Disney updated its pin trading guidance at Disneyland in May, making sweeping changes that put an end to the large groups that gathered at the entrance of Frontierland to trade pins. This area has now been transformed into a kids-only trading space as part of the new summer entertainment promotion focused on kids.
Walt Disney World has a similar area known for active pin trading, leading many to wonder if the crackdown on large groups trading pins could also be coming. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including new license plates for Disneyland Magic Key holders and a new menu revealed for the newest Disney Springs location.
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Disney Cracking Down on Pin Trading
In May, Disneyland updated its pin trading guidance with a new policy stating that “Pins are not allowed to be displayed on benches, chairs, or tables.” The rule change also added restrictions for what guests could 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.”
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The new rules effectively ended the large gathering area in Frontierland, which was a popular place for guests to trade using large pin trading binders and boards. 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. Since the change went into effect, Disneyland has stated that guests are still welcome to participate in pin trading using a lanyard or other “small handheld pin trading” accessory in other areas of the resort.
This new pin trading policy has eliminated the large groups that would gather in the parks and lay out binders and boards to trade pins at Disneyland.
Is EPCOT Next for Pin Trading Restrictions?
Disney World has also felt the effects of the growing popularity of pin trading. The popularity of this hobby may have been one contributing factor behind the recent Disney Springs parking garage restrictions. These restrictions were implemented to discourage large groups from arriving hours before opening to line up for merchandise releases, including the popular Pin Tuesday events.
When Disneyland cracked down on the large groups pin trading in their theme parks, many people online immediately pointed out the similar groups that gather in EPCOT at Disney World. At EPCOT, the pin trading groups gather in the breezeway near Connections Café and Creations Shop. These Disney pin enthusiasts gather to trade pins with one another and lay out large binders and boards full of pins along the tables in this area. This has become a popular yet unofficial spot for the Disney pin trading community in Disney World.
However, many complaints from other guests report that they feel the groups have grown too large and take up too much space. Some of these complaints online focus on how pin trading has taken over this covered walkway, especially since it’s the closest shaded area to the popular Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind thrill ride.
Like with any of these groups, some complaints also point out that there have been some counterfeit or “scrapper” pins, along with some guests accusing some of the pin traders of being aggressive when it comes to taking tables and benches. However, other comments have noted positive experiences with the EPCOT pin traders and describe them as friendly hobbyists who enjoy sharing their collections and helping newcomers learn about pins.
Previously, pin traders at EPCOT used to gather directly outside Pin Traders and were then told to relocate by Disney in 2025. This is when the large groups moved into the breezeway near Connections Café and Creations Shop. This was the last time there was a pin trading crackdown from Disney, but it’s not unreasonable to expect another one soon. On our recent visit, we were surprised to see how large the crowds have become in the breezeway, and it might not be long before it catches Disney’s eye.
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Disney World has recently taken steps to address crowding across the resort, including new restrictions on transportation access at Disney Springs and increased enforcement of policies limiting pool access to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels.
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