Hey fellow pin enthusiasts! I totally get the obsession with Sesame Place pins. There's just something so magical about finding that perfect little piece of joy to remember your visit, right? I wanted to share a bit more about my own journey and some tips I've picked up for anyone looking to dive deeper into collecting these adorable treasures. First off, if you're just starting your collection, keep an eye out for the STARTER SETS! They usually come with a lanyard and a few basic pins, which are perfect for getting into the swing of things. I remember grabbing my first one and instantly being hooked. You can often find these at the main gift shops near the park entrance or larger merchandise stores. One of my favorite parts is the thrill of the MYSTERY PIN SETS. The OCR even picked up on 'SERIES 1' and 'SERIES 2' which is super cool because they often release new series throughout the year! These blind boxes are such a fun gamble – you never know which character or design you'll get. My personal strategy? I usually try to feel the weight or shape of the box a little (without being too obvious, of course!) to see if I can guess. Sometimes, if you buy a few, you can even trade duplicates with other collectors or even park staff who have "tradeable" pins on their lanyards. It’s like a mini treasure hunt! Speaking of trading, that's where the real magic happens for me. Pin trading at Sesame Place is a fantastic way to engage with the park experience beyond rides and shows. All you need is a lanyard with a few pins you're willing to part with. Look for cast members wearing lanyards with pins – most of them are happy to trade! Just remember a few unwritten rules: always trade one for one, handle pins carefully, and be polite. It’s a super friendly community, and I've met some awesome people this way. I've found that different sections of the park might have unique pins as well. For example, sometimes around Elmo's World or specific character meet-and-greet areas, you might find pins exclusive to that section. It pays to explore every gift shop, no matter how small! And for those like me who love a good challenge, keep an eye out for limited edition releases or seasonal pins. These are often announced on the Sesame Place social media channels or park website, so staying updated can help you snag those rare finds. Building my PIN SET has become a beloved hobby, and seeing my collection grow always brings a smile to my face. Whether you're chasing a specific character, completing a series, or just collecting memories, Happy Pin Trading!