Every couple of months, Disney hosts a pin and vinylmation trading event. The last few have been held at the ESPN Sports Complex, and the one held on August 13 was no different. It was free to park at the complex and free to get in, although, from what we were told, there was no bus transportation to or from the resorts, so that is something to keep in mind.
My husband and son are vinylmation collectors, and they were quite excited for this event. They have been to a few non-Disney sponsored events, so knew what to expect from some of the people they met. The event started at 6 PM, but people began lining up at 7:45 that morning. We arrived at about 3:00 PM and were about 200th in line. Disney did have stands open selling food and drinks for those waiting, and they had fans blowing to help keep it cool, as the line was outside. Around 4 PM they passed out wristbands, so those who arrived later couldn’t cut in line.
The doors opened promptly at 6 pm, and they started pulling in people, letting in about 20 people at once. Once inside, you were lead through the merchandise booth, where you could buy a limited edition Mike Wazowski pin and Rapunzel pin, each limited to 750. They do limit the pins to a limit of two of each pin per person, which is why people arrive early. They also had 300 Disney Afternoon Vinyl Packs, for the set that is to release on Friday, so you had the opportunity to buy that early. It took us about 30 minutes to make it inside and purchase our event merchandise.
Mike Wazowski Limited Edition Pin
Rapunzel Limited Edition Pin
Newest Vinylmation Set
After you purchase merchandise, or decide not to buy merchandise, you enter the event area. From there, you could grab a table to set up your trading table, or just wander around and look at what others have for trade. They also had the pin artist on hand, signing the pins that you could purchase earlier and a table previewing some of the vinyl sets that are going to bereleased later this year.
Jonathan’s Table
The event was crowded and all 100 trading tables filled up quickly, so you also want to make sure you arrive early if you want to get a table and set out what you have for trade. All in all, it was a great night for my husband and son, and they made lots of trades and completed many of their vinylmation sets. The event ended at 9 pm, and about 10 minutes before that time, cast members walked the floor asking you to clean up.
If you are a pin or vinylmation collector, this is an event you will definitely want to check out. It is a great way to find that one special pin you have been looking for for months, or that one last vinylmation you need to complete your set but can’t seem to get out of the blind boxes or trading boxes. At this time, there is not a date scheduled for the next trading event, but watch the Disney Parks Blog, as they tend to announce it about a month ahead of time.