Since the early days of this century pin trading has played a huge part in the parks and hotels of Walt Disney World, so much so that the annual Pin (Vinylmation) Trading event draws traders from all over the world! This year the Imagination Gala a magic carpet event was no different!
Taking place at the World Showplace in Epcot over a thousand guest spent 2 days trading with other guest and lining up for sometimes over 90 minutes in search of a Holy Grail pin or one of the prized Figment Award chaser pins off the trade boards and games!
The third day focused on Vinylmation, the small Mickey Mouse shaped figures painted with all variety of Disney themed ideas, collecting and trading. While the day was a little less crowded people were still in lines for the games and trade boxes hoping for some of the chasers Chipmunks or a rare figure. On Sunday also they offered 2 unannounced figures for sale, a Clarice and Figment that really drew lines in hope of getting one of the “rare” ones
Over the 3 days they gave us previews of upcoming pins and Vinylmation figures.
A chance for a few lucky souls to play a few games for rare prizes
The opertunity to have your pins/Vinylmation signed by the artists who brought them to life.
And some great entertainment including some broadway veterans from Lion King and Beauty and the Beast to sing for us.
Overall the event is pure fun, but saying that I really have to reevaluate my idea of fun because I’m pretty sure I spent more time in lines than anything else! I made some great trades, met some new friends, and had the chance to test my back carrying around a 25 pound bag of pins…can’t wait for GenEARation D next year!
