This has changed over the years, but now it is just plain fun.

Before I go further, let me say this is NOT cheap.

The first time we were involved, we booked a Disneyland (yes, Disneyland... Not Disney
World) vacation. We live in California and the kids had never gone. We received from
Disney a Lanyard and one pin. We then offered to purchase a second pin for the kids.
Warning! Warning! Warning! Pins start at $6 and go up (way up) from there. Of course the
ones the kids picked were closer to $10 a piece. Yikes! That put a dent in our wallet.

After that, I kept an eye open for pins at school rummage sales, garage sales and thrift
store. The best deals appear to be the sales on www.DisneyShopping.com. Also, once you
get there, you can go to the Character Warehouse at the Belz Outlet center and pick up
some for $3-$4.

The things you need to look for is thus...
1. It must be a lapel pin, not one that has a clasp like a safety pin.

2. It needs to be metal, not plastic.

3. It MUST say Disney on the back with the copyright symbol.

4. If ordering on eBay, ask if the seller if the pin can be traded in the Parks. Not just any
trade, but at the Parks.  Don't assume anything. If they do not know, you should probably
look elsewhere.

5. When looking at the photos on eBay, you should see that the pin is smooth or ask if they
are cloissone. I personally would not bid unless you see a photo that is clear and in focus.
Someone might be totally on the up and up, but it's your money.

You have some pins, how do you trade?
1. Find a Cast Member wearing a lanyard with pins. Cast Members will also have specific
pins that can ONLY be received through trade with a Cast Member. You can ask them
specifically while exploring their collection.

2. For children find a Cast Member that wears a green lanyard. They will only trade with
children. We have found that they have a larger quantity of pins.

3. Remember this is a trade. You have to give something to get something. You might
need to have a few practice exchanges at the lodging so children realize what they give
the Cast Member is NOT coming back. For some little ones, this can be very hard. After a
while, the kids really get into it and will be exchanging all day. It is especially a great way of
passing time waiting in line. I have even seen kids, while in line working out that next big
trade. It's funny, our quietest son is the child that is first to trade.

There are  Pin Trading Nights:
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort - Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Disney's Contemporary Resort - Fridays from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
These locations and times subject to change without notice.
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