Pin Trading Question

[Elk34]

We are about to embark on our first trip to WDW. I know that pin trading is a big deal but don't really understand what happens. I have heard something about trading with the CM's etc. Do you trade with other guests as well?

Also, I remember something about pin lanyards. We were at the Disney store last night so we loaded up on about 15 pins. But they only had "mini" lanyards. These were about 3/8" wide and about as long as a short necklace and they had 4 pins about the size of a button on them. If I remember it was like just Mickey's head. It didn't look like there would be any way to put the full size pins on it.

How does the lanyard work. Also, this one had a cardboard tag sewn into the lanyard. It was in the center like where a pendant on a necklace would be. I don't understand it because as soon as the cardboard tears away you would just have this empty loop sewn in the lanyard. Does that serve some purpose?

My girls were excited about getting the pins but I don't know what they will think about trading them.

Any help?

 

[kalamazoo]

We just bought a starter kit and pins for DS last trip. We thought it would be a nice experience for him in socializing with strangers. For now we'll just have him deal with the CM's, but certainly you can trade with whomever you want. It's actually a nice way to pass the time when you're standing in line for a ride or waiting for a parade to start. A good way to start up a conversation. Pin collecting/trading can be likened to card (e.g. baseball, hockey...whatever) collecting which most kids seem to like to do at some point in their lives. Chances are your girls will have fun with it.

Can't help you on the mini lanyard. Never seen one. The regular ones have a plastic card which, I think, simply serves the purpose of weighting down the lanyard so that it lies properly. I guess you could write your name on the tag for i.d. and lost & found purposes. It's a good idea to have something to tack the pins on to, unless you want to poke zillions of holes in your clothes.

 

[cats mom]

They had some mini lanyard sets for the sweetheart dolls they carry at the disney store - maybe thats what you saw.
My kids had a lot of fun pin trading last trip - they did only trade with cast members - you can trade with other guests - but we had no idea about limited editions etc. so found it easier to stick with 1 for 1 trades with CM's.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Yeah, sounds like you got something that is possibly for dolls?
The CHILD size lanyard sets I bought sound bigger than that.

 

[LynniethePooh]

Hi!
The lanyards you speak of where for the dolls. They are cute, but not conducive to 'person' use. You can buy full size lanyards in WDW for around $8 I believe. But even if you don't have a lanyard, you can still carry the pins on your person. I have put them on a few index cards (5x8) (I stack about 3 together for stability) then wrapped some tissue paper around them and put them in a bag. Then just pull them out to trade. Or maybe you could even fashion one from some sturdy 1-2 inch ribbon from the fabric store. Just a few ideas to save on monies.

As for trading at the parks. My son is 9, and has a BLAST trading with the CM's. It is a great way to interact, helps the kids practice manners and talking to (safe) strangers. Another thing we did, he would have the CM he traded with sign his autograph book then we would take a pic. Made for wonderful memories! Also, since many of the CM's are from different nations (esp in AK and World Showcase) they would write a 'hello' message in their native language as well!

We haven't really traded with other guests, but that is always an option. We do talk to other guests, mostly admiring their pins on their lanyards!

Maybe have your girls sort the pins. Ones they DEFINIATELY want to keep and ones they would trade away if they saw something 'cooler' on a CM lanyard.

Oh forgot to mention as well. When trading with a CM we just walk up to one with a lanyard, say hello etc and say we wanted to see if they had any pins we liked. If we see one, we just say , "we want to trade for your Mickey(or whatever pin)". They will remove it from their lanyard and then hand them our trader pin as they hand us the one from their lanyard. The rules are simple: you can ask for ANY pin on their lanyard and they have to trade. The only thing is you cannot give them a pin already on their lanyard. Prevents a CM from having a lanyard full of the same pins!

 

[perndwler]

Trading with CM's is your best bet for first time young traders. Another thing you may want to do is stop by Exposition Hall in the Magic Kingdom. Sunday - Thursday @ 1:00 pm Scoop Sanderson (resident reporter and pin aficionado) has a Pin Trading/Etiquette Seminar. It's great for 1st time traders and he has some games he plays that kids will love. They get to win pins. Have fun!