Disney World attracts millions of visitors every year, and with that volume comes a steady stream of law enforcement incidents. Cases involving shoplifting, fraud, and theft are not unusual across the sprawling Florida resort, particularly in high-traffic retail areas such as Disney Springs.
Earlier this year, a 27-year-old Orlando man was accused of stealing roughly 50 Disney trading pins worth about $900 from a Disney Springs merchandise location. Employees reportedly watched as he concealed the pins before leaving without paying, leading authorities to charge him with grand theft.
Other incidents have stretched far beyond retail theft. In late 2025, a valet attendant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge was arrested after allegedly stealing a guest's checkbook and cashing nearly $1,300 in fraudulent checks. Around the same time, investigators searched for a suspect accused of stealing between $10,000 and $20,000 from the Disney Springs restaurant Paddlefish after reportedly entering the property wearing scuba gear.
A newly revealed case, however, stands apart from many of the resort's recent theft investigations.
A Disney Springs Investigation Leads to Arrest
According to Orange County authorities, 52-year-old Ivette Perez was arrested and charged with third-degree grand theft and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Court records show Perez has entered a not guilty plea.
The investigation stems from an incident that unfolded on April 12 at Disney's Pin Traders store in Disney Springs, one of Walt Disney World's most popular destinations for Disney trading pin collectors.
Employees told investigators they observed a juvenile girl taking Disney trading pins and placing them into a bag without paying for them. Accounts varied on the number of pins involved.
One employee estimated that approximately 15 pins had been taken. Another employee told authorities she believed the number was closer to 40. Investigators did not disclose the juvenile's age and identified her only as a minor.
According to the sheriff's report, an adult woman dressed in green later identified as Perez approached employees during the incident and asked for a clear plastic bag. Store workers reportedly found the timing unusual and believed the request may have been intended to distract attention from the juvenile.
The girl ultimately left the store without purchasing the merchandise. Authorities later located and detained her at the nearby World of Disney store, also located in Disney Springs.
Investigators said Perez and the juvenile were found with approximately $2,030 worth of stolen merchandise. The total reportedly included Disney trading pins along with other retail items allegedly taken from stores.
According to the arrest report, Perez admitted she was aware the juvenile was stealing merchandise and said she did not have enough money available to purchase the pins herself.
Authorities also reviewed text messages allegedly exchanged between Perez and the juvenile. Investigators said the messages instructed the girl to hurry back to their vehicle before they were discovered carrying the merchandise.
The sheriff's report alleges Perez was actively involved in the thefts rather than merely aware of them.
“Contributed, aided, and abetted to the thefts by allowing [the girl] to keep the stolen items. Furthermore, Ivette was in possession of several stolen products, indicating she was working in coordination with [the girl] to commit the thefts in her presence,” the report stated.
Records further indicate Perez has a prior criminal history in Miami-Dade County. Her attorney, Public Defender Melissa Vickers, declined to comment on the case.
Disney Responds to Growing Pin Theft Concerns
The arrest comes as Disney continues tightening security around one of its most collectible product categories.
Disney trading pins remain a major part of the guest experience, with collectors frequently visiting Disney Springs and theme park merchandise locations in search of limited-edition releases and exclusive designs.
Following another high-profile pin theft case earlier this year, guests began reporting noticeable changes at several Walt Disney World retail locations.
Many collectors observed that pins previously displayed on open racks were being moved behind counters or placed inside locked display cases. The changes were especially noticeable at Pin Traders, where limited-edition merchandise often attracts large crowds.
Guests have also reported seeing increased cast member oversight around pin displays, particularly during busy shopping periods and major merchandise releases.
Have you ever noticed theft at Disney World?
