The information available in this post is available as a PDF on Google drive. Remember, the internet is not forever and printing physical copies can be your friend.
drive.google.com
With over 100,000 pins, duplicating characters, movies, attractions, etc. how do you make pins unique? Disney has utilized different construction techniques, materials and gimmicks to differentiate similar pins from one release to another. Here are some other types of sometimes complex construction variations.
ACRYLIC BUBBLE: The acrylic bubble can be used to add dimension. Or provide protection to other design elements like these Piece of Disney History and Park Cruiser Series pins. Similar to a snowglobe, but without the added bits.
BUILD-A-PIN ADD-ON (ORIGINAL): These small enamel bits aren’t pins at all. They don’t stand on their own, or have backs. They need to be riveted by a machine into a base.
BUILD-A-PIN BASE (ORIGINAL): Visitors from 2002 – 2004 might have seen a strange machine while visiting Disney Pin Traders at Downtown Disney. Plus, some strange pins on the racks with holes. Collectors could choose which characters appeared on some pins. After the base and appropriate number of add-ons were selected, a cast member would rivet the pin together, creating a unique and personalized souvenir.
BUILD-A-PIN (REDUX): When Build-A-Pin surprising returned in 2024, collectors lost the ability of “choice.” Each pin and / or base combination is the same for all purchasers. But they gained the ability to swap pieces around at will.
CHAIN: Two enamel elements, with posts are connected together with a chain.
LIGHT UP: On the back of the pin is a battery pack that powers lights that flash. Some of the batteries *might* be replaceable, but in most cases when the battery is dead so are the lights.
MAGNETIC: Some sets have magnetic elements that can be added to or swapped out to change how a pin looks. For example, changing a character’s clothes or accessories.
MUSICAL: On the back of the pin is a battery pack and mechanism that plays a short snippet of song. This was a primary feature of the 2002 Disney Store “Magical Musical Memories” Set. When the battery dies, no more music.
RIBBON / CORD / TRIM: Heavy duty ribbon is added to approximate the look of a medal or award, common on marathon pins. Light duty ribbon, cord or other trim is added as ornament hangars, decorative bows or to convey design intent.
Get to Know Attributes Other.pdf
drive.google.com
Get to Know: Attributes - Other
With over 100,000 pins, duplicating characters, movies, attractions, etc. how do you make pins unique? Disney has utilized different construction techniques, materials and gimmicks to differentiate similar pins from one release to another. Here are some other types of sometimes complex construction variations.
ACRYLIC BUBBLE: The acrylic bubble can be used to add dimension. Or provide protection to other design elements like these Piece of Disney History and Park Cruiser Series pins. Similar to a snowglobe, but without the added bits.
BUILD-A-PIN ADD-ON (ORIGINAL): These small enamel bits aren’t pins at all. They don’t stand on their own, or have backs. They need to be riveted by a machine into a base.
BUILD-A-PIN BASE (ORIGINAL): Visitors from 2002 – 2004 might have seen a strange machine while visiting Disney Pin Traders at Downtown Disney. Plus, some strange pins on the racks with holes. Collectors could choose which characters appeared on some pins. After the base and appropriate number of add-ons were selected, a cast member would rivet the pin together, creating a unique and personalized souvenir.
BUILD-A-PIN (REDUX): When Build-A-Pin surprising returned in 2024, collectors lost the ability of “choice.” Each pin and / or base combination is the same for all purchasers. But they gained the ability to swap pieces around at will.
CHAIN: Two enamel elements, with posts are connected together with a chain.
LIGHT UP: On the back of the pin is a battery pack that powers lights that flash. Some of the batteries *might* be replaceable, but in most cases when the battery is dead so are the lights.
MAGNETIC: Some sets have magnetic elements that can be added to or swapped out to change how a pin looks. For example, changing a character’s clothes or accessories.
MUSICAL: On the back of the pin is a battery pack and mechanism that plays a short snippet of song. This was a primary feature of the 2002 Disney Store “Magical Musical Memories” Set. When the battery dies, no more music.
RIBBON / CORD / TRIM: Heavy duty ribbon is added to approximate the look of a medal or award, common on marathon pins. Light duty ribbon, cord or other trim is added as ornament hangars, decorative bows or to convey design intent.
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