So, you and your kids want to trade Disney pins – before you get started, you’ll need to know these expert tips, tricks, and insights.
The world of pin trading can be a little daunting when you don’t know where to start, but it’s a fantastic way for children — of all ages — to interact with other Cast Members and see a new side of Disney. It’s like a treasure hunt within the Most Magical Place on Earth!
Wondering how to get started? There is a bit of a craft to Disney pin trading, but absolutely anyone can join the fun. As an experienced pin trader myself, I’m sharing the must-know details beginners should learn before trading their very first pins.
What is Disney Pin Trading?
While Disney pins have been around for decades, official pin trading has been in the Disney parks since 1999.
Many Cast Members wear lanyards or pouches adorned with pins, while pin boards can be found scattered throughout shops, ride entrances, and even hotels on Disney properties. Guests of all ages are encouraged to trade Disney pins of their own with any of the pins from these lanyards or boards they see within the parks.
Almost every gift shop on property has a range of pins to choose from, but some are more conducive to trading than others. Not sure where to begin? Here are our tips to pin trading at Disney.
Here’s How to Get Started with Disney Pin Trading
Photo by Laurie Sapp
Start with a Few Pins
To start, you’ll want to purchase a few Disney pins that you’re willing to part with in order to trade.
Some pins sold in the parks may be considered more special or sentimental to you, so a rule of thumb many pin traders use is to purchase a mystery bag or box (many bags come with five pins, which is one of the best values for your money!) of a theme or characters they aren’t particularly attached to. This makes trading the pin away for something else a bit easier.
Many people like to keep their pins on lanyards around their neck so they’re easy to access when they see a pin they want to trade for, but others may prefer keeping them in a little zipper pouch clipped to a backpack or belt loop.
Keep an eye on Disneystore.com for sales — this is a great way to stock up on a few discounted pins before entering the parks (and it means you have more spending money for an extra Dole Whip!)
Know the Different Types of Pins in the Parks
While many Disney pins may look the same on boards, there are different types you’ll likely find while trading in Disney World or Disneyland theme parks. A few may include:
Open Edition Pins
Open edition pins are the most common you’ll find. They’re also easily identifiable – they will not have anything on the back of the pin saying “limited edition,” “limited release,” or similar language.
There are open edition pins of just about any character, movie, and ride at Disney parks, so enjoy the hunt!
Hidden Disney Pins
Hidden Disney pins will contain a little hidden Mickey head, Rebel sign, Pixar ball, or Avengers symbol on them to signify they are part of the set.
Disney releases Hidden Disney sets every once in a while — the process slowed a bit since the pandemic — and sometimes feature different sets between Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
They are most notably found from Cast Members and on boards in the parks since they are specifically released in the parks, but you can occasionally purchase these in a 2-pack mystery pouch, depending on availability.
The latest Walt Disney World sets of Hidden Disney pins includes ear hats, Stitch in different holiday attire, Wall-E characters, Star Wars droids, various villains, and a mystery tee shirt set.
Limited Edition Pins
While it’s not as common to find limited edition pins while trading within the parks, it’s not impossible! These would be considered more rare pins regarding park trading, and it can be a fun treat when you find one.
A limited edition pin will say “Limited Edition” on the back of the pin as well as how many of that particular pin were made. Usually these pins — also referred to as LEs — will have an edition size between 250 and 10,000.
One of the Limited Release pins for the 2024 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. Photo by Abby Richardson
Limited Release Pins
Similar to limited edition pins, limited releases are also more rare to come by on boards and lanyards in the parks, but never impossible. A limited release — or LR — pin will say “Limited Release” on the back, but will not have an edition size listed.
These pins are still considered more rare than open editions, but the actual edition size is never known. Often, LR pins are released as mystery boxes for festivals or special events, single ride openings, and various holidays.
How to Trade Disney Pins
Ready to start trading your very first pins? Here’s how the process works.
Once you’re on property at a Disney Resort or theme park, all you have to do is find a Cast Member or board with a pin you’re interested in and ask to trade.
However, as a reminder, many Cast Members may be working a cash register or speaking with a guest, so remember to be courteous of their personal space and be kind! If you or someone in your party sees a pin they’re interested in, a simple “Hi, I’d love to trade for your ___ pin, please” is a perfect way to start off the trade.
Each guest is allowed to trade up to two pins per board or Cast Member lanyard — this keeps trading fair for everyone.
And it’s as easy as that!
One of the most fun parts of trading is hunting for all the different boards around a park. Some are fun shapes like swords, shields, and even a pin trash can that pops out every once in a while in EPCOT. (A personal favorite of mine is the pin traffic cone outside of Disney’s Hollywood Studios by the parking trams. This one isn’t always out, so keep your eyes open!)
Photo by CJ Ayd
Disney Pin Trading Tips to Remember
- Only Disney official pins are allowed to be traded in the parks (look for the logo on the back of the pin)
- Each person can trade up to two pins per Cast Member lanyard or pin board
- Be patient and kind!
- Keep an extra pin back or two in your bag or pocket. No poked fingers here!
