Disney Pin Trading at Walt Disney World
One of the most charming traditions in the parks: swapping collectible pins with Cast Members and fellow guests. Here's how it works, what you can trade, and how to do it like a pro.
What is Disney pin trading?
Disney pin trading is a park-wide tradition where guests collect and swap enamel Disney pins featuring characters, attractions, milestones, and hidden gems. Cast Members throughout Walt Disney World wear lanyards or pin packs, and they're happy to trade with you — meaning even first-timers can walk in with a few pins and walk out with new favorites.
The fun is in the hunt. You never quite know what a Cast Member will have, and trading is open to everyone regardless of age or experience. It's a low-cost, high-charm way to take a piece of the magic home.
Getting started: tips for beginners
1. Start with a starter set
You don't need a rare collection to begin. Many guests buy an inexpensive lot of tradable pins before their trip specifically to swap away — that way you've always got something to offer without parting with pins you love.
2. Cast Members must trade with you
Here's the beginner-friendly secret: if you offer a Cast Member a tradable pin, they'll generally accept the trade — even if your pin seems "lesser" than theirs. It's a wonderful way for kids and newcomers to score pins they actually want.
3. Look for lanyards and pin boards
Cast Members wearing lanyards or pin packs are signaling they're open to trading. Some locations also have stationary trading boards. Green lanyards traditionally indicate a Cast Member trading specifically with younger guests.
4. Bring your own lanyard
A lanyard or pin bag keeps your collection visible and organized — and invites other guests to trade with you too, not just Cast Members.
What makes a pin tradable?
The main test is simple: a genuine, metal Disney pin marked with a "©Disney" stamp on the back, representing an official Disney character, place, event, or icon. The pin should be in good shape, undamaged, with its backing still attached. Keep in mind a Cast Member can always use their own discretion on any individual trade.
The trading rules, explained simply
Etiquette
- Trade one pin at a time for a safe, relaxed exchange.
- Ask before touching — don't handle anyone's lanyard or pins. If you'd like a closer look, politely ask the person to hold it up for you.
- When trading with a Cast Member, offer a pin that isn't already on their lanyard or board.
Limits
- You can trade up to two pins per Cast Member or trading board, per day.
- Pins can only be swapped for other pins — no money, gifts, vouchers, or receipts may be used in a trade.
What you can trade
- Official metal Disney pins with the ©Disney mark, in good condition.
- Pins from other parts of The Walt Disney Company (such as ABC or ESPN), at the Cast Member's discretion.
- Operating-participant pins that clearly show a Disney, Disneyland, or Walt Disney World affiliation are generally accepted.
What you can't trade
- Unauthorized, plastic, rubber, or any non-metal pins.
- Personalized name pins.
- Brooch-style or clasp pins.
- Cast Member–only pins — including Service Award, Legacy Award, Partners in Excellence, and costume pins (like VIP Tour Guide, Coordinator, or Disney Trainer pins).
Where to trade pins at Walt Disney World
You'll find pins for sale and Cast Members ready to trade at shops across all four parks and Disney Springs. Here are the pin-trading stores, grouped by park.
Magic Kingdom
- Big Top Souvenirs
- Curtain Call Collectibles
- Emporium
- Fantasy Faire
- Frontier Trading Post
- Main Street Cinema
- Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar
- Star Traders
- Ursa's Major Minor Mart
- Ye Old Christmas Shoppe
EPCOT
- Creations Shop
- ImageWorks
- Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay
- Pin Traders — Camera Center
- SeaBase Gift Shop
- Test Track Gear Shop
- World Traveler
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Celebrity 5&10
- First Order Cargo
- In Character
- Keystone Clothiers
- Mickey's of Hollywood
- Once Upon a Time
- Resistance Supply
- Rock Around the Shop opens May 26, 2026
- Sunset Ranch Pins and Souvenirs
- Tatooine Traders
- Tower Hotel Gifts
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Discovery Trading Company
- Island Mercantile
- Kilimanjaro Safaris Cart
- Mariya's Souvenirs
- Mombasa Marketplace
- Riverside Depot
- Serka Zong Bazaar
- Windtraders
Disney Springs
- Disney's Pin Traders
- Star Wars Galactic Outpost
- World of Disney
These guidelines are summarized in our own words for convenience. Rules can change at any time, so always confirm the current, official policy on Disney's website: Disney Pin Trading — official guidelines.