Pin trading is a THING in Disney World, and if you know, you know.
Pin trading board
However, pin trading changed after 2020 when Disney World reopened; instead of trading pins with Cast Members wearing lanyards, pin boards were set up instead. Well, many pin traders missed that personal touch with Cast Members, but we’ve got some good news: pin trading with lanyards is back in Disney Springs.
That’s right. If you visit select merchandise locations in Disney Springs, you can trade pins like we used to way back BEFORE 2020. That means you can trade directly with Cast Members wearing lanyards (although some may have pinboards, too).
Pirates of the Caribbean Pin Starter Set and Lanyard
We’ve been hearing from many of our readers who missed that direct connection with Cast Members wearing pin lanyards, so we know many of you will be excited that this kind of pin trading is returning. Disney World has also promised that this form of pin trading will return to even more merchandise locations throughout the resort in 2024. So that’s something to look forward to.
Pins!
If you’ve never done pin trading before, it basically works like this: you approach a Cast Member who also has pins to trade (either on a lanyard or pinboard) and ask to trade pins with them. Don’t worry — the answer is always “yes!” You do need to have OFFICIAL Disney pins for trading, but if you look carefully, you might find pins that are only available via pin trading (meaning they aren’t for sale anywhere in the parks!). It’s a great way to get to know Cast Members and have a little interactive fun with them.
Pin Trash can!
So keep an eye out when you’re in Disney Springs for the return of Cast Member pin lanyards for trading. We’ll keep you updated when we spot this returning to other locations, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
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Yes, I do pin trading. It is so much fun!
Awesome. We’re kind of obsessed with pin trading!
I hated the blind pin trading that they were/are doing in some locations. The open pin boards were ok, but there were a couple of shops that did blind trades back in 2021, where the pins were in little drawers and you got whatever was in the drawer whether you actually wanted it or not.
I like it when the cast members wear the pins that they want to trade. That way you get to talk to them, and see the pins that they have to trade.
I’ve always loved pin trading! I started back in 1999 when it first began for the turn of the millennium. It has been so much fun; it’s a a very nice hobby and it gives you something to look forward to on each and every trip!