Disney pin trading is one of the most popular hobbies among Disney fans, and you don't need to live near a park to get started. This guide explains what pin trading is, how it works at the parks, the etiquette to follow and how UK collectors can build and trade a collection from home.
What is Disney pin trading?
Pin trading is the swapping of collectible enamel pins between fans, and with Cast Members at Disney parks. It became an official Disney activity at Walt Disney World in 1999, and today it runs at Disney parks around the world, including Disneyland Paris. Fans trade to find characters they love, finish a set or track down a rare limited edition design.
How pin trading works at the parks
At the parks, Cast Members wearing pin lanyards or pin boards will usually trade with guests. You offer one of your pins, choose one of theirs, and swap. Each park sets its own rules, such as how many trades you can make with one Cast Member each day, so check the current guidance for the park you're visiting before you go.
1
Offer
Show a Cast Member or fellow fan the pin you'd like to trade.
2
Choose
Pick one pin from their lanyard or board. Ask before touching.
3
Swap
Hand your pin over with the back on, then take your new pin.
Pin trading etiquette
- Trade one pin for one pin, face to face.
- Only offer metal pins with a Disney copyright mark on the back.
- Ask before touching someone else's pins or lanyard.
- Keep the pin back on when you hand a pin over.
- Be polite if someone says no. Some pins aren't for trade.
What pins can you trade?
Most traders look for genuine Disney pins with a backstamp. Open edition pins are easy to find and great for trading. Limited release pins are sold for a limited time, and limited edition pins are made in a set quantity, which makes them more sought after. Read our guide to rare and limited edition Disney pins to learn the difference.
How to avoid fake pins (scrappers)
Unauthorised pins, often called scrappers, turn up on lanyards and in cheap online bundles. Warning signs include dull or uneven colours, enamel that dips below the metal lines, rough edges and blurry backstamps. Buying from a trusted seller is the easiest way to make sure the pins you trade are the real thing.
Genuine Disney pins carry a clear backstamp and crisp metal lines, like this limited release princess pin.
Pin trading in the UK
UK fans trade at Disneyland Paris, at fan meet-ups and through online communities such as Facebook groups and the DisneyPins subreddit. Many collectors start with a lanyard of traders and a few keepers they never swap. Our limited edition pins and Disney Princess pins are popular keepers.
