Pin Trading- Favorite Spots?

[msmileyface]

Hi everyone,

Getting ready for another trip to WDW and this will be my 2nd time trading pins. Last time I was new to it and very casual about it. I'm wondering if anyone could share their favorite places to trade, or where you've had success finding CM's or pin books/boards that were not too picked-over. I'm hoping to get some of the new Hidden Mickey's. I realize it's best to try to find them early in the day, but any tips on great locations would be appreciated- especially locations in Epcot world showcase or MK.

Last time I was there I found that the pin book at Wilderness Lodge (by the pin kiosk) as well as the pin book at their front desk had a really nice selection.

Thank you!

 

[njpyro]

Every hotel concierge has a book, as does every parks guest relations. In MK: frontier land trading post and the shop at the exit of space mountain both have boards.
In Epcot: mouse gear has a board that's only out for a limited time, so ask early about when its out. In the store in Japan, ask about trading pins and they bring out the lanyards from behind the register, since no one wears them.
In HS: the rock n roller coaster store has a drum covered in pins.
Good luck! I can't wait for my next trip to trade

 

[dizfan]

Some of the stores at the hotels have a set time that they bring out a pin board. We can never remember the times, so we usually ask the day we check-in.
We used to have success visiting the guest relations at each park. Each one has a pin book, just ask to see it. Used to have success with this, but our last trip (September) they were always picked over (even at rope drop).

Not sure if they still do this, but last year people talked about a pin board coming out at the MK boat docks for an hour or so on certain days of the week. I remember people saying they had a lot of luck with this.

Also, at MK Main Street ask if Scoop Sanderson is working. He's one of the characters on Main Street. He used to give pin talks and people say he has great pins. We have never met him, but I know many talk about him.

 

[msmileyface]

Other than resorts, are there any particularly large pin boards anywhere else in the parks? I won't have much time to resort hop or be in DTD so I am focusing largely on the parks. Great tips so far, thanks so much!

 

[msmileyface]

And another question, can you trade two pins per CM, board, or book?

 

[njpyro]

Yes, two points per cm per day, and a board/ book counts as a cm.

 

[muushupork]

Ive had the most success with Managers who are surveying the park randomly (look for people wearing business attire). They usually have the goods although they are harder to find. In fact the boards and books are usually the least likely places for good and or new pins because they are not re-upped as often as castmembers. Not to mention if you find the right cast member you can get pixie dust that an inanimate object could never provide.

Quick story: I went to a place for food in the area around main street and one of the older waiters had some really unique pins id never seen before. I started talking to him about them and he not only gave me the 2 I would normally get but went underground while I waited and got me 3-4 more that ended up completeing a couple of the HM collections I had started that trip. Orange bird and yeti to be specific.

Last but not least the reason I still trade is because it is an easy opening to conversing with CM's and getting inside info and/or just a nice chat with someone from another part of the world that has a completely different world-view and life experiences that shape it.

 

[kettinger]

I find that the special characters have the best pins. King Pin, at AKL was my favorite. (I think he is there Monday, Weds, Fri at 1pm but check with the concierge at your hotel when they arrive - they should know). I also had good luck at Animal Kingdom park - there is a pin shop to the left of the tree of life (can't remember the name) but if you go out back behind it there is a pin book that most people don't know about so it tends to have good pins even late in the day.

 

[kettinger]

Also: If you happen to be at Pin Traders in Downtown Disney when they open the pin board (twice a day) that is awesome! But no predicting it. If you have time to dedicate a day to shopping, lunch etc. there then it is worth walking by a few times in case you happen to catch it!

Good luck!!

 

[Skrutti]

Does anybody know if King Pin still does pintrading at AKL? My kids loves to meet him and try his magic bag.