Front Description
This real cloisonne pin was sold during the year before AK opened in the Main Street store to the right of the train station as you enter the Magic Kingdom. The pin is the AK logo with a mosaic background. The pin back is inscribed, "A new species of Theme Park opens 1998" . Beneath the green trees with the words Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM, you will see, in brown, an elephant, a dragon and a dinosaur. On both the right and left corners are glittery red areas. Pin measures 1-1/2 x 7/8 inches.
The cast member pin that everyone confuses these with is pin 6211, reading "Inaugural Cast 1998". Same animal design, but the label on a yellow band at the bottom is present only in the cast member version.
Still available on CM lanyards (as of 09/2001), traded as a common pin. Pin 6211 is very rare and more difficult to find.
Back Description
Shiny gold with no pattern. One pin post with a barb. In an arch across the top of the pin is: A New Species of Theme Park Opens 1998. © Disney signature logo, MADE IN CHINA.