How to Start a Disney Pin Collection (Beginner’s Guide)

Author: Lisa | Pins and Wishes

Disney pin collecting is one of the most popular Disney hobbies for fans of all ages. Whether you’re visiting the parks for the first time or discovering pin trading online, learning how to start a Disney pin collection can feel overwhelming at first.

This beginner-friendly guide walks you through everything you need to know to start collecting Disney pins with confidence — from choosing your first pins to understanding authenticity and release types.

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What Is Disney Pin Collecting?

Disney pin collecting involves purchasing, trading, and collecting officially released Disney pins. Pins often feature:

• Disney characters
• Attractions
• Movies
• Seasonal and special event designs

Pins can be collected for fun, traded at the parks, or curated into themed collections.

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Step 1: Decide What Kind of Pins You Want to Collect

One of the first steps in starting a Disney pin collection is choosing a focus. Many collectors start with:

• A favorite Disney character (Mickey, Stitch, princesses)
• A favorite movie or attraction
• Holiday or seasonal pins
• Park-exclusive designs

There’s no “right” way to collect — the best collections reflect personal interests.

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Step 2: Learn the Different Types of Disney Pins

Understanding pin types helps you make better buying decisions.

Open Edition Disney Pins

• Produced without a set limit
• Available for longer periods
• Great for beginners and trading

Limited Release Disney Pins

• Produced in smaller quantities
• No publicly stated edition size
• Often sell out quickly

Limited Edition Disney Pins

• Produced in a fixed, announced quantity
• Highly collectible
• Often tied to special events or anniversaries

👉 Learn more in our complete guide: Open Edition vs Limited Edition vs Limited Release Disney Pins

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Step 3: Buy Authentic Disney Pins

Authenticity is one of the most important parts of Disney pin collecting. Unfortunately, fake and scrapper pins exist.

Tips for buying authentic Disney pins:

• Buy from official Disney sources
• Purchase from trusted sellers who disclose sourcing
• Avoid bulk lots with no details
• Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true
• At Pins and Wishes, every pin is purchased directly from Disney, so collectors can shop with confidence.

👉 Read more: How to Tell if a Disney Pin Is Authentic

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Step 4: Start with Open Edition Pins

For beginners, open edition Disney pins are a great starting point:

• Affordable
• Widely available
• Perfect for trading
• Easy to build a collection quickly

Many experienced collectors still enjoy open edition pins alongside rarer pieces.

👉 Browse our open edition Disney pins sourced directly from Disney.

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Step 5: Learn About Disney Pin Trading

Disney pin trading allows guests to trade pins with:

• Cast Members at the parks
• Other collectors

To trade:

• Pins must be authentic Disney pins
• Pins should be in good condition
• Pins should have original backs when possible
• Pin trading is optional — many collectors choose to collect only.

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Step 6: Store and Display Your Pins

Protecting your pins keeps them looking their best.

Popular storage options include:

• Pin boards
• Shadow boxes
  
• Locking pin backs
• Pin Bags

Avoid tossing pins loose into bags or drawers where they can scratch.

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Step 7: Grow Your Collection Over Time

As you gain experience, you may want to explore:

• Limited release pins
• Limited edition pins
• Event-exclusive or park-exclusive designs

Collect at your own pace — pin collecting is meant to be enjoyable, not stressful.

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Where Beginners Should Buy Disney Pins

Buying from trusted sources makes a huge difference, especially when starting out.

Pins and Wishes offers:

• Authentic Disney pins purchased directly from Disney
• Open edition, limited release, and limited edition pins
• Clear descriptions and careful packaging

👉 Explore our blog latest authentic Disney pin releases.

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Final Tips for New Disney Pin Collectors

• Collect what you love
• Learn pin types early
• Prioritize authenticity
• Buy from trusted sellers
• Have fun — that’s what Disney pin collecting is all about

Starting a Disney pin collection is a magical experience, and with the right knowledge, you’ll build a collection you’re proud of.