Disney pin traders: 3-day ticketed Epcot party planned for August

Darin Schroeder shows off his vast collection of collectible Disney pins. (The Walt Disney Co.)

Disney Pin Trading started A Decade of Magical Trades, a year-long celebration of its 10th birthday, on Oct. 1, 2009. Throughout the year, limited release pin collections and special events mark the milestone at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Registration for the centerpiece, a three-day, hard-ticket party, opens this month.

A 10th anniversary “Founders Day” celebration for Trade City, U.S.A., takes place Aug. 27 to 29 in Epcot’s World Showplace. Pin traders will find themselves immersed in Trade City, an eclectic town nestled in Trading Valley that is home to the world’s longest lanyard and the world’s biggest ear hat. Guests attending this ticketed Disney pin event will enjoy trading activities, the opportunity to purchase specially designed pins, and will meet traders from around the world. Registration opens via DisneyPins.com on March 31.

Here is a look at all the merchandise created for the 10th anniversary promotion.

Want to get started trading tonight? Head to the Contemporary Resort for this month’s Disney Pin Trading Night from 6 to 9 p.m. This is a free event in the Ballroom of the Americas.

Read here how my family joined the ranks of pin-trading enthusiasts about a year ago. We have a few tips and tricks to share.