2003 is a banner year for pin collecting at Walt Disney World Resort, with pin trading events throughout the year, a new “scooper” trader and the next frontier in interactivity -- a new version of Disney’s Magical Moments pins. The myriad of opportunities Walt Disney World Merchandise offers pin traders in 2003 includes:
Scoop Sanderson: Pin trading beginners and enthusiasts who want the “inside scoop” can speak with an expert to hear the latest pin news as well as to learn pin trading basics -- such as etiquette and tips on “how to trade.” Scoop offers his insider tips each Sunday through Thursday at 1 p.m. at Exposition Hall located on Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom theme park. Sanderson also hosts games and activities for his “pin pals.” Park admission is required, and guests should check with the Exposition Hall cast members for the latest schedule of updates.
Mickey’s Pin Trading Nights: The fun happens from 7 to 10 p.m. -- on Thursday nights at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort and on Friday nights at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Children ages 6-14 are welcome in the Kids Zone.
Mickey's Superstar Trading Team: Mickey’s Superstar Trading Team is an event series designed to introduce guests to pin trading and provide a fun environment for both new and experienced pin traders. The team will pop up all over Walt Disney World property throughout 2003, bringing with it: pin trading information for beginners, pin trading games and activities, a Kids Zone for “Stars of Tomorrow,” limited edition and logo pin releases with gifts, and pin trading tables. All activities are complimentary.
Magical Moments Pins: A new generation of Disney’s Magical Moments pins debuted in April 2003. The interactive pins include all the brilliant fun of the original pins, lighting up during certain attractions and shows around Walt Disney World property. But the 2003 models also include interactive games and fun that guests can play while at Walt Disney World Resort or take home with them. In “game mode,” guests use buttons on the bottom of the pin to match wits with the pins, trying to follow the light patterns around the pin. There are even games in which guests can challenge each other, with the pins interacting with other pins within a 10-foot radius.
Mickey’s Toontown of Pin Trading June 14: Pin trading kids of all ages are invited to join their favorite characters in pin trading at Mickey’s Toontown of Pin Trading. The party will begin promptly at 6:30 a.m. in Town Square at Magic Kingdom. The event features a private character breakfast at Cosmic Rays; pin artisans signing their creations; commemorative merchandise and gifts; and the opportunity to view upcoming pin releases. Registered event guests will be able to sign in on June 13, 2003. Event admission is $45 per person (children under 3 are free). Theme park admission is not included but is required for attendance. Guests can register at the official Web site for Disney pin trading,
www.officialdisneypintrading.com.
Pin Collecting and Trading
Shopping and swapping their way across property, Walt Disney World guests have turned pin collecting into a bona fide craze. Guests bring bags, lanyards and vests full of their favorite pins to the theme parks to view and trade. Walt Disney World cast members wear special pin trading lanyards, and guests are encouraged to check out cast members’ collections and offer trades.
“With something to offer every guest, pin trading at Walt Disney World is very exciting in 2003,” says Kristen McElveen, merchandise manager in charge of pin trading at Walt Disney World Resort. “We have designed exclusive kids trading lanyards to give our youngest guests some very magical moments throughout our parks and resorts, and the latest version of our Disney’s Magical Moments pins thrills guests of all ages as they interact with our attractions, characters, and even each other.”
Visitors come from across the country and around the globe to trade pins with both cast members and other guests. The resort offers a huge collection of “core pins” featuring attractions, resorts and favorite Disney characters, priced between $6.50 and $8.50. Walt Disney World Resort also releases limited edition pins to commemorate special occasions and holidays, and to mark events in resort history. Pin trading stations are located at each of the four theme parks, the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment complex and Walt Disney World resorts. At scheduled times throughout the day, the stations have pin trading sessions where guests gather and trade pins with other enthusiasts.
Some fun facts about pin trading:
Walt Disney World Resort releases more than 350 new pins per year including 10 to 12 limited edition pins, 10 to 12 core pins and 5 to 10 special event pins per month.
There are more than 80 locations on Walt Disney World property that sell pins including 40 Official Pin Trading Stations.
Disney Auctions (
http://www.disneyauctions.com) presented by
eBay has auctioned a two-pin set featuring “pin trading” Mickey and Minnie which sold for $2,200, making it one of the rarest Disney pins around.
Collectors line up hours before the selling starts to purchase their favorite pins. Some limited edition pins sell out within 30 minutes, including the “Born to Shop Minnie,” a pin featuring Minnie Mouse participating in one of her favorite pastimes -- shopping.
For more information on pin trading at Walt Disney World Resort, guests can check out the Official Disney Pin Trading Web site,
http://www.officialdisneypintrading.com. 
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I think that is it. 4 parks compared to 2. Also, it seems that WDW makes more of their money from tourists then we do here. 
ºoº
