The pin exchange at Walt Disney World, which began as part of the Millennium Celebration in 1999, has created a subculture of its own. The process is simple, fun, and interactive – you simply buy a Disney pin in the park (they cost between $ 6 and $ 50) and then trade with other guests, or even cast members wearing lanyards filled with pins. The twist, of course, is that some pins are more valuable than others, depending on the year of issue and the quantity produced. Some are so rare that they are instant collectibles. For a list of the top five most wanted Disney pins, take a look below.
Mickey Mouse with dream jewelry
This is probably the rarest and most valuable of all the Disney World pins. It was released exclusively at Disney’s pin event, Expedition: PINS! in 2008. The brooch features a waving Mickey Mouse adorned with over 130 jewels. The retail value of the pin is estimated at $ 1,295.00, but you won’t find this for sale at any Disney store, making its actual price much higher. Only a total of 3 pins were produced, so if you simply must have one, check eBay often.
The hat of the mad hatter
It’s just a small rendition of the Mad Hatter’s famous green top hat with the mysterious 10/6 label, but this is actually one of the rarest Walt Disney World pins in circulation. There is no exact edition number available because this little gem was sold exclusively to cast members in 2003. It is now a collector’s item … that is, if you can get it. We hear that there may be one or two still floating around Disney World somewhere. Good luck on your search.
Framed Set from Figment Collection
Disney World only produced 75 of these pins, which are part of a 4-pin set commemorating the 2009 event at the Museum of Pin-tiquities at Epcot. Figment himself appears on this pin on a black background in a circular frame. This was a finishing pin awarded to those who completed the Figment Collection framed set, making this small number an exclusive and extremely rare item. It’s not for sale at the park or at the Disney World online pin shipment, so your best bet for snagging this one is an online auction.
Donald Duck wet paint
Only 1000 of these limited edition pins were produced and sold at the Magic Kingdom in 2001. The pin shows Donald against a yellow background screaming like one of his nephews, smearing wet paint everywhere. The small number of pins manufactured combined with the fun design have made it one of the most coveted Disney World pins. Although it originally debuted at $ 6.95 at the Magic Kingdom, it now fetches more than $ 150 from online auctions.
Flubber 2000
The original Flubber pin was a surprise hit with collectors. Trading this pin was crazy in the park, and it still remains one of the most sought-after pins. That, of course, matters little to a collector. You can still find the Flubber pin floating around Walt Disney World (500 were produced after all), but you have to look carefully. It may turn out to be quite a search. If you can’t find one after touring Disney World, you can find replicas for sale at the Disney pin store online. Just keep in mind that the design of the replicas is different from the original – the design of the newer version commemorates 10 years of pin swapping.
If the Disney pin exchange has taught us anything, it’s that the value of a price under $ 10 can skyrocket. The safest way to find a valuable pin is to buy the ones with a lower edition number (check the back of the pins to see the exact number created). Then trade carefully and wisely while in the park. Finally, always be courteous and friendly to the cast members you want to trade with – they may have the goods you want, but they are busy people with a lot to do. A friendly demeanor goes a long way and might even get you a high-value pin.
