Babysitting Services at WDW.. Which is better?

[DisneyMomma1216]

Hey everyone! My husband and I are coming back home in May with our 2 year old daughter, this time to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. Since we will be down there for our actual anniversary date, I booked reservations at California Grill. It'll just be myself and my hubby, so I've been looking into babysitting services. My daughter will be 2 years and 5 months when we go, and she isn't potty trained (as of yet, at least), so I know she definitely wouldn't be able to go the kid's club at the Poly. I've been looking into Kids Nite Out, since I know that is WDW's go-to for babysitting services, but I've been reading mixed reviews. Even recently, people haven't had the best experience with them. I'm a full time SAHM, and the only people who have watched my daughter has been either my mom, or my mother-in-law. I just don't want to go to dinner, and constantly be worrying about her. She loves everyone, so that's not the issue, but of course, I worry that she would be getting the correct care. Has anyone personally dealt with KNO, or another company and had a positive experience? And if you have used them before, did you bring toys and such with you so that your child was occupied and having fun? We are staying at the Poly, and while I would love to put her into the kid's club, I know it's not happening. But I would also like to maybe grab a drink or two with my hubby at Trader Sam's before heading back to the room. Any advice, suggestions, etc would be greatly, greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance!!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We used KNO twice when my DS was 2. We had the same situation, SAHM with no babysitters other than family. I didn't know how DS would react to a sitter, so I had her come after DS was asleep and then we went out. We stayed at GF and only ventured to Narcoosee's and CG, so I was always close by. We had the same sitter both nights and she was wonderful. Very safety conscious, very professional. She brought toys just in case even though DS was already asleep.

DS is 8 now and loves the kids club, but I know that may not be an option for you. I wouldn't hesitate to hire KNO. I've known other parents who have used them repeatedly and have never been disappointed. I've also seen them in action with others' children at the resorts and have always been impressed with their demeanor with the children and the care they have taken with them.

 

[DisneyMomma1216]

Thank you! I was worried, since our reservation is at 7:15, so we will definitely be leaving before she actually goes to bed. Plus, we are making that day a resort day, so she won't exactly be tired out by the parks. Though if I take her swimming, I'm sure that would help lol. I guess I will just leave snacks for the baby too.

 

[kboo]

We used KNO last trip twice for our then-3yo DD. would not hesitate to do so again, and in fact now consider it a "must" for grownup dates at WDW. Both times we had the same sitter, she put DD to bed, and it went so smoothly that DD was always asleep before her usual bedtime! Once we went out to dinner, another time to evening EMH. The sitter came with a backpack full of toys, activity books, etc. She was very professional, friendly and punctual, and responded promptly to any of our texts during the night. She also sent us pictures - of DD playing and also sleeping. Our DD has been in day care and had sitters since she was 6 months old, so she definitely didn't mind having a new person watching her; she totally knows the drill. If you're at all concerned about stranger anxiety, make sure you don't reflect at all around your DD if you are anxious about it, and talk it up like it's a really fun thing. The backpack full of toys certainly makes it more fun!

One more thing - check to be sure, but I *think* KNO does not have their sitters do anything around the pool or baths, as a liability/safety issue. So if DD is having a bath that night it will have to be done before the sitter gets there.

 

[DisneyMomma1216]

I did read that they don't do anything with water, which isn't a problem. Thank you for your input! It definitely makes me feel better about hiring them to watch my daughter. How far out did you make your reservation?

 

[kboo]

I think I called a couple of days in advance. I did call them before getting to WDW to make the reservation and then they said to call after we got there to let them know the room number.

I did read that they don't do anything with water, which isn't a problem. Thank you for your input! It definitely makes me feel better about hiring them to watch my daughter. How far out did you make your reservation?

 

[DisneyMomma1216]

Ah okay.. thank you so much!!

 

[Jen0423]

How much do they cost? And how do I get one?! My husband and I are going in July with 4 kiddies(6,9,10,11) celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary, a night out would be so nice!!

 

[DisneyMomma1216]

Your kids are old enough to go to one of the Kid's Clubs at select deluxe resorts. If not, the company is called Kids Nite Out, and you just make a reservation and they send a nanny to your room. They charge you by the hour, and the price will go up I think after 8:59pm (like $2 more an hour). They don't do baths or take the kids swimming. But they are supposed to be equipped with activities for the kids.

 

[Jen0423]

Your kids are old enough to go to one of the Kid's Clubs at select deluxe resorts. If not, the company is called Kids Nite Out, and you just make a reservation and they send a nanny to your room. They charge you by the hour, and the price will go up I think after 8:59pm (like $2 more an hour). They don't do baths or take the kids swimming. But they are supposed to be equipped with activities for the kids.

If I'm not staying at the resort that offers it, can I still use it? I'm staying at the all star music resort.. And do they charge? I googled the kids nite, 30/hr for 4 kids, to be honest that's well worth a few hrs alone with the hubs! My oldest said he'd watch the kids(as he does at home if I gotta run to store) but I don't know how "safe" thatd be..

 

[Disney71]

I have to say .. loving this thread! DH and I haven't done a special dinner at Disney in the last two trips... never thought about the KNO option. Definitely looking into it now! We typically go to WDW during our anniversary week - so excited to try KNO now

 

[DisneyMomma1216]

If I'm not staying at the resort that offers it, can I still use it? I'm staying at the all star music resort.. And do they charge? I googled the kids nite, 30/hr for 4 kids, to be honest that's well worth a few hrs alone with the hubs! My oldest said he'd watch the kids(as he does at home if I gotta run to store) but I don't know how "safe" thatd be..

Yep. You can still use the Kid's Clubs. You just need to find the one you'd like. I think they may charge something, but I don't think it's as much. I'm sure a nanny keeping an eye on the kids will make you feel better than your kids being alone in a hotel room that most likely won't be in the area you'll be in for your adult time.