Rule Change: EPCOT Pin Traders Evicted From Park Area

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A nighttime view of Spaceship Earth inside of EPCOT at Disney World.

Credit: Disney

Pin traders at EPCOT are expressing frustration after being moved from their long-established spot under the iconic Spaceship Earth, also known as the EPCOT Ball. For years, this shaded area had been a favorite gathering place for Disney pin enthusiasts. Now, the traders have been relocated to a new outdoor bench area near the Creations Shop, and the change is not sitting well with many in the community.

A black and white photo of crowds in the EPCOT World Showcase at Disney World.
Credit: Inside the Magic

A Change in Tradition

The new location, exposed to the full force of the Florida sun, has left many traders upset. The original area beneath Spaceship Earth offered much-needed relief from the heat, but the new spot provides no such respite. The traders argue that the relocation is a step backward, not only affecting their comfort but also diminishing the social aspect of pin trading, as they are now less visible to park guests.

A Disney cast member in a blue dress stands smiling in front of a display wall filled with various pins. She holds a pin in her right hand while her left hand rests on her hip. She has a black crossbody bag decorated with several colorful pins.
Credit: Disney

Disney has yet to provide an official reason for the move, but some speculate that the relocation may be part of the ongoing updates and renovations at EPCOT. As the park continues to evolve, it’s possible that the change is designed to improve the flow of traffic or make room for new experiences. However, the new setup has led many to wonder if this will be a permanent adjustment, or if pin traders will eventually return to a more comfortable location within the park.

@wdw_kevin

Attention Pin Traders!! No More Pin Trading Under Spaceship Earth!! #DisneyWorld #DisneyParks #DisneyPins #pintrading

♬ original sound – WDW Kevin

The Community’s Response

Pin trading has been a beloved tradition at Disney parks for decades. Fans from around the world gather to exchange pins, with the area underneath Spaceship Earth becoming a central point for this activity. The move has sparked backlash online, with many pin traders turning to social media to voice their displeasure.

For now, guests looking to trade pins will have to visit the Creations Shop area, where the new setup has been placed. As the summer months approach and the temperatures rise, pin traders are hoping Disney will take their concerns into account and potentially find a more comfortable and shaded space to continue the beloved tradition. Until then, EPCOT’s visitors will need to adapt to the new, less-than-ideal conditions for pin trading at the park.

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