D23 Disney Pins Draw Dedicated Collectors From Across the Country

Disney pin collecting has grown into a serious hobby, and D23 gives dedicated fans another reason to chase rare designs each year. It creates a chance to find limited pieces, meet fellow traders, and add special pins to built collections.

Kyle Liddane has collected Disney pins for nearly a decade. This year, he traveled from Portland, Oregon, to attend D23 for the first time. His main goal involves finding premium designs from Mickey’s of Glendale, Disney’s company store, and the Hollywood Studio Store.

He says collectors value these pins because Disney produces them in small numbers and gives them a higher level of detail. That limited supply quickly increases demand, especially during major fan events.

Instagram | @rebekahquests | Limited Disney pin designs draw collectors to D23, where fans trade rare pieces and grow the hobby together.

Disney pin trading gained momentum during the 1990s when the company introduced trading programs at its parks. Since then, collectors have turned simple souvenirs into sought-after keepsakes. Online groups, park meetups, and trading events now help fans share the hobby across different communities.

A Virtual Queue Adds Pressure

The Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store booth at the Anaheim Convention Center uses a virtual queue. Each day, the queue can fill within moments. Fans therefore need quick timing and patience to secure a shopping slot.

Popular designs can sell out fast, which makes the hunt harder. The 2026 Premier Collection ranks among the most limited D23 offerings. The set includes 15 character pins, and Disney produced only 1,000 copies of each design.

D23 prices the complete collection at $1,149. That works out to about $76.60 per pin.

Collecting Becomes a Family Activity

Lisa Hernandez joined D23 to support her daughter, Lauren Vogt, who started collecting four or five years ago. Vogt now builds pin boards and actively buys, sells, and trades pieces.

Hernandez helps by carrying bags, watching purchases, and waiting in long queues. She says the support helps her daughter spend more time enjoying the convention.

Instagram | @disneypinsblog | Families can enjoy D23 together by collecting, trading, and searching for rare Disney pins.

For Hernandez, the event also brings back memories from her time as a former Disneyland employee. More importantly, D23 gives collectors space to meet people who share the same passion.

The long queues may test patience, but rare pins keep fans returning. Each limited release adds another reason to keep collecting, trading, and connecting with the Disney fan community.

D23 turns a simple hobby into a shared fan experience. Limited designs create excitement, while trading keeps collectors connected. Each new pin can bring another reason to return.