'Sup! Tad here, diving into the fun world of Disney pin trading. Disney creates tons of pin designs that you can buy, and then you decide if you want to keep it for your collection or trade it for another. At the Disney Parks, pin trading is everywhere and a super great activity to add to your trip. It's so fun to collect pins and trade with other guests and cast members.
Whether you're looking to get started with pin trading or an avid pin collector looking for the most recent tips, here's everything to know about pin trading at Disney World!
What is Pin Trading at Disney World?
Disney sells thousands of enamel pin designs — anything from Disney characters, Marvel, Star Wars to attractions and special openings. If you can think of it, there's probably a pin for it! Pins average about $9.99 to $15.99 each, with limited-edition pins often being higher in price. Pins are available at Disney theme parks and online via ShopDisney. When starting off with trading and collecting, we recommend purchasing starter packs, which is a set of pins and typically a lanyard for about $15 to $25.
Best Locations to Purchase Pins at Disney World
While every merchandise shop will have some assortment of pins, you'll find the most variety and biggest selection at the flagship stores or at specific pin shops. Here are some of our favorite places to purchase new pins at Disney World:
- Disney's Pin Traders (Disney Springs near Marketplace Co-Op)
- Pin Traders Camera Center (EPCOT next to Spaceship Earth)
- The Emporium (Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A.)
- Celebrity 5 & 10 (Hollywood Studios, Hollywood Boulevard)
While most people buy pins as memorabilia to wear or display at home, some people get pins with the intention of trading. Pin trading allows you to trade your pin with someone else for one of theirs — and Disney World creates the perfect place to do so.
How to Pin Trade at Disney World
Trading is the easiest way to curate your pin collection to your liking. Perhaps you're trying to collect a certain series or everything of your favorite character. It's like a fun scavenger hunt as you see what pins are available across the resort.
The easiest way to identify you would like to trade is wearing a pin lanyard or other pin carrier. Other guests may ask to trade with you, and you can always ask cast members, as well. Certain cast members may have their own individual pin lanyards or be able to direct you to the nearest pin board.
With Disney cast members, they will trade any pin that you ask for. Just remember: It's one in, one out, so be prepared to have some pins you're willing to let go of. Sometimes cast members will even turn some of their pins around if you are brave enough to choose a mystery pin. Pin trading is a great way to ease tadpoles into speaking to adults. I remember being nervous when I was younger and first starting out, but my frog parents guided me through what to say to the point where I could go up and ask cast members confidently.
You can also ask to trade with other guests. Sometimes people will bring their collections to display, but may not be up for trading. Others bring pins they are willing to trade for. It may be best to remind tadpoles to ask about trading politely, but that people can decline, as well.
Pin Trading Locations at Disney World
Nearly every merchandise shop at Disney World will have a pin board of varying sizes. This includes all four parks, Disney Springs and the resort hotels. Some will have it displayed in the store at certain times, while other shops keep it behind the register by request. There is a limit of two trades per person per board, so choose your top ones first.
The favorite stores we mentioned earlier for purchasing pins are also our top locations for trading. While generally merchandise shops are your best bet for pin trading, other pin boards may randomly appear in very unique forms — anything from a pin stroller to a pin trash can. One of our favorite pin "boards" has to be the pin cone. We saw the parking cast members trading with this orange cone recently at both the Hollywood Studios and EPCOT parking lots. How fun is that!
There are even mystery pin boards! You'll randomly choose a numbered box and see what you get. If you don't like the pin, you can just trade it on the next board.
Pin trading is so much fun and a pintastic activity to add some extra Disney magic to your vacation and at home.
Have you ever pin traded before? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Adventure Is Out There with the Wilderness Explorers at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Stay cool!
