Disneyland recently changed its pin trading rules, which have significantly impacted how trading works at the theme parks. Pin trading at the Disney Parks has become a popular practice with a culture of its own, where guests swap, collect, and search for rare designs.
As a result of the popularity of pin trading, groups had begun gathering in certain areas of the theme parks with binders full of pins to trade. Now, pin trading looks quite different since this recent rule change. Keep reading for all the details of this rule change and how it’s impacted pin trading. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including a new opening day ride closure and a Disney restaurant that too many guests skip.
READ MORE – Sadly Stolen Strollers Do Happen at Disney—Here’s How to Avoid It Happening to You
New Disneyland Pin Trading Rule Changes Experience
Disney recently updated its pin trading guidance with a new policy stating that: “Pins are not allowed to be displayed on benches, chairs, or tables.” This rule change also modified what guests may bring into the parks for trading, noting that “lanyards and small handheld pin-trading accessories are permitted, subject to Disneyland Resort rules; however, additional decorations or attachments (such as lights, signage, or display setups) are not allowed.”
Disney Ride Closure ALERTS, Major Changes, Secrets Revealed
Get alerts on closures, park changes, exclusive discounts, and free printables. Trusted by 100,000+ Disney fans & planners.
These new rules targeted the pin trading area of Frontierland, which was a popular gathering place for guests to trade using large pin trading binders and boards. Since binders full of pins or large boards don’t fit the criteria of lanyards or small handheld-pin trading accessories, these will no longer be allowed in Disneyland. The new pin trading rules have essentially put an end to this practice.
Now that these new rules are in effect, the pin trading area near Westward Ho Trading Company in Frontierland has been transformed into a kids-only space as of May 19. Guests will still be welcome to participate in pin trading using a lanyard or other “small handheld pin trading” accessory in other areas of the resort.
Kids Only Pin Trading Happening Now
A Reddit user posted this recent photo seen below of what the area looks like now with the new rules in effect, and this area is being led by cast members. The area is notably less congested now and features three tables with blue tablecloths. One table includes the booklets with the new Disneyland scavenger hunt, and two others include pin trading boards.
Many of the comments on Reddit have been positive, with one user noting, “Most indirect way of telling scalpers to let kids have hobbies.” Most of the comments focused on how this practice cuts down on traders reselling pins for high amounts.
Another user also commented, saying, “Hope they keep this type of thing going because the scammer pin traders have really ruined it for everyone. I have always traded with kids in line even if it was a pin I really liked and the value was more. Seeing a kids face light up when you say yes, is what pin trading and Disney are supposed to be about!” This practice does make pin trading feel more welcoming for kids, especially those who may have previously found the large groups of adults trading pins in this area intimidating.
Based on how direct Disneyland is with these rule changes, I don’t anticipate the practice of stationary pin trading spaces returning even once Kids Rule Summer ends.
READ MORE – 10 of the Craziest Food Items You Can Get at Disney Parks
The new kids-only pin trading area is being advertised as part of the Kids Rule Summer promotion, which also includes discounted children’s tickets and the new Bluey show.
What do you think of these new pin trading rules? Do you think this is a fair rule change?
Don’t Miss the Latest Disney News
Don’t miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips.
