Dates for the 2024 Pin Event weren't announced until July 12th and online registration opened at noon on July 23rd.  There were 1,250  tickets available and they sold out in minutes!

I was at seated in front of my computer at the appointed time, with several devices logged in to the Disney site . . . and I was luckier than many of my friends.  I was able to book two Starlight Packages, one for myself and one for my travel partner Carrie.

Thursday September 12, 2024

Gary drove me to Syracuse where I caught an afternoon JetBlue flight to Orlando.  A quick ride with Lyft took me to Disney's Coronado Springs Resort where the event was being held.  Carrie had flown earlier out of Toronto and was waiting for me at the hotel.

We didn't leave the hotel until it was time to go home.  No theme parks, no rides, just pins, pins, pins!

The event has changed over the years.  When I first attended, almost 20 years ago, it was a 3 day event with interactive games, contests and roving Disney characters who interacted with guests. Friday was the day we registered for the event and then traded the night away.  Saturday and Sunday we spent in line for pin trading boards, playing games and entering contest, with pins awarded as prizes.

The focus has changed and so have I.  There are still trading boards but the games and contests have faded away.  It's just as well.  I am totally pooped after one day of trading, I'm not sure I could handle an additional day!