On a particularly humid day in Central Florida, Cyan Nardiello, a 25-year-old theme park nanny, adjusts her Mickey ears and prepares for another busy day at Walt Disney World. Unlike the throngs of tourists, Nardiello is there for work, earning $400 a day to help kids enjoy their time at the park.
The growing trend of hiring nannies for theme park visits like Disney World is gaining a lot of attention. During an episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna, the co-hosts discussed this phenomenon. How about a tinge of jealousy? Because not everyone has access to them. But those who do get a stress-free experience,
shared Hoda Kotb. Jenna Bush Hager added, We all need a little help sometimes!
Nannies Offer Comprehensive Assistance
Nardiello founded her agency, Once Upon A Nanny, back in 2020 when she was still a student at the University of Central Florida. She regularly took the child she nannied to Disney World and began documenting their adventures on TikTok. From my first TikTok, I had hundreds of parents asking me to help,
Nardiello noted.
The idea quickly gained popularity, and now several agencies offer similar services. Shannon Albrecht’s Nanny-Land is one of them. Albrecht explained the concept, noting, They’ll take teenagers on the wildest water rides and play all day, but they’ll also have the childcare experience and CPR training. Parents get a safe caregiver, and kids get the best time.
A New Level of Relaxation in Vacations
Families often find the assistance invaluable for making vacations manageable. Jenna Bush Hager mentioned how it provides peace of mind: families all over the country are finding peace of mind thanks to theme park nannies.
The Cost of Convenience
While hiring a nanny offers many benefits, it comes at a price. The cost can be steep with rates averaging around $45 per hour and additional fees for extended hours or extra services. As Hoda Kotb pointed out, not everyone has access to these amenities due to cost constraints.
Ensuring Quality Care
The rigorous hiring processes at agencies like Storybook Nannies ensure families get high-quality care. Tiffany and Brittany, the co-founders, emphasize that they only hire nannies they would trust with their own children.
A Growing Trend Despite Criticism
A common criticism confronted by theme park nannies is skepticism from those who may not understand the need for such services. Shannon Albrecht highlighted modern challenges saying, It isn’t that people aren’t capable or don’t want to help; it’s just the way this generation is moving, always so busy and on the go.
Nardiello has encountered her fair share of negative comments but remains unfazed: If you can’t understand how a theme-park nanny would benefit you at Disney World, then you probably don’t need the help.
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