Hiring a ‘theme park nanny’ is the new Disney essential for stressed parents: ‘A magical experience’

Meet the happiest nannies on earth.

Disney-bound parents overwhelmed by the idea of a family park visit are increasingly turning to companies like Once Upon a Nanny and Nanny Land, which offer up the services of a nanny and a Disney tour guide all in one.

With businesses booming for both companies, according to TODAY.com, these so-called “theme park nannies” are speaking out what it’s really like to step into their glass slippers.

Cyan Nardiello decided to start her business after she posted to TikTok in 2020 about sharing the wonderful experience she had taking a little girl she often babysat to Disney. She now has 50 employees.

“Any little thing I can do to help them out, I’ll do,” Nardiello told TODAY.com.

The Florida-based college student and her employees will take the kids to the theme parks on their own, if moms and dads need a break — or they’ll happily tag along with the whole family, and help wherever they’re needed.

Nardiello and her crew will suggest what rides and parades the kids should check out based on their favorite characters, map out the best routes, give insights into wait times, hold spots in line and even point out the locations of baby-changing stations, shady spots for naps and sensory rooms.

“It’s curated to every family’s needs,” Nardiello said. “[These services] have really revolutionized theme park vacations for families.” 

The extra cost comes as planning and paying for theme park vacations has become increasingly more overwhelming for families as prices have skyrocketed and new offerings have been added.

Food prices at Disney World in Florida have skyrocketed by an average of 61% over the past decade — nearly twice the rate of inflation over that time, according to a study conducted by FinanceBuzz.

The cost of tickets, meanwhile, has spiked by an average of 56% over the past 10 years.

A recent review by Bloomberg News found that a typical family of four can wind up spending at least $4,280 for a week-long stay.

But despite the heftier-than-ever price tag, many families are willing to shell out the extra cash for a “theme park nanny” to help guarantee they have the most magical time.

“A lot of families say they wouldn’t take the trip if it weren’t for us,” Shannon Albrecht, the CEO of Nanny Land, told TODAY.com, noting that “it’s usually very obvious why they need us,” whether it be the number of kids, age gaps or handicaps.

Erin N., an employee of Nanny Land, shared that although she’s there to make sure the families have a great time, she truly enjoys “getting to relive my childhood and having the opportunity to view the theme park from a child’s perspective.

“It’s truly a magical experience.”