Trading pins...

[WillAndFinn'sMom]

This sounds like such a fun thing to do. I did manage to buy three at the Disney Store @ 75% off. I'm seeing a few on ebay and wondering if it was worth purchasing them there to trade. How much (approximately) do they cost at the park? Do people trade with eachother at the park or do you just trade with cms?

TIA!

 

[CarolA]

Pins at the park cost between $6.50 and $15 depending on the features. (Some of them light up, slide, etc...) You can trade with anyone. I have the most success with CMs. There are some "professional" pin traders who won't trade with you unless you have what they consider "valuable" pins. Just ignore them!

 

[Safari Steve]

If you trade with a CM, there are a few rules:
1) The pin must be a Disney pin (some operating participant pins are ok too.)
2) CMs are not permitted to have more than one of the same pin on their trading lanyards.
3) Only children (12 or younger) can trade with a CM who has a Green lanyard.
4) CMs are not required to trade their own personal pins, only those on a company-owned trading lanyard. They are not permitted to trade most recent year of service pins (small brass pins worn on the nametag).

Other than that, anything goes. One man only buys Grumpy pins and trades them for others. I met an older couple the other day who just recently got into trading. He is trying to collect nothing but Disney Dog pins, she is collecting Princess pins.

Disney's Pin Traders shop at Downtown Disney Marketplace has tables outside where many people gather to trade and talk about pins.
At each park there is a "Pin Central" location where this type of thing takes place (Innoventions Plaza at Epcot, Under the Hat at MGM, Exposition Hall at MK...) but you can trade whenever and wherever the urge strikes you.

Above all, HAVE FUN!!!

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by Safari Steve

3) Only children (12 or younger) can trade with a CM who has a Green lanyard.

I'm sorry to sound stupid - are there 2 color CM lanyards or are you saying only children can trade with CM's? Also if there are 2 colors, is there a designated "children's trading area".

I am feeling guilty about my solo trip next week and was planning on trying to trade for Lilo and Stitch pins as a surprise for my DD, they're her favorite.

Thanks
Sandy

 

[il-gander]

The CM's have two different colored lanyards they can wear. Only kids can trade with them from the green ones. My kids had a great time scoping out the CM's lanyards and trading. I bought a set of 13 pins for about $25 (including shipping) from www.cheappins.com, which I surprised them with on official WDW lanyards on the way to the airport. None of the cheappins were anything special, but they were perfect for trading. In the course of our stay the first week of June, they traded every one!

Carla

 

[Safari Steve]

Black Lanyard = anyone can trade
Green Lanyard = Kids only

 

[Lovetherodent]

Yes, it's worth it.

I picked up some cheap pins on ebay so the kids would have something to trade. I got them for around $2/pin and ordered a bunch from a single seller to save shipping. The kids had a ball trading them with the CMs. Nobody else offered to trade with them.

I would do this rather than buy pins at the parks because, of course, you'll buy those you like and then won't want to trade! And the real fun in it is the trading.

 

[Hadjii]

Wow, I didn't know about the two color lanyard thing. That's sweet. Gives the kids a chance to get some of the pins. I've seen some real meanies (not cm's) trying to trick kids into giving them "valuable" pins for the more common ones. Not very nice.
Anyway, have fun pin trading. I started about 3 years ago and it's been so much fun. I love to chat with other pin traders and the cm's are great. Some times I feel bad for them though and wonder if they are thinking "Oh no, not another crazy pin person" as I slyly pass by and try to glimpse what they have on their lanyards. LOL.

 

[jazznms]

I was woundering if they still do this and if there are any more weekly events like this at the resrorts
Pin Trading Nights at the WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort! Join us from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for Mickey's Pin Trading Nights at the WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort!

Thursday nights at Disney's All Star Sports Resort
Friday nights at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Children ages 6-14 are welcome in the Kids Zone!
Plenty of trading, lots of fun!

got this off the offical pin traders site.

 

[VegasGreg19]

Newbie at the whole pin thing so this is also probably a dumb question that I have overlooked. What is the offical pin trading site? Where can I find out if a pin is "valuable or common"? Thanks for the info!

 

[pointandshoot]

The official Disney pin site is:

http://psc.disney.go.com/eventservices/index.html

As for value, some folks look at prices on internet auction sites to determine value. Some look-up pins on this site:

http://www.pinpics.com

They check out how many people are trading versus how many want the pin to figure out if it is a "valuable" pin. Pins seem to be categorized by open edition rack and limited edition with only a certain number of pins available. Then you can consider the source of the pin; Disney Store, Park, Disney Auction, Disney Catalog, Event, Cast... Some may feel limited editions are more valuable but sometimes a rack pin can be hard to find or discontinued and become hot.

Reading internet pin boards and sites and asking questions will help you learn about the hobby and enjoy it even more. It really is alot of fun and something you can share with your children.

-Chuck

 

[Disneymoon04]

and want to get a few before our trip so I'll have something to trade from the get go!

I found this site for lanyards and pins too... can anyone tell me if the lanyards are reasonably priced (or at least not a rip off... LOL!)?

 

[pointandshoot]

Hi!

The Tink and Sorcerer Mickey Lanyard retails for $12. Remember, the words "reason" and "pin trading" are rarely used in the same sentence

Good luck and happy trading.

-Chuck

 

[Disneymoon04]

Thanks Chuck!

 

[Scratch42]

jazznms - They are a fun way to meet other pin collectors and see some serious stuff!

DD and I have only done the Contemporary but might try the Allstars this August!

The kids area is great 'cause they get to trade 5 pins off a board and they also have prizes for the kids! This past Easter they had a "Pin Hunt" and at the end each child got a special pin for their efforts.

Even if you are not into trading it is great to see the collections.

Happy Pin Trading

Scratch