In the year 2000, I was 8 years old. Going to Walt Disney World was something my cousin and I looked forward to at the end of every school year. But, this trip was different than all the trips before. In October 1999 Pin Trading launched in Walt Disney World. So when my cousin and I got to their in June of 2000 we started our pin collection.
What is Disney Pin Trading?
Pin trading is super simple, interactive, and a lot of fun for kids and adults. Pins are sold all over Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Disneyland Paris. Once you have your pin collection built up you can simply just collect them yourself or pin trade. People display their pins on lanyards, backpacks, or Display cases at home.
Pre Covid pin trading was much different than now. Pre-Covid certain cast members would wear lanyards with pins on them. You could walk up to this cast member and ask to trade pins with them. In Walt Disney World a cast member wearing a green lanyard is only for kids. At Disneyland teal lanyards are for the kids. Hopefully, this returns soon as restrictions become lifted.
With Covid restrictions pin trading is still possible but just set up to be safer for everyone. Cast members will be found at tables with a pinboard. If you would like to trade pins with the cast member you simply point to the pin you would like. The pin is taken off the board and cleaned for you. You clean the pin you’re trading and set that pin down for the cast member to grab. It’s simple, safe, and still creates a way for pin trading to be done.
Rules for Pin Trading
- Pins must be authentic Disney pins. Authentic Disney pins contain a mickey ear backing. They also have the official Disney copyright on the back.
- Money can not be exchanged for a pin that is in someone’s possession while on Disney property.
- You can not trade a pin that would be a duplicate.
- You should not touch another persons pin or lanyard.
My cousin is not with us anymore so continuing the pin trading tradition is a way I remember him and all the fun times in Walt Disney World we had together. Also, now I get to include my children which makes it even more special to me.
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