Walt Disney World Cast Member Opening Team (1971) Pin

All of these costs are included in what you are paying. In the past, our images were captured with scanners or high-resolution cameras, which often exaggerated minor flaws invisible to the human eye. Scanners, in particular, tend to wash out certain colors, such as skin tones, and struggle to capture metallic finishes like silver or gold. I now use an iPhone 14 Pro Max with the Photoroom Pro app to create clear, well-lit images with enhanced backgrounds. Please note that, due to the high resolution, some flaws or imperfections that are barely visible in person may appear more pronounced in photos. For photography purposes, I temporarily remove any plastic wrapping to achieve cleaner images, and then return the pin to its wrapper afterward. For those browsing my auctions, heres some context on pricing. I base my listings primarily on current and past sales data, with cost playing only a minor role. Since collectibles fluctuate in value, I may list an item at or even below my cost if market conditions warrant. The key factor is rarity. Pins that appear only a few times a year, or are unavailable altogether, are priced higher due to their scarcity and difficulty to replace. Many take me years to acquire or reacquire, and these rarities, particularly Cast Member pins, are my specialty. While my prices may be negotiable, adjustments are typically minimal. A comment on pin collecting as a whole. As I mentioned above, I specialize in the rarer pins, and when I say Cast Member, I emphasize those that were earned, awarded, or otherwise obtained outside of a retail avenue. So while I may sell WDI. I have been in this, as I said, for 26 years. The market ebbs and flows, though I have noticed over the last 10 years or so that the high prices that are being paid now are for those pins that are new. This is for 2 reasons. They are pushed by pin trading web sites and in Facebook sites as the next “HOT” pin. The 2nd major reason is the continued influx of new pin collectors and traders into the hobby as older traders fade away, stop collecting, pass on, or sell their collections. Like anyone, you are going to be mesmerized by the new stuff, especially since that’s mostly what you will see, and you will have almost zero knowledge about what was in the past, especially 20 years or so ago. As someone who has dealt in various types of memorabilia, Disney pins, comics, sports cards, and a few others, long term value will always be better by examining the past rather than the present. I’m not saying that value can’t be had out of something new, but if you’re truly looking for a return on your investment into this hobby, do your homework and choose wisely. There’s absolutely no good long term rationale for paying hundreds of dollars for a new release when rarer, prettier, and better made pins from 20 years or so ago are out there. I just ask you to ask yourself, do you want something that could be bought, whose connection to the company and its heritage is only that of a product? Or, do you want a pin that a Cast Member was awarded because he excelled at guest service in 2000, or was an Ambassador, or a Tour Guide, and many other examples. It is my long term belief that true value will be had by those pieces of Disney memorabilia that have a direct connection to the parks and its Cast Members. Description: Step back into Disney history with this authentic 1971 Walt Disney World Opening Team Pin, one of the most sought-after cast member exclusives ever created. Issued only to employees who proudly stood as part of the original Opening Team on October 1, 1971, this gold-tone Mickey-shaped badge features the year 1971 with the bold inscription Opening Team. It was a badge of honor given to the very people who welcomed the very first guests through the gates of the Magic Kingdom, launching what would become The Most Magical Place on Earth. Each recipient of this pin received the award at the 25th anniversary banquet for the Florida theme park, both to commemorate the completion of 25 years of dedicated service as well as serve as beacon to every guest that the Cast Member who wears this was there when it all began. More than just a collectible, this pin carries with it the spirit of Disneys beginnings in Florida. It represents the cast members who created magic on that historic day. The ones who watched Cinderella Castle gleam for the first time, greeted families along Main Street U. And brought Walt Disneys vision to life. For collectors, this Opening Team pin is both a historical artifact and a story piecea tangible link to the origins of Walt Disney World. Few items capture the heart and legacy of Disney history as powerfully as this one, making it a centerpiece in any serious Disneyana collection. Year of Release: 1996. Where Released: Walt Disney World. Traders Having This Pin: 0. Traders Wanting This Pin: 12. Backer Card: Yes (Box). Pin Central # 182755. Edition Type/Size: Unknown Edition Size. Please read all information below! More expensive items may require signatures and/or be insured. PLEASE ALSO NOTE, ALL claims for damaged, or missing items must be made to me via. Within 48 hours of receipt of the package. Any failure to follow these guidelines results in ALL liability being borne by the purchaser.