How to Collect Disney Pins
Anyone can collect and trade Disney pins. It is a pastime that even children can enjoy, but how did it get started? Disney always has offered collectible pins in its gift shops, however, the tradition of trading these unique collectibles did not begin until Disney's Millennium Celebration in 1999. Today, pin trading and collecting is a cherished part of the Walt Disney World and Disneyland experience.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
How To Collect Disney Pins
-
1
Decide what type of collection you would like to create. Pin trading, where park guests exchange pins with one another or with Disney park employees, known as cast members, is a great way to accumulate a unique collection. However, with this system, you have to give a pin to get a pin, so be sure to only trade those pins you do not mind losing. Having a pin trading collection is fun and a great way to meet other park guests.
You can also create a personal collection. These are collections of pins that you have no intention of trading. These special collections can include pins that represent favorite Disney characters, Disney experiences or pin styles.
-
2
Get your gear. Disney pins are great, but you need a way to display your collection when you are at the parks and, more importantly, to safely store them while you are at home.
The lanyard, a nylon necklace that is worn around the neck, is the standard method of displaying your pins. It can accommodate roughly 12 pins at a time, but if your collection is this large, you might want to consider other options for carrying your pins.
Pin books come in a few sizes, but all have several nylon pages to display your collection. They have a shoulder or waist strap and can neatly zip up, so you can ride attractions without the threat of losing your pins.
The pin trading vest is the option for the park guest that likes to display all the pins in their collection while at the parks. The vests are usually lightweight but durable enough to withstand the weight of multiple Disney pins.
-
-
3
Buy your first pins. Whether you are buying pins to trade or to keep, your first pins will be ones that you have purchased yourself.
For pin traders, eBay is a low-cost option for obtaining pins that you have no desire to keep long-term. You can purchase inexpensive trading pins for less than $3 and then trade them one you get to the Disney parks. There also are relatively inexpensive Mystery packs of pins for purchase at several locations inside the parks. These come in packs of one or two pins, where the shopper does not know what the pin inside is prior to purchase.
Pin collectors have the same options for amassing their collections. Favorite Disney attractions often have gift shops awaiting park guests. After you ride Space Mountain or eat at Chef Mickey's, a gift shop with several pins is waiting for you. Collectors can also shop online at DisneyStore.com or on auction sites like eBay in order to find limited edition, discontinued or special-event pins they did not purchase at the parks.
-
4
Know the etiquette involved in pin trading and collecting. The most important rule is to be polite. Most traders happily display their collections and are willing to trade most anytime. Even collectors, those who will not trade their pins, still are happy to show you their collections and tell you why their pins are special. If you do not want to trade your pins, politely say so, and true pin traders will respect it.
-
5
Enjoy your collection. Finding a way to enjoy your collection at home can be as important as finding a way to carry it through the parks. Framed pin displays or shadowbox frames are a fun way to display your collection. Even a simple hook on which to hang your lanyard can enable you to enjoy your collection for the rest of the year.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Disney Pin Traders, located in Downtown Disney, is a great place to get your collection started.
Pin locking devices are great ways to protect the pins you do not wish to trade. It also protects your pins from falling off during Disney's thrill rides.
Always supervise children while they are trading pins. Disney cast members with green lanyards are specially trained to trade exclusively with children. Having your children trade with other kids is also a safe option.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Disneyland image by zapatero46 from Fotolia.com
