command long lines and sell out fast .
Pins can also be part of a matching set . For example , a set of cupcakes that represent Mickey and his pals . Look on the back for a number sequence ( 2 of 5 ) to see how many more are in that set . Collecting all the pins in a set can be your next vacation obsession .
HOW TO TRADE WITH FRIENDS & GUESTS With a hobby in common , pin traders are usually excited to talk about pins . While pin trading is fun , it ’ s important to maintain respect . When approaching other guests about a potential pin trade , don ’ t touch their lanyard or pins without asking .
HOW TO TRADE WITH CAST MEMBERS Cast Members wearing a pin lanyard are ready to trade with guests . Remain respectful when trading pins with Cast Members . Don ’ t touch a Cast Member ’ s pins , but instead wait for them to remove theirs and hand it to you . If they ’ re busy , avoid asking for a trade . You can always come back !
Cast Members can trade any pins outside of awards and service pins . You can only trade one pin of the same style with a Cast Member — and make sure it isn ’ t already on their lanyard . Look for pins with a “ hidden ” Mickey on them : These are only available by trading with a Cast Member .
Cast Members wearing green lanyards are for children only .
PIN BOARDS AND MYSTERY BOXES Pin boards are small cork board displays outside shops and attractions around WDW that can hold dozens of pins for you to peruse . A Cast Member attends to each board , ready to help you with your pin selection .
Look for pin boards held by Cast Members near park attractions and at most WDW shops . Newer pin boards are Mickey shaped , so they ’ re hard to miss . Sometimes pin boards are kept behind the counter , so be sure to ask a Cast Member if one is available for you to look at .
Want a bit of a challenge instead of picking from a pin board ? In October of 2021 , Walt Disney World added mystery pin boxes . These work the same as pin boards , but you have to pick one of 24 drawers and trade your pin for the one inside .
Look for pin boards ( not all are Mickey shaped ) near stores and attractions throughout the parks and resorts . PHOTO BY JUDD HELMS
In 2021 , Walt Disney World added pin trading locations to all park and Disney Springs maps to make it even easier to find pin boards and mystery boxes .
PIN TRADING TIPS One of the best pin trading tips is to make sure you have different pin backs than the rubber Mickey backings that come with Disney pins . The rubber pin backs tend to come off , so we recommend metal locking pin backs . You can find these sold in WDW gift shops , but they are cheaper online . Try to get the ones that don ’ t need an Allen wrench-style key .
New pin sets are released each month , so the perfect collection is always just around the corner . And with new mystery trading boxes and pin locations designated on Walt Disney World maps , there ’ s plenty of motivation for your new hobby ( or longtime obsession ). Happy trading !
Newly introduced " blind box " pin trading adds a fun element of mystery . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG