Pin trading and tips

[Jim P]

Is pin trading still a big thing with the CM’s? And, what are some good tips and strategies for getting the cool ones?

 

[Spork24]

Is pin trading still a big thing with the CM’s? And, what are some good tips and strategies for getting the cool ones?

Pin trading is very much still a thing. I don’t think you are likely to get anything too cool from CMs in the park. I do think they still host pin trading events from time to time and may pull out some unusual pins.

 

[Aaeolien]

Remember that there is a pin trading board at the front desk of the resorts too. Sometimes have to ask for it.

 

[Meglen]

Do some research before you go about fakes. But if you don't care about that than just speak up when you wanna see there pins and have a good time.

 

[Jim P]

Thanks! Are there any rare or unique pins that are harder to get that we should keep our eye out for?

 

[numberonenole]

At the resorts, are they at the front desk (so go to where we checked in) or in the gift shop?

 

[starry_solo]

Thanks! Are there any rare or unique pins that are harder to get that we should keep our eye out for?

Not really although the new hidden Mickeys are "hot" tl

 

[Rick195275]

At the resorts, are they at the front desk (so go to where we checked in) or in the gift shop?

Some have them at both

 

[bopper]

i wouldn't stress myself looking for the rare/unique pins...have the people who trade in your family look for a theme... like a particular character or rides or star wars or whatever.

 

[mamamelody2]

At the resorts, are they at the front desk (so go to where we checked in) or in the gift shop?

Pop Century had both last month. The one behind the desk (you had to ask for it) was much bigger. The one in the gift shop was sitting out behind the counter so you could see it.

 

[only hope]

You may have more luck finding real pins and a wider variety first thing in the morning when the lanyards are still fresh from backstage.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Not really although the new hidden Mickeys are "hot" tl

Not sure if it's true but a CM told us on our last trip that the pins with the Hidden Mickey's started out as Cast Member only pins.

 

[starry_solo]

Not sure if it's true but a CM told us on our last trip that the pins with the Hidden Mickey's started out as Cast Member only pins.

They did. They used to be called Cast Lanyard pins.

 

[CT Disney]

My kids LOVE pin trading and have done it for many years. They are teenagers and still love it.

Here are the 2019 WDW hidden Mickey cast pins thus far. Every morning the CMs get fresh pins to trade with guests:



I highly recommend a website called pinpics to get educated on fake pins, called scrappers.

Make sure you look for pins on CM lanyards. They often keep them on pin satchels that hang from their waists, so look there too!

Every resort has a pin book at bell services or the concierge desk. Just ask to see it.

Many of the stores will also have a pin book or board...just ask

I HIGHLY recommend going to see King Pin at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. He has a set schedule and you need to line up but it’s totally worth it. He is a gem!



If I think of more tips I’ll let you know!
Have fun!!

 

[cgattis]

Wow @CT Disney thanks for sharing that! I’ve never looked at that site. So cool to see what’s out there! Loooove that monorail pin...

 

[CT Disney]

A few more things to mention:

If you visit the PinPics website, click on the link that says "PinPics U". From there you will see sections called "Getting Started", "Pin Trading", and "Building a Collection". They have a lot of good information about how to trade in the parks and what is allowed.

Also, PinPics has a really great search feature at the top of the home page. For example, if you type the word "balloon" into the search bar, you will see every single Disney pin that features a balloon. If you then click on one of the pictures, they will show you info about that pin, including the year it was released, if it was part of a series of pins, if there are known counterfeit pins out there, what the counterfeits look like. It's really fun to browse around to figure out what types of pins are the most appealing to you and if you'd like to start collecting around a certain theme or character.

I would also add that I think the best place to trade pins is in Epcot in World Showcase. My kids loved talking to the CMs from other countries! It's great because with a simple, "Can I please look at your pins?" the door will often open to a wonderful and educational conversation.

 

[Jim P]

Thanks for all of the info!

 

[dmband]

Imo if you want real pins you are better off just buying them yourself.
my kids just like trading so they didn’t care but most of the pins they got from cast members were scrappers. Many scrappers are really hard to spot too

 

[la79al]

If we end up with scrappers, is it still okay to trade them? DD11 (the shy, reserved child) has expressed interest but won't care about authenticity.

 

[starry_solo]

If we end up with scrappers, is it still okay to trade them? DD11 (the shy, reserved child) has expressed interest but won't care about authenticity.

Some hard-core pin traders will say "no," but if you got them from a CM and are trading it back to another CM, I say "yes"