Disney pin trading has always been a cornerstone of the collector community, but in recent months it has taken on a more competitive edge. Every Tuesday, fans line up at Disney Springs for the latest limited-edition pins, often hours before stores open. The rush has been exciting for some but frustrating for others, especially with complaints about fairness in how lines were managed.
One of the biggest sticking points was the advantage ride share users had. Guests arriving by Uber or Lyft could be dropped off near Disney Pin Traders, putting them steps ahead of those coming from the parking garages or buses. Because wristbands for purchases were handed out in order of arrival, the ride share crowd consistently ended up near the front, even if other collectors had been waiting longer elsewhere.
Disney has now moved to correct this imbalance. Beginning September 9, Cast Members started funneling both ride share guests and garage parkers to the same bridge checkpoint. From there, wristbands are given out in an alternating order between the two groups. By synchronizing arrivals, Disney has essentially erased the shortcut that once gave ride share users a clear edge.
The change has been welcomed by many in the pin community, especially those who felt overlooked after arriving earlier through traditional transportation. While this doesn’t address every issue—like resellers scooping up large numbers of pins or reports of line cutting—it’s a sign that Disney is willing to respond to guest concerns.
Meanwhile, EPCOT has been experimenting with different approaches of its own. Recent pin releases there used a mix of virtual queues and wristbands, suggesting Disney is still testing methods to reduce stress and make the process smoother.
Pin collecting may only involve small items, but for fans, it’s about fairness and the excitement of scoring something special. Disney’s adjustment at Disney Springs is a reminder that even small operational tweaks can make a big difference in how the community experiences the magic.
