Official Disney pin trading began at Walt Disney World in 1999.
The program was introduced as part of the Millennium Celebration, a resort-wide event that began in October 1999. Guests could buy collectible Disney pins and exchange them with cast members wearing approved trading lanyards or other trading displays.
Disney pin trading quickly became a major merchandise hobby. Pins have featured animated characters, attractions, resort anniversaries, holidays, and limited-edition events. The program later expanded to Disneyland and other Disney destinations around the world.
The year is sometimes confused with the start of Disney pin collecting itself. Disney had produced souvenir pins before 1999, but 1999 marks the beginning of the organized guest-to-cast-member trading program. It also predates later Disney merchandise hobbies such as Vinylmation and many modern limited-edition collectible releases.