Arrest at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Resort After Hundreds of Dollars Stolen
Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, a resort known for its savannas and African-inspired details, is again at the center of an active investigation after deputies arrested a third-party valet worker accused of stealing a guest’s checkbook and cashing fraudulent checks totaling nearly $1,300.
According to Click Orlando, the individual identified by authorities as Mason Henrichsen was preparing to start a shift at Kidani Village when law enforcement detained him. Deputies reported that Henrichsen was part of an outside company contracted to handle valet services at the resort, not a Disney cast member.
The case began when a visitor from Ohio noticed several withdrawals linked to her checking account. Investigators say the checks—written for $250, $670, $98, and $230—were all made out to Henrichsen. When the guest later realized her checkbook was missing from her vehicle, she contacted authorities. Detectives report that Henrichsen claimed he had simply “found a check on the parking lot ground” and decided to cash it at a Chase Bank near Disney Springs. Deputies rejected the explanation and charged him with fraud and forgery.
The case has been forwarded to the local Economic Crimes Unit, where investigators will review additional evidence. Disney has confirmed that no internal employment details for Henrichsen are available, as he was hired through an outside vendor.
Animal Kingdom Lodge—home to Jambo House and Kidani Village—remains one of the most distinctive resorts in Central Florida. With wildlife roaming its savannas and open viewing areas across the property, the hotel offers an atmosphere that feels far removed from theme park crowds. But the resort’s layout, which includes parking structures, transport zones, and multiple vendors, mirrors a small community in scale.
Over time, Animal Kingdom Lodge has seen a handful of criminal incidents, illustrating that large vacation destinations can still encounter real-world issues. Earlier this year, a guest reported that a designer purse worth thousands of dollars disappeared from a hotel room. Investigators could not confirm involvement from housekeeping staff, but the guest believed the item vanished during service. Several years prior, a lifeguard stationed at the resort was arrested in a countywide operation.
Similar activity has been recorded across the Walt Disney World property. More than 400 emergency or law-enforcement calls occurred within a recent 30-day window, ranging from medical responses and vehicle collisions to theft, fraud, trespassing, and physical altercations. Late November brought a “suspicious incident” at the EPCOT resort area that later became a grand-theft investigation, and Magic Kingdom saw at least one reported battery case along with calls about disorderly conduct and attempted theft.
For guests, stories like the checkbook case can feel surprising, especially within a setting known for peaceful vistas, lantern-lit pathways, and animal encounters. While such events remain rare compared to the volume of daily visits, visitors should be advised to use the same awareness they would practice anywhere else—secure vehicles, lock valuables, and take advantage of in-room safes.
Henrichsen now faces felony charges, and the investigation continues. Animal Kingdom Lodge remains fully operational, and the vast majority of stays proceed without incident. Still, the case highlights that even in places shaped by imagination and wildlife viewing, everyday precautions remain important.
