The Disney Pins Blog

Limited Edition Disney Pins

JLesgaspi — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:11:47 +0000

Limited Edition Disney Pins are very popular amongst Disney trading pin collectors worldwide. That is because these pins are exactly that-limited. What this means is that there will be a certain number of these rare Disney pins that will be manufactured and sold. What makes these Limited Edition Disney Pins so special is that once they sell out, they will no longer be sold on the retail market. This makes owning one of these pins special, and possibly quite profitable.

If you are in the market of buying and collecting rare Disney pins such as the Limited Edition Disney Pins, there are a few things you should know about them. Over 350 Disney trading pins are released each year by the Walt Disney World Resort. Out of that amount, there are usually only ten to twelve new Limited Edition Disney Pins released at that time. Many of these Limited Edition Disney Pins are sold out within thirty minutes of them being released. The Walt Disney World Resort releases many Limited Edition Disney Pins to mark special events in the resort history, and to commemorate holidays and special occasions. Disney also releases limited edition collectible Disney pins at certain events throughout the year such as: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Limited Edition Disney Pins are usually very inexpensive when you first buy them, but depending on the pins you purchase, they may go up in value later on. Some range from a couple of dollars to over hundreds of dollars-depending on the size of the edition and the pin. For people that do not live close to a Walt Disney World Resort or a Disney theme park and want to purchase these collectible Disney pins-the internet is the ultimate tool for buying them and selling them. There is no need to wait in line or deal with crowds-you can order whatever Disney pin you like- and from the comfort of your own home. There are tons of spectacular Disney pins to be found on the internet and you can find some great deals on them if you know what to look for.

Buying a Limited Edition Disney Pin online is easy and knowing the basics of what to look for will ensure you buy only legitimate Disney trading pins. The main thing you want to see on a Limited Edition Disney Pin is the official Disney trademark symbol on the back of the pin. Another very important detail to look for with any Limited Edition Disney Pin is a stamp on the back baring the edition size and a sequence number for that pin. For example, the tenth pin in the collection would read something like L.E. #10 of 500, or something to that affect. If there are no markings similar to these, the pin is probably not an official Limited Edition Disney Pin.

Disney pins are fun to trade and can be a profitable hobby. Of course no Disney trading pin collection would be complete without a few Limited Edition Disney Pins in it.

Disney Pin Sets

JLesgaspi — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:23:16 +0000

If you are an avid Disney pin collector, there is no doubt that you have many Disney pin sets. Your pin collection may have started with one, and by realizing the beauty and magnificence of each Disney pin you have collected, your collection has grown maybe into the hundreds or even thousands. Everyone knows that one of the most popular places to get some of the latest and greatest Disney collector pins is at the actual Disney Parks and Resorts. However, if park hopping and resort shopping is not your thing—there is an easier way to obtain these collectible pins, and you can do it all from the comfort of your home.

Brand New Cars Land Attraction Poster Limited Edition 1000 Pin Set LE
US $75.00

Disney Sci Fi Academy 5 Pin Robot Boxed Set LE250
US $69.99

Disney Sci Fi Academy Pin Astro Orbitor Through Years boxed set
US $49.99

Disney Sci Fi Academy Spaceman Mickey Stand Up Pin Set
US $69.99

Disney Hawaii AULANI Exclusive Mickey Minnie Chip Dale 4 Pin Set
US $45.95

HTF DISNEYLAND PARIS SORCERER MICKEY CASTLE 3 PIN SET
US $40.00

nib disney sounds bites gift set
US $3.00

Perfume Bottle Princess 2012 Hidden Mickey Disney 3 Pin Set
US $4.99

Disney Catalog Classic Mickey Minnie Mouse County Fair Pin Set
US $24.99

Disney Soda Fountain DSF Valentines Day Up Pins Full Set LE 150 Carl and Ellie
US $300.00

Disney Pin Mickey Mouse one of a six piece set of Disney Cruise Mystery Set
US $10.99

Official Disney Phineas and Ferb Magnetic Notepads Set of Two NIP
US $6.75

Nowadays, everything can be found on the internet. Disney pin sets and Disney trading lots are no exception. There are many websites dedicated to trading Disney memorabilia and some even offer these pins for sale at prices well under market value. Sites such eBay offer Disney pin complete sets at unbelievably low prices that sometimes seem too good to be true. Sometimes these deals are in fact too good to be true, and other times they are the real deal. First, let us get to why people would go to sites like eBay to get their Disney pins or other Disney memorabilia in the first place.

A site like eBay is trusted and provides a user feedback system. This helps buyers feel secure when making purchases through their site. Let’s say you have a Disney pin set that you need one last pin to complete. You have tried all the pin trading sites, you have also called around to the parks and the resorts and nobody can locate that one single pin. There is a very good chance that eBay is going to have that one special Disney pin that you need to make your set complete. In fact, eBay might not only have the pin you are looking for, but they may have it for less than what you would pay for it at a park or at the Disney Resorts. If you buy from a trusted seller on eBay, you will not only get a good deal on your pin, you can feel secure that you are buying a true genuine collector Disney pin.

Another reason you may turn to a site such as eBay to buy your Disney collectible pins is the fact that you enjoy them, but you simply do not feel like going through the hassle of collecting them all. You will find many people selling their complete sets of Disney collector pins for relatively low prices, and some priced at market value on eBay. When you see the low prices for some of the Disney collector pin sets, you may ask yourself why in the world someone would sell them for so low. There are a few reasons. First, the obvious—they need the money. Second, they do not know the true value of the pins. Lastly, the pins are fakes; and fake pins can be found all over eBay. Disney pin collectors call these “scrapper” pins and they are far from the real deal. There are many ways to spot these fake Disney pins and eBay has members that dedicate pages to give you insight on what to look for when buying your pins.

Overall, there are many deals to be had on eBay, especially for Disney pins and other Disney collectibles. Just remember, that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always buy from reputable sellers on eBay, especially when it comes to Disney Pin Sets.

Disney Pin Trading Lot

JLesgaspi — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:22:31 +0000

If you are looking for that final pin to complete your Disney pin trading lot, you have probably thought about turning to eBay for help. As many know, eBay is a portal for all things collectible, and Disney pins are no exception. However, when using a trusted site like eBay to buy your Disney pin trader lot, it is recommended that you keep your guard up and only buy from sellers with positive feedback. While eBay offers several ways to safeguard your purchases, there are still ways scam artists are trying to get by the system. By knowing what to look for when buying your pins on eBay, you will feel more secure with your Disney pin purchases and you will be able to spot a fake pin or scammer right away.

WDW Characters with Cinderella Castle Mystery Pin Trader MIss Piggy LE 2400
US $2.81

HKDL Hong Kong Disney PTP Pin Trader Exclusive Minnie Mouse LE 800 NIB
US $9.99

HKDL Hong Kong Disney PTP Pin Trader Exclusive Mickey Mouse LE 800 NIB
US $9.99

Disneyland WDW Star Wars Stitch Emperor Palpatine Trader Pin Black Robes
US $9.99

Walt Disney World 2010 Trade City USA Tinker Bell Return to Trader LE Pin
US $25.99

disney PIN high school musical flag pennant pep rally go cats cheerleader trader
US $2.97

DSF Pin Traders Delight Stitch Star GWP Disney Pin LE 500 Sparkle Glitter Lilo
US $29.99

Disney Traders Sundae Tinker Bell Cherry Plate LE Pin
US $.99

Walt Disney World 2010 Trade City USA Traders Market Donald Duck LE Pin
US $23.99

Disney Lot of 10 Cast Lanyard Hidden Mickey Trader Pins Set H16
US $.99

Disney Lot of 10 Cast Lanyard Hidden Mickey Trader Pins Set H17
US $.99

Disney Lot of 10 Cast Lanyard Hidden Mickey Trader Pins Set H18
US $.99

The best advice to give anyone when buying Disney trading pin lots on eBay is to buy only from trusted eBay sellers. Sellers with positive feedback have proven that they are selling what they claim to be selling and have proven to be a legitimate seller. If you find a Disney pin trader lot being offered by a seller with no feedback, it is best to move on to one that does have feedback. You should always avoid sellers who have a fair amount of negative feedback, as they have proved that they are not reliable to deal with.

If you find that you have questions regarding any Disney pin trading lot that is being offered on eBay, ask the seller these questions. eBay has a great buyer and seller communication system in place. Their system also keeps your private information—private. This not only safeguards your privacy on their site, but it also helps you feel more secure during your communication with other eBay members.

When purchasing your Disney pins trader lot on eBay, take a good look at the pictures of each Disney pin being offered in the lot. Sellers who offer Disney collector pin lots are usually collectors themselves and know what you are looking for in a pin. Oftentimes, these sellers will take close up pictures of pertinent information that can be found on the pin. This information can be as little as showing the Disney copyright mark stamped on the back, or if the pin is a Limited Edition Disney pin, it should have a stamping with the pin’s sequence number on the back. If you want to see more pictures, you can always contact a seller through eBay and ask them for more. The majority of the time, sellers have no problem providing more pictures—especially if it will help them sell their Disney pins trading lot.

eBay has a great system in place where true Disney collectors can post their experiences with other buyers and sellers in the form of reviews and guides that can be found right on the eBay site. Many Disney pin collectors will post up-to-date finds so that those who are offering bootleg, counterfeit, and scrapper Disney pins do not defraud other Disney pin collectors.

Now that you know what to look for when buying Disney pins on eBay, you can feel confident making your purchases. Pin trading can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, and eBay is there to help when you need that one special pin to complete your Disney pin trading lot.

Finding Bulk Disney Pins Lots on Ebay

JLesgaspi — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:41:15 +0000

Any collector of Disney pins know that the best pins aren’t always found in Disney theme parks. Although there are always a vast number of pins available in the theme parks and at Disney stores, the selection is always changing. That constant rotation of pins means that collectors may not find the exact pin they’re looking for in the traditional way.

Disney Trading Pins Lot of 25 No Doubles Priority Shipping Available
US $10.51

Disney 25 Pin Trading LotFree ShipNo DoublesKeep or Trade
US $10.50

DISNEY PIN LOT OF 100 SUPER FAST SHIPPING $2 LANYARDS AWESOME
US $55.00

Disney Trading Pins Lot of 25 No Doubles Priority Shipping Available
US $10.51

Disney 25 Pin Trading LotFree ShipNo DoublesKeep or Trade
US $10.50

DISNEY PIN LOT OF 100 SUPER FAST SHIPPING $2 LANYARDS AWESOME
US $55.00

Disney 100 pin lot LE Hidden Mickey Cast Trading US seller Guaranteed tradeable
US $64.99

Disney Trading Pins Lot of 25 No Doubles Priority Shipping Available
US $10.51

Disney 25 Pin Trading LotFree ShipNo DoublesKeep or Trade
US $10.50

Disney Trading Pins Lot of 25 No Doubles Priority Shipping Available
US $10.51

DISNEY PIN LOT OF 100 SUPER FAST SHIPPING $2 LANYARDS AWESOME
US $55.00

Disney 25 Pin Trading LotFree ShipNo DoublesKeep or Trade
US $12.01

Fortunately, pin collectors have found that there is another way to track down the pin of their dreams. Rather than idly bemoaning the fact that they can’t find their favorite Hidden Mickey pins in stores, collectors have turned to the internet to deliver these Disney pins. In many cases, a little time invested in surfing the web will yield the exact pin the collector has in mind.

What website makes it possible to unite Disney pin collectors with their ideal pins? Many times the popular auction site eBay is the first and only place that pin enthusiasts need to look. The very attributes that make eBay the place to go to find rare items also make the website a great place to track down those uncommon pins.

One reason eBay is able to help so many pin collectors find their favorite limited edition Disney pins is the constantly growing inventory offered at eBay. A visit to the website can reveals thousands of listings featuring Disney pins and pin collections. With new users listing items everyday, there is never a shortage of pins for collectors to browse and ultimately purchase. Enthusiasts who can’t find the pin they are looking for don’t have to search elsewhere; the next day will reveal a whole new selection of pins to choose from.

The wide range of prices found at eBay is another reason for its popularity as a source for Disney pins. While some rare pins can sell for hundreds of dollars, others sell for as little as a single dollar. eBay offers a plethora of pins for collectors with budgets of all sizes. If a collector discovers the pin he desires at a price outside of his comfort zone, he doesn’t have to despair. The pin may turn up again in the future at a more affordable price.

Disney pin enthusiasts who are concerned about purchasing pins over the internet needn’t worry about being disappointed with their eBay purchases. The auction powerhouse has several safeguards in place to guarantee that buyers are happy with their purchases. Many of eBay’s sellers post detailed pictures of their offerings for inspection by potential buyers. In addition, eBay’s feedback system encourages sellers to deal fairly and honestly with their customers. In the long run, shopping on eBay is nearly as safe as shopping in brick and mortar stores.

A diverse offering of pins, affordable pricing, and safe shopping all make shopping for Disney pins on eBay a sensible choice for collectors. What other website offers everything a pin enthusiast is looking for all at once? After a quick perusal of the site, collectors will wonder why they waited so long to give it a try.

Hidden Mickey Pins

JLesgaspi — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:50:51 +0000

Since their introduction into the pin trading community, Hidden Mickey Pins (aka cast lanyard pins) have quickly become the most sought after addition to any collector's lanyard. Each one of these pins boasts a three circle silhouette of the world's most famous character, Mickey Mouse. The tri-circle formation generally appears in a solid color of silver or gold and is gently hidden in the landscape of the enamel pin. But where did the crude iconic symbol come from?

Disney Trading Pins Lot of 25 No Doubles Priority Shipping Available
US $10.51

Disney 25 Pin Trading LotFree ShipNo DoublesKeep or Trade
US $10.50

DISNEY PIN LOT OF 100 SUPER FAST SHIPPING $2 LANYARDS AWESOME
US $55.00

Disney Trading Pins Lot of 25 No Doubles Priority Shipping Available
US $10.51

Disney 25 Pin Trading LotFree ShipNo DoublesKeep or Trade
US $10.50

DISNEY PIN LOT OF 100 SUPER FAST SHIPPING $2 LANYARDS AWESOME
US $55.00

Disney 100 pin lot LE Hidden Mickey Cast Trading US seller Guaranteed tradeable
US $64.99

Disney Trading Pins Lot of 25 No Doubles Priority Shipping Available
US $10.51

Originally created as an inside joke amongst the Disney Imagineers Hidden Mickeys were hidden throughout Walt Disney resorts and parks in architecture, pathways, decor and even on the silver screen in the animated Disney movies. There have been over 600 recorded sightings of Hidden Mickeys but an official Disney guide has never been compiled. Remember that official Mickeys must be the Mickey Mouse character, must be hidden and must have been intended by the Imagineers.

It wasn't until the 3rd Lanyard pin series when designers began to add the simple Mickey icon to the pins' designs. In 2007 Disney redubbed the series "Hidden Mickey Disney Pins" and 94 of the most popular designs were reissued. They are also known as cast lanyard pins. As with any new craze beware of counterfeiters. Official pins have quality colors that have borders or outlines and a heavy metal base. Counterfeit pins, as a general rule, are made cheaply and weigh less. Be sure that the pin has the official Disney trademark logo stamped on the back. Some pins also have additional information on the back such as the year produced, edition number and whether the pin is a limited edition. Always get your pins from an official Disney pin location to help avoid these knock offs. If you can't make it official selling point for Disney Pins the next best place to find official Disney Pins is Ebay. Just look for lots of good feedback to pick out the trusted sellers. Happy hunting!

Types of Disney Pins

JLesgaspi — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 09:18:08 +0000

Disney pins come in almost as many different shapes and sizes as there are colors in the rainbow. Disney artists work constantly to design and create new pins with features that are sure to delight and intrigue collectors of all ages. Over the years, they have come up with several different styles of pins, each one more striking than the next. With some many pins to choose from, anyone is certain to find one that speaks to him.

Lenticular Pins

These Disney pins are adorned with at least two images. As the pin is tilted one way or another, a different image is displayed. Although these pins have been created with countless different subjects, the eerie quality of images shifting from one to another lends itself particularly to pins featuring the Haunted Mansion attraction or one of the Disney villains.

Slider Pins

Slider pins feature a component of the pin that moves across the rest of the pin. In some cases the piece will slide back and forth; in other cases the piece moves up and down. In almost all of the pins, however, the motion is used to simulate motion the pin’s inspiration makes. For instance, the Disney pin that honors the Tower of Terror attraction includes two moveable elevator doors. These doors are reminiscent of the motion of the ride’s doors as they open at random intervals.

Spinner Pins

Another Disney pin with motion, spinner pins have a component that rotates freely from the rest of the pin. Sometimes, the spinning piece is a flat piece that spins in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion similar to the gears in a clock. Other times, the spinning piece rotates on an axis to reveal a front or back side.

Light-Up Pins

This fun take on Disney pins uses a little extra Disney magic. When turned on, these pins feature tiny bulbs that emit light. Popular in night scenes, villain eyes, and many other applications, light-up pins are sure to attract attention. A replaceable battery powers the special effects in these pins.

Flocked Pins

Flocked Disney pins have a texture that the other pins don’t possess. The process of flocking involves attaching a type of pulverized wool to the surface of an object to create a fuzzy texture the object wouldn’t normally possess. Flocked pins usually exhibit a design that entails a furry component. One particular flocked pin features Mickey Mouse adorned in a Santa Suit. The fur of his suit is embellished with white flocking.

These types of Disney pins merely scratch the surface of the vast array of pins available today. Glitter pins have a unique sparkle embedded in the finish of the pin. This finish lends itself to the pins that feature winter motifs or one of Disney’s princesses. Hinged pins are jointed to fold and unfold. Charming locket pins make use of this mechanical function. Jumbo pins are noticeably larger than the other pins. As techniques used to decorate these tiny collectible continues to expand who knows what the next generation of Disney pins will look like?

Cast Lanyard Trading Pins

JLesgaspi — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 09:15:45 +0000

In order to promote Disney pin trading between resort guests and resort employees (referred to as cast members) Disney Productions began releasing a collection of pins and Disney lanyards to cast members. Pins in these collections came to be known as cast lanyards. Disneyland and Walt Disney World both have their own versions of these pin releases, but either one is sure to delight guests at both resorts.

DISNEY 2010 Hidden Mickey Series CAST LANYARD BLACK MEDAL PIN
US $1.25

DISNEY 2010 Hidden Mickey Series CAST LANYARD PINK MEDAL PIN
US $1.76

Disney 26 Pin Trading Lot Hidden Mickey Cast Lanyard Pins Random Selection
US $13.39

Disney 26 Pin Trading Lot Hidden Mickey Cast Lanyard Pins Random Selection
US $12.50

Disney Cast Exclusive Bolo ID Lanyard Princess Rapunzel of Tangled
US $15.00

DISNEY PIN CHIP DALE TURKEY LEG PICNIC BLANKET CAST LANYARD SERIES
US $.99

WDW Cast Lanyard Series King Tritons Castle from Little Mermaid
US $.99

Disney DLR CAST LANYARD SER A E TICKET 5 PIN RARE SET
US $9.99

DISNEY PIN HIDDEN MICKEY DLR CAST LANYARD 2009 SILHOUETTE POOHs FRIEND OWL
US $16.03

Cast lanyard series King Tritons Castle 2002 disney pin
US $.75

DISNEY PINS DISNEYLAND CAST LANYARD SERIES RIDE TICKETS 4 PIN SET
US $6.99

DISNEY PINS DISNEYLAND RESORT CAST LANYARD E TICKET ONLY PIN
US $.99

Cast lanyards were originally released at Walt Disney World in 2002. A new series, or group of pins, is released each year to introduce new pins to this line of pins. Initially, Disney pins in this series had the words “Disney’s Cast Lanyard Collection” imprinted on the backside of the pins, but this method of identification became obsolete after the second year.

With the beginning of the release of the third series of pins, cast lanyard pins were marked with a small, black Mickey Mouse head on the face of the pin. These “hidden Mickeys” eventually led to the series being renamed as the Hidden Mickey Pins Collection. Regardless of the name attached to this collection, this series of pins are still released to cast members to trade with guests at Disney properties.

The Disneyland Resort also began releasing its own series of cast lanyards in 2002. This series of pins is substantially smaller than the series of pins released at Walt Disney World, but a special offering of “hotel” pins are also available at the Disneyland Resort. In fact, visitors to the Disneyland Resort are given two of the “hotel” pins to give them a jump-start on their pin trading. Like the collection distributed at Walt Disney World, however new pins are added to Disneyland’s Hidden Mickey Collection on a regular basis.

Encouraging young guests to take part in the fun of Disney pin trading takes on a special importance at Disney properties. Children who are visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland have extra opportunities to trade with cast members. Some cast members are issued specially-colored lanyards that designate them as being available to trade with guests between the ages of three and twelve only. At Walt Disney World these lanyards are green; at Disneyland these lanyards are teal.

One type of pin is commonly confused with pins from the Hidden Mickey Collection. These pins, referred to as cast member pins, are not released to cast members for trading with guests. Instead, these pins are available for sale to cast members only for their own personal use. Frequently, these pins make their way onto the secondary market making them available to avid pin collectors.

The distribution of cast lanyards to cast members has definitely made an impact in the prominence of trading between guests and cast members. Even guests who visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland often are sure to find a new pin or two thanks to the frequent releases of new pins in the Hidden Mickeys Collection. Disney pin collectors young and old will enjoy the benefits of the cast lanyard program whether they are just beginning their collection or adding to a well-seasoned collection.

Disney Pin Trading Explained

JLesgaspi — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 09:13:03 +0000

For the collector who has fallen in love with Disney pins, half of the fun lies in trading these pins in a quest for his “dream” pin. Pins can be traded among friends, guests at Disney properties, and Disney employees (known as cast members). However, before a collector can begin trading his pins, he has to understand the rules of pin trading. These rules will govern any trading the collector does with a cast member, but they provide a good rule of thumb when trading with other collectors to increase your Disney pin collection.

Pins Must Be Eligible for Trading

Pins that are suitable for trading with cast members must bear the Disney copyright on the backside of the pin. In addition, the pin must consist of metal and symbolize some type of Disneyana. Popular examples include pins featuring Disney characters, theme parks, and rides. Finally, each pin must have its original back.

Participants Should Trade One Pin at a Time

As collectors trade their Disney pins, they should take care to complete one trade before going on to the next. After agreeing upon the specific pins included in a trade, each participant should present his pin with its back in place to the other participant. After each pin has been securely fastened into its new home, the participants are free to begin another transaction.

Trades Should Be Limited to Two per Cast Member Each Day

Although cast members are compelled to trade with guests at the theme parks and resorts, trades are limited to two per cast member and guest during any given day. However, a guest who sees the cast member on another day is free to being trading again.

Traders Should Never Touch Another Trader’s Pins

When indicating which pin he is interested in trading for, a collector should never touch another collector’s pins or lanyard. He should describe the pin he’s interested in and allow the other collector to give him access to inspect the pin.

Duplicates Are Ineligible for Trading with Cast Members

In order to promote trading, cast members are not allowed to defer from completing a trade based upon a pin’s value, design, or rarity. They must accept the pin that is offered to them by the guest. However, guests cannot trade a pin to a cast member that is a duplicate of one the cast member already has.

Trades Should Not Include Cash

A collector may certainly buy his or her favorite pin if it is available at a shop located on a Disney property. Pin Trader shops and gifts shops located throughout the parks and resorts offer Disney pins in their regular course of business. A guest may not, however, offer cash as an incentive to buy a pin from a cast member. Pins should be traded in these circumstances.

Trading Disney pins can be a wonderful hobby, if the rules of pin trading are adhered to. The rules ensure that each participant in the trade know what to expect from the transaction. In addition, a guest who understand the rules will be able to confidently continue on his quest for the perfect Disney pin.

Where to Buy Disney Pins

JLesgaspi — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 09:10:19 +0000

Collecting Disney pins can quickly become an all-consuming hobby for enthusiasts. Frequent visitors to Disney theme parks and resorts will have no trouble feeding their appetite, but pin collectors who don’t have regular access to these outlets may find themselves at a loss. How will they satisfy their craving?

Many different venues for pin shopping are available. In each case, the shopper will find that there are benefits and drawbacks to taking advantage of that source for pins. From those found while shopping onsite at a Disney property to those found while exploring the internet such as Disney pins on ebay, there is a world of pins waiting for the motivated shopper.

The easiest way to shop for these little pieces of Disneyana is to visit one of Disney’s Pin Trader shops. Pin Trader shops are located at Downtown Disney in both Florida and California. These shops are a pin collector’s haven. The collector will find almost every type of pin and pin accessory imaginable within the walls of these unique shops. The only drawback to shopping at a Pin Trader shop is the limited number of shops in existence.

Disney pins are also available throughout the assortment of Disney resorts and theme parks. Many shops carry a small selection of pins, and small pin shops or carts can be found throughout the parks. Although the expense of park admissions prohibits unplanned shopping excursions for pins, no collector will be saddened to shop for new treasures while he enjoys a day on a Disney property.

Pin enthusiasts who don’t find themselves in close relation to a Disney property needn’t think that they can’t find an outlet for their collecting mania. Disney Stores located around the world may just be the answer to their prayers. Although a Disney Store location will not carry all of the pins that are released in Walt Disney World or Disneyland, there are still a wide variety of pins available for purchase.

Shoppers who don’t mind taking to the internet will find even more options for fulfilling their desire to find new Disney pins. DisneyShopping.com carries many of the same pins that would be found at a Disney Store. Although the collector may have to foot the bill for shipping his new treasures to his home, the additional expense is a small price to pay for satisfying his craving for a new pin.

Finally, eBay offers a plethora of Disney pins at any given time. From rare, expensive pins to discounted, current pins, eBay’s offering of pins runs the gamut of Disney pins. While the sheer volume of pins available may paralyze collectors upon their visit to the auction powerhouse’s website, in no time collectors will be able to appreciate their
options. Practically any pin the heart desires can be found at eBay.

Being able to purchase Disney pins in a variety of places is paramount to building any collection. Happily, that ability is easily met by the multitude of shops, virtual and real, that carry these little gems. No matter where they live, shoppers will have no difficulty finding ways to feed their collection.

Recognizing an Official Disney Pin

JLesgaspi — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:27:29 +0000

Disney pin collectors who have been trading pins for any length of time know how important it is to make sure that the pin they are considering trading for is eligible for trading. No trader wants to find out later that he’s been taken advantage of. He wants to know that each pin in his collection is an official Disney pin.

There are several different signs a collector can look for to confirm that the pin he is looking at is an official Disney pin. Although none of these features alone will confirm beyond a doubt that a pin is “real,” the presence of two or more of these features adds a great deal of credibility to the pin in question.

Many of the features of an official trading pin can be found on the pin’s back. The Disney copyright mark is always a good first indication that a pin is eligible for trading. However, the serious collector should know that some pins do not have the Disney trademark. Vintage pins from the 1960’s or 1970’s may have no mark on their back. Some of these pins may also have the words “Walt Disney Productions” stamped on the back. In general, though, collectors who are trading pins inside a theme park should expect to see the copyright mark on the back of any prospective pins.

Official Disney pins also tend to have the iconic, rubber Mickey head as its back. Certainly, most of the pins sold today feature this style of attachment. However, internet traders or collectors looking for a vintage pin can also expect to see “squeeze” backs, tie tack backs, and even screw on backs. Pins released before the 1990’s simply have the old-fashioned back similar to those used on brooches. Collectors should have an idea what style of back the pin they are interested in should have.

Pins touted as limited edition pins should carry its number on the pin’s back side. For instance, a pin that is one of a run of 500 pins should include a marking that tells the owner where the pin fell in the sequence of 500. If that marking doesn’t not include the sequence number, the pin is probably not an official trading pin.

Finally, no discussion of the authenticity of a Disney pin would be complete without pointing out the existence of "scrapper” pins. Scrapper pins are often manufactured by the same companies that manufactured the licensed Disney pins. These pins were created in excess of Disney’s order quantity or or did not meet the standards required of a Disney
pin. The manufacturer in these situations, however, did not destroy these unauthorized pins. Instead, they are sold on the market.

Fortunately for pin collectors, scrapper pins can look visibly different than their official counterparts making it easier to distinguish between the two types of pins. The method of display for these pins also lends a tip towards separating the two. Scrapper pins are often sold in bags rather than being displayed on the traditional card seen in Disney Pin Trading shops or Disney stores.