Free events are dying out!

I'd like to chime in on this.

I attended the event yesterday. It was a blast. I've never seen that many pin traders at the picnic table area.

I was planning on trying to trade around PT's last evening myself. As I walked by (went to enjoy my First TIENDITA burrito .. yummy, first), I saw one of the longest lines to trade from the board I've seen in some time. And yes, there were quite a few traders on the east side of PT's sitting on the cement bench trading, and standing around.

When I walked back by PT's, the line to trade from the board, and people trading was still there. This was around, 7ish I believe. I didn't stop because I was tired.

DTD was Crowded last night. A "Summer like" Saturday evening will do that. There is also a marathon there this weekend. Plus the usual DL guests. And a Convention at the ACC, I believe.

Considering how busy it was, and the crowd that was there (no telling how long it had been there), honestly, I'm not surprised a CM came out and asked the group to dispurse. That being side, the CM could have been more courteous. I'm honestly surprised they didn't have a security cm come by and disperse the group. It would have been more appropriate in My opinion.

We don't like the Fact we're Not Suppose to trade in and around DTD. But they have been allowing us to trade next to PT's for a bit.

I really believe as long as it's Not Super Crowded like it was last night, and we keep a low profile, they don't mind. After last night, we say see.

In closing, I'm thinking that if I had experienced the CM rudely dispersing the crowd like jabberwocky had (and thank you for the post and updating is on what happened) I might have walked up to the CM and respectfully spoken with him/her. Made some inquiries and at the same time, said, "Thank You" for allowing us to trade for the time they had. When it's crowded like it was, it's a very demanding job. And maybe something else had happened to cause this abrupt ending. We don't know.

I have to keep in mind, always, Disney doesn't need to allow Pin Traders to gather anywhere on property. They don't, period. But they do. I believe as a Courstey, and to allow us to ENJOY the Love of the Hobby. And I for one appreciate that.

I think I'll start going over on Saturday evenings a bit more this next month and see how trading is going at PT's.

Also, I have found as of late, just walking around DTD has presented opportunities for me to trade with others who I see have pin books. I have stopped and asked to see their books. It has been a pleasant experience.

Btw, I wore my Disney Pin Traders hat last night with the DPF pin, and got some compliments and an inquiry, "What's DPF?" which I was proud to explain. I think I need to have some cards to hand out.

Thank you for reading this and allow me to express my feedback.

PS: as it applies to Free Events, I have a feel we're going to be seeing more of them.

Jabberwocky said:

I went to the picnic area trade event yesterday and for the second time in a row got to trade for multiple pins I needed - mostly small Loungefly ones, but I still needed them! So I really enjoy this event! My concern is how long Disney will permit it based on my experience later in the evening in DTD...

The past few weeks I've noticed pin traders have been gathering in the evenings by Pin Traders in DTD to trade. This makes for a fun end to an evening getting one last bit of trading in.

But last night, a bunch of us were out there trading with each other when a lead came over and loudly told us "Sorry, this is not a designated pin trading area. You all need to leave. You can't trade here."

Wow.

They'll happily take the thousands of dollars we spend to be there and buy merchandise, but heaven forbid we want to pin trade. That can't be allowed. Good job ruining "the magic", Disney management. 🙁

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That is really sad. Makes me wonder if the manager is poorly trained. Sorry that happened.

Ghosthostchelsea said:

Anyone going to this on Sunday? It just popped up on my Instagram. Never been to this location for a pin event.

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I have attended 3ish PTEs at this location. I like them because I can show up first thing in the morning and buy a table at the event. The tables are also not as expensive as the Kraken hotel events. $40 for a table last time I went.

I wish I had known about this event... but just seeing this today. I would have tried to attend. Also would have loved to have known before the event in order to add it to the DPF calendar. If you find event flyers in the wild again please add to the calendar or tag me and I will add. 🙂