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College student contrives 'genius' plan to make money at Disney: 'I wanted more for myself'

This genius entrepreneur came up with a way to make money at the happiest place on Earth.

As a college student, finding a lucrative side gig isn’t always easy. Not only is going to school an unpaid full-time job in and of itself, but many times, employers also won’t trust undergrads with the jobs that pay well. Sigh.

Like many of her young peers, Cyan Nardiello, a 21-year-old student at the University of Central Florida (UCF), used to work an unrewarding minimum wage job at a daycare. However, getting paid the absolute minimum to watch as many children as possible wasn’t cutting it for her, and that’s when she came up with the idea to start her own business.

“I wanted more for myself, and I also wanted to work for myself,” Nardiello told In The Know.

Nardiello decided to start her own babysitting service. However, since she’s located in Orlando, Fla., her services come with a twist — they primarily take place at Disney World.

“I had always loved Disney since I was 13, so I quit my job and bought a Disney pass,” she explained. “I got connected with a family who bought a Disney pass for their daughter, and I offered to take her. Ever since then, I have had the chance to work with several families in and out of the parks!”

Nardiello calls herself the Disney Nanny. For the past year, she’s provided a service for both local and vacationing families in which she takes their children to local theme parks — most often Disney World.

A typical day for Nardiello looks like this: First, she picks up the child she’s babysitting from their home or at school, if they’re local. Then, she takes them to “a park of their choice” and they ride attractions, watch parades, meet characters and “create magical memories.”

If Nardiello is working with a family vacationing from out of town, she will spend some time with the family before taking the child “to [enjoy] age-appropriate attractions/activities while the parents enjoy time to themselves.” How smart is that?!

Ever since Nardiello posted a TikTok explaining her Disney Nanny business on Sept. 24, her account has blown up with questions and compliments. Many people noted that Nardiello was a “genius” for coming up with such a fun side gig (and we couldn’t agree more).

If you’re interested in booking Nardiello, the young entrepreneur says that her rates start at $25/hour, with an opportunity for a discount if you are 1. booking for 4+ hours or 2. are a sister/alumni of Zeta Tau Alpha. You can reach Nardiello with questions and queries at cyan@onceuponananny.com!

ShopDisney has all the best costumes this Halloween:

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