Can you recommend an in-room sitter please?

[PoohBears#1fan]

We'll be in WDW for our wedding anniversary so would love a night out to ourselves, we're staying at BCV and would like an inroom sitter for an evening for a 2 year old and a 9 year old. Much as I'm sure 9 yo DD would be happier in the kids club, DS is too young to go and I'd rather keep them together, plus don't really want to leave a 2 year old alone with someone he doesn't know.

I've looked on Kids nite out's website and also know someone who's used Fairy Godmothers who seemed very happy with them, but would love some other opinions, recommendations.

Thanks

 

[SouthernBaptist]

I don't know but there is something about leaving my 2 year old with a complete stranger in a hotel room that gives me the heebe geebes. But I have read several good reviews on other boards for Fairy Godmothers service.

 

[rt2dz]

I have never used them, but would. I know lots of people who have used Fairy Godmothers and loved (understatement) them, including my sister. With the 9 year old, I wouldn't worry too much about leaving the little one with a stranger. Anyhow, here is info (from UG).


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.

This is actually a question that has been coming up quite a bit, so if you do a search you'll find a few threads with reviews from people who have used them.

 

[jodifla]

We've used Fairy Godmothers a half-dozen times. We normally have Marguerite, whom my son, 3, really gets along with well. The first time we had a different sitter, but we really liked her, too. I think her name was Vera or Verna, but I'm not completely sure.

One thing to note about FG: This is a small, privately run affair, not a big corporation like Kids Nite Out. The person who books the sitters owns the business and can ocassionally sound a bit gruff. But we've found the sitters top notch, and we've been glad we've been able to get the same sitter as often as possible, which helps in continuity for DS.

Feel free to message with any other questions.

 

[SleepingUgly]

Gertrude answered the phone when I called last week, and she did sound a bit gruff, but was still overall friendly and helpful and, most importantly, very accomodating. I was unsure of the time we would need the sitter, and she said to just give her a call when we arrived so I could give her our room number and then we can set up a time. She said I could even call that very day and let her know the time and they would work with me. They also don't give a confirmation number, which is very different in this day and time, but it makes it that much more "personal," in that you are not known by a number, but by your name. Also, she quoted me $14 per hour for two kids, along with a $12 transportation fee, and a four-hour minimum. So the minimum charge would be $68.

 

[greenyskp]

Kid’s Nite Out (800-696-8105 or 407-828-0920). If a babysitter is needed throughout your stay, the Walt Disney Company recommends utilizing the services of Kid’s Nite Out. Kid’s Nite Out Caregivers can provide one-on-one in-room childcare in the comfort of your Walt Disney World Resort room or can just hang out with your family if you need a father’s/mother’s helper. The sitters are over the age of 18 years and are certified in child/infant CPR and basic first aid. Reservations can be made up to two months in advance and require at least a 24-hour notice.

Rates are based upon the number of children…

1 child - $14.00 per hour
2 children - $16.00 per hour
3 children - $19.00 per hour
4 children - 21.50 per hour
For groups or more than 4 children, please call Kid’s Nite for these rates
After 9:00 p.m., there will be an additional $2.00 an hour charge.
One-time transportation fee of $8 will be added to total bill.
All rates are hourly based, with a 4-hour minimum, and a one-time transportation fee. Cancellations require 4 hours notice to avoid the 4-hour charge. Advance reservations are required. Prices are subject to change without notice.
For childcare on Holidays and Special Events, rates are subject to change.
Camp Dolphin - 407-934-4000, ext: 4241

Location: Dolphin
Hours: 6pm-11pm
Price: $35 lifetime membership; per-activity rates available
Service: Supervised activities for children ages 3-12 including sports, games, arts and crafts, as well as special events. Membership includes Camp Dolphin amenities, activities, birthday club, and newsletter. Dinner Club available.

Camp Swan - 407- 934-3000, ext: 1006

Locations: Outside Main Building, Swan
Hours: 4pm-midnight
Price: $5 per hour for 1st child, $3 per hour for each additional child (must be same family).
Service: Group childcare featuring games, crafts, and snacks. Arrangements made through hotel Concierge Desk.

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Kinder-Care (day care facility)- 407-827-5437

Location: Administration Area
Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 6am - 9pm
Sat. & Sun. 6am - 6pm
Price:
$8/hour ($36 per day)
Lunch and snacks included. Dinner - $2.50

Reservations: Daycare on a space-available basis. Children must be at least 1 year old and walking. It is suggested that you call on the morning of the day (may call in advance for weekends) to see if space is available.

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Boardwalk Childcare

The Harbor Club - 407-939-6301

Location: Exit Crescent Lake side of Lobby. The Harbor Club is on the first level, bottom of the stairs, left side.
Hours: 4:30pm - 11:45pm Note: from 8am to 4pm, The Harbor Club is available only to guests who are touring the Vacation Club.
Price: $5 per hour, per child ages 4-12); dinner is an addition $8 per child.
Service: Children's dining and entertainment center featuring dinner, Disney movies, video games. Children must be 4 to 12 years old and potty trained.
Activities: Board games, puzzles, drawing and coloring, free video games, play kitchen, large screen TV with Disney movies, arts & crafts, snack time
Menu: Hot dogs, hamburger, chicken fingers, fries, fruit, ice-cream
Reservations: Accepted, please call 407-939-6301. A limited number of walk-ins will be available on a first-come first-served basis.
Cancellation Policy: Must give 24 hours notice or be charged a no show fee of $15 per child. Reservations are held for 30 minutes from the scheduled time, at which time they are released to other guests.

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Contemporary Resort Childcare
Mouseketeer Clubhouse - 407-824-1000, Ext. 3038 during Clubhouse open hours only.
Location: Contemporary Resort / Food & Fun Center
Clubhouse hours: 4:30 p.m. - Midnight
Price: $5.00 per hour for each child.
4 hours maximum - 2 hours minimum
Age: Child must be toilet trained (ages 4 to 12 years old).
Reservations: Suggested. Available up to 6 months in advance. Ext. 3700 Before 4:30 p.m., Ext. 3038 after 4:30 p.m. to Midnight

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Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Childcare

Mouseketeer Clubhouse

Reservations:
4:30 p.m to Midnight 407-824-2985
7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ext. 1666
Service: Fully licensed child care facility entertains children age 4 to 12. Children must be toilet trained.
Hours: Daily - 4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. (Midnight)
Price: $8 per hour/per child (Grand Plan and Discovery Magic plans can be used for this).

Pagers are available at the time of drop off, and a refundable pager deposit is required. When children are dropped off by 7:30pm, they will be served Dinner. Dinner includes hot dogs, cheeseburgers, hamburgers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chicken fingers.

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Polynesian Resort Childcare

The Neverland Club

Location: near Snack Isle
Hours: 5pm-midnight
Price: $8 per hour per child (3-hr minimum)
Activities: Children's activity program centering around the Peter Pan theme, offering free video arcade games, cartoons, and assorted toys. Included in the price is a buffet meal and ice-cream bar, offered from 6:00pm to 8:00pm only.
Ages: Age limit is 4 to 12.
Menu: Hot dogs, Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Chicken Filet Strips, Corn, Fries, Ice Cream
Reservations: Required by calling 407-WDW-DINE and may be made up to 3 months in advance.

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Yacht and Beach Club Resort Childcare

SANDCASTLE CLUB (WDW resort guests only)

Location: Off Beach Club lobby near Atlantic Wear
Hours: 4:30 p.m. - Midnight
Charge: $5.00 per hour for each child.
Age: 4 to 12 - All children must be toilet trained.
Reservations: Call 407-WDW-DINE/Same Day Ext. 3750 4:30 p.m. to Midnight daily (preferred not required) Guests registered at other WDW Resorts may make reservations through 407-WDW-DINE. Grand or Admiral Plans accepted.
Cancellation Policy: Beginning 7/11/2000, a credit card guarantee is required to make reservations. No shows and same day cancellations will be charged $15 per child. There is a 30 minute grace period, after which the reservation is released.
Features: Group child care featuring free arcade games, Sega/Nintendo, board games, big screen TV, Apple
computers, movies, dolls and stuffed animals, coloring and much more.
Meals: Served at 6, 7 and 8 p.m./$8 extra per meal ordered.
Menu: Chicken Tenders, Hot Dogs, Macaroni and Cheese, Peanut Butter, and Jelly Sandwich, French Fries, and Fruit.
Food Price: $8.00

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Wilderness Lodge Childcare

Location: Cub's Den
Hours: 5pm-midnight
Price: $7 per hour, per child (1-hour minimum)
Service: Children's dining and entertainment center featuring dinner (5pm-7pm), Disney movies, video games, live animal show at 7:45pm (prior to Lobby show), and character visits. Children must be 4 to 12 years old and potty trained.
Menu: boxed lunch of pizza, ham & cheese, turkey & cheese, or peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and fruit, chips, cookies and beverage, Ice cream is served at movie time.
Reservations: Accepted by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE, plus a limited number of walk-ins will be available on a first-come
first-served basis. For an additional $8 per child, you can add meals to your reservation. Meals consist of Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches, chicken fingers, etc.
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Disney's Grand Adventures for Kids

Childrens programs available at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

Grand Adventures in Cooking:
Children will hand paint their own aprons and chef hats, read a story and will make something from the story and share with other children.
Available to: Guests of the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian Resorts. Tuesdays & Fridays from 10:00am - 11:45am
Reservations: Call 407-WDW-DINE (you must have reservations at one of the above mentioned resorts).
Price: Free of charge
Ages: 3-10 (must be potty trained)

Pirate Cruise:
Children will wear pirate bandanas and follow clues to search Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon for buried treasure. They will visit various resort marinas in their search for clues. At the end of the search, children will have a snack, and split up the buried treasure.
Available: 10:30 - 12:00 noon Daily
Price: $20 per child
Reservations: Open to anyone by calling 407-WDW-DINE up to 90 days in advance.
Ages: 3-10 (must be potty trained)

Wonderland Tea Party:
A tea party for children, hosted by characters from Alice in Wonderland. Children will make and eat cupcakes, enjoy a story and eat lunch.
Available: (Through June 7) Mondays & Wednesdays from 1:30pm - 2:30pm
(After June 9th) Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Price: (through June 7, 2000) : $20 per child
(as of June 9): $22.95 per child
Reservations: 407-WDW-DINE up to 90 days in advance.
Ages: 3-10 (must be potty trained)
Menu includes: heart shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, ham cheese and crackers, decorate your own cupcakes, apple tea (apple juice).

Coloring in the Garden:
Children color in the Grand Floridian's garden, among Disney characters.
Reservations are not required, and this is open to any guest. Event is free of charge, and starts every day at 9:00am in the garden outside 1900 Park Fare.
Arts and Crafts
Available to Grand Floridian Resort Guests only.
Reservations: Not required.
Hours: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:30pm, near the main pool (weather permitting).
Price: Free

Pool Games

Available to Grand Floridian Resort Guests only.
Reservations: Not required.
Hours: 7 days a week at 3pm at the main pool.
Price: Free



Hope this helps!

 

[PoohBears#1fan]

Thank you so much everyone

Jodifla, I'm British, we're used to people sounding gruff and bad service LOL

I think we may well go with Fairy Godmothers as so many people seem very happy with them.

 

[jodifla]

Have a wonderful trip and a terrific anniversary!

 

[goodferry]

We have used both the Fairy Godmothers and Kid's Night Out, we even had Marguerite too! We preferred Kid's Night Out, they came with more stuff for the kids to do. We usually use the service for the younger kids while we take the older ones to the parks, and last trip ALL the kids wanted to stay with the sitter, she was so fun. I wish I had written her name down, she was terrific, I will look through my vacation stuff and see if I can find it.

 

[Tricialiv]

We used Kids Nite Out in July for my almost 3yo. She was asleep when I left and asleep when we got back. DS (6) went to kids club at BC. I was impressed with KNO. I got very detailed info about what they did when DD was awake. I was nervous about leaving her with stranger especially w/o big bro but he really wanted to do the kids club. DD said she had fun and the sitter seemed very professional. I would use them again if needed. Now all the kids will be 4 so we will just do the club at Poly this trip. Have fun.

 

[Briarmom]

If you use FG do you need to be a guest at a WDW hotel? We are staying off-site for our next trip, but were thinking of reserving the Chef's Table at V&A.
Also if you use FG do your children need to be 3+ years?
Thanks!

 

[rt2dz]

Your kids can be infants with kids Nite Out, All About Kids, & Fairy Godmothers. That's part of their appeal (you have to be 4 to use kids clubs).

From the UG: "...provide in-room sitting in Walt Disney World and surrounding tourist ares, including the International Drive/Orage County Convention Center area, the Universal Orlando area, and the Lake Buena Vista area. ... Kid's Nite Out also serves hotels in the greater Orlando area, including downtown."

 

[DisFam95]

We've used KNO 3 times. Both them and FG seemed very comparable in price and background checks etcs. KNO employees also go through Disney Traditions training on customer service.

We've had Cherry on our lst visit. She was wonderful. She was an older british woman and was like Mary Poppins. She did great w/ our 17mo and 2.5 yr old boys. She reviewed all their activities when we got home.

The 2nd night we could not get Cherry (they squeezed us in). We had a younger girl who I was not impressed with (can't find her name). She asked for our room key (which Cherry did not) and DH gave it to her (I found out later). She did not review their night and seemed in a hurry to leave. Then DH realized she still had his room key and ran to the lobby but saw her no where. He went to the front desk and cancelled the card and had them check any purchases but nothing showed up and got a new key.

So don't give out your key if you don't want them leaving the room. Sometimes with older kids going to the lobby or game room is fine but be clear in what you expect.

 

[952LisaR]

This is a great thread!