I’ve just recently entered the world of pin collecting. It’s an old Disney tradition, and most collectors also participate in a second hobby: trading! Pin traders visit Disneyland with a lanyard full of treasure, and leave with brand new bling. You don’t have to trade if you collect pins (I don’t), but if you want to, here’s how to get started.
 All you need to pin trade is a pin of your own (sold all over the resort) and a cast member wearing a pin-trading lanyard. They tend to hang out at shops that sell lots of pins, like Westward Ho Trading Co. If you can’t find one, or need a little help with your first trade, visit the Disney’s Pin Traders market in Downtown Disney (across from the LEGO Store). They’ll help you through the process and encourage you to grow your collection!
There are also some rules/etiquette around pin trading to keep in mind:
- The pins you trade obviously have to be real Disney pins, and must be in good condition.
- You can trade a maximum of two pins per cast member trader, per day.
- You can only trade a pin that a cast member doesn’t already have on their lanyard, for a pin you don’t already have on yours.
- No trading any pins with customization (like your name).
- MOST IMPORTANT: Never touch a cast member’s lanyard or pins unless in the midst of a trade. This is a HUGE no-no, even if you’re just trying to get a closer look.
 
Pin-trading gives you the chance to collect rare pins, explore pin shops, and interact with awesome cast members. The only reason I don’t trade is pretty simple; I buy pins that I like and want to keep them. But I get the appeal, and it seems like pin traders get really good at their craft, really quickly!
For more information about pin trading and the latest pin collections, check out the official site here.
Thanks for the tips. I have never pin traded before because I didn’t know how to start, so I am glad to know it’s very easy.
I got my family started pin trading last year and I found it fun to buy a large lot from a reputable reseller on ebay or another like site. Keep the ones you like and use the others for trading with cast members. While there we did increase our collection by buying individual pins and some of the packs they have available, but pin lots are a great way to jumpstart a collection.
Also I have a tip if you’re looking for those secret mickey pins: check small, unassuming shops. Last year, I found a Diamond Celebration Tinkerbell for my wife in the embroidery shop on Main Street.
That’s a great tip! You never know where you’ll find cool pins.
Pin trading yeah!!!!! So much fun.