24-Year-Old Quits Teaching for Unique Job Inside Disney Parks: ‘So Up My Alley’

Since her freshman year of college, Megan Lewis has cared for more than 100 families — but not in the usual at-home way.

While studying early childhood education at the University of Central Florida, the Fort Lauderdale native discovered a way to combine her two passions — kids and theme parks — into a one-of-a-kind career as a “theme park nanny.”

What started as a side gig quickly blossomed. With over a decade of babysitting and daycare experience — including time at the preschool she once attended — Lewis, now 24, launched her own company this summer: Dreamland Nannies.

“I’m not one of those people who has to buy every piece of Disney merch like my friends,” Lewis tells PEOPLE exclusively with a laugh. “But when I first heard about theme park nannies, I thought, this is so up my alley. I love kids, and I love the parks.”

Through her Orlando-based company, Lewis provides families with extra support both inside and outside the city’s world-famous parks. Parents can hire a nanny for the day to help with strollers, diaper changes, mobile orders, or watch a child who isn’t tall enough for certain rides — or hire a nanny solely for child care while parents enjoy the parks on their own.

Dreamland Nannies also offers hotel care, from daytime play sessions to evening date nights, caring for children as young as four weeks old through teens up to 16.

“I once babysat a 1-month-old in the parks,” she recalls. “The mom just wanted to ride with her brother and trusted me to watch her baby for a little while.”

Since launching, Lewis has assembled a team of 14 nannies, most recruited through local childcare groups. Each is background-checked, CPR- and AED-certified, and holds a Disney annual pass. “I called all their references personally, and they all got amazing reviews,” she says.

Dreamland Nannies charges $35 an hour for one child, with a three-hour minimum, with slightly higher rates for additional children. Orlando locals receive a discount when they aren’t visiting the parks. Nannies are paid between $20 and $30 per hour, depending on the number of children in their care.

Although starting a business has its challenges, Lewis credits her father, also a business owner, with guiding her through the early stages. Social media has been a key tool as well, with Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok helping to grow her clientele.

“I would definitely say it’s vacationing families that are coming from all over,” she says. “We have families coming from London, I actually just booked a family that’s coming from Spain. So like that’s even so cool to see, like, how’d you find me? Like, it’s just crazy.”

To stand out, Lewis has introduced add-on packages that include ponchos, umbrellas, and reusable water bottles for families who don’t want to buy them inside the parks. She also notes that families are thoughtful about their nannies’ comfort. “Ninety percent of families always offer to buy the nannies a drink, a snack, lunch, and sometimes even a Mickey pretzel,” she says.

“We always tell our nannies: if you need to take a break, go ahead — it’s Florida, it gets hot,” she adds. “And the families are really respectful, offering snacks or a meal if we’re at the hotel or the park.”

While excited about her venture, Lewis is candid about the challenges of running a business, especially managing employees.

“If a nanny doesn’t do what they’re supposed to, or if a family complains, I always give them a chance; I’m not quick to fire anyone,” she says. “But everyone has to respect me, themselves, and the business. And if, God forbid, the business doesn’t blossom, I would probably go back to teaching. I originally planned to be a kindergarten teacher, but with my major in early childhood education, I could also return to preschool teaching.”

However, demand for Dreamland Nannies is growing fast, and Lewis hopes to expand services to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens — and one day, even Las Vegas.

For Lewis, the true reward lies in seeing children experience the magic of the parks.

“Sometimes they start the day shy, but by the fireworks at night, they’re grinning from ear to ear,” she says. “I’ve even teared up a few times because it’s just so magical to watch. That’s what makes this all worth it.”

---