Babysitting Options

[BoatDriver]

My wife and I are thinking of attending Magic Kingdom After Hours in May, and getting an in-room sitter for our 6-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter. This would be happening on our off-day, so we’ll be taking them to an early dinner at Artist Point, before giving them to the babysitter at Wilderness Lodge for the night. We assume the sitter would take them to the campfire and/or movie (or some other activity they want) before bringing them back to the room and putting them to bed.

Numerous searches have resulted in surprisingly few reviews of the various services, and of those, almost all are for the Disney recommended provider, Kids Night Out.

I’d be curious to hear any reviews or personal experiences with Kids Night Out or any other provider such as Extra Hands, Fairy Godmothers, etc.

 

[stephk1981]

Google disboards kids night out. Loads of reviews already on here We have used KNO several times now. They allow you to make a choice of ' age group' as in grandmother type, college age, middle age etc. They bring activities to the room, but yes they will take them to the campfire/ movie at the resort. If anything cost $, as in the s'mores at the campfire or arcade, make sure you leave the $!!!! If they are there 6 hours or more leave money or provide a meal for them .
Personal experience: We had never left DS10 with anyone, even grandparents only 3 times in his life...we also homeschool, so I trust not so easily. We needed a sitter for DD ( 6 months the first time) so we could take DS to a water park for one on one time . My DH was so paranoid he left a nanny cam in the room. The sitter was AMAZING. She danced with DD, told her stories, put sunscreen on her as I directed before her outside time. Gave her a bottle the exact time I specified etc. She went above and beyond. On the second trip I tried to get the same caregiver, but she wasn't available. Another sitter came, she was just as good. They texted me with updates as frequently as I requested. We have used them many times, very happy with the outcome...still using them in July and November trips upcoming this year.
They do not do water activities etc. After kids are in bed, they will quietly read or do their phone. Be sure to tip them if you feel their service was good......they are caring for your children. If you tip a valet for caring for your bag.....think about how much a child being cared for is worth If you have a specific question I will be happy to answer it. Have a great time out!