Where To Trade Disney Pins: Best Boards, Lanyards, Resorts, And Beyond

We’re huge fans of collecting things like Disney Pins, and we’re cooking up a special project that is inspired by our love of collectibles.

If you’re new to pin trading, start with our two-minute primer, Disney Pin Trading 101.

If you already know the basics, this is your playbook for finding great trades without turning your day into an exhausting sprint.

The basics of Disney Pin Trading are simple: offer an authentic Disney pin, trade one-for-one, and keep it friendly. 

Cast Members typically allow two trades per guest per lanyard or board per day. Hidden Mickey waves appear on lanyards and boards - sometimes a flood in the first few weeks of a new wave, then a trickle as the season rolls on. 

Each day in a Disney Park has a rhythm you can ride:

• Rope drop: fresh lanyards.

• Late morning to early afternoon: boards get love while shops slow down.

• Evening: last-call surprises as guests trade before heading out.

If you honor that rhythm - and your feet - you’ll see more interesting pins without wearing yourself out.

The first hour is where small, consistent habits add up.

Start with front-line shops

• Walt Disney World – Magic Kingdom: Emporium as you enter, then Frontier Trading Post on your way to the west side of the park.

• EPCOT: Pin Traders – Camera Center near Spaceship Earth, then World Showcase shops as they open.

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: shops around Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset.

• Animal Kingdom: Island Mercantile is an easy first scan.

• Disneyland Park: 20th Century Music Company on Main Street, then Little Green Men Store Command in Tomorrowland.

• Disney California Adventure: shops near Buena Vista Street and Elias & Co.

How to scan fast without being “that person”

• Greet, smile, and ask, “Mind if I take a quick look?”

• Have your pins ready so the cast member can see your traders too.

• Make two smart swaps and move along. Momentum beats camping one spot.

Hidden Mickey timing

New waves tend to hit lanyards early in a shift. If you’re hunting a specific wave, make two quick laps through your opening-area shops before you wander deep into the park.

By late morning, crowds typically begin to funnel toward rides. Shops may have a little more breathing room. This is board time.

Why boards shine midday

• Managers often refresh boards when retail slows.

• The lighting is better for micro-checks - you may be able to spot enamel dips and finish differences faster inside.

• You can take a moment to zoom your phone camera on back stamps without blocking a queue.

Board etiquette that wins friends

• Politely ask if you can see the pin board (or simply ask if the shop has one, if you're not sure) - some are behind a counter and are happily brought out.

• Take a photo of the full board, step to the side, and zoom in. You may be able to catch tiny details your eyes miss in glare.

• If someone is clearly helping a child through a trade, give them space and cheer them on!

A sample WDW midday loop that ventures outside the parks:

• Magic Kingdom board near Frontier Trading Post.

• Monorail to Polynesian Village Resort lobby shop board.

• Grand Floridian boutique board.

• Contemporary Resort board, then walk back or monorail to your evening park.

You just racked air-conditioned trades and a hydration break without losing the thread of your day.

The last half hour before close can sometimes be sneaky good. People empty pockets, make “one last trade,” guests rush to get one more ride in, and pin fatigue sets in.

Your move:

• Loop the same front-line shops you hit at rope drop.

• Ask for any boards that might have been pulled earlier.

• Check cast lanyards near park exits - you’ll be surprised what shows up after dinner.

If you only have 30 minutes for trading all day, make it this window. It’s unhurried and can be weirdly lucky!

While trading in the parks allows you the best of both worlds - pins AND rides, resorts can offer low-stress treasure hunts - calmer crowds, better lighting, laid back chats.

Monorail trio (WDW)

• Polynesian Village Resort: lobby gift shops rotate boards.

• Grand Floridian: boutiques with bright light - perfect for authenticity checks.

• Contemporary: quick hop with boards that refill in the lull between lunch and dinner.

Skyliner hop (WDW)

• Pop Century / Art of Animation: family energy, boards have new offerings frequently.

• Caribbean Beach & Riviera: quieter boards that turn over steadily.

Disneyland

• Disneyland Hotel and Grand Californian often keep a board at concierge or a lobby shop - just ask politely.

Plan one resort loop per trip - you’ll come back to the parks fresher and with more trades than you’d think.

Disney’s Pin Traders at Disney Springs is your pin trading hub without even needing a park ticket. Evenings are best - cooler air, a bit less chaotic, more patient browsing. Boards refresh with foot traffic, and the cast is usually happy to talk wave differences.

Nearby shops sometimes keep small boards. A friendly ask unlocks them.

Pin trading does happen at sea - the format just varies by ship and sailing. Instead of banking on a specific night or officer event, use this simple plan:

Find the opportunities:

• Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app each morning for any “pin trading” or “collectibles” activities. These pop-ups are announced day-of and can be hosted in shops or atrium spaces.

• Ask Guest Services on embarkation day if any trading moments are scheduled. Crew can usually tell you where and when to look.

• Keep an eye on merchandise shops during slower hours. Team members sometimes set out a small board without a formal listing.

How to trade onboard without stress:

• Travel light - bring a small foam panel of traders and keep your favorites tucked away. Walkways get busy, so compact setups keep things moving.

• Mind the flow - trade off to the side so you’re not blocking entrances or atrium stairways.

• Stick to official pins and one-for-one etiquette, same as the parks. No buying or selling onboard.

Expectation check:

• Some sailings feature hosted meetups, others keep it casual. Treat anything scheduled as a bonus - you can still find great trades by checking shops during off-peak times, chatting with crew, and keeping your kit ready.

This is where the hobby feels most like a community. Keep it welcoming and you’ll get that energy back.

Approach script

• “Hey there - your lanyard looks awesome. Mind if I take a quick look?”

• “I’ve got traders too if you want to browse.”

• “Totally fine if not - hope you have a great day!”

Fair offers

• Multiple open-edition pins for a limited edition is common, but not required as long as both parties are happy with the proposed trade.

• If you’re not sure, ask what the other person collects and frame your offer around their theme.

Lines and kids

At the risk of being repetitive, if you notice someone teaching a first trade, step back and let them have that moment. You’ll remember the smile longer than any single pin.

• Camping a single board hoping for magic. Don't be afraid to rotate!

• Skipping resorts - calm lobbies deliver surprising finds with better lighting.

• Overloading your lanyard - this can lead to twisting, catches, and bent posts.

Reset with one slow lap and a drink of water. The next board might be the one that holds your chase pin!

Below are a couple of videos that give a good idea of what to expect in different Disney locations:

• “Disney Springs Pin Trading Walkthrough” – Watch it here:

• "Disneyland Pin Trading - Locations and Getting Started" – Watch it here:

(If the embedded videos don’t load, you can click the links to view them on YouTube.)

A great Disney pin trading day isn’t a sprint - it’s a bit more like a marathon. 

Start with fresh lanyards, shift into shaded boards, and finish with an easy last-call loop. Mix in a calm resort circuit, keep your kit light, and approach fellow collectors with kindness.

Do that and you’ll come home with more than pins - you’ll collect the memories and stories that'll keep you smiling long after your trip is done.

Next steps:

Until next time… happy trading!