Disney Pin Collectors Flock to D23 in Search of Rare Treasures

Disney pin collecting has become a global phenomenon since its launch in the 1990s. The practice of pin-trading, which was introduced by Disney as a way to foster community among fans, has turned simple souvenirs into highly sought-after collectibles.

Kyle Liddane, a long-time Disney fan from Portland, Oregon, traveled over 1,000 miles to attend the D23 convention in Anaheim. He's been collecting pins for about 10 years and is determined to obtain rare, limited-edition pieces from Mickey's of Glendale and the Hollywood Studio store.

One of the rarest items at D23 is the 2026 Premier Collection, a set of 15 limited-edition pins released exclusively for the convention. Each pin has an LE1000 series designation, meaning only 1,000 were produced worldwide for each character design. A complete set can be purchased for $1,149, or about $76.60 per pin.

For fans like Liddane and Lauren Vogt, collecting Disney pins is a full-time hobby that requires dedication and perseverance. Vogt's mother, Lisa Hernandez, attended the convention to help her daughter score rare pins and connect with other Disney enthusiasts.