got my list of pins today and I got everything that I wanted also. I am so excited

 

[thunderbird1]

Got my list of pins I got in the mail today. Got everything I wanted

I got my list of pins today and I got everything that I wanted also. I am so excited

Congratulations, and add us to the list--dh and dd got everything, too! Of course, now they've been checking out the lists for the auction and silent auction, and there's a whole bunch more they want.

 

[wdw4us2]

I got everything I wanted, too. I didn't try for any of the framed sets or the figs, though.

DD got everything she wanted including one of the framed sets. The only thing she didn't get was the Ariel Chorus pin.

 

[Lan]

I didnt go for any of the figs either, just the pins that I liked. I have never traded pins, just bought the ones that I liked.

 

[olbear]

Lisa,
I have an extra cafeteria framed set if you want it.
Let me know!
See ya there,
Winnie