Hidden Mickey Pin Collection
Cast Lanyard Pin Collection
Hidden Mickey
2007-2024
Cast Lanyard
2002-2006
Hidden Mickey Pins
Hidden
Cast Lanyard Pins
Cast Lanyard pins (also known as Hidden Mickey pins) are only available for initial trade with Cast Members (i.e. not available for purchase) and are identified by a silver Mickey on the pin. Typically part of a series of similarly-themed Cast Lanyard pins, these are sought after by pin collectors due to their rarity.
Hidden Mickey Completer
Other rare Disney pins are completer pins. These are pins that complete a set. While most of the set might be relatively easy to find, there is always one pin that is considered the “completer.” Disney did not produce as many of this pin and makes it harder to find in circulation.
Hidden Mickey Chaser
Chaser pins are unfilled pins (ones with just the metal and no paint). These chaser pins will be unfilled pins from the other collections that are released as part of that Wave. Chasers are generally highly sought after as they are seen as completer pins for the other collections.
Disney’s Hidden Mickey pins have been a beloved aspect of the Disney Parks experience for many years, yet there are several misconceptions that have persisted. Here’s a list of myths about these fun collectibles and the truths behind them:
Myth #1:
Hidden Mickey pins are not “real” Disney pins.
Fact: Hidden Mickey pins are indeed authentic Disney trading pins. They are usually given to Cast Members to use for pin trading with park guests. They are called Hidden Mickey pins because they each contain a small silhouette of Mickey Mouse somewhere in the design. Although they aren’t typically sold in stores, they are genuine Disney products.
Myth #2:
Hidden Mickey pins are worthless because they are free.
Fact: While it’s true that Hidden Mickey pins are typically not sold, but rather traded, this doesn’t mean they are worthless. In fact, their trading nature makes some of them quite rare and sought after. Their value lies in their scarcity, uniqueness of design, and the joy they bring to pin traders.
Myth #3:
All Hidden Mickey pins are common and easy to find.
Fact: Not all Hidden Mickey pins are easy to locate. Some of them are part of limited series, or they might have been retired, making them harder to find. The thrill of pin trading lies in the hunt for that special pin you want to add to your collection.
Myth #4:
The presence of a Hidden Mickey pin means there is a nearby Hidden Mickey in the park.
Fact: The “Hidden Mickey” in Hidden Mickey pins refers to the small Mickey icon included in the pin’s design. This is separate from the concept of “Hidden Mickeys” found in Disney Parks, which are subtle Mickey images or shapes incorporated into rides, attractions, and other locations.
Myth #5:
Counterfeit Hidden Mickey pins don’t exist.
Fact: Unfortunately, like many collectibles, Hidden Mickey pins have been subject to counterfeiting. These can sometimes be identified by poor craftsmanship, inaccuracies in the color or design, or errors in the information on the back of the pin. If a pin seems suspicious, it may be best to avoid trading for it.
Myth #6:
Hidden Mickey pins can be bought in any Disney store.
Fact: Generally, Hidden Mickey pins are not available for purchase in Disney stores or online. They are distributed to Cast Members for the specific purpose of trading with guests. However, you can find them in the secondary market, such as online auctions or collector’s events.
Remember, the most important part of Disney pin trading, including Hidden Mickey pins, is the fun and excitement of the hunt and the memories you make in the process. Happy trading!
Hidden Mickey Pins
HM denotes a Hidden Mickey (also known as Cast Lanyard) pin. Hidden Mickey pins are only available for initial trade with Cast Members (i.e. not available for purchase) and are identified by a silver Mickey on the pin. Typically part of a series of similarly-themed Hidden Mickey pins, these are sought after by pin collectors due to their rarity. Once a series of Hidden Mickey pins has been replaced on Cast Member lanyards, they may become available in specially marked mystery pouches until the remaining supply is exhausted.
Cast Lanyard Pins
Cast Lanyard pins (also known as Hidden Mickey pins) are only available for initial trade with Cast Members (i.e. not available for purchase) and are identified by a silver Mickey on the pin. Typically part of a series of similarly-themed Cast Lanyard pins, these are sought after by pin collectors due to their rarity. Once a series of Cast Lanyard pins has been replaced on Cast Member lanyards, they may become available in specially marked mystery pouches until the remaining supply is exhausted.
About Us
My wife Rosanne is a Disney Nut and she is completely in love with Disneyland. I had no choice but to embrace what made her happy (happy wife happy life). After Covid we got our annual passes and off we went back to Disneyland. Our friends have annual passes too and they told us all about pin trading. My wife new something about it but wasn’t too sure what it all entailed.
