This cool side gig lets you turn your passion into profit at the most magical place on Earth.
Disney nannies help vacationing families navigate theme parks and babysit kids while their parents play.
Trained babysitters can accompany families to theme parks to lend a helping hand.
Alison FitzGibbon of Theme Park Nannies takes her daughter to Disney World during a training day. To be a theme park nanny, you’ll need an annual pass. Photo courtesy of Alison FitzGibbon
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Some nannies will even take your kids to Disney World for you.
It may seem like a strange service.
After all, arent you supposed to spend time with your family on vacation?
But according to two Disney nanny agencies we spoke to, business is always booming.
I realized all sorts of people could use a Disney nanny, FitzGibbon said.
Cyan Nardiello stumbled into her Disney nanny job last year.
Nardiello, 22, is a lifelong Disney fan and annual pass holder.
Nardiello posted a video of their adventure on Tik-Tok under the usernamethemeparknanny.
It was the very first video I ever posted on Tik-Tok, Nardiello said.
It absolutely blew up.
Shes not exaggerating the September 2020 video has more than 2.6 million views.
Soon, parents from across the country were flooding Nardiellos inbox to request her hourly rate.
The UCF student launchedOnce Upon A Nanny LLCin October 2020 and worked solo the first four months.
But after gaining national media exposure, Nardiello realized she needed to expand fast to keep up with demand.
She now employs eight other women, with ambitious plans to expand to every Disney park around the world.
Weve probably nannied and helped 200 kids at this point, she said.
There are other companies out there, too Nanny-Land and Sunshine Babysitters also employ people in Central Florida.
Its not just Disney parks, either.
Nannies can accompany families to Universal Studios, SeaWorld and other major attractions.
FitzGibbon and Nardiello both said this dreamy-sounding gig isnt for everyone or even most people.
Its a lot of hard work.
Before you grab your fairy godmother dress and tiara, heres what you should probably know.
Just keep in mind these passes are expensive really expensive.
The only annual Disney World pass available to non-Florida residents runs $1,300 for the year.
However, not every Disney nanny has an annual theme park pass.
Not all of our nannies do in-park child care, FitzGibbon told The Penny Hoarder.
So for those only doing hotels…it is not needed.
Regardless of your pass-holder status, you must live near a major theme park to make the gig work.
Theme Park Nanny requires employees to live 60 miles or less from Orlando parks.
A virtual agency called Nanny-Land says it caters to families at all Disney locations worldwide.
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Being a Disney nanny is very physically demanding.
Its not for the faint of heart, FitzGibbon said.
It can reach 113 degrees sometimes with the heat index.
Both FitzGibbon and Nardiello said they mostly look for college-age women to perform Walt Disney World park work.
I prefer to hire younger people because Disney is very taxing, Nardiello said.
I need people who can keep up with the kids.
Youll also need comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water throughout the day no matter how old you are.
Watching other peoples children is a huge responsibility and things get hectic at theme parks.
FitzGibbon and Nardiello train all their nannies even ones with prior experience.
Neither owner reported having any issues, but constant diligence is always top of mind.
A kid can get lost or out of your vision so quickly at Disney, Nardiello explained.
You have to be extra careful.
When it comes to babysitting at resorts, nannies need to come prepared.
Dont go there empty-handed, FitzGibbon advised.
Families on vacation forget to bring basic things with them sometimes, FitzGibbon said.
The more prepared you are going in, the better your experience will be.
Prior work in the hospitality industry and navigating theme parks is a nice plus.
Keep in mind some Disney nanny agencies may have stricter requirements than others.
But be prepared to undergo more extensive hands-on training in that case.
As with any childcare job, youll undergo a criminal background and driving record check.
Youll also need to be CPR/First Aid certified.
Finally, theme park nannies must follow theme park mask policies and theyre encouraged to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Others are full-time college students looking to pick up some extra cash.
The agency always takes a cut.
FitzGibbon and Nardiello were reluctant to share the exact pay their nannies receive.
Youll make at least minimum wage, which is currently $10 an hour in Florida.
According to Indeed, the average hourly rate for a childcare professional in Florida was $11.46 in 2021.
Some agencies, like Sunshine Babysitting, offer 24-hour and short-notice child care.
Of course, you could always launch your own babysitting service the way FitzGibbon and Nardiello did.
But starting a business involves significant risk especially in the child care industry.
Its a lot to handle from managing other people to incorporating your business, Nardiello said.
you oughta be honest with yourself, and figure out if the risk is worth the reward.
Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.
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