WHEN DID DISNEY PIN TRADING START AT DISNEY THEME PARKS AND RESORTS?
The Walt Disney Company has always offered collectible Disney pins in each of its Parks and Resorts around the world. With the start of the Millennium Celebration in October 1999, we introduced the tradition of Disney Pin Trading. Today, thousands of Guests trade pins with other Guests and Cast Members from around the world.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THIS PIN?
The true value of a particular pin is different for everyone. Every Disney pin is special and unique, and every Disney pin has a story. That is the exciting part about Disney Pin Trading and Collecting- we offer an amazing variety of pins. Guests can select pins that are important to them, and build a priceless collection full of Disney memories, stories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
HOW MANY PINS EXIST?
Thousands of unique Disney pins have been created over the years. And that is part of the fun of Disney Pin Trading - our incredible assortment. Guests may find pins from Disney Parks & Resorts, as well as pins from other divisions of the Walt Disney Company, such as DisneyShopping.com. The key to Disney Pin Trading is finding favorite pins to personalize a Disney Pin Collection.
WHAT PINS SHOULD I COLLECT OR TRADE?
With any collection, the key is collecting or trading pins that are important to you. The best part about Disney Pin Trading and Collecting is that we offer an amazing variety of pins. You can select pins that are important, and build a priceless collection full of Disney memories, stories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
WHERE IS (THIS) PIN FROM?
The back stamp (or back side of a pin) is the best place to gather information about a pin's origin. The back stamp will usually contain information such as manufacturing year, limited edition size, series number, etc.
WHAT IS THE LIMITED EDITION / LIMITED RELEASE PURCHASE POLICY?
Guests may purchase up to two (2) Limited Edition pins of a particular style (e.g. SKU), per Guest, per day. In other words, if Disney pin or set is released and it contains a Limited Edition stamp ("Limited Edition of"), a Guest may purchase up to two (2) of those items per day. The next day, a Guest can purchase another two of those same Limited Edition items. This policy covers any individual Disney pins or sets stamped with the specific words "Limited Edition."
This policy does NOT include any individual Disney pins or sets stamped with the words "Limited Release." Examples of these Limited Release items could include individual logo pins or mystery sets. Guests may purchase as many of those limited release items as desired.
Disney reserves the right to modify this policy. In the rare instance a modification is made, this information will be communicated via DisneyPins.com.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Disney Pin Trading is as easy as 1-2-3.
1. Meet a Disney Cast Member wearing a pin trading lanyard.
2. Find a Disney pin with your favorite Disney character, attraction, movie or design.
3. Trade your Disney Pin with the Cast Member. We also offer a variety Disney Pin Trading "Starter Sets." These "Starter Sets" feature a uniquely themed Pin Trading lanyard and four Disney pins. You can keep some pins and trade others with Guests or Cast Members. Visit our "Tools of the Trade" page for details on these "Starter Sets." They are a fun way to join the exciting world of Disney Pin Trading!
ARE THERE GUIDELINES TO DISNEY PIN TRADING?
Click on the link below to download a .PDF file about Disney Pin Trading Etiquette:
Disney Pin Trading - Guidelines For Guests (April 2009)
The most important thing to remember about Disney Pin Trading - have fun collecting and trading the Disney pins you like. Disney Pin Trading can be a great way to interact with and meet Cast Members and Guests from around the world.
ARE THERE LOCATION ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES FOR DISNEY PIN TRADING?
There are location etiquette guidelines for specific trading locations at Disney Parks. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety and courtesy of participants, maintain the show quality of the pin trading areas, and provide an enjoyable experience for all of our Guests.
In California, these guidelines currently apply to the designated pin trading areas at Disney's Pin Traders at Downtown Disney® District, and Little Green Men Store Command and Westward Ho Trading Co. in
Disneyland® Park.
In Florida, these guidelines currently apply to the designated pin trading areas at Disney's Pin Traders at the Downtown Disney® Marketplace and Pin Central at Epcot®.
Disney Pin Trading Location Etiquette Guidelines include:
Limit of one table for each Pin Trader.
Limit of one bag/binder on the Pin Trading Table.
Limit of one bag/binder in the Pin Trading location.
Tables may not be moved, and please . . .
Be courteous and always remember to follow Disney Pin Trading etiquette as outlined in Disney PinFormation.
ARE PIN SETS TRADABLE?
Certain pin sets should be traded as sets. If a single pin from a set does not complete the intended picture or statement alone, all pins in the set must be traded as one pin.
IS IT TRUE DISNEY CAST MEMBERS HAVE TO TRADE THEIR PINS?
Yes. Cast Members at our Theme Parks and Resorts have to trade their pins displayed on their Company issued lanyards. Guests can make up to two (2) trades per "lanyard," per Cast Member, per day. When trading with Cast Members, Guests should offer a pin that is not already displayed on the Cast Member's lanyard.
WHY ARE SOME CAST MEMBERS WEARING GREEN/TEAL LANYARDS?
Disney Pin Trading is fun for people of all ages. However, kids, ages 3-12, get an extra trading treat. Look for Kids Only lanyards - Disneyland® Resort uses "teal" lanyards and Walt Disney World® Resort uses "green" lanyards. This means that Kids are the only Guests allowed to trade from these special lanyards. Kids can also trade from Cast Members wearing blue lanyards.
WHAT IS A CAST HIP LANYARD?
The Cast Hip lanyard is a 5" x 5" piece of fabric which can be worn clipped to a waist belt. This lanyard can display a minimum of 9 pins. Cast Members at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort will use this tool in addition to neck lanyards.
WHAT IS THE ADVANCED PIN SEARCH?
The Advanced Pin Search is a fantastic tool for Guests to locate specific Disney pins. The Disney Pin Database continues to grow everyday; this search engine will help Guests located pins they would like to find.
Guests can search the following information:
Keywords - Type any key word and get results. SKU# - Please include the following to help refine the search:
◦For Disneyland® Resort, do not include the "40000" found at the beginning of each SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) or the last digit of the SKU.
◦For Walt Disney World® Resort, do not include "400" found at the beginning of each SKU or the last digit of the SKU.
Edition Size - This drop down menu lists several edition sizes. Available at - Guests can search by specific Disney destination from Theme Parks to On-line. Price - Guests can select an option of retail price for various pins. Artist - Have a favorite Disney Design Group Artist? Use this drop down menu to search for your favorite. Character Family - This drop down provides options for various character families including animated features or key words. Special Feature - This section lists the various special features included on pins (such as pin-on-pin). Release Date - Guests should use the following date format to search for pins - Month / Day / Year or 09/17/2004. Guests can also use the calendars to select to and from dates. TOP
WHERE CAN I LEARN ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS?
On the left-hand side of the screen there is a Flash-enabled navigation bar. Click on the word "Events" and a selection of destinations will appear. Click on the destination you are interested in visiting. The specific Event pages will now give you a preview of select upcoming pins related to that event. There is also a section at the bottom of specific Event pages for any Adobe® .PDF files that may be related to the Event. The Main Page of the website will also feature upcoming events at a particular destination.
Within the Events Section, you will also find Disney Pin News related to that specific destination.
WHAT IS THE FEATURED PIN?
The Feature Pin appears in the upper right-hand corner of the website. This box will contain a variety of pins including Surprise Pins. The Feature Pin will change randomly depending upon the pin that either Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort would like to feature. By clicking on the Feature Pin image, you will find more information about that particular pin.
WHAT IS AN "ARTIST PROOF?"
For every pin created, there exists a series of Artist Proof (AP) pins. At Disney Theme Park Merchandise, we receive approximately 24 Artist Proof pins per style of pin. For pins with lower edition sizes, we may receive even fewer AP pins.
An AP pin typically has an "AP" mark stamped on the back side of the pin. Stamping the letters "AP" on the back of a pin is an extra step that the manufacturer does once the pin has been created. There is no difference between a retail pin we sell in a merchandise location and its AP cousin except for an "AP" mark that will be found on its back stamp. Artist Proof pins, however, are not sold in our stores.
Once "AP" pins are produced, they are sent to Disney Theme Park Merchandise headquarters where they are used for a variety of purposes. One of every pin created is kept in a permanent Disney Pin Archive at Disney Theme Park Merchandise headquarters, and one pin is sent to the Walt Disney Archives at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. The remaining AP pins may be used for trading or may become part of auction lots featured at Disney Pin Events. You never know where you may find an AP pin for trade.
Depending upon the manufacturer, the "AP" stamp will appear in a variety of locations. There are very rare occasions when an Artist Proof pin may not include an "AP" mark on its back stamp. We have seen some AP pins in the Disney Pin Vault from the early days of Disney Pin Trading that did not contain "AP" marks. If such a pin is included in an auction lot, we will describe it accordingly - "This is an Artist Proof pin but does not contain an "AP" mark on its back stamp."
Below are some examples of "AP" marks and where you may find them on the back stamps of pins we create:
WHAT IS A "BACK STAMP?"
A pin's back stamp contains information about the pin and can include such items as the manufacturer (®Disney), copyright information, edition size, and where it was made. Not all information is always stamped into the back of the pin.
WHAT IS A "BUILD-A-PIN?"
The Build-A-Pin program was introduced in Summer 2002 during the opening of "Disney's Pin Traders" at the Downtown Disney® Marketplace at Walt Disney World® Resort. The program was also introduced at Disneyland® Resort and
Disney Cruise Line®. With Build-A-Pin, Guests could personalize individual pins with a variety bases and character add-ons. After selecting their favorite base and add on, Guests could have the pin assembled in the specific merchandise location. The add-ons were considered "non-tradable" while the bases were "tradable."
The Build-A-Pin program was retired in Summer 2004 to allow the Walt Disney Parks & Resort Merchandise team to introduce new and even more exciting Disney Pin Trading accessories, pins and much more.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "CAST EXCLUSIVE" AND "CAST LANYARD SERIES"?
There is a difference between "Cast Exclusive" and "Cast Lanyard Series" pins. The "Cast Exclusive" pins are only available for Disney Cast Members to purchase. These pins are found within "backstage" Cast Member retail locations.
"Cast Lanyard Pins" can be traded with Cast Members at Disney Theme Parks and Resorts.
WHAT IS "CLOISONNÉ"?
A French word meaning "partitioned." It refers to a style of pin in which the surface decoration is set in designated sections, one color at a time. Cloisonné also refers to a pin type in which crushed minerals and pigments are used to create coloring on a pin.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "CORE/OPEN/RACK" PINS?
Core/Open/Rack Edition pins are considered to be the same thing (people just call them by different names). For this explanation, we will call them "Open Edition." These pins are introduced to the pin assortment and will be sold until discontinued or retired. In other words, these pins can be re-ordered as long as our Guests continue to purchase them. The starting retail price for these pins is typically $6.95 (for a flat pin). Depending upon the number of features on the pin (such as "pin-on-pin"), the retail price will increase.
Periodically, Open Edition pins are retired to make room for new Open Edition pins. For example at the end of 2004, all "2004" dated Open Edition pins will be retired to make room for the new "2005" dated pins. We have to retire pins to introduce new ones.
From time to time, some Open Edition pins are considered "one-time buys." In other words, an Open Edition pin is released but there are no plans to re-order this pin. This concept is sometimes used within Pin Pursuits.
WHAT IS A "DANGLE" PIN?
Dangle pins have an extension to the base of the pin that dangles (hangs) from one or more small loops or chains.
WHAT IS "DIE CAST"?
Die Cast pins are cast from brass zinc alloy using high quality hand engraved dies which create an eye-catching, three dimensional image.
WHAT IS A "EPOXY COATING"?
Epoxy coating is a glassy, opaque substance used as a decorative or protective coating. When dry, it forms a smooth, glossy surface.
WHAT IS "FLOCKED" OR "FLOCKING"?
A flocked pin or a pin that has flocking means a pin has an area that is fuzzy.
WHAT IS "FREE-D"?
"Free-D" stands for Fastened Rubber Element on a pin for Extra Dimension.
WHAT IS "HARD ENAMEL"?
Hard Enamel is sometimes called the "new cloisonné." It not only retains the characteristics of classic cloisonné, but also provides a much wider selection of colors. Just as with cloisonné, each pin is hand-crafted in a process that begins with a flat piece of brass which is die-struck and then filled with enamel colors. The surface is then hand polished to give it a smooth, indestructible finish.
WHAT IS A "LENTICULAR" PIN?
A Lenticular pin has two or more images that can change when it is titled back and forth.
WHAT IS A "LIGHT-UP" PIN?
A Light-up pin has lights in its design that flash when activated.
WHAT IS "LIMITED EDITION"?
Limited Edition pins are just that - limited. This means there will be a finite number of pins manufactured and sold. The "back stamp" (the text on the back of a pin) on the pin will list the edition size. Sometimes, a Limited Edition pin will be individually numbered meaning it will be #XXX of XXXX (depending upon edition size).
Once a Limited Edition pin sells out, it cannot and will not be re-ordered again. For Guests, this is a unique opportunity to own a very special pin. The starting retail price for a Limited Edition pin is typically $8.95 (for a flat pin). Depending upon the additional features on the pin, the retail price will increase.
WHAT IS A "RETIRED" PIN?
Retired (or discontinued) pins are pins that are no longer in production. We periodically "retire" pins so we can introduce new pins.
WHAT IS A "SLIDER" PIN?
A Slider pin has a movable piece, such as an attraction car that slides back and forth across the base of a pin.
WHAT IS A "SPINNER" PIN?
A Spinner pin has a spinning mechanism that moves a piece of the pin 360 degrees displaying the pin surface at all times.
WHAT IS "SOFT ENAMEL"?
A soft enamel pin has the design stamped into the base metal. These pins are filled with enamel colors and baked for durability. A final clear epoxy dome is applied to protect the finish. Typically a thinner pin than cloisonné pins.
WHAT IS A "SURPRISE" OR "MYSTERY" PIN?
"Surprise" or "Mystery" pins are the same thing (some people just call them by different names). This pin usually features a low-Limited Edition size. Typically, the backstamp will included the words "Surprise Pin."
The release of this pin happens randomly at various merchandise locations within the Disney Theme Parks and Resorts. There is typically not much information posted on the official Disney Pin Trading website -
www.DisneyPins.com - until after the pin is released. This preserves the "surprise" or "mystery" element with this release. There are no set numbers of Surprise pins released in a particular month.
WHAT IS A "CONTINUING THE PIN TRADING TRADITION" PIN?
Also known sometimes as a "CTT" pin, this pin was created for Guest recognition by Cast Members. Leaders at the Disneyland® Resort and the Walt Disney World® Resort award this pin to Guests. Criteria for the Continuing The Pin Trading Tradition pin includes Guests who demonstrate positive Disney Pin Trading etiquette and promote Disney Pin Trading. The award is spontaneous and random.
WHAT IS THE "CAST LANYARD COLLECTION?"
The Cast Lanyard Collection was introduced several years ago as a unique way for Cast Members to trade pins with Guests. Guests can trade up to two (2) Cast Lanyard Collection pins per Cast Member, per day. "Cast Lanyard Collection" is featured in a small box on the backstamp of each pin.
The Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Merchandise Team creates these pins. They are created so Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort Cast Members in ALL lines of business can trade unique pins with Guests. The Disneyland® Resort has a Cast Lanyard Series that is different from the Walt Disney World® Resort Cast Lanyard Collection.
WHAT IS THE GLOBAL CAST LANYARD COLLECTION?
The Global Cast Lanyard collection was introduced in September 2004. This collection contains many new and unique pins celebrating the many things Guests see during a vacation to a Disney Theme Park or Resort. In addition, there are 10 pins that have been designated as "Disneyland® Resort" only. This means these pins will be found for trade at the Disneyland® Resort. The 10 selected pins will compliment the various collections found at the Walt Disney World® Resort.
The 10 pins selected for Disneyland® Resort are as follows:
Princess Aurora in round frame
Ariel in round frame
Mickey Mouse as a Director
Mickey Mouse as a Surfer
The Old Hag Wanted Poster
Fantasmic (Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent Dragon)
Red Parking Tram with Goofy, Mickey and Minnie
Omnibus with Donald Duck
Popcorn Bucket with Chip and Dale
Cotton Candy with Chip and Dale
The Global Cast Lanyard Collection is our way of acknowledging Disney Pin Trading is a coast-to-coast experience!
HOW CAN I IDENTIFY A GLOBAL CAST LANYARD COLLECTION PIN?
One of the most popular questions in Disney Pin Trading is, "Do you have any Cast Lanyard pins?" The answer: Look for the Hidden Mickey!
A small Mickey head silhouette will be found somewhere on the front of Cast Lanyard Collection pins. The Walt Disney World® pins will also have a backstamp that says, "Cast Lanyard Collection." The pin will also have a silver wash (the back of the pin will be colored in silver).
New in 2005-2006, Cast Lanyard Pins feature an additional indentifier designed to inform Guests how many pins are in a particular collection. For example, if there are 5 pins in a collection, one pin would say "1 of 5."
Please note some exceptions - the Winnie the Pooh and Friends collection from the Global Cast Lanyard Collection 3 will not have a Hidden Mickey on the front of the pins. Pins that debuted at A Family Pin Gathering - Disney's Pin Celebration 2004 and pins released at Walt Disney World® Resort in November 2004 will not have a Hidden Mickey. We added the Hidden Mickey feature based on Guest and Cast Member feedback.
WHERE AND HOW ARE CAST LANYARD PINS RELEASED?
Cast Lanyard pins are released at random to Cast Members at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort. The Cast Lanyard Checklists are a great resource for images of the pins. Please note that not every pin pictured may be available at a particular time. Availability of a particular pin is subject to change without notice.
Part of the fun behind the Cast Lanyard Pin Collection is searching for your favorite pins. Trade and collect the pins which are most important to you. Along the way, you are sure to meet Cast Members that are dedicated to making your visit to a Disney Theme Park or Resort a magical one!
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SABOR WANTED POSTER CAST LANYARD PIN?
Originally planned as part of the Disney Villains Wanted poster collection from the Global Cast Lanyard Collection 3, we decided to change characters from Sabor (the leopard from Disney's Tarzan to Maleficent from Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty. The Sabor Wanted Poster pin was only created as a proto-type sample and was never created for mass distribution. Some Guests may have seen this pin at A Family Pin Gathering - Disney Pin Celebration 2004 at Epcot®.
WHAT IS THE "DISNEY'S WILD ABOUT SAFETY" PIN COLLECTION?
The "Disney's Wild About Safety" campaign was introduced in Spring 2003, and featured a series of 13 pins exclusive to Cast Members' lanyards that promote the importance of safety at Disney Parks and Resorts. In other words, Guests can only trade for these pins with Cast Members at Disney Theme Parks and Resorts. The pins feature Timon and Pumbaa from Disney's The Lion King.
I HEARD THERE WAS A 14TH PIN CREATED FOR THE "DISNEY'S WILD ABOUT SAFETY" COLLECTION?
While created as a "prototype pin," pin #14 featured the safety reminder, "It's a Rope, not a Ride." This pin was never produced for trading with the general public, and was not released as part of the overall "Wild About Safety" pin series.
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WHAT ARE DISNEY MERCHANDISE SPECIAL EVENTS?
Merchandise Special Events often celebrate magical moments in Disney history. Whether it is the opening of a new attraction, the celebration of Disney Legends or Artists or the release of a new merchandise piece, Merchandise Events provide quality entertainment experiences and give Guests the opportunity to purchase merchandise related to a specific time and place, that they will treasure forever.
Visit the "Events" section on the left side navigation bar to discover more about these exciting and unique Disney experiences.
HOW DO I JOIN THE EVENT CLUB MAILING LIST?
Guests can register to receive information about an Event, Product Release or Merchandise via our Event Club Mailing List. Click on "Event Club" at the top of this page.
For Guests visiting the Disneyland® Resort, you can also register to receive mailings at the following collectibles locations: Disneyana Shop, Main Street, U.S.A.®, Disneyland® park, Off the Page, Disney's California Adventure® park and World of Disney® Store, Downtown Disney® District
WHAT IS THE RANDOM SELECTION PROCESS (RSP)?
In an effort to provide an equitable distribution of the limited edition event merchandise, we have asked our Information Technology Department to assist us by supervising a Random Selection Process (RSP). The RSP eliminates the need for guests to arrive early and stand in line to purchase items that are limited in nature. The RSP is a computer-generated process matching a list of Guest names and their desired merchandise selections and rankings. All Guest names, their merchandise selections and rankings are entered into the system. When all information has been input, the system will randomly assign merchandise items to each Guest for purchase, based on the edition size, ranking and the ranking of all other attendees. For example, if an item has an edition size of 20 and 100 Guests show an interest to purchase this, the computer will randomly select 20 Guests who will be offered the opportunity to purchase the item.
