4. Know your pins

Expert pin traders know the value of a rare pin when they see it. If you’re serious about pin trading, do some research before you arrive to identify collections or pins that you’re particularly interested in. Many pins come in sets. If you’re after a set, it’s good to know how many pins are in it and what they look like.

When you can tell a CM something specific about what you’re looking for, they’re better equipped to help you. They may be able to point you toward a coworker with your coveted pin, or tell you about another location where they’ve seen what you’re looking for.

Pin web sites can also clue you in to the characteristics of fakes. If you’re serious about getting authentic pins, you’ll want to know when to look for discolored paints or other small details that will clue you in to pins that aren’t authentic.

5. Approach guest trades well-prepared

Not all guests who wear pins in the park are looking to trade with other guests. Many just want to show off their goods. There are tables outside the pin kiosk behind Spaceship Earth at Epcot and outside the pin store at Downtown Disney where guests occasionally set up specifically to trade. Here you may spot avid pin traders with their books or boards, looking to trade with other guests.

Cast Members will accept any pin trade so long as you’re offering another authentic Disney pin. Other guests, however, may reject your trade. It’s important to offer a pin of equal value when you trade with a guest. Those who set up to trade usually know the worth of everything in their collection and won’t want to trade for something that diminishes its value.

6. Observe proper etiquette

Expert pin traders know how to approach Cast Members correctly and conduct a polite trade. Always ask to see a CMs pins rather than leering at them from a distance. Cast Members wearing pins are always happy to show them to you, but it can get uncomfortable when guests are staring at your lanyard without saying anything. You can trade two pins per Cast Member per day.

Backward pins are mystery pins that you must trade for without knowing what they are. You can’t trade a mystery pin right back to the Cast Member even if you don’t like it. Keep some pins on hand that you don’t care about to trade for mystery pins and keep in mind that you can always trade them away to the next CM you see.

7. Keep an eye out for exclusive sets

Many pin sets are limited editions. If you spot a limited edition pin or collection, you’ll want to grab them while you can. Some pins can only be purchased at special events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. You want to keep a keen eye on lanyards at these events, too. Some of the exclusive sets are mystery pins, so guests will trade away their duplicates.

Pin trading is a popular hobby for good reason, and you can easily fill the better part of your day looking for pins if you’re interested in searching down the very best choices in the park.