Pin events thus far

[Luv2Roam]

I am interested in discussion from those who have attended a variety of pin events over the years.
Have pin events remained consistent, worsened, or improved?
We have only been to the MGM and AK events this year. And after all the negative posts on Tink's last weekend, I am glad I passed on that.
Just wondering if the same issues and scheduling has been throughout the events. Or if things get tweeked?
Has there been improvements, or do the events seem to be generally going downhill?
What was your favorite event, and why?
What was your least favorite, and why?

 

[Dizneypins.com]

Well..
I attened every pin event from April 11, 2000 until the Sept. 2003 pin event (I did not do MGM due to I felt they could not do a half decent event).
I will continue to do the cruise pin event.
No more land base events for me. I have not given them my money this year yet..
Its the same ole same ole.
I stopped pin trading in Sept 2002 ( another subject)
Going to a pin event at WDW if you dont trade, there is nothing to do..
I feel the events are stale no imagination. The same mistakes over and over.
They ask for the guests input but never change just keep making the same mistakes.
If as I have heard they do get an event half right like tinker bell then they screw it up by selling event exclusive ( per ODPT.com RSP form)
I have said publicly and to the pin team at wdw "If your intention is to drive pin trading and pin events into the ground Congrats you are doing an awesome time"
JMHO


Fav event april - Sept 2000 the original 8
Animal Kingdom Pin O Rama

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

I have not been to one of the smaller WDW pin events in two years. It's difficult for us to make a weekend trip with a family of five. So I can't comment on those.

I have attended all the September events and plan to attend this year's too.

The first (2001) and third (2003) events were great. As we all know, the second (2002)was a disaster. However, if you compare 2003 to either of its predecessors, it is <b>absolutely clear</b> that there was outstanding improvement. And, I have to disagree with Larry, WDW definitely listened to guest complaints, and used this as their guideline for the improvements seen in 2003.

We had a wonderful, single location, fully air conditioned, brightly lit space. Lines were minimized through careful organization. (I did not stand in any line for more than five minutes.) Only the pintrading boards remain a line waiting problem.

There were free pins, games, souvenirs, food, and entertainment. The trading area was ideal.

Could there still be improvements? Sure -- Better food, <b>no</b> lines at all, better pins, bring back the "make your own pin" seminars, and more artist interactive sessions, and probably lots more suggestions.

<b>Larry's comment:</b> "Going to a pin event at WDW if you dont trade, there is nothing to do."
<b>My response:</b>
-- There were other activities, but not that <i>filled</i> three days.
-- Pintrading, on a <i>global</i> scale, is the core part of the annual Epcot event.
-- Why would you attend if you don't want to trade, or at least watch other people trade?

Just my $.02.

 

[Dizneypins.com]

Yes WDW has made changes to the way event have been run. but adding good lighting to a pin trading area in only something the area should have had from the beginning, air conditioning?we live in Florida and its hot in Sept. year round for the most part
Alot of people dont pin trade they collect only..

Could there still be improvements? Sure -- Better food, no lines at all, better pins, bring back the "make your own pin" seminars, and more artist interactive sessions, and probably lots more suggestions.

these are the things they seem to be slow listening to and improving and for the most part very simple to implement at a low cost and would bring much more interest to the pin collectors and traders.
I think the expence of the events (bang for the buck) is high.. I would go to hang . visit friends if it did not cost $75-$125
I guess we all see this issue differently.
and this is what makes this hobby so great..