In-room sitters for 5hrs - boring the kids? - The DIS Discussion Forums

CocoCoops · 11-20-2009, 08:02 PM

DH and I have 2 boys 5 & 7 whom as much as we love them, we would like a break from them for about a half a day to go explore Epcot on our own in the morning. Am thinking of doing the in-room sitting from 8am - 2pm to cover our 9am-1pm time at epcot. That's about 6 hours with a sitter and while they may sleep in until 9am, I'm a bit concerned that after an hour w/ the sitter they'd all go nuts confined to their room limited to watching TV or playing games/crafts (hope the sitter comes equipped?). I suppose since they can't swim, there might be some limited grounds-exploring they can all do together - I don't know.

So, has anyone ever used a sitter for such a long time in the morning with success? What kind of things did the kids do with the sitter that kept them happy? If 6 hours is pushing it, would cutting it to 5 make it reasonable? Am I nuts to even consider anything over 4 hours? Our evenings are all booked with ADRs for us all to enjoy & since Feb extended hours are kind of limited (the latest-11p-is at MK and the attractions open then aren't really what we like) our only "time away" would be mornings.

If you have used a sitter, would love to know the ages of your kids and what the sitter did with them to keep them happy & how long they were with the sitter! Thanks in advance.

Mom2Elliot · 11-20-2009, 08:24 PM

It seems a little much to be at disney world and you and your DH are exploring the parks while your kids are in a hotel room with a sitter.

I think there is an option of hiring a sitter to accompany you to the parks? Would that work?

I just think of Disney as a family vacation for us to all spend time together. It is one thing to have a sitter at night when the kids would go to sleep, but I don't really think it is fair to do during the day for 5 or 6 hours.

SlightlyGoofy · 11-20-2009, 08:46 PM

I work with small children and would be frightened to take children I did not know well pretty much anywhere.

Is there any way that you could bring a family friend or someone they already know as a part time babysitter?

It is very hard for small children to be cooped up in a room for hours at a time let alone a strange room with a strange person and at Disney World where they will be wanting to get to Mickey as soon as possible.

I hope you can work it out so that you all can have a lovely time together.

Slightly Goofy

cjnix29 · 11-20-2009, 08:54 PM

How much is the difference in price between the on site centers, like the neverland club. My DS LOVES the neverland club, and asks to go back whenever we are at WDW. For us, totally worth it. And he will be back there while my DH and I go celebrate our anniversary with a great dinner at the GF! But you did say during the day...so not sure if they operate then. But still...they won't get bored just being in the room.

CocoCoops · 11-20-2009, 08:55 PM

Yea, even though our stay is 10 days I think that the babysitting option just won't flip the bill - not entirely win-win for any of us.

We don't have the option of bringing anyone with us so our best bet is to use the divide & conquer approach one or two days where I take one kid and DH takes the other. It'll give us a bit more breathing room and flexibility as there are fewer people to "negotiate" with insofar as where we go & what we do.

Thanks folks! At least now I can use the $$ saved to splurge on some great gifts for the boys to remember their trip . . .

Deb & Bill · 11-20-2009, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjnix29

How much is the difference in price between the on site centers, like the neverland club. My DS LOVES the neverland club, and asks to go back whenever we are at WDW. For us, totally worth it. And he will be back there while my DH and I go celebrate our anniversary with a great dinner at the GF! But you did say during the day...so not sure if they operate then. But still...they won't get bored just being in the room.

The kids' clubs aren't open until about 4 or 5PM.

tinkerdorabelle · 11-20-2009, 09:22 PM

I can't even leave my yorkie dog at the Disney kennel that long when we go. I would try to go during the kids club hours at least.

AustinTink · 11-20-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinkerdorabelle

I can't even leave my yorkie dog at the Disney kennel that long when we go.

Momof2Disneyboys · 11-21-2009, 01:03 PM

I know you said your evenings are booked up with ADR's for all of you, but I would highly recommend the kids clubs. Maybe one evening you have an ADR in Epcot take them over to the Sandcastle kids club at the BC. My kids have done this twice and absolutely LOVE it!! While they enjoy going out to eat with us, every night gets a bit boring for them. They would much rather have a break from all the ADR's and have a few hours to play with other kids, play video games, and other toys/games that the kids clubs have to offer. Plus DH & I get a nice quiet dinner to ourselves and maybe a quick stroll around Epcot. It's a win-win for us! We only ever leave them for 2 1/2 -3 hours, and when we come back to get them they don't want to leave! The staff is very friendly & well trained and love kids, so we always feel comfortable leaving them. Plus they give you their direct number, take your cell numbers, and give you beeper.

Calgary DISHeads · 11-21-2009, 02:33 PM

My kids would lynch me...

How about sleeping pills? That way they would sleep till 2pm instead of 9am and you would still have $$ to buy them nice presents.

ScarletFire · 11-21-2009, 03:48 PM

Enjoy your kids while they're young! When the kids are grown and gone; you'll have lots of opportunites to explore EPCOT alone. When DD12 and DS14 were little, we'd threaten them with the thought of staying with a sitter/kid's club at WDW; always improved their attitudes.

2infinityandbeyond · 11-21-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calgary DISHeads

How about sleeping pills?

I'm not sure if you are serious or kidding. If you're seriously suggesting drugging kids to get them to sleep longer, it's one of the sickest things I've ever read on this site. If you're joking, use a smiley next time.

kaffinito · 11-21-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Momof2Disneyboys

I know you said your evenings are booked up with ADR's for all of you, but I would highly recommend the kids clubs. Maybe one evening you have an ADR in Epcot take them over to the Sandcastle kids club at the BC. My kids have done this twice and absolutely LOVE it!!

I totally second this suggestion. If you did a Kids Club night out, then the kids would get to play at the kids club with other kids and you would get a night out without them.

I do this every trip I take with DS9. He only wants to go to the Sandcastle Club at BC (he tried the Neverland Club and now refuses to go back!) It's a great and safe way for the kids to have a "night out" without Mom and Dad, and for you to have a night out of reconnect time.

ajpa · 11-21-2009, 08:26 PM

There used to be a pirate tour for kids that was around 2 hours. I forget what resort it was at. That might be a bit of a break for you.

Although, kids usually love exploring Epcot. Have they tried the Kim Possible adventures?

Tara922c · 11-22-2009, 04:21 AM

Since you did say you have all your ADRs in the evening, you could also use one of the Kid's Clubs, and go without them to dinner, and to explore EPCOT. I think it is about 11 dollars an hour per child, so if you went for 5 hours it would be just over 100 dollars. I think they even feed the child dinner.

11-20-2009, 08:02 PM	#1
CocoCoops Escapist Extraordinaire Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: PacNW by way of Deeeetroit Posts: 19	In-room sitters for 5hrs - boring the kids? DH and I have 2 boys 5 & 7 whom as much as we love them, we would like a break from them for about a half a day to go explore Epcot on our own in the morning. Am thinking of doing the in-room sitting from 8am - 2pm to cover our 9am-1pm time at epcot. That's about 6 hours with a sitter and while they may sleep in until 9am, I'm a bit concerned that after an hour w/ the sitter they'd all go nuts confined to their room limited to watching TV or playing games/crafts (hope the sitter comes equipped?). I suppose since they can't swim, there might be some limited grounds-exploring they can all do together - I don't know. So, has anyone ever used a sitter for such a long time in the morning with success? What kind of things did the kids do with the sitter that kept them happy? If 6 hours is pushing it, would cutting it to 5 make it reasonable? Am I nuts to even consider anything over 4 hours? Our evenings are all booked with ADRs for us all to enjoy & since Feb extended hours are kind of limited (the latest-11p-is at MK and the attractions open then aren't really what we like) our only "time away" would be mornings. If you have used a sitter, would love to know the ages of your kids and what the sitter did with them to keep them happy & how long they were with the sitter! Thanks in advance. __________________ In life there are two kinds of people: Ernies & Berts. Life is lived better when you choose to be an Ernie.

11-20-2009, 08:46 PM	#3
SlightlyGoofy I shall be forced to take you on an endless tour I know where some of your favorite spots are Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indiana Posts: 7,615	My thoughts I work with small children and would be frightened to take children I did not know well pretty much anywhere. Is there any way that you could bring a family friend or someone they already know as a part time babysitter? It is very hard for small children to be cooped up in a room for hours at a time let alone a strange room with a strange person and at Disney World where they will be wanting to get to Mickey as soon as possible. I hope you can work it out so that you all can have a lovely time together. Slightly Goofy __________________ Always smile. It makes your friends happy and worries your enemies. 1984 3 nites off site w children/1985 4 nites Club Villa w children/1989 3 nites CBR & Cruise no children/1992 5 nites POR/1993 4 nites POR/1995 5 nites Music/1996 7 nites Sports w/first grandchild/2000 6 nites Music/Movies (retired!) two grandsons/AND 8 nites Music/Xmas2001 8 nites Sports AND 12 nites Sports/2003 11 nites Sports/2004 12 nites Sports AND 16 nites Sports 2005 10 nites Sports @Xmas/2006 21 nites Sports Free Dining/ 2007 24 nites Sports /Free Dining/AND 10 nites Sports@Xmas/ 2008 14 nites POP /w friend Free Dining DECEMBER 2009 FIRST TWO WEEKS HERE WE COME! All Star Sports is our second home!!

11-20-2009, 08:54 PM	#4
cjnix29 DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,111	How much is the difference in price between the on site centers, like the neverland club. My DS LOVES the neverland club, and asks to go back whenever we are at WDW. For us, totally worth it. And he will be back there while my DH and I go celebrate our anniversary with a great dinner at the GF! But you did say during the day...so not sure if they operate then. But still...they won't get bored just being in the room. __________________ 1986 First Trip, offsite at Grandma's. Parents stayed at MK for a whopping 4 hours!! 1998 Dixie Landings 2000 Wedding at Pavilion and WL! 2005 OKW, first trip with DS 2006 WL & Free Dining! 2007 POLYNESIAN 2008 All Star Music 2009 Surprise birthday trip for DS offsite at the Fountains with military ticket offer!! 2009 Holidays at the World for 10th Anniversary, POFQ.

11-20-2009, 08:55 PM	#5
CocoCoops Escapist Extraordinaire Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: PacNW by way of Deeeetroit Posts: 19	Thanks! Yea, even though our stay is 10 days I think that the babysitting option just won't flip the bill - not entirely win-win for any of us. We don't have the option of bringing anyone with us so our best bet is to use the divide & conquer approach one or two days where I take one kid and DH takes the other. It'll give us a bit more breathing room and flexibility as there are fewer people to "negotiate" with insofar as where we go & what we do. Thanks folks! At least now I can use the $$ saved to splurge on some great gifts for the boys to remember their trip . . . __________________ In life there are two kinds of people: Ernies & Berts. Life is lived better when you choose to be an Ernie.

11-21-2009, 01:03 PM	#9
Momof2Disneyboys DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 13,533	I know you said your evenings are booked up with ADR's for all of you, but I would highly recommend the kids clubs. Maybe one evening you have an ADR in Epcot take them over to the Sandcastle kids club at the BC. My kids have done this twice and absolutely LOVE it!! While they enjoy going out to eat with us, every night gets a bit boring for them. They would much rather have a break from all the ADR's and have a few hours to play with other kids, play video games, and other toys/games that the kids clubs have to offer. Plus DH & I get a nice quiet dinner to ourselves and maybe a quick stroll around Epcot. It's a win-win for us! We only ever leave them for 2 1/2 -3 hours, and when we come back to get them they don't want to leave! The staff is very friendly & well trained and love kids, so we always feel comfortable leaving them. Plus they give you their direct number, take your cell numbers, and give you beeper. __________________ ME & DH DS 10 DS 8 ~ Oct 2005 Caribbean Beach Resort ~ May 2007 Port Orleans French Quarter ~ May 2008 Coronado Springs Resort ~ ~Jan 2009 back to our favorite Caribbean Beach Resort ~ November 2009 Port Orleans Riverside & Old Key West ~ Up Next: November 2010 Boardwalk Inn CBR Review (2009) ~ POR Review (2009) ~ My November 2009 TR ~ Check out our WDW vacation video here!

11-20-2009, 08:24 PM	#2
Mom2Elliot Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 111	It seems a little much to be at disney world and you and your DH are exploring the parks while your kids are in a hotel room with a sitter. I think there is an option of hiring a sitter to accompany you to the parks? Would that work? I just think of Disney as a family vacation for us to all spend time together. It is one thing to have a sitter at night when the kids would go to sleep, but I don't really think it is fair to do during the day for 5 or 6 hours.

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11-20-2009, 09:22 PM	#7
tinkerdorabelle DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: ny Posts: 1,062	I can't even leave my yorkie dog at the Disney kennel that long when we go. I would try to go during the kids club hours at least.

11-21-2009, 02:33 PM	#10
Calgary DISHeads DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,069	My kids would lynch me... How about sleeping pills? That way they would sleep till 2pm instead of 9am and you would still have $$ to buy them nice presents. __________________ Me DH DS15 DD12 AKL/Portofino Bay CL - Christmas 2009 Poly/Beach Club - Christmas 2007 POP/Hard Rock CL-Oct 2006 CBR - Jan 2003 Disneyland - Jan 1999, AllSS Sept 1996 Disneyland - Sept 1991, Camping at DW 1976

11-21-2009, 03:48 PM	#11
ScarletFire DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Kentucky Posts: 660	Enjoy your kids while they're young! When the kids are grown and gone; you'll have lots of opportunites to explore EPCOT alone. When DD12 and DS14 were little, we'd threaten them with the thought of staying with a sitter/kid's club at WDW; always improved their attitudes. __________________ 1972 Polynesian Resort 1974 Contemporary Resort 1978 Treehouse Villas 1993 Delta Resort 1999 Best Western Lake Cecile 2003 Radison Resort Parkway 2004 Coronado Springs Resort 2004 Contemporary Resort 2005 Vero Beach Resort 2005 Boardwalk Inn 2006 All-Star Sports, Boardwalk Villas, POFQ 2007 All-Star Music, Saratoga Springs Resort, Pop Century 2007 Animal Kingdom Lodge 2008 The Dolphin 2008 Boardwalk Villas 2009 Boardwalk Villas Saratoga Springs

11-21-2009, 08:26 PM	#14
ajpa Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 425	There used to be a pirate tour for kids that was around 2 hours. I forget what resort it was at. That might be a bit of a break for you. Although, kids usually love exploring Epcot. Have they tried the Kim Possible adventures? __________________ dh me dd12 dd8 2009 Dec - Coronado Springs & Royal Pacific 2007 Jan - Port Orleans French Quarter 2003 Oct - All Star Music

11-22-2009, 04:21 AM	#15
Tara922c Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cypress, Texas--- a suburb of Houston Posts: 492	Since you did say you have all your ADRs in the evening, you could also use one of the Kid's Clubs, and go without them to dinner, and to explore EPCOT. I think it is about 11 dollars an hour per child, so if you went for 5 hours it would be just over 100 dollars. I think they even feed the child dinner. Last edited by Tara922c; 11-22-2009 at 04:28 AM.

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