Anyone used the Children's programs at Disney Resorts

[mylilnikita]

Hi. I am planning on taking my 5 year old daughter to WDW next October. I am a single parent and while most of the time she and I will be together, I was wondering about the children's program's a various Disney Resorts only if it is for a couple hours for one day. Has anyone used this service? Any advice? I would like to spend a few hours a Typhoon Lagoon and wouldn''t have anyone to watch her if I wanted to go in the Shark Reef. Thanks.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm only familier with the resort child care clubs. My dd went to The Neverland Club in the Polynesian and loved it. But I think those are only open at night, maybe from 4ish on. You can check them out during the day, but you have to stay with your child. I know that there are in-room babysitting services but I have not used them. But I'm sure someone out there has and will tell you their opinion.

 

[josierac]

All of the kids clubs at Disney open after 4pm. My kids have been to the Mouseketeer club at the GF and didn't like it. This summer they tried the Sandcastle Club at the YC/BC and loved it so much they kept asking to go back every day.

For during the day you would have to get in room babysitting. Check Disney's website under children's activities they have a number for the company they recommend.

 

[jwfla422]

I've taken my 4 yr old dd myself for our last 2 visits (in August and a few weeks ago). In August we stayed at WL and I put her in the Cub's Den for about 3 1/2 hrs just to have some adult time & she enjoyed her time there. As the others mentioned the clubs open at 4 and some open later so during the day the clubs wouldn't be an option.

But, if you decide to put her in at night you have plenty of other "adult" things to do. I went to DD, had dinner at Portabello's (I sat at the bar and was in & out in a 1/2 hr even with some relaxing, have a glass of wine time). Then I went shopping. It was quite enjoyable, I love my dd very much but this break was a nice few hours for me & even for her. Even when my dh goes with us, I venture out at night for an hr or 2 after she goes to bed or while she's taking an afternoon nap.

This past trip alone with dd I didn't put her in a club & I should have just to give us a little break from each other. We both could have used a little break.

 

[tjmw2727]

My girls are 6 and 8 now and they have been at the Neverland Club (Polynesian), Simba's Culb house (AKL) and the kids club at the Dolphin. They like all three but given a choice so far they would choose Simba's they had a wonderful time there. They had a great ratio of CM's to children as well as many different activities geared toward different ages. They served a child friendly dinner and offered continuous movies and video games. We will be trying the club at the BCYC this April. Although your plan for TL won't work with a kids club as they don't open until 4ish. You could try fairygodmothers for during the day but that may not be as much fun for 1 child. Perhaps you can skip shark reef and do dinner and dtd shopping instead for some "mom time".
Enjoy

TJ

 

[joyful1nh]

My 4 YO DD has been in Neverland Club, Cub's Den, Simbas and Sandcastle -- with Neverland and Simbas being her favorites but all getting a thumbs up. In fact, she asks us each visit if she can go just one night to the kids clubs.

When we were at the Beach Club there was some kind of convention going on and the clubs were open during the day also -- so check with the resorts directly to see if any of the clubs are open -- I'd guess the Sandcastle would have the best chance. You can also try to get a walk-in appointment at Kindercare (where Disney employees children go) but I believe its same day or 24 hours or some such.