Anyone ever use the babysitting services?

[san2ting2mom]

I know there's a thread below about the childcare clubs, but I was wondering about in-room babysitting services. Has anyone ever used this service? What did you think of it? How much did it cost? Is it available only in the deluxe resorts, or all resorts?

We are going to stay at POR in mid-May, and since one of our daughters is younger than 4, she would not be able to participate in the childcare clubs. Would you recommend the in-room babysitting service then?

TIA!

Linda

 

[dirkus]

We used Fairy Godmothers on our last trip (Nov/Dec 04). We were very impressed and pleased with the service.

We were in a deluxe but, since they are an outside company, I'm sure they would come to any resort.

With tip, the night out cost us $100. Pricey but worth it in our opinion for the peace of mind.

Be forewarned, though, this thread is probably going to get some posts from the "anyone who leaves their kids with anyone is a bad parent" crowd.

 

[san2ting2mom]

Is that what they are called, "Fairy Godmothers?" Thanks!

Did you have to make reservations ahead of time? Or can you just make the reservations upon checking in the hotel? And how did your kids handle a "strange" babysitter?

Linda

 

[twojo21]

when we did a family reunion of 20 back in 2000, my cousin & aunt used kids nite out to watch her 2 children 1 1/2 & 5 year old, & my aunts 7 year old for an adults only night. i believe she spent like $80, they were happy knowing their kids were with certified adult caregivers. we plan on using them for our younger guests under 12 at our wdw wedding ceremony in 2006.

kids nite out 407-828-0920
babysitting info. also listed on above site link for wdwinfo.com

 

[dirkus]

We made reservations ahead of time. I don't know if you can just call as you need them -- I guess it would depend how busy they are.

We thought our son might have a problem staying with someone he didn't know (he can be a bit clingy) but he warmed up to her immediately! No problem at all. She brought toys and games and they were both on the floor playing with them before we left.

We would have no hesitation in using them again!

 

[Ambassador]

"Be forewarned, though, this thread is probably going to get some posts from the 'anyone who leaves their kids with anyone is a bad parent' crowd."

We thought this was the "take our kids out of school for WDW vacation" boards. Who is the trip really for, the kids or the parents? Be honest. Please.

 

[Beth76]

OK, so I've read about these and everyone raves. I've read that they'll take the kids to the arcade or playground. But, if they stay in the room, what do they do? And what do the "godmothers" do when the kids go to bed? Do they just sit in a dark room. I've always been curious about in-room babysitters. I just think it would be so boring. I know they do this on cruises too and I think that would be even worse, in such a small room.

 

[dirkus]

The sitter brought a bag full of toys and games that kept our son occupied in the room all night. When we got back, he was sound asleep and she was reading a book at the desk. I think it would be a pretty good gig... I know it can be hard work but then there are those hours you're getting $10/hr for catching up on your reading!

 

[Waggy182]

<i>Originally Posted By Ambassador:</i>
We thought this was the "take our kids out of school for WDW vacation" boards. Who is the trip really for, the kids or the parents? Be honest. Please.

What is that about???

Why is it there is always someone who chimes an unsolicited, unwelcome, and <b>irrelevant</b> opinion EVERY TIME an honest person is looking for an honest answer concerning sitters?

 

[Mainebound]

OK, so I've read about these and everyone raves. I've read that they'll take the kids to the arcade or playground. But, if they stay in the room, what do they do? And what do the "godmothers" do when the kids go to bed? Do they just sit in a dark room. I've always been curious about in-room babysitters. I just think it would be so boring. I know they do this on cruises too and I think that would be even worse, in such a small room.

LOL! I have wondered the same thing! Hope someone can answer.

And, by the way, Ambassador, a family trip is for the family, and that includes parents. Sheesh.

 

[SnowBound]

<i>Originally Posted By Mainebound:</i>

And, by the way, Ambassador, a family trip is for the family, and that includes parents. Sheesh.

I agree. I was sure the title of this thread is <u><b><i>Anyone ever use the babysitting sevices?</b></i></u>, NOT <i><b>What is your lofty opinion of my parenting by leaving my children with a sitter while my spouse and I receive a few miniscule hours of alone-time while they are sleeping anyway?</i></b>

 

[lildeb724]

I had Vera Kennedy and she was wonderful!
She asked if it was ok to take my daughter out of the room and we said fine - (I know I'll get slammed but we use hotel sitters a lot. I travel on business with my kids, my dad took us to Vegas twice when my daughter was little and the strip is not the place for kids at night and a couple of times just to get some alone time on FAMILY vacations) and we felt comfortable with the Vera. My daugter was 2 1/2 and she had the best time. The first time Vera took Rachel from the WL by boat over to MK where they transferred on the Monorail to GF. Vera took her to the Concierge there (she knows them well) and gave Rachel cookies and milk and they saw the MK all lit up. Rachel had the best time and asked for Vera to come back. A few nights later we used her again and she took Rachel to the food court to dinner and then to storytelling at the lodge. When we were home Rachel asked for Vera for a month. Next time I go back I will book Vera again long in advance. My husband and I said we would use her for a daytime so we can get to the park for an afternoon by ourselves. Any questions feel free to PM me.

 

[san2ting2mom]

We thought this was the "take our kids out of school for WDW vacation" boards. Who is the trip really for, the kids or the parents? Be honest. Please.

Um, the vacation is for ALL of us. The kids have their fun, and I think we parents deserve our fun too. Who said anything about giving up our own lives once we have kids. Let me guess -- you would be against mothers working outside the home as well, Mr. Ambassador? In fact, why not just have both parents stay at home so we can wait on our kids 24-7, since apparently, our lives end once theirs begin.

Yeesh. I only wanted comments on babysitting services at WDW, not on my parenting skills. I thank all of you who answered my original question. It's amazing how some people can read between the lines like nobody's business ... and I stress: NOBODY's BUSINESS.

Linda

 

[DisFam95]

Back to the topic at hand.....

We just returned and used Kids Nite Out. kidsniteout.com

We used them 2 nights. Both them and Fairy Godmothers go through the same criminal background checking, finger printing etc but we chose KNO because they are the Disney preferred service and they have to go through Disneys employee training called "Traditions". I think you'll be happy w/ either company.

We had Cherry the 1st night. She was awesome..like Mary Poppins. The next night was Ana, she was a bit younger but very nice. They come on time prepared with a bag of age appropriate toys. We split the service w/ a friend and her 17mo. They put them to sleep on the floor on blankets and 1 was sitting on the couch w/ a dim light reading a book the other was watching tv with the volume almost inaudible.

The next day my son said he had a good time and was so excited about the alphabet blocks Cherry brought "for him" and they had fun making towers. He did cry the 1st night when we were walking out but the next night he was fine.

We've used them in the past and will continue to do so (unless grandparents come )

 

[Madi100]

Does Fairy Godmother have a website? Do most of you use them during the day or late at night?

 

[dtsaos]

Don't take this wrong but I just don't get how anyone can leave their kids with a stranger. I don't care how much training they've had and how much certification etc. The bottom line is that they are a stranger and you don't really know anything about them personally. Please explain to me how in this day and age parents can just leave their kids with a STRANGER? I can't help it, I've got to say this, ...are you that desperate for a night out that you're willing to take the risk that everything will be alright? It probably will be, but what about the slim chance that some psycho/weirdo is watching your kid? Sorry, but I just don't understand. I've got three little ones at home and me and DH barely get enough "out" time, but you couldn't pay us enough money to leave them with someone we didn't know very well.

 

[Beth76]

Well, I doubt you use daycare, but I'm sure a lot of people here do. Those people are strangers. What about teachers when your kids get to be school-age? Strangers. Some people actually will put their children on a school bus with a stranger.

 

[dtsaos]

You're right, I don't use daycare-I'm with my kids 24/7 . there are some daycares around that are wonderful-my best friend runs a daycare out of her home and she's one of the most trusting, loves children, decent people I've ever known. Not everyone can be home with their kids all the time, I totally understand that. We're lucky that we can do it and we struggle every month to pay all the bills because of it but I wouldn't want it any other way. But, let's be real, leaving your kids at a daycare or at school is NOT at all the same as leaving them in a HOTEL ROOM by themselves with a stranger. Don't even try to make that comparison because there is no comparison. I'm really not trying to preach to anyone, everyone's different-that's what makes the world so interesting right? I just wanted to say that I don't understand it and I don't think there's anything anyone can say to change my mind.

 

[dtsaos]

And by the way, you can research schools and daycares for weeks, months or even years before you send your kids there if you so desired. You can't exactly do much research on someone that just gets sent by some company that day. Big difference.

 

[dirkus]

dtsaos,

Do you drive your kids anywhere in a car? You do!! How could you!?!

Statistically, your kids are in MUCH, MUCH more peril any time they are in your car than anything you have mentioned.

You just have to be realistic about life and do what you are comfortable with.