If you are interested in buying authentic Disney pins - buyer beware! There are so many unauthorized Disney pins out there that are probably not worth what you pay for them. Things to beware of - anything saying Sedesma! Things to look for to see if you are getting authentic pins - look for lots containing LE (limited edition pins), cast member lanyards, cast member exclusives, hidden mickey pins - these are all made by Disney. Ask questions before you buy if you are unsure. Some of the other pins have a black back and say Disney - these usually are not authentic Disney pins, they are also plastic. Generally you can tell the difference the knockoff’s have more of a flat finish and most of the ones I have seen have black edges. Go to the parks, take a look at some of the pins actually available and compare. Real Disney pins are made of metal. Soon you will be able to spot the fakes. Currently Disney does not stop people from trading these knockoffs, but I have heard people complain and you don’t want to be stuck with these if Disney changes there policies. However, if you ever find one of that special character you were looking for - get it - this was meant to be entertaining and fun!

We were recently at Disney again and the fake pins were everywhere. Some of the cast members were even complaining that they should not be accepting these. When I traded them and got one by accident (my son actually got it and I knew immediately it was a knockoff), I traded it immediately and if they questioned me, I told them I had just traded it.