Pin Trading at Disneyland 

We are so late to this party but glad to finally be starting our Disney pin collection. The early years during our visits would call for big transitioning toys when leaving the parks to avoid meltdowns. Whew! Now that those days are over I'm on to bigger areas we need to work on like Social skills and one way I'm doing it is via pin trading. Autism poses many different issues for children and young adults and a big one is social interaction. I recently took my daughter to purchase a few pins to test the waters with her and she seamed to be pretty interested. In reading up on pin trading etiquette (yes there are rules) I decided to get a few extra pins that she didn't have a connection to in order to use for trading at the park on our next visit.

Have a child in the same situation and having a hard time with social skills? I'm giving away 2 starter packs of pins to use at the parks to trade for more desirable ones but more importantly to get your kids asking asking questions, talking and interested in searching out some fun pins! Enter for a chance at an 8- pins starter set below. Oh and this is not just directed towards kids on the spectrum as many struggle with being social outside their comfort zones and have a huge love for all things Disney.

Every wonder about the Disney pins and how it all works? Here are the basic pin trading etiquette guidelines at Disneyland per Disney Parks Merchandise website.

• Pins must be a metal pin bearing a “©Disney”mark on the back that represents a Disney Event, Place or Location, Character or Icon.
• Pins should be in good, undamaged, tradable condition.
• For a safe trading experience, please trade one pin at a time, hand to hand with pin backs attached.
• Guests may trade a maximum of two (2) pins per Cast Member, per day.
• Please refrain from touching a Cast Member’s or Guest’s pins or lanyard. If you need a closer look, kindly ask the Cast Member or Guest wearing the lanyard if she or he can bring it into clearer view for you.
• Monies, gifts or receipts may not be exchanged or used in trade for a pin.

• Pins from other business units of The Walt Disney Company (i.e.ABC, ESPN) are accepted for trade.

• Operating participant pins that show a Disney, Disneyland®Resort, or Walt Disney World®Resort affiliation are accepted for trading.

• Plastic pins, rubber pins or other non-metal pins are not accepted for trading.

• “Personalized Name”pins are not accepted for trade.

• “Broche style”or “clasp pins”are not accepted for trade.

• Disney Service Award pins, Spirit of Disneyland®Resort pins, Partners in Excellence pins or Cast Member costume pins (i.e. Host/Hostess Badges, Disney Trainer) are not tradable.

I knew about hidden Mickey's in the park, but did you know they have pins too? The Hidden Mickey Collection is a way for Cast Members at Disney Parks and Resorts to trade unique pins with Guests. Guests can trade up to two (2) Hidden Mickey pins per Cast Member, per day. “Hidden Mickey Pin” is featured in a small box on the back stamp of each pin.

We still need to get her own lanyard to put her pins on so I will offer that up as a reward when she has traded a few first. The great thing about this hobby and forming your collection is that the pins come in all price points and pass holders get a discount on them too. You can always purchase pins you want to use for trading at a great price on eBay or amazon as well (just be sure to buy for reputable sellers and that the pins have the official markings on the backs). Prices on new pins are determined by the color code on the package of the pins and range in price from $8.99 and up.

A small investment for a fun, interactive hobby that is directed at getting your kid more social, not to mention a great way to pass the time while waiting for rides! Wish us luck and happy pin trading everyone!

I've got 2- starter packs of eight pins each up for grabs. They are in great condition for trading up to ones your kids might want from cast members at the park! Good luck and happy pin trading.