Disney trading pins have become one of the resort’s most sought-after collectibles.
From limited-edition releases to park-exclusive designs, guests spend hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of dollars building their collections. Entire stores are dedicated to the hobby, with Disney Springs serving as one of the main hubs for pin trading and merchandise.
That popularity has also made pins a recurring target for theft.
Earlier this year, a 27-year-old Orlando man was accused of stealing approximately 50 Disney trading pins worth around $900 from a merchandise location at Disney Springs. Authorities later charged him with grand theft after employees reported seeing him leave without paying.
The incident was one of several theft-related arrests connected to Walt Disney World in recent years.
In late 2025, a valet attendant working at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was arrested after allegedly stealing a guest’s checkbook and cashing nearly $1,300 in fraudulent checks. Another investigation focused on 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.
Now, another unusual Disney Springs case has surfaced.
Authorities Allege Coordinated Theft
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 she has entered a not guilty plea.
The case centers on an incident that took place on April 12 at Disney’s Pin Traders store.
Employees told investigators they observed a juvenile girl placing Disney trading pins into a bag without paying. Authorities did not disclose the girl’s age, identifying her only as a juvenile.
Witness accounts differed on the number of pins involved.
One employee estimated that roughly 15 pins were taken. Another told investigators the number appeared closer to 40, according to the sheriff’s report.
Store employees also reported an interaction that drew their attention during the incident.
According to investigators, an adult woman wearing green later identified as Perez approached employees and asked for a clear plastic bag. Staff reportedly believed the request may have been intended to distract attention from the juvenile.
The girl eventually left the store without purchasing the merchandise.
Authorities later located and detained her at the nearby World of Disney store in Disney Springs.
Investigators said Perez and the juvenile were found with approximately $2,030 worth of stolen merchandise. The total included Disney trading pins and other items allegedly taken from stores.
According to the arrest report, Perez later admitted she knew the juvenile was stealing merchandise and said she did not have enough money to purchase the pins.
Investigators also reviewed text messages allegedly exchanged between Perez and the juvenile.
The messages reportedly instructed the girl to hurry and return to their vehicle before they were discovered carrying the merchandise.
Disney Continues Security Push
The sheriff’s report alleges Perez played an active role in the thefts.
“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.
Authorities also noted that Perez has a prior criminal history in Miami-Dade County.
Her attorney, Public Defender Melissa Vickers, declined to comment on the case.
The arrest comes as Disney continues tightening security around pin sales.
After another high-profile pin theft case earlier this year, guests reported seeing more merchandise moved behind counters or placed inside locked display cases at some locations.
Collectors have also noticed increased cast member monitoring around pin displays, particularly at Disney Springs’ Pin Traders store.
Have you ever witnessed a similar incident at Disney World?
