The Disneyland Resort has updated its pin trading guidelines. Some of these changes will change how some guests participate in this popular activity. While the basics of trading are still more or less the same, where and how it can be done will be changed. For example, the new guidelines forbid using tables, benches, or chairs to display pins. The guidelines also now seem to encourage the use of lanyards and small handheld pin-trading accessories. This comes in contrast with the big books full of pins that can sometimes be found in the parks and the Downtown Disney District.
The changes aren’t the first time that guidelines for pin trading have changed at the Disneyland Resort. Through the years, this has happened before. At one point, pin traders could be seen taking over the tables and chairs in the area that is now the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. They were eventually moved with a similar set of rules to this. This again changed, and pin traders were allowed to come together to meet just inside the entrance to Frontierland. There, high-top tables and benches could be seen packed with pins on display as pin traders came together to seek treasured pins.
It appears this change is aimed at catering to those who are general pin-trading fans as opposed to those who are going all out with this hobby. This is consistent with other changes at the Disneyland Resort. In general, these types of changes have been aimed at providing the greatest benefit to the largest number of people. It is also possible that these changes will end up being changed again down the line.
Here is a look at the full pin trading Q&A from the Disneyland website:
Pin Trading – Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What are the guidelines for Disney Pin Trading?
A:
When you are trading Disney Pins at the Disneyland Resort, please follow our etiquette and location guidelines for trading.
Pin Trading Etiquette
- Official Disney Pins
Only official Disney pins may be traded. The main criteria when judging whether a pin is tradable or not (although other factors may be considered) is that the metal pin needs to bear a “©Disney” mark on the back, representing an official Disney event, place, location, character or icon. A Disneyland Resort Cast Member has the sole discretion to determine whether or not a pin is tradable.- Pin Condition
Pins should be in good, undamaged and tradable condition, with the pin backing attached.- Safety
For a safe trading experience, please trade one pin at a time.- Trading Maximum
Trade a maximum of 2 pins per Cast Member or trading board, per day. Each trade is limited to one pin for one pin.- Ask First
Please refrain from touching the pin or lanyard of a Cast Member or Guest. If you need a closer look, kindly ask the Cast Member or Guest wearing the lanyard to give you a clearer view.- Not Exchangeable for Trade
The following may not be exchanged or in any way used when making a trade for a pin:
- Monies
- Gifts
- Vouchers
- Receipts
- Multiple pins for one pin
- Pins That Are Okay to Trade with a Cast Member
- Any tradable pin that is not currently displayed on a Cast Member’s lanyard or trading board
- Pins from other business units of The Walt Disney Company (e.g., ABC and ESPN), when a Cast Member determines them to be tradable
- Operating participant pins that show a Disney, Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort affiliation, when a Cast Member determines them to be tradable
- Pins That Are Not Okay to Trade with a Cast Member
- Unauthorized pins, plastic pins, rubber pins or other nonmetal pins
- Personalized name pins
- Brooch-style or clasp pins
- Disney Service Award pins, Disney Legacy Award pins, Spirit of Disneyland Resort pins, Partners in Excellence pins or Cast Member costume pins (including Host/Hostess badges and Disney Trainer pins)
- Retail Locations
Shop for approved Disney pins at the following locations:
- Disneyland Park
- Disney California Adventure
- Downtown Disney District
- Pin Trading Locations
Trade pins anywhere in the Disneyland Resort, using a lanyard and small handheld pin-trading accessories.- Limit the Items You Bring
Lanyards and small handheld pin-trading accessories are allowed, subject to the Disneyland Resort rules, but no additional decorations or collateral (e.g., lights, signage, displays, etc.) are permitted.- No Use of Benches, Chairs or Tables
Pins are not allowed to be displayed on benches, chairs or tables. Benches and chairs are for seating purposes only.Valid Park admission and reservation required for Park entry. Disney Pin Trading guidelines are subject to change without notice. Guests suspected of abusing the guidelines may be subject to, among other things, removal from the Disneyland Resort premises.
What do you think of these updated guidelines? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
