Collecting Hidden Mickey Pins From Disney
Originally called Cast Lanyard Pins, the Disney Hidden Mickey Pins are collectibles from the Disney Resorts. These pins, which measure approximately 1.25″, are available for trade from Cast Members at the resorts. The pins are identified by a small box with the words “Hidden Mickey Pin” on the back stamp of each pin, and somewhere in the artwork on the front of each pin is a small Mickey Mouse Icon.
The pins are released in sets, and on the back stamp is noted the number of pins in the set (for example, “1 of 6″). While some pins are for sale via the Hidden Mickey Mystery Pouch, the pins are primarily available from Cast Members at the resort.
The Cast Lanyard pins were first released in 2002, and the Hidden Mickey was added to the pins in the third series release. The name of the collectibles was changed to Hidden Mickey Pins with the release of the 5th series in 2007, when 94 of the most popular earlier pins were released.
Of course, like most collectibles, there is a general market for these pins outside of the Resort. Because each set of pins is available for a limited time, prices for pins can reach as high as $500 on e-bay, depending on the rarity of the pin. Other stores, both online and offline, carry these popular collectible pins. A quick internet search will return a plethora of sites where they can be bought.
Disney Hidden Mickey Pins can also be acquired through trade outside of the Disney Resorts. Organizations have sprung up online to facilitate the trading of pins. Members list the pins they have to trade as well as the pins they are looking to acquire. Volunteers keep the database current to facilitate trade between members.
If you want to trade pins with Cast Members at any of the Disney Resorts (except the Tokyo Resorts, where pins aren’t traded), remember there are rules and etiquette to observe in the trading. Be sure to get a copy of the pamphlet at the resort that covers the rules and general etiquette for trading the Disney Hidden Mickey Pins.
