If you haven’t tried pin trading at Disney Parks before, you’re missing out on a lot of fun. There are pin boards and Cast Members with pin pouches around the parks where you can trade your Disney pins for other official Disney pins.
Pin Board
Disneyland recently updated its website with rules for pin trading, and we’re breaking down what you need to know before trading.
You can find the full list of rules here, but we’re pointing out a few that you should know. First up, you can only trade official Disney pins. They need to be in good condition with the pin backing attached.
Disney Princess pins
Another thing to keep in mind is that you can trade a maximum of two pins per Cast Member or trading board per day. It’s also a one pin for one pin trading system (so, no, if you’re trading with a Cast Member or board, even if your pin is worth more, you cannot get two in exchange). For a safe trading experience, you can only trade one pin at a time, and you need to ask a Cast Member or guest before grabbing their pins.
Pin trading with Cast Members
Throughout Disneyland, you can trade pins anywhere using a lanyard or small handheld pin trading accessories. Disney also said, “Lanyards and small handheld pin trading accessories are allowed, subject to the Disneyland Resort rules, but no additional decorations or collateral (e.g., lights, signage, displays, etc.) are permitted.” It sounds like they’re trying to limit the big pin binders coming through.
PinFolio
Pins are not allowed to be displayed on benches, chairs, and tables, which means if you’re gathering with a group to pin trade, you’ll need to do it in a “floating” manner. Previously, groups would gather around certain areas and almost set up a pin trading pop-up, but these rules sound like Disney is trying to stop these events. This doesn’t mean you can’t trade with other guests — just keep in mind you’ll need to spot them around the park instead, making it more free-flowing.
Westward Ho Trading Co.
We wanted to note that when we visited on May 12th, we still saw large groups meeting up in their normal spots. We also saw the large pin binders, so we’re not sure the rules are being enforced immediately. We heard they are likely going to start enforcing the rules around May 19th, so it’s a good idea to have a backup plan in place.
Crowds pin trading
In the area, we also saw signs about the new rules…
New rules
…and a sign just for pin trading!
Pin trading
What do you think about these pin rules? Tell us in the comments, and make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news, along with tips and tricks to have the best vacation yet.
3 PIN TRADING ESSENTIALS FOR DISNEY WORLD
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I think this is a crazy rule. I come to disneyland to trade and finish sets. I dont understand what a group of people congregating for a half hour or so hurts. We are all buying pins and having fun!
I hope this rule extends to DW….too “Non Disney” pins traded to kids who don’t know the difference!!