24-Year-Old Launches Theme Park Nanny Business (Exclusive)

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

While studying early childhood education at the University of Central Florida, the Fort Lauderdale native found a way to combine her two favorite things — kids and theme parks — into a unique career as a “theme park nanny.”

What began as a side job quickly grew into something bigger. With more than a decade of babysitting and daycare experience — including time at the preschool she once attended — Lewis, now 24, decided this summer to launch her own company: 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 book a nanny to join them for the day — helping with strollers, diaper changes, mobile orders, or staying with a child who isn’t tall enough for certain rides — or hire a nanny to focus solely on the kids while parents enjoy the parks on their own.

Dreamland Nannies also offers hotel care, from daytime play sessions to evening date nights, and cares 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.”

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Since launching, Lewis has built a team of 14 nannies, most recruited through local childcare groups. Each one 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 kids. 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 can be challenging, Lewis credits her father, also a business owner, with guiding her through the early stages of entrepreneurship. Social media has also been key, with Facebook, Instagram and TikTok serving as her main platforms to spread the word and build 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 says, she’s developed 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 emphasizes that families are thoughtful about their nannies’ comfort. She adds that 90% of families always offer to buy the nannies a drink, a snack, lunch and sometimes even a Mickey pretzel.

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

While Lewis is excited for this new adventure, she is also candid about the challenges of running a business, especially when it comes to her 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 quickly, and Lewis hopes to expand services to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens — and one day, even Las Vegas.

While running the business keeps her busy, she says the real reward is watching kids 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.”