Imagine this: You're on vacation, enjoying the magic of Disney World, and then... your bank account takes a hit. A third-party valet employee at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village was arrested for allegedly stealing a guest's checkbook and fraudulently cashing checks for over $1,200. This incident serves as a stark reminder that even in the happiest places on Earth, we need to be vigilant.
On November 29, 2025, an Ohio guest entrusted her vehicle to the valet service. However, on December 3, she received shocking notifications from her bank detailing unauthorized withdrawals. These withdrawals, totaling $1,248, included transactions of $250, $670, $98, and $230.
Upon checking her vehicle, the guest found no signs of forced entry, but her checkbook was missing. The bank provided images of the cashed checks, all made out to a person named Mason Henrichsen, a name unknown to the guest.
But here's where it gets controversial...
After the guest reported the incident to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, deputies contacted the valet manager at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The manager confirmed that Henrichsen was indeed an employee at Kidani Village, though he worked for a third-party company, not directly for Disney. This is a crucial detail, as it highlights the complexities of staffing in large operations like Disney World.
When Henrichsen arrived for his evening shift on December 3, deputies were waiting. Henrichsen claimed he “found a check on the parking lot ground and decided to write it out to himself.” He deposited the checks at a Chase Bank near Disney Springs.
Henrichsen now faces two felony charges for forgery and fraud.
And this is the part most people miss... This incident raises questions about security protocols and background checks for third-party employees working in high-profile locations. It also underscores the importance of regularly monitoring your bank accounts, especially after using services like valet parking.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think Disney should take more responsibility for the actions of third-party employees? Share your opinions in the comments below!
