by

Danielle Marshall
AllEars.Net Guest Blogger

Whether you are an experienced enthusiast or curious beginner, Disney pin collecting is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family both in and out of the park. With the exception of very young Mouseketeers, I observed collectors of all ages enjoying Disneyland’s newest pin collecting adventure, Disney PinQuest.

As an inexperienced pin collector, and owner of fewer than a dozen Disney pins, I was interested to learn more about the pin collecting excitement that had emerged among Disney fans on websites and blogs. After completing some preliminary research I decided to dedicate some time in Disneyland Park to pin collecting.

With an optimistic outlook, I entered Disneyland Park the morning of the new Disney PinQuest release and quickly made my way down Main Street U.S.A. to 20th Century Music Company, one of many shops where pins may be purchased and traded. When I arrived, there were already several guests in line waiting to purchase the Limited Release Disneyland Park Disney PinQuest starter kit.

A “Pin Specialist” was explaining to a collector, wearing what appeared to be an armored vest covered with shiny Disney pins, that the entire set of seven pins could be purchased immediately for about $85, or purchased separately from “NavigatEARS” at six different destinations throughout the park. I chose to “earn” my pins by completing the scavenger hunt and am glad I did.

The starter kit included a lanyard, Decoder Medal, a PinQuest map, and pouch to store the map and Clue Cards when not in use. Feeling completely under-qualified, I disclosed my lack of knowledge to Disney Pin Specialist Theresa, who generously offered her time and expertise to help me get started. After a brief introduction to pin collecting and a tour of the pins available in the shop, she gave me my first Disney PinQuest Clue Card.

She kindly demonstrated how to use it to collect a Clue Pin from a NavigatEAR and encouraged me to continue on quickly to avoid longer lines later in the day. Each of the six Clue Cards available for purchase (the idea being you purchase the Clue Card and “receive” the Clue Pin as a reward) identifies a destination in the park and question that requires participants to seek out an object or image and respond to a multiple-choice question. The questions weren’t difficult to answer, but it is unlikely you would be able to respond correctly without having done the research. Thankfully you don’t have to choose the correct answer to earn your Clue Pin, have your map stamped, and purchase your next Clue Card. In fact, Cast Members were offering help to anyone who needed it.

Each Clue Pin is needed to locate the next destination on the map. After correctly aligning the points, with the Clue Pin beneath the Medal Decoder, I was able to use the coordinates to reveal the next destination on the map. With a new Clue Card in hand, I continued on with my quest. After successfully completing the Disney PinQuest, you have the option of purchasing the Limited Release Official Disney QuestEAR pin, featuring Mickey Mouse. You will likely want to proudly display, as many guests were, your new pins on the included lanyard or another of your choice — there are many different designs and styles available throughout the park.

Including a stop at the Mint Julep Bar for some Mickey-shaped beignets, and a quick ride on the Matterhorn, the entire PinQuest took just under two hours to complete. I didn’t keep track of the length of time I spent discussing pin collecting and trading with Cast Members and other participants, but I doubt it added more than about 20 minutes to my overall time. I spoke with a couple sharing a Dole Whip, who explained they were in no rush, and were completing the PinQuest between attractions and meals. The time it takes to complete the PinQuest will vary and depends on how busy the park is and the individual QuestEAR’s pace.

Warning: you may become a victim of Disney merchandising and experience some unplanned spending, as the quest takes you into retail shops throughout the park. I ended up with a Disneyland 60th Anniversary beach towel and Cheshire Cat lanyard medal that I simply couldn’t live without.

Aside from the occasional feeling of guilt for enjoying the Disney PinQuest without my 9-year old Disney fan, I had a great time learning about pin collecting from Disney Cast Members and fans. Before participating, I knew very little about Disney pins and had decided not to begin building another Disney collection. For better or worse, I now have another Disney interest to pursue.

As I was leaving the park that day, I noticed another Disney pin enthusiast wearing a personalized Disney pin carrying case and a denim jacket covered with pins. When I asked him if he had completed the new PinQuest he replied, “They don’t call me a ‘Pin Shark’ around here for nothing,” and then confidently flashed his newly acquired pins.

Note: Disney PinQuest is also offered at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida