The Future of Disney Pin Trading?…Vending Machines

If you’re a frequent Disney Park visitor, chances are you’ve heard of Disney pin trading (if not participated in it a great deal). This Disney fan phenomenon allows guests to trade their Disney pins with other guests or cast members and has become a favorite tradition among the Disney community.

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Credit: D23

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Disney Pin Past

It began in the early 1990s and quickly grew in popularity. They come in various shapes, styles, and themes, including characters, attractions, theme parks, and special events. But one of people’s favorite aspects is searching for hard-to-find pins or special editions cast members have on as part of their costumes. However, many pin trading boards have been taken down through Walt Disney World Resort lately. This has caused many to speculate that Disney may be looking to do away with pin trading or significantly reduce its accessibility.

Credit: Disney

Rise of the Machines?

This past week, Walt Disney World Resort hosted the 2023 Magic Hap-Pins pin trading event. At this special event, it was reported that Disney had set up eight vending machines (similar to gachapon machines in Japan) to trade Disney pins.

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After a guest swipes their card, the machine dispenses a plastic ball with a mystery Disney pin inside. Although this particular offering was only available to guests who attended the event, it raised the question – could this be the future of Disney trading pins at the theme parks?

Credit: Disney

It would take the burden of Disney pin trading out of cast members‘ hands. However, it would cause the experience to lose the human element – which is part of what makes the interaction so unique and special.

Walt Disney World Introduces Disney Pin Vending Machines https://t.co/7caCijkX0B pic.twitter.com/mjH2HjowBe

— Conrad (@Mike_Conrad) August 26, 2023

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Even if Disney doesn’t move forward with permanently installing these vending machines in the theme parks, it seems like it’s something on the horizon. Even if that only means setting them up in hotel lobbies or at the Main Street, U.S.A. Emporium.

Credit: Disney