When these were first announced, I thought for sure this was going to be a winner, but perhaps the excitement was bigger than the actual product.  Considering the free shipping, the extremely nice packaging, and the exclusive pin content, it might be worth it if it’s a pin you really want or a character you collect.  But since these are shipped blindly to the consumer, it’s a throw of the dice if each individual pack is for you.

The concept itself is great!  Two open edition pins fall into your hands before they are released to the public and one limited edition pin with a production run originally set at 500.  It seems the 500 print run was one of four variants so the actual print run was 2000.  But they were so popular, they ran out within hours.  I know because I tried to get one and didn’t log in right when they were sold.  I went on later that morning to find out they were completely sold out.  These pins were in HUGE demand.

At some point (August) Disney Stores changed the merchandise offering to a run of 750 with four variants – a total then of 3000 pins further reducing it’s uniqueness.  And at $39.95 it is not as appealing a sale.  The two open edition pins do not have special features like pin-on-pin, stained glass, or spinner elements.  They are flat, standard pins which probably retail for under $10.  The special pin, which is limited edition and does have special features still probably would retail at the parks for about $14.95 or $15.95 at best.  They aren’t jumbo sized where the cost would go up significantly.

At best, you would about break even.  At worst, you spent $39.95 on about $34 worth of pins.  Maybe even less if you’re an Annual Passholder to either of the parks and got your merchandise discount.  To be fair, the packaging and shipping itself would probably retail at over $5.00 as anyone who has mailed items bigger than an envelope can attest.  And the surprise element of not knowing what you’re going to get AND getting it first before anyone else, will certainly be a draw to some.  But just be aware when you’re purchasing the Park Pack that it’s sort of like that game on television, “Let’s Make A Deal.”  You can go for what’s behind the door or keep your $40.  For some, it’s a bargain!  For others who don’t need a new sofa, it’s a bust.