Inset: Ivette Perez (Orange County Jail via WOFL). Background: The Disney Springs entertainment, shopping and dining complex is viewed, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Phelan M. Ebenhack via AP).
In a surprising turn of events at Disney Springs in Orlando, a Florida woman and her teenage daughter stand accused of plotting to lift Disney pins from a store dedicated to these sought-after collectibles.
Authorities have charged 52-year-old Ivette Perez with grand theft and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. According to an arrest affidavit from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived at Disney’s Pin Traders store around 10 p.m. on April 12 following reports of the alleged theft.
Store employees reported witnessing a young girl pocket approximately 15 pins, although another staff member estimated the total could be as high as 40. The girl allegedly exited the store without making any payment for the items, according to the affidavit.
The employees further alleged that the girl was collaborating with a woman, identified as her mother, Ivette Perez. Perez allegedly attempted to distract staff by making a suspicious request for a bag, facilitating her daughter’s alleged theft. These collectible pins, which often feature beloved Disney characters, events, and attractions, are a popular trade item among guests and Disney cast members.
Deputies apprehended the mother-daughter duo shortly after the incident. Upon being read her Miranda rights, Perez reportedly admitted to officers that she was aware of her daughter’s actions, claiming financial constraints prevented them from purchasing the pins.
The mother also showed deputies text messages that allegedly urged her daughter to “hurry up” and leave the store before the daughter was caught. Perez told her daughter to return to the car so they could leave, the affidavit stated.
Perez was allegedly caught with three items totaling about $40. Her daughter was in possession of about $2,000 worth of items, per cops.
According to deputies, Perez is on probation for fraud in Miami-Dade County.
Cops arrested Perez and took her to the Orange County Jail, where she has since posted bond. She pleaded not guilty. Her next court date was not immediately listed.