Did a Disneyland Souvenir Spark Disney Pin Trading of Today?
As our family continues to build our pin collections, we often ask, “What was the first Disney pin?” Disney pin trading as a hobby is a huge part of the Disney culture. So, when did it really start? Recently we came across a 1986 Disneyland Commemorative Pin Set. This puzzled us since according to the internet pin trading didn’t exist until 1999. But just maybe the real catalyst was in the 1980s with a set of pins to commemorate each land at Disneyland. Let’s take a look at this theory.
The History of Disney Pins
To understand the appeal of Disney Pin trading it is important to go back to where it all started. Disney pins have a long history that also “started with a mouse”. There are three documented Mickey pins considered to be the very first for Disney fans. Initially, in 1930, a red and black enamel Mickey Mouse pin was given to Mickey Mouse Club members in Great Britain. A year later according to Tomart’s Disneyana: Guide to Pin Trading, a gold Mickey Mouse pin was released. This second pin had a brooch style clasp, black enamel and depicted Mickey standing with hands on his hips (PinPic 31148). Finally, in 1932, a third early brooch style pin was issued with Mickey Mouse holding a banjo. This unique pin was designed in bronze with black enamel (PinPic 33314).
Over the next decades, Disney issued pins here and there to mark major milestones like new park attractions and film anniversaries. Later in 1968, small enamel trading pins debuted at Disneyland, allowing guests to take home wearable souvenirs. Early designs included icons like the famous “Partners” statue of Walt and Mickey.
The Mid-1980s Brought Changes and More Pins
In the mid to late 1980s, more enamel character pins were introduced. Some were enamel over metal tack hat pins, and some were small cloisonne enamel brooch style pins. However, the character pins were mostly pins of the Fab 5 (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto) in classic poses. Mickey and Minnie pins can be found in a multitude of jewelry products including pins, bracelets and earrings. Most of these park souvenirs were made in Taiwan and very similar in nature.
Then, in 1985 a special group of 7 miniature brooch-back style pins were issued to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Disneyland. These little souvenirs were highly collectable. Each pin represented a different land or area of the park. Plus, the full framed set was sold at Disneyland complete with a commemorative brass plaque.
In the next decade, more animated features and beloved characters would enter the Disney family. Surprisingly, new film introduced in the 1990s now came with promotions that included enamel character pins. Quite often, these cute items were given as a gift with purchase of a VHS tape. While the little pins were very popular promotional items, they were considered cute trinkets or jewelry, not a coveted collectible. Yet.
Disney Pin Trading Begins
That was all about to change. Soon, Disney pin trading as we know it today began. It was sparked by a special event in 1999 ~ The Millennium Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort. Best yet, these beloved Disney collectibles were no longer reserved for Disney Park attendees. Hundreds of new collectible pins were being sold across the country at The Disney Store, through the Disney Catalog and a variety of other Disney venues. By the early 2000’s, the pin trading with cast members spread quickly to Disneyland Resort and beyond. Consequently, special pin releases popped up in Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong as well as other Disney events and venues.
A Closer Look at the 1986 Disneyland Pin Set
The 1986 Commemorative Disneyland Disney Trading Pin Set included the four lands as well as Main Street USA, New Orleans Square and Bear Country. Adventure Land featured Goofy in a red safari hat while Fantasy Land showcased Sorcerer Mickey. Tomorrow Land pictured a rocket and Donald Duck in a space suit while, Frontier Land was shaped like a star sheriff badge and featured Pete. The final pin was Mickey playing a bass drum over a Disneyland banner. The set truly pays homage to Disneyland as a theme park.
Disney World and Disneyland Pins Today
These little pins were so popular, they were given out again at Walt Disney World and to cast members throughout the Disney organization. They are not always traded as the brooch backing makes it more difficult to swap at a park. But these tiny souvenirs do hold a place in the hearts of collectors. Again, with this set’s popularity so close to the Millenium explosion in enamel trading pins, we believe this set of Disneyland pins could very well have been the beginnings of pin trading as it is today.
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