Disney Pin Trading: The Ultimate Guide

Hey Disney fans! Have you ever noticed those colorful pins on Cast Members’ lanyards or seen guests swapping pins at the parks? Welcome to the magical world of Disney Pin Trading!

Whether you’re a first-time trader or looking to grow your collection, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about Disney Pin Trading—including where to find the best pins, how to spot fakes, and even how to trade for rare pins without breaking the bank!

What is Disney Pin Trading?

Disney pin trading is a fun and interactive activity where guests can trade Disney pins with Cast Members and other guests at the parks. It’s a great way to collect souvenirs, meet fellow Disney fans, and hunt for rare and exclusive pins!

How does it work?

Bring your pins to the park (or buy them there)
Find a Cast Member wearing a lanyard of pins—they’re always happy to trade! Or, find one of many pin trading boards located inside of gift shops or resorts
Swap one pin for one pin—simple as that!
Build your collection and trade for exclusive or rare pins over time

How to Get Started with Pin Trading

Step 1: Buy Your First Pins

To start trading, you’ll need a few pins you’re willing to trade away (you don’t want to give up your favorites!). You can get starter pins:

At Disney Parks & Resorts – Visit shops like Disney Pin Traders (Disney Springs) or gift shops at the parks
Online at ShopDisney.com – A great way to grab official Disney pins before your trip

Note: Avoid buying “bulk pin lots” on eBay or Amazon—these are often fake (more on that later!)

Step 2: Get a Lanyard or Pin Pouch

Most traders wear a Disney-themed lanyard to display their pins, but you can also store them in a pin trading bag or a small pin book.

Step 3: Start Trading!

Look for Cast Members wearing pin lanyards—they’re always open to trading
Approach a pin board at a Disney store or resort and pick a pin you like
Offer one of your pins in exchange for one of theirs—easy and fun!

Best Places to Trade Pins at Disney Parks

Pin trading happens all over Disney, but some places are better than others. Here’s where to look:

Magic Kingdom

Emporium (Main Street, U.S.A.) – Huge pin selection + Cast Members ready to trade
Big Top Souvenirs (Fantasyland) – Great for finding new pins in a fun atmosphere

Epcot

Pin Central (Future World) – The best spot to browse tons of pin designs
World Showcase Pavilions – Some countries have exclusive, country-themed pins!

Hollywood Studios

Sunset Boulevard Shops – Cast Members here often have unique character pins
Galaxy’s Edge – If you love Star Wars, look for exclusive Galactic Trading Post pins

Animal Kingdom

Discovery Island Trading Company – Cast Members here often trade Hidden Mickey pins
Pandora – The World of Avatar – Some Avatar-themed pins are only found here!

Another fun place to look for pin trading boards are the Disney Vacation Club booths throughout all the parks and resorts! They almost always have pin lanyards, and pin boards.

Pro Tip: Resorts and Disney Springs also have pin trading boards in gift shops—don’t forget to check them out!

How to Pick a Disney Pin Collection

Not sure what to collect? Here are some fun ideas:

Favorite Characters – Classic choices like Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, and Donald
Disney Attractions – Collect pins from your favorite rides like Haunted Mansion or Space Mountain
Special Events & Holidays – Look for Christmas, Halloween, or Food & Wine Festival pins
Hidden Mickey Pins – These small pins feature tiny Mickey heads and are only available through trading

My daughter collects Winnie the Pooh and attractions. Check her collections out.

What to Know About Rare Pins

Some characters (like Figment, Oswald, and Disney Villains) have fewer pins available, making them harder to find
Limited edition pins (only sold for a short time) can be expensive and hard to trade for unless you have equal value pins

Beware of Fake Disney Pins (Scrappers & Counterfeits!)

Not all pins at Disney are real. Fake pins (scrappers) have flooded the market, and unfortunately, some of them make their way onto Cast Member pin boards.

How to Spot a Fake Pin

Rough edges – Real Disney pins have smooth, well-crafted edges
Faded colors or off-center designs – Scrapper pins often have misprints or dull colors
Too light or flimsy – Fake pins are often made with cheaper metal
Misspelled text or weird logos – Always check the back of the pin!

How to Avoid Fake Pins

DON’T buy bulk lots from eBay or Amazon—they are almost always fake
DO buy from official Disney stores or reputable pin trading groups (see below)

Join Disney Pin Trading Groups on Facebook

Want to grow your collection faster or find authentic pins for cheap? Join Disney pin trading groups on Facebook!

Why Join a Facebook Pin Trading Group?

Find real, authentic pins for way cheaper than in the parks
Trade with other collectors before your Disney trip
Get tips on spotting fakes and finding rare pins
Stay updated on new pin releases before they sell out!

Popular Facebook Groups for Pin Trading

Disney Pin Trading – Buy, Sell, Trade & Chat
Disney Pin Collectors & Traders
Disney Pin Trading Worldwide

Pro Tip: Buy a few cheap authentic pins from a Facebook group before your trip, so you have real pins to trade at the parks without overspending!

Final Tips for Pin Trading Like a Pro!

Be friendly and have fun! Pin trading is all about the experience—chat with Cast Members and fellow traders!
Keep an eye out for rare pins. If you see a Hidden Mickey pin open or limited edition design, grab it!
Always check pin boards at resorts. Many guests don’t think to trade there, so they often have great pins.
Bring extra backs for your pins! Losing a pin because the back fell off is the worst. You can also buy these at gift shops

Ready to Start Your Disney Pin Trading Adventure?

Now that you know how to trade, where to find the best pins, and how to avoid fakes, you’re ready to jump into the magical world of Disney pin trading!

Do you already collect Disney pins? Drop a comment below with your favorite pin or share your best trading story!