First, there is a great
Collectors Board here that would be a great place to read up on pin trading. Please feel free to join in over there.
Second,
Dizpins and
PinPics are great sources of information about pin trading, but then there is also
Disney's Official Pin Trading Site.
Third, I provide the following info to the kids that go on Bert's Big Adventure. I figure if we are going to give them pins, we need to also teach them what to do with them.
I hope all of this helps. Maggie
Disney Pin Trading 101
I have pins, now what?
First a little background information....
The people that visit Walt Disney World are called guests. The people that work at Disney are called Cast Members. Cast Members often times wear lanyards much like the ones that you have been given. Some Cast Members wear green lanyards. The green lanyards mean that only kids 12 years old or younger can make pin trades with them. Some Cast Members wear black lanyards and they will pin trade with anyone of any age.
So, what is Disney pin trading?
It's a fun hobby that will allow you to make trades with Cast Members and other guests at Walt Disney World for pins that you like. Different pins are worth more money than others. Some of the pins on your lanyard are going to be more valuable than others. The value of the pin is not important when you trade with Cast Members. What matters is if you like the pin! These pins will be yours to keep and trade at Disney. After you return home they can be worn on hats or used to decorate your backpack or purse. Some people frame there pins and use them as a decoration in their home. It's all up to you!
Simple things to remember while pin trading....
First thing to remember is to be polite. Introduce yourself! "Please", "May I", and "Thank You", are all words that should be used in the process of a trade. It's not polite to touch someone's lanyard or their pins without asking first. Cast Members can only make two trades with each guest. Cast Members will only trade a pin that you want for a pin that they do not already have on their lanyard. You may not buy pins off of a Cast Member's lanyard.
Are there any special places to pin trade at Disney?
Yes, pin trading station locations are marked with a PT on the maps.
Magic Kingdom: Exposition Hall
Disney Studios: Under the Sorcerer's Hat
Animal Kingdom: Island Merchantile
EPCOT: Pin Central
Downtown Disney: World of Disney - They keep a special kids only book of pins here!
The Contemporary Resort also has a pin trading station.
What kind of pin can be traded at Disney?
Ideally, the pins should be metal and in good condition. They all should have the word Disney on the back. Usually the pins are from Disney characters, events, or of park icons. All the pins you have been given are 100% tradable at Disney.
So, how would I go about trading a pin with a Cast Member?
Imagine you are at the Magic Kingdom. Cinderella's Castle is just up ahead and the group stops to get their bearings. You are wearing your lanyard and are ready to trade. A Cast Member wearing a lanyard with pins is walking by and you want to see her pins.
You: "Excuse me, may I see your lanyard please? My name is Mickey."
CM: "Sure Mickey, nice to meet you!" And she then walks over and pulls her lanyard out so that you can get a better look. You see a Tigger pin that you really want.
You: "Would you please trade that Tigger pin with me?" And you begin to remove the 2000 logo pin that you want to use as a trader since she doesn't have one on her lanyard yet. You replace the back onto the pin you are trading away. You then hand it to her.
CM: "Sure!" She removes her Tigger pin. "There ya' go! I hope you enjoy it." She hands you the Tigger pin.
You: "Thank you for the trade!"
CM: "You're welcome Mickey."
If the Cast Member had nothing on her lanyard that you liked, you should at least say "Thanks for letting me look, but I didn't see anything that I liked." The Cast Members understand that you might not see anything that you want to make a trade for, but they appreciate it when you are polite about it.
Ok, that was easy enough. How do I trade with other guests?
With a guest to guest trade, it gets a little trickier. Other guests, especially the adults, are most likely really into pin trading. Sometimes they are more than willing to make a trade and sometimes, you just don't have what they are looking for. It's still important to be polite. Just remember that with a Cast Member trading will always be easier.
What if someone asks to trade with me?
Great! Take a look at their lanyard while they look at yours. If you don't see something you like, but they do, you can say "No, thank you!" Don't let ANYONE pressure you into trading when you don't want to. Pin trading should be fun. If you ever have a question about a trade, ask a Cast Member or other adult to help.
Anything else?
Yes, pin trading can be addictive. You can meet lots of nice Cast Members and Pin Pals while trading. Just remember to be polite and have fun! Enjoy!
