There are many ways to get started pin trading at Walt Disney World, including starter set sold throughout the theme parks and resorts. The pin trading starter sets include a lanyard and four pins in a variety of designs, including Mickey Mouse and Princesses. Pins that can be traded must be a metal pin with a Disney mark on the back, featuring a character, attraction, movie or Disney design. These pins can be purchased from any Disney Store, souvenir shop or anywhere Disney merchandise is sold. Keep in mind it is cheaper to bring pins from home to begin pin trading with than to purchase them while at Walt Disney World.
It is simple to pin trade with Disney World cast members. Those cast members who are participating in pin trading wear lanyards filled with 10 to 12 pins on them. Check out their lanyards, find a pin of interest and offer to trade it for another. Keep in mind, they will not trade for a pin that is already on their lanyard. For kids ages three to 12, seek out cast members who are wearing green lanyards. These lanyards are for kids only and tend to have special edition pins and other kids-only surprises.
After all unwanted pins have been traded it is time to protect the ones traded for. One way is to purchase locking pin backs for those pins displayed on a lanyard. Locking pin backs can be purchased at any pin selling location in Disney World. Another way is to purchase a pin trading book which will protect and display pins in a binder style book. If there are other pins left in collection that can be traded, separate them out for the next day at Disney. The important thing is to keep the pins separate from those you are willing to trade so there is no mix-up and favorites are not accidentally traded or lost.
