Pin Trading Time Frames?

[Moeluv4u7]

We are going to DisneyWorld for the first time in April 09- I'd like to start collecting pins- Can you trade at any time at WDW or is pin trading only allowed at certain times and places at WDW?
Also, what would be the best website to buy pins from where we should be able to avoid "fake" or "counterfeit" pins?
Thx for any info!

 

[Daleh]

Pin trading is addictive. We have been trading since 2000 and have over 1000 pins. Cast members trade all the time. One thing to remember is the green Landyards are traded only with the children. We usually spend some time hotel hopping to see what pins we can find there. Most of the time we have very good luck. In Sept. we took 300 traders with us and figured that would use them on Nov trip also, but we had to go back thru them and weed out some more traders. Good Luck trading

 

[Moeluv4u7]

Thx Daleh! & Nice to see another Carolinian who enjoys pin trading & Disney! We will be going for the first time in April and again in July- I will love pin trading as I'm a collector anyway But I thought it would be great for the kids to gather many memories of their favorite things, characters, and times at Disney! Now, I just need to figure the best place to buy some to start us off with some trades!

 

[StuZioCardyni]

Hi

First off I REALLY hope you enjoy your first time at DisneyWorld!

And now lets talk pins!!! I'm very new to pin trading but if you don't mind I like to pass on the advice that was given to me:

DON'T START lol but if you can't help yourself...try to limit yourself to a particular theme or character, at least in the beginning. If you don't it gets VERY expensive, plus it makes finding the pins you want a bit more special.

Other than that, the cast members are always really helpful and interested in your trading, so don't be afraid to approach them.

Oh, and go to the hotel shops and ask someone working there to see their pin board (if they have one). if they do, you'll be able to look through a much wider rage on pins than you would do with a single cast member.

In terms of buying pins to trade, I always use ebay and haven't had any problems. just be sure to read the sellers feedback carefully and ask around for trusted sellers.

Hope that helps

Stu

 

[Moeluv4u7]

Thx Lots Stu!
I can use any advice I can get!
I have been checking around and am so overwhelmed- I about figured I would pay a bit more through Disney shop sites and know I am getting "Real" pins versus copies, etc- I will check out e-bay... thx for the info! I guess worse comes to worse if I do get a copy or two in a grab bag of pins- those can be the ones I let the kids actually wear on their clothes/ jackets, backpacks to school...
I just want to know what I am paying for- if a few filler pins are fakes- I would rather know versus being sorely surprised and displeased once received!

I figured I needed to decide on themes or characters to start- that is so hard though- I love them all- Of course, my fav is Mickey- I am an absolute Mickey Freak! & All of the original Fab Five- so to speak- also add Daisy to that along with the Pooh Gang and now my fav movies as well as the old movies! Oh Well, again we've determined I can't choose- LOL
Thx for any advice- I guess I will focus on a few certain characters and as I come across them that is great- any I can get in between to get me started out with other collections will be great too!
I am also into time frames, events, participant pins, etc

 

[StuZioCardyni]

Moeluv4u7 lol don't worry about not being able to choose, it's taken me about four months and I'm only JUST decided...well maybe

I already collect Donald pins and other Disney ducks and when I go in march I hope I can find a few Port Orleans pins and maybe some Dixie Landings pins if I'm very lucky!

The other pins on my list are 'retired rides' pins, which again might be tough but fun to try!

Are you staying at Animal Kingdom Villas? You're going to have a WONDERFUL time...I'm so jealous!!!

Other than that, keep taking little steps in terms of getting to grips with everything, it's really overwhelming at first but it won't be long before you're a pro!

Speak soon
Stu

 

[Moeluv4u7]

Hey Stu,
Thx! No, our first trip will be at SSR (developer points for purchasing) & officially can't stay until May 1st on our AKV points - However, I have really been itching for Beach Club or Boardwalk- So... In July we will more than likely be staying at Boardwalk- Beach Club & AKV next year is the plan...

Yes, I imagine I need to buy a "lot" and find a few for keepers to start out my own collection and then from there try and complete "me" LOL -
I figure any Classic Mickey & Minnie's Oh! & Goofy... will be what I gravitate towards as well as any ride pins and year pins or event pins (Well, there I go again getting a bit too broad) LOL This is going to be tough for me to decide but definitely fun! Thx for all the info- I have been browsing Pinseller.com as well as pinfinder.com - Is there anywhere else I can check around that may be even less expensive as these sources but reputable?
I mean should I really start with a grab bag of 100 pins? (I have 5 kids) My 2 oldest boys (17 & 16) will probably not be interested at all but my DD-12 and my two youngest DS' (10 & 7) will probably love it! I also figure this will be better as souvenirs along with pressed pennies than hitting the shops everyday- (Oh how am I going to avoid that?) I have already tried to set a souvenir budget to stick the kids with- I just have no idea of what all is sold there along with the fact that I am a Disney Freak (as I stated earlier) I have to control myself too! LOL
The more I ask I guess 100 is a good start- not tomention it will teach the kids to limit themselves and only when they are really enamored by a particular pin- then trade!
Thx again!

 

[StuZioCardyni]

I saw the Animal Kingdom Villas when me and my mum were last at Disney and we ALMOST joined the vacation club (we would have done it if wasn't for the cost of flying from the UK to get there). The rooms looked AMAZING!

I'm a Disney freak too and yes, trying to control yourself is always the biggest problem...As for your sons, pins were REALLY not my thing when I was 17 either lol, but I hit 24 and something magical (and expensive) happened and the pin madness started!

As for a reliable place to buy pins, there's a seller I use on ebay who's always been very good. I can't post the name directly on the boards I don't think but if you're interested send me a private message and I'll let you know. They're good value and they deliver quickly (even internationally). Yeah so, let me know!

LOL Disney shops...expensive with 5 kids I bet...It's expensive enough with just me. But maybe if they've got pin trading on their minds it'll be enough of a distraction (get them hooked on finding a complete Hidden Mickey set or something like that and it'll keep them busy for days)!!!

Hope that helps

Speak soon
Stu