Favorite Ways to Wear, Store, and Carry Disney Trading Pins | Chica and Jo (2024)

Every time we go to Disney World (which we always look forward to with our Disney countdown calendar), MiniMe gets really excited to participate in pin trading action. And choosing how to carry, display, and organize those pins is half the fun, so I thought I'd share some of my favorite Disney pin trading holders.

But first, what is Disney pin trading?

Pin Trading at Disney World is a fun activity where you can collect and trade little lapel pins featuring various Disney characters. There are cast members at selected locations in the parks who will trade with you, and often other park guests will approach you for a trade as well. In either case, you each choose a pin you like from the other's collection, and if you agree on the match, you trade them. It's a fun way to get something new each time you visit and collect your favorite characters.

If you're new to trading, it's a good idea to get a Disney pin starter set before your first visit so that you have something to trade. Just keep in mind that Disney cast members will only trade for officially marked Disney pins.

1: Wear a lanyard

If you're looking for quick and easy, a lanyard is the way to go. It's the most popular way to carry trading pins around the park, and it lets everyone see exactly what you have. You can buy lanyards at the park during your visit, or save a little money and pick out one on Amazon ahead of time and bring it with you. The starter set lanyards even come with a few pins to get you started on your collection.

2: Carry a LoungeFly pin trading backpack

If you're going to carry a backpack on your park visit anyway, why not get one that can also display your collection? One of the most popular is the LoungeFly pin trader backpack which has tiny holes perfect for adding your pins. There are lots of different trading pin display backpacks available, so shop around before you go to find one that suits your taste.

3: Use a Pinfolio zippered folder

If you don't like to wear your pins around the park because they can get heavy or obtrusive, you might like to try a Pinfolio folder. They are zippered binders with a clear area for displaying your pins and have enough room to store extensive collections. You can carry them in your backpack out of site, or just use them at home for organizing your pins.

BONUS: Look for Hidden Mickey pins

When you're at the Disney parts, you may be able to find Hidden Mickey pins (a.k.a Hidden Disney pins). These are pins that are given to Disney cast members to trade with guests, and they each have a small Mickey Mouse head silhouette on them somewhere. You cannot purchase these pins in stores, and can only get them by trading, which makes them even more special.

The best secret Disney Pin trading spots

Each of the Disney Parks, as well as Disney Springs, have official trading locations where they will have pin boards available for trade as well as a large selection of pins for purchase. There are also "secret" pin trading boards located throughout the parks. To see these, you need to ask a cast member to show you the pin boards. For the best selection, try to hit these pin boards early in the day before they are picked over by other guests.

Here are the secret Disney pin trading locations we know about as of our last trip:

MAGIC KINGDOM secret pin trading locations

• Chapeau Hat Shop (ask to see their pin hat)
• Big Top Gift Shop (ask a cast member to “see the popcorn”)
• Agrabah Bazaar (ask to see the treasure chest at the desk)
• Main Street Confectionery (they use an oven mitt)
• Guest Services (you have to wait in line but then ask to see the book)
• Momento Mori (ask at the check-out)
• Tony's Town Square restaurant

EPCOT secret pin trading locations

• Meet Elsa and Anna - a shield contains lots of pins out front
• African Outpost
• Various Kidcot Stations

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS secret pin trading locations

• The gas station at the park front
• Rock n' Roller Coaster gift shop (it's a drum)

ANIMAL KINGDOM secret pin trading locations

• Stroller Rental at the park front
• Trash can to the left of the entrance

DISNEY RESORTS secret pin trading locations

All the Disney resorts have pin trading boards. Just ask at the gift shops and front desk as to their locations.

BONUS: Display your Disney pin collections at home

One of our favorite ways to display my daughters' pin collections at home is with cork boards. Chica made painted Disney pin collection display boards for both of the girls, each featuring a hand-painted image of their favorite character.

Even with just simple patterns, solids, or stripes, a little bit of craft paint can go a long way to making an otherwise dull cork board look extra special for displaying pins.

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Hi there! We are Chica and Jo, best friends who love to create whenever we can. From fun DIY projects to elaborate parties to delicious recipes, you're sure to find ideas that will inspire you. Take a look around and follow us @chicaandjo to see what we're up to today.

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