The New Way to Pin Trade in Walt Disney World 2021
Missy Ryan
10.26.21
Right now, things are still adjusting in Walt Disney World as we work towards our “new normal’. If there is one thing Disney has done, it has been keeping things as familiar and as comfortable as possible to all guests.
One immensely popular and fun hobby that several Disney fans love and have loved through the years, is Pin Trading.
If you are not familiar with Pin Trading/collectors, I encourage you to start. The great thing about it is, this is a hobby you can start at 1 years old, 21 years old, 51 years old…age does not matter in the world of pins trading/collecting.
You will find that each park, along with Disney Springs will have stores that offer pins of all shapes and sizes. There are character pins, resort pins, ride pins, sayings, Christmas party pins, Halloween, the year of your visit, first visit, anniversary, birthday, you name it, they have it!!!
Each one of my children own a lanyard. My oldest son actually has 2 lanyards due to his age and number of visits. These lanyards reflect a display of trips, fun, and memories. They are their own little collection.
The fun and unique thing is you do not only have the option to display on your lanyard. They have back packs, purses, boards, ears…all for a fun way to display your pins!!
In the past guests would bring their pins to the parks and they would look for cast members who had displayed pins on a lanyard (around their neck). Guests would then approach a cast member and ask if they would be willing to trade a pin with them after seeing one of interest.
A quick switch and within no time you were the owner of a brand new (to you) pin.
Fast forward to today.
New times.
New procedures.
New rules.
Pin trading is still alive and well and still so much fun!!!
Now let me take a minute and mention to you something a little different that I do.
I have a hard time getting rid of any pin that holds a special meaning to me. I buy them and like to reflect on that moment, that year, that time in my travel memories.
With that said, I purchase pins that are solely for trading.
When I see a pin I like, I grab my stash and start trading away!!
Disney now has select locations throughout the park with Pin Boards.
They may be displayed behind a cash register, on the counter or sometimes you may need to ask them to pull out the board.
Cast Members will then ask you which pin you would like. They will ask you to remove the backing to your pin. Place it in a jar and then will proceed with cleaning your pin of choice.
The fun thing is there is no restrictions as to what pin you may pick. You can have the smallest pin and still be able to pick the biggest on the board.
Last month I traded a pin for each of my children.
It was so fun, and I was even surprised one night while shopping at Saratoga Springs to see a board at their gift shop!!
I took my pins out and traded for some of the sweetest pins!!
Pin trading is here to stay whether it is directly with a cast member or on a board. If you are looking for a fun way to document your trips, a hobby that your children can carry on and then pass down to their own children, I would highly suggest adding a pin or two to your trip.
They tell a story, they share a memory, they create a bit of magic, make someone smile, and above all help you be immersive in your experience.
If you would like to know more about pin trading or other fun activities at WDW, please email me at missyr@wishesfamilytravel.com.
Also, you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram
Make some magic, create your happily ever after, and pin your memories!!