What have I started- Pin Trading
I have been going to Disney World for a very, very, very long time.
Like… a really long time.
I can’t even count how many times I’ve been. Let’s just say: it’s been a lot.
And yet—there are still things I refuse to do.
I will not step foot into Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
I will not ride The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Absolutely not. We all have boundaries.
But then there are the things I’ve always noticed… and quietly wondered about.
One of those things?
Pin trading.
And much to my husband’s dismay… I finally did it.
I bought my first pack.
It was a green mystery pack- which already felt like a bold financial and emotional decision.
So many to choos from…
But then… magic.
I did a happy dance when I got the Figment pin.
I got a Figment pin.
And let me be very clear:
He is never leaving me. Ever. Not for trade. Not for negotiation. Not even for something rare and sparkly.
The second pin?
Judy Hopps—from Zootopia 2.
Now… I wish her well. She seems lovely. But I did not feel a connection.
So I traded her.
Pins looking for new homes are everywhere at Disney—stores, restaurants, out in the open.
Most are on Mickey-shaped boards… but they also show up on random stands, on towel animals (yes, really), and even on a hat at The Hollywood Brown Derby.
And let me say this…
I was so nervous to try pin trading.
For no reason.
It is shockingly easy.
You just ask to see the pins, look at the board, and if you find one you like—you swap it.
Take one, leave one. That’s it.
(Pro tip: take the backing off your old pin before you trade so you can reuse it—learned that one quickly.)
A few basic rules I’ve picked up:
• You can trade up to two pins per board
• If your pin is already on the board, you can’t trade it there
• Please don’t be that person—only trade real Disney pins
And honestly?
I’m pretty sure there are more rules… but no one hands you a manual.
It feels like a secret network of knowledge.
So I traded Judy for a yellow Mickey.
Do I miss Judy? A little.
But the yellow Minnie and I… we understand each other.
My beautiful yellow pin
And just like that… I became an official pin trader.
(No button. No ceremony. Honestly, a missed opportunity on Disney’s part.)
I’m very lucky to have G guiding me through this cultural phenomenon… because without her, this would quickly turn into chaos.
Now let me say this…
I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing.
But I am in it now.
And honestly?
It’s kind of thrilling.
A little chaotic.
Slightly stressful.
Mildly addictive.
