Disney's  Pin Trading Etiquette or as Disney Calls it PINformation

Pin trading has been around for many years at Disney World, however, it is only since Disney's Millennium Celebration that it has become extremely popular. How do you trade pins at Disney World? Believe it or not there is official pin etiquette guidelines established by Disney World for trading pins. First let us tell you what pin trading is.  Disney World Cast members have what's called  Lanyards. This is just a strap that goes around their neck and Disney pins are displayed on it. The Cast members will have a total of 12 pins on their Lanyards. You can purchase Lanyards at Disney World or you can also purchase a book to place your pins in for display.

Now for pin trading. First you need to locate a Cast Member with a Lanyard on. Then look at their pins (don't touch) and decide on which one you like. Now attempt to trade one of your pins for the one you like of theirs. That's it. Oh remember about the pin etiquette I mentioned well here's the rules on how that works.

1. Pins must be in good condition. Any pins which are damaged are not tradable so don't even try. The back of the pin must be attached in order to be considered trade worthy.  

2. Guests of Disney World may trade a maximum of 2 pins per cast members however you can only trade one pin at a time.

3. Do not touch a Cast Member or another individuals pins or lanyard. If you want to view a pin closer just ask the person your trading with for a closer look.

4. If a pin was bought as a set the entire set must be traded and traded as one pin. For example, you can purchase a set with Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto all for one price. If you want to trade you must keep all these pins together and it will count as a one pin trade.

5. Only pins that are related to Walt Disney World will be accepted for trading. Pins such as Disney theme parks, characters,  Disney's Vero Beach, Disney Cruise Lines, Pleasure Island, Disneyquest etcetera are all acceptable pins for trade.

6. A Cast Member will never have a duplicate pin on their Lanyard. If your looking to trade one of your pins and the Cast Member is already wearing that same pin then do bother trying to trade it with them. Remember they only wear 12 pins on their Lanyards at a time.

7. You may only trade one pin of the same style. If you trade a Mickey Mouse pin then you can not trade another Mickey Mouse pin with that same Cast Member. They like variety and they trade with this in mind.

8. A pin which is considered tradable must be made of metal and represent a certain Disney event, character, location or icon. Don't forget it must be Disney related.

9. Don't try to buy a pin from a Cast Member, that is unacceptable.

10. Some Cast Members will have what's called a "Showcase" pin on their Lanyard. They are not allowed to trade these. Like it says this pin is just for "show". SORRY!!

Contact Walt Disney Event Services for registration or information at 1 407-827-7600 or visit the official Disney World website at http://www.disneyworld.com

For pin locations at the theme parks: PIN LOCATION MAP