Stupid question time - pintrading?

[sweetiepie71]

Okay, so I know this is probably a stupid question, but I've seen several references to "pin trading". What is it? Are "pins" those little metal badges you can buy in the shops in the parks? If so is it swapping them, like my kids do with Pokemon cards? (sorry, but the nearest analogy I could come up with!!) Is there an "idiots guide" anywhere???

Ta
Amanda

 

[dlpSteve]

You are right in identifying the pins.

In the parks you will see guests and Cast Members wearing lanyards round their necks on with pins on them - this is where the trading part comes in. You approach a CM and ask to trade, then you choose a pin on their lanyard and offer them one from yours. You can also do this with other guests but they may not be as accomodating as CMs will always trade with you as long as they haven't already got the pin you are offering on their lanyard, and even some nice CMs will accept a double.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/page?id=getStarted - this link should help. The site features WDW and DL in America but pin trading is present in all Disney parks and DLRP has just celebrated 5 years of pin rading.

 

[BONITATIME]

Disney sells lanyard starter sets which usually have 4 pins - 2 sets of 2 so you have one to keep and one to trade.
I started this as a great idea for the children as something different on out 3rd trip and I am now completly addicted
There are no stupid questions here. I hope you start trading too.