Pin Trading has started and still remains as one of the most beloved ways for Disney fans to meet and interact, both at the Theme Parks and special events. But Disney collectors also like Disney-themed large pin-backed buttons like the ones featured in this post.
The history of promotional products goes a long way back. The first promotional item in US history was a commemorative button made for George Washington in the election of 1789. Politics seemed to dominate the use of these circular novelties for many years. But that was to change!
Well, we’re not going that far back! These buttons are from the 1980s and 1990s:
Most of these buttons would have been given out for free or as a premium giveaway at a paid event. Some of the more generic character versions could have been purchased at gift shops throughout the Parks at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
These days, Disney is amalgamating most of its merchandise for the Resorts throughout the property. But back in the day, you could still get Resort specific collectibles, like the buttons shown above from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
Events always have promotional giveaways, and the National Fantasy Fan Club (NFFC) was no exception! These pins span from 1988-91 with 1993 being the last year I have. I’ve never attended one of their conventions for Disneyana enthusiasts, but I definitely would have if I had lived in a city where they were held!
FUN FACTS: A group of Disney collectors and enthusiasts broke away from the Mouse Club in 1984 and began their own club, called the National Fantasy Fan Club, later shortened to the NFFC. It has operated as a nonprofit organization, not sponsored by Disney, with regular conventions held in Anaheim around the birthday of Disneyland each July, beginning in 1985. In recent years, a mini-convention was added in January. The NFFC publishes a regular newsletter and has chapters all over the country. The club voted to change its name to Disneyana Fan Club in 2009.
In case you were wondering, a pin-back button or pinback button, pin button, button badge, or simply pin-back or badge, is a button or badge that can be temporarily fastened to the surface of a garment using a safety pin, or a pin formed from wire, a clutch or other mechanism. This fastening mechanism is anchored to the back side of a button-shaped metal disk, either flat or concave
The front of the button carries an image or printed message printed directly on the front with a clear protective layer applied over it for protection.
