Babysitting services?

[princessh]

Has anyone used a babysitting service while at wdw? We are going to wdw for our 10th ann., but since it is disney we have to take our children. I was wondering what types of experiences you have had, and what company you used? Thanks in advance!

 

[happybratpack]

I am curious about this too. I called Fairy Godmothers to get pricing for my 3 yo...in case anyone is interested it was a 4 hour minimum at $14 ph plus a $12 trip charge. So the minimum total for 4 hours would be $68 plus $14 for each additional hour. I'm cheap, I thought this was high but I'm new to this.

Thanks for any input.

 

[rt2dz]

We've never used one, but I do know lots of people who have used Fairy Godmothers and LOVE them.

Here's some info. about different services from the Unofficial Guide:

Kid's Nite Out, 407-827-5444, kidsniteout.com, male or female sitters, min. 4 hours, 1 child $14, 2 children $16, 3 children, $19, 4 children $21, transportation fee $8 starting after 9 pm +$2, payment by cc, gratuity in cash, must cancel prior to 24 hours. They are a Kinder-care company

All about kids, 407-812-9300, all-about-kids.com, male and female sitters, 4 hour min, 1 child $11, 2 children $12, 3 children $13, 4 children $14, transportation fee $8 starting after 9 pm +$2, credit card needed for reservation, must cancel prior to 3 hours

Fairy Godmothers, (407) 969-9847 and toll free 877-611-4314, mothers & grandmothers, 4 hour min, 1 child $12, 2 children $12, 3 children $12, 4 children $14, transportation fee $12 staring after 10 pm +$2, cash or travelers check for payment, gratuity in cash, must cancel prior to 3 hours

Sitters from all 3 are 18+, insured, bonded, & trained in CPR. Some sitters have advanced medical/first-aid training and/or education credentials. All sitters are screened, reference-checked & policed checked. Many sitters arrive loaded with reading books, coloring books, & games. Additionally, each offers bilingual sitters.

Then, of course, there are the childcare clubs for ages 4-12.

Hope this helps.

 

[princessh]

Thanks so much for all the info! I will have to research all of them. What great information!

 

[twojo21]

our family has used kids nite out many times during vacations & family reunions. we plan on using them again for our wdw wedding in march. the caregivers are cpr certified, bring games for the kids & have worked great for my parents, aunts/uncles, cousins in the past.

 

[ngh]

I used kidsniteout last Friday night for our 2 1/2 yo, and the caregiver was wonderful. DD was so happy with the toys she brought, and had no problem transitioning to her. It was a very positive experience.

The rates posted above are current, although I have to confess that tipping never crossed my mind. I'm in an area where I pay $8-$10/hour for sitting, which many probably think is outrageous, and while I know the sitter didn't get the whole $14/hour, I figured she had to get at least half of it, plus all of the transportation charge. Then I thought that was probably pretty comparable to what I paid a sitter at home. I wonder if most people do tip??

 

[jodifla]

I used Fairy Godmothers for my preschooler, and always tip. We've been very happy with FG.

 

[nucpharm29]

We also used Kid's Nite out about a week ago. DD is 16month and had a great time. Our sitter's name was Hollie and she did a fabulous job. And DH and I definitely needed the time by ourselves (we had dinner at CG and watched Wishes from the observation deck). Anyway, back to babysitting; she was very professional. We provided dinner for DD and the sitter fed her, played with her, and then had her in bed by the time we got back! We did end up tipping her about $10. She sat for us for about 6hrs, so we thought that was reasonable. And since we had such a good time, we thought it was definitely worth it!

 

[Cyndirella]

Not sure how old your kids are, but have you considered the onsite childcare clubs? I think the minimum age is 4. Our kids stayed at the Neverland Club on our last trip and loved it! They have a dinner buffet, video games, movies and arts and crafts. You get a pager to carry in case of emergency. The kids actually asked to go back on our next trip in May.