Anyone take a babysitter with them to WDW?

[RadioNate]

We are strongly considering this. We are going with 2 other couples so the costs would be split.

How did it work out for you? Did you pay for everything? Did you give an additional stipend. Did you get them their own hotel room? What about food?

There are a total of 5 kids going. Would you split the costs 3 ways, or 5 ways and having each couple pay their 'child's share?'

Anything else you can tell me about bring along a sitter/nanny?

She is our regular sitter, a senior in college, a licenced child care worker and her parents are co-workers of all the couples on the trips so there are no concerns about the sitter we'd be bringing along.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I can answer this question as someone who went along as a sitter on other people's vacations years ago. The big answer is "it depends".

How much to pay/pay for depends on how many hours of babysitting you're asking for. If you expect her to be "working" all day every day then I think you have to pay her the same hourly wage you'd pay at home. On the other hand if she'll have a lot of free time to explore the parks and you are mainly asking her to watch the kids for a few hours a few nights then I don't think you have to pay her and I think you can ask her to chip in for food. If it's somewhere in between (say an average of 3-6 hours a day). I'd probably pay her room, and airfare, and get the dining plan for her if possible but expect her to pay for everything else.

As for the room. I think it's fine to ask her to sleep in the same room as a child as long as she's not going to need to "work". That is I don't think it's fair to put her in with a child who doesn't consistently sleep through the night, or to ask her to put the child to bed and then stay in the room until they wake up. (unless you're paying her for those hours that is) But if, for example, you have a 2BR villa or connecting rooms I think it's fine to give her her own bed in a room with someone else. I wouldn't expect her to share a bed with someone.

As far as paying I think it depends on how you plan on splitting her time. For example, if each couple is having a parents night out then each should pay 1/3, but if she's going to be spending more hours with some families then they should pay more.

My final thought is to work all this out in advance. I'd make sure you and she all know exactly what to expect. If she comes expecting to have lots of time to explore, and you expect her to come to parks with you every day to do fastpass runs and watch the kids so you can ride ToT with your spouse then you're setting yourself up for problems.

 

[hollyb]

We made the choice early on that we would never have more kids then what we could handle. We belive that no one would ever watch our kids like we do. So no we would never bring a sitter to watch the kids in a strange place.

 

[tjmw2727]

We made the choice early on that we would never have more kids then what we could handle. We belive that no one would ever watch our kids like we do. So no we would never bring a sitter to watch the kids in a strange place.

The OP didn't ask if she should bring a sitter or if you would . She is asking if anyone has and how they worked out the logistics.

OP - I agree with mickeysnewest, lots of great ideas. I think if the babysitting time is even and the kids are similar ages I would split the fee by 5 and then pay in 2/5 and 3/5ths. I would definaltly work out the goals and such with the other couple and the babysitter in advance. How old are the ages of the children?

ITA about the suggestion on sleeping arrangements, an older child that dosen't need 'watching' could share a room with the sitter but if you can swing it or she is willing to pitch in for her own room that would be ideal.

If she is on-duty most of the time like a nanny and the kids are younger then I would include her meals esp if you can do the dining plan or free dining. I would also try and let her have some time for herself. If you expect her to accompany you at the parks or even take the kids I would also provide admission.

Growing up my best friend was a "mothers helper" to a family and absolutely loved it. She went on 1-2 vacations every year with the family and loved every minute of it. She did it from the time she was 12 (along with the mom) until she graduated college at 21. Obviously at some point she was no longer a mothers helper ") but they all benefited from the experience.

It sounds like it could be great for all of you as long as the expectations on both parts are clear.

HTH
Have Fun
TJ

 

[jodifla]

I use Fairy Godmothers all the time. But in your case, it sounds like it could definitely be a lot of fun to take an extra set of hands.

But I'd be clear on the expectations ahead of time. I would get the room for her....what young person can really afford the rooms???

I'd get EVERYONE to sign off on everything ahead of time. No hard feelings that way.

 

[mamax2]

This is so weird that I found this post. My husband and I have been talking about doing this very thing. We're going with another couple that doesn't have kids, and so we were thinking about taking along one of our friends who has an educational background in ECE, and I've known since she was a kid. She's 19 now and we were thinking of paying her way down, her food, and admission to everywhere, and she'd basically be coming along as a "mother's helper", and taking the kids for a couple of nights, and watching them at the condo for one whole day. But we're kind of treating it like a paid vacation to have an extra pair of hands to help out if things start getting hairy, without having to impose on our childless friends. She'll have her own room (and tent [we're camping part of the time]) and free time. We're going in Feb. of next year, if you go before us, let me know how it goes with you.

 

[pezpam]

I haven't done this, but have seriously considered it - bringing someone along so that my day didn't end at 7pm I'd be much more comfortable bringing along someone I knew well than using a sitter service. I know people love them and have great experiences, but I'm not ready to go there yet......

If I did bring someone, especially a student, I'd pay for the room, food, and park tickets, as well as transportation to get there.

If all I wanted was someone to watch DD for an hour or two in the evening or just be around while she's sleeping or take her to the pool for an hour or two herre and there, then I'd leave it with the list above, figuring that she'd have her days (and some nights) free to enjoy a WDW vacation. I look at it as asking her to go along to help, so I should pay for the trip. Unless child care providers who are still in school are doing much better than when I was in school, asking her to pay for much is likely a stretch.....

If I was expecting something more along the lines of the sitter watching the kids all day, taking them to the parks, etc.... then I'd also discuss additional payment. I can't see not being with the kids at WDW, though.

I guess that if pressed, I'd divide the costs by child instead of by family, but as long as all 3 couples are in agreement, it really doesn't matter which you choose.

Enjoy!

 

[PaulaSue]

I went twice as a Nanny for 2 different families, before my own kids.

I was paid my regular weeks pay plus they took care of airfare, a room/sofa bed for me, park tickets and all the meals while I was with them. I did have preset days/times off, then I paid my own meals and suv.

Good Luck!

 

[DVC Sadie]

We brought our nanny when our son was 2 years old and paid her regular wage plus one day off for every two days she worked. Since we included room and board at home we also included her room and food on the trip.

If I was sharing a nanny (sitter) with another family I would split the costs between the amount of children that needed to be watched so everything would be on a fair and equal footing.

Have a great trip!

 

[RadioNate]

There are 5 kids total.
At the time of the trip they will be
10
6
6
5
3

Only one is mine and since this is his 9th trip to WDW, we didn't have more than we could handle.

We will pay airfare, hotel, park admission and dining plan. I was more concerned about any additional wages. She's 22 and has watched all 5 of the kids at one time or another.

We would more than welcome her to the parks with us just to hang out. We like her!

We were thinking along the lines of a few nights out for the adults and maybe taking the 3 year old back to the hotel to nap occasionally. His parents are more than capible of doing it but their older child is 6 so maybe they could stay and watch an afternoon parade with him while the 3 year old goes to the hotel. We would obviously take care of the children's expenses when they are with her.

I wasn't sure if the airfare, hotel, food and park tickets was payment enough but I think we should factor some additional wage.

We are having a 'trip planning' meeting Sunday so I'll get everyone's thoughts before I present it all to the sitter on Monday.

 

[DVC Sadie]

There are 5 kids total.
At the time of the trip they will be
10
6
6
5
3

Only one is mine and since this is his 9th trip to WDW, we didn't have more than we could handle.

We will pay airfare, hotel, park admission and dining plan. I was more concerned about any additional wages. She's 22 and has watched all 5 of the kids at one time or another.

We would more than welcome her to the parks with us just to hang out. We like her!

We were thinking along the lines of a few nights out for the adults and maybe taking the 3 year old back to the hotel to nap occasionally. His parents are more than capible of doing it but their older child is 6 so maybe they could stay and watch an afternoon parade with him while the 3 year old goes to the hotel. We would obviously take care of the children's expenses when they are with her.

I wasn't sure if the airfare, hotel, food and park tickets was payment enough but I think we should factor some additional wage.

We are having a 'trip planning' meeting Sunday so I'll get everyone's thoughts before I present it all to the sitter on Monday.

It seems as if you all have everything planned for a perfect vacation for all, including your sitter.

 

[tjmw2727]

Thanks for the update!

I think with the ages of the kids and her age it could work very well. Since she is 22 I would I would seriously consider trying to get her her own room, even if she has to help with it.

Sounds like you have things under control and ready to discuss.

Payment for her time on duty is the only think I would have trouble with. I guess if she loves Disney and wanted to vacation at Disney anyway then the trip would be enough.

OTOH, if she is coming along just to help you out then some payment for her on duty time may be appropriate. Alternately, if she has a free day and or
evening to enjoy the tickets you bought or maybe admission to PI or DQ by herself that maybe enogh. I guess it depends on what she likes to do and if she is saving for college, car apartment etc.

I would be sure that all the couples as well as the sitter have very clear expectations so that no body feels overburdened or expects more than was planned.

Have a great trip!
TJ

 

[Deb & Bill]

You should pay for her entire trip, meaning her transportation, her lodging, her meals and her park tickets. She really deserves her own sleeping room. If she is required to share a room with the children, she should be paid extra. She should be paid wages for the entire time. She will be at your beck and call the entire time, i.e., take the 3 yr old back to the room to nap if needed, evenings out for the parents. You will be paying her to be on-call for you when you need her.

While this may be a trip to WDW for her, she really isn't there to have a vacation.

 

[Suzanne74]

We made the choice early on that we would never have more kids then what we could handle. We belive that no one would ever watch our kids like we do. So no we would never bring a sitter to watch the kids in a strange place.

Wow - you must be the best parent ever and the OP is subpar in comparison.

I swear these boards are just getting filled with everyone's pushed opinions, values and morals of their own lives. Why do you bother coming and logging on when you don't even answer the OP's question but instead try and degrade or embarrass them. This is the 3rd thread I have seen today where someone is on purposely try to hurt the OP with an opinion they weren't even asking for.


Anyway - to the OP, I went to Greece with the kids I nanny'd in college (they were loaded) and I was able to bring a friend with me all expenses paid. They didn't pay me anything that week but it was wonderful and we were given time off to sightsee, go to the beach, and flirt with sexy greek gods at the dance clubs at night. Now, we stayed with the father's family and shared a room with a bathroom so that was no extra cost but the airfare I am sure was costly. When they needed me we both watched the kids and took them to the beach, played games, went sightseeing and had a blast. I honestly don't know if I would have done it for no extra money. It would have been awkward for 12 days to just be with all these people I didn't know and the kids.

So for your babysitter, I would make sure you do the whole package for her so she has the one card that is the room key, park admission and dining plan - let her have her own room, esp if you are staying long. I would either pay her an additional hourly rate when you leave her with the kids or consider offering her to invite a friend as long as she (the friend) pays the airfare and park admission. The room would already be paid for and they could easily split that dining plan. Just give them a night or two to go out and time to veer off from you all to go on rides during the day. As long as the babysitter is only a cell phone call away if you need her. This way you won't feel obligated to entertain her or have her tag along at times when you don't need her and she won't feel soawkward. If you did let her bring a friend, I wouldn't give her any additional money.

This is just an idea - I am sure many people wouldn't consider this option but since it actually happened to me I thought I would throw it out there....

Good Luck and have a great trip!!

 

[babiesX2]

I went twice as a Nanny for 2 different families, before my own kids.

I was paid my regular weeks pay plus they took care of airfare, a room/sofa bed for me, park tickets and all the meals while I was with them. I did have preset days/times off, then I paid my own meals and suv.

Good Luck!

This is what we would do if we took our sitter with us. It sounds most reasonable.

 

[PooksMom]

We have taken my mom with us, first with just my DD and after my DS was born, then too. We always get her , her own room, and pay for everything. She gets the benefit of bonding with her grandchildren and vacation. I feel fortunate that she has been willing to do this. We don't go out too much without the kids anyway, but the extra hands are invaluable. We are going on our first trip without her soon and I am a little sad that she won't be with us. To answer your question, Yes I would take a trusted sitter, nanny or Mom. Have Fun!!!

 

[caribbound]

Obviously you will need the least help if you have the 10 yr old who's been there 9 times and knows the parks inside out. The family with the napping 3 yr old should probably chip in extra compensation (either towards the general funding or maybe as a tip) for the private sitting times.
I offered to have my cousin meet us to help out, mostly for the youngest who couldn't ride everything and for a date night. She was in grad school, I was very clear in my offer and would have been fine if she turned it down. I was hoping she'd accept just as much for my own company as for the help w/ the kids, and we rarely see each other (CO and WI). My offer was very modest, but what we thought was ok and affordable at the time. We had a 2BR villa, she shared a bed w/ my 5yr dd but if it was objectionable either she or my son could have gone to the sleeper sofa, just more inconvenient for those staying up later. We bought her airfare, any food in villa and some meals out but not all, and she bought her Disney tickets (one park day and DQ). She was only there 3-4 nights of our week due to school/work schedule. I offered to let her bring a friend but they would have to pay for their own room. I mostly felt bad, especially afterward, that even though she was getting a mini vacation, I could never make up her lost wages. No, she wasn't at our beck and call, she was my cousin having fun with us at the parks and DQ, with one afternoon of dealing with a sad 3 yr old and one evening of splashing in the pool with 3 happy kids having a great time herself But that's why everything was laid on the table in writing (email) first with time to think and decide.

People will have different opinions on what should be done based on either their experience, their economic status, or taking a stab in the dark with their opinions. Same with what expenses should be paid when inviting a friend to come w/ your child to Disney. The main thing, as most people have stated, is to have it clear from the start FIRST with the other couples, then with the girl who is being offered the opportunity. Remember she may say no.

MAMAx3 -- I don't think you need to worry about imposing on your childless friends. They knew you had kids when they agreed to vacation with you, or did you beg? I think for what little it sounds you will need, you'd be better off putting your child in the Disney programs a couple times. They have both daytime and night time. I'm not familiar with them but have read only positive reports about their services and how much fun the kids have. For about $30 a shot, you'd barely spend anything for a few nights or afternoons of adult time. I think they may go until midnight but you'll have to look it up. If your friends need a break from your child they can go on a date by themselves and you can have a quiet evening in your room or at the pool!

 

[mamax2]

Obviously you will need the least help if you have the 10 yr old who's been there 9 times and knows the parks inside out. The family with the napping 3 yr old should probably chip in extra compensation (either towards the general funding or maybe as a tip) for the private sitting times.
I offered to have my cousin meet us to help out, mostly for the youngest who couldn't ride everything and for a date night. She was in grad school, I was very clear in my offer and would have been fine if she turned it down. I was hoping she'd accept just as much for my own company as for the help w/ the kids, and we rarely see each other (CO and WI). My offer was very modest, but what we thought was ok and affordable at the time. We had a 2BR villa, she shared a bed w/ my 5yr dd but if it was objectionable either she or my son could have gone to the sleeper sofa, just more inconvenient for those staying up later. We bought her airfare, any food in villa and some meals out but not all, and she bought her Disney tickets (one park day and DQ). She was only there 3-4 nights of our week due to school/work schedule. I offered to let her bring a friend but they would have to pay for their own room. I mostly felt bad, especially afterward, that even though she was getting a mini vacation, I could never make up her lost wages. No, she wasn't at our beck and call, she was my cousin having fun with us at the parks and DQ, with one afternoon of dealing with a sad 3 yr old and one evening of splashing in the pool with 3 happy kids having a great time herself But that's why everything was laid on the table in writing (email) first with time to think and decide.

People will have different opinions on what should be done based on either their experience, their economic status, or taking a stab in the dark with their opinions. Same with what expenses should be paid when inviting a friend to come w/ your child to Disney. The main thing, as most people have stated, is to have it clear from the start FIRST with the other couples, then with the girl who is being offered the opportunity. Remember she may say no.

MAMAx3 -- I don't think you need to worry about imposing on your childless friends. They knew you had kids when they agreed to vacation with you, or did you beg? I think for what little it sounds you will need, you'd be better off putting your child in the Disney programs a couple times. They have both daytime and night time. I'm not familiar with them but have read only positive reports about their services and how much fun the kids have. For about $30 a shot, you'd barely spend anything for a few nights or afternoons of adult time. I think they may go until midnight but you'll have to look it up. If your friends need a break from your child they can go on a date by themselves and you can have a quiet evening in your room or at the pool!

The only problem with that is we're going for two weeks, and only spending 3 days in Disney. The rest is in a condo in Ft. Lauderdale, and camping for a couple of days in the Keys. When we go to Universal Studios, I'd really like to go with just adults considering they don't have as much for little kids as Disney. While I would never consider doing a "family" type vacation without them now (maybe when they're a bit older) we still want some alone time while not worrying about leaving DD 2 and the baby with someone we didn't know really well. As for our friends, we didn't beg them to come, they begged us to come, but I know how much work kids are, and I don't want them to not want to go with us again because they're worn out at the end of the trip But thanks for the tip. If we ever spend a week or more in a Disney Resort I'll definiatly consider it.

 

[We Love the Mouse!]

We have 2 children 6 and 3. We took a siiter last year. A 16 year old girl who babysits for us and we are very close with her family. We had a great time. We spent a week at Disney and a week at the beach. She was very helpful. We paid for all her expenses (ie food, tickets and such) and gave her some spending money. She had a blast. Our orignal plan was to take her friend (our other reliable babysitter) with us this year but since we had so much fun and I could plan ahead we decidd to take both girls this year. Even thought they are helping with the kids the get to have alot of fun too. My husband insists that this year we will even have one or two adult nights out. We always intend to but are usually today after our busy days. The girls help keep an eye on the kids and give us some down time. It works great at the pools and on rides where not everyone can or wants to go. Even though you can babyswap it is nice to be to ride together sometimes. You definetly have to have a good relationship with the person you are taking and set up the guidelines expectations up front. Having an extra hand is also helful on drive to Disney. We have about a 20 hour drive so the girls help entertain in the car.

 

[Mom to Jordan]

I think that it's a great idea but be sure everyone communicates well so there are no surprises for anyone. Let the couples decide how to divided the cost and her time. Does each couple want a night out alone or will all the couples go out together?? Is everone ok with her taking the toddlers back to the room or did they count on her to help watch all the kids at the parks.

Money-Time wise I think a lot of things could work but just be sure that everything is agreed upon before you go. If she would miss any income from working at home then you might need to consider that when paying her. If not, the paid in full trip, plus a little extra money for a late night might be about right. Sounds like a great trip!!!!!!'Have a blast.