Babysitting services

[reeddi]

I have seen mentioned on here Fairy Godmothers and Kids nite out. When I did some more research there was a group on the orlando tourism website as well.

Which ones have you used and what were the costs?
My hubby and I would like a little time at PI or Citywalk but don't want to spend an arm AND leg to do it.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Cindy B]

I would like some info as well. I am looking at a $20/per hour (two kids) at an onsite care place.... $20/hour for childcare is just a wee bit steep....

 

[dmonroe]

Hi! We used Fairy Godmothers last December, and were very pleased with them. We had 2 FG for 3 kids, and we paid $8/kid per hour (or $24/hr). I would definitely use them again. But, now that ds is old enough to try one of the kids clubs we'll probably try that this year.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Please remember not to choose child care based on price. I have been in all forms of child care in the last 20 years. From a teen age sitter to collage nanny care to my own home day care when my son was little, to teaching and now am in administration at a wonderful preschool. They are wonderfull places and horrible places and it can be very hard to tell the difference with out a lot of research. Kid's night out and Fairy Godmothers seem to have been used by many many people on this board and I have never seen a negative report. While they are not run by WDW one of them at least is endorced by WDW. If the children are old enough, group care at one of the centers is always a safer option. Resort child care is going to be expensive and while it is not an option for my family, I understand and repect that it is very much a part of vacation for many families. The difference in the two services could easily be made up by doing one less sitdown meal or in another way. Child care is such a delicate and difficult choice and everyone wants to make the choice that is best for their family.

Good luck and have a great trip.!!!

Jordan's mom

 

[Cindy B]

I realize that as well. I've done daycare, administered camps, and worked in preschools for years as well. I guess when you bring your own children with you.. you forget how much the care costs.. if that makes any sense.

I'm just shocked at the prices. It seems high, but it just may be because I am used to being the caregiver, and NOT making that... well, you know what I mean.

I'm still not certain what to do. I may just check out the kids clubs and then decide what to do.

 

[reeddi]

I certainly didn't mean to imply that my children are not worth any amount of money to make sure they are well taken care of. I guess it is a matter of where you live.
Around where I live, it typically run $5 to $8 an hour for both kids. So I guess, I had a little sticker shock. I know it is a resort town and all but $80 - $100 for 4 hours (transportation costs included) is a little steep for watching children when they will probably go to sleep an hour after the person is there.
The kid club are not an option for us because my youngest is 2.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I understand where you are coming from. Around these parts we can't even find a babysitter we can trust to go out alone without the 3 children. So we considered it a real treat to go out for 4hrs alone on our last trip to WDW. We used Kids Nite Out- no complaints... but I hear ya on the shock about the price. It was $100 plus tip for that 4hrs (not counting the money we spent on eating out /entertainment for ourselves- that's just paying the sitter) and they slept after about 30 min after we left! LOL

We're CONSIDERING doing it again on the next trip- but haven't really decided yet. Not sure if we'd rather spend that much money on doing something else all together rather than another 4hrs alone. We WOULD do the clubs even though it's costly because it sounds like a lot more fun for them rather than just sitting in the resort room and going to sleep- but alas, our youngest is still too young for that and if she has to be "babysat"- I'd rather it be with all 3 of the children instead of just the youngest while the older two went to the clubs. Unfortunately by the time our youngest is 4 AND we go on another WDW trip after she turns 4- our oldest will probably be too old to go to the clubs also yet too young (IMHO) to stay alone without being babysat. Bummer. LOL

 

[babyblues68]

First of all ...way to go BibbidyBobbidyBoo on your weight loss!!!Keep up the good work.

Now to the subject....I'm one of those parents that's parinoid about anyone keeping my kids. And I have reason to be. My MIL is the only one who keeps and I can count on my hands how many times she has kept them and my kids are 4 & 5. No that doesn't leave any out time for DH & I. Now that both of the kids can clearly communicate I'm thinking...I said just thinking, of doing a kids club this Dec. I would love to have a Disney date with DH, but then I get to feeling gulity....we're going as a family. This definately has nothing to do with price for me.

Anyway if I do decide to do the club thing, can anyone tell me about them? The good and bad side to them.

No offence to anyone who has others keep their kids. This a personal reason from my kids being hurt in the past.

Tammy

 

[jodifla]

twice, in fact. Once in January and once in May. Very nice women, mature. Both brought toys for our son, who's now 18 months.

Cost for 4 hours was $60. We also tipped. We plan to use them again this coming January.