Child Care?

[KMS'sGlassSlipper]

Has anyone utilized the child care that Disney offers? I was wondering the cost of having a separate children's party so that the parents could enjoy themselves at the reception.

 

[DisneyLeah]

Has anyone utilized the child care that Disney offers? I was wondering the cost of having a separate children's party so that the parents could enjoy themselves at the reception.

Hi - KMS - thanks for posting this question.

I'd also love to hear about this and what folks have done if there are a lot of children involved. We may have 10-15 children and I'm not sure what to do with them.

I'd like to invite them to the reception because I feel awkward about asking people not to bring their children. Still, I think that's too many children to handle/pay for/etc.

I don't think we can afford to add a children's party and I'm not sure where we'd hold it since our reception is at ADH. Would we have to rent a room at the Boardwalk?

Please share your experiences with either directing your guests to use Disney's childcare services or your use of childcare/children's parties. Thank you for anything you can share!

Leah

 

[girli565]

Hi - KMS - thanks for posting this question.

I'd also love to hear about this and what folks have done if there are a lot of children involved. We may have 10-15 children and I'm not sure what to do with them.

I'd like to invite them to the reception because I feel awkward about asking people not to bring their children. Still, I think that's too many children to handle/pay for/etc.

I don't think we can afford to add a children's party and I'm not sure where we'd hold it since our reception is at ADH. Would we have to rent a room at the Boardwalk?

Please share your experiences with either directing your guests to use Disney's childcare services or your use of childcare/children's parties. Thank you for anything you can share!

Leah

The ADH has an upstairs, maybe you could hold the children's party there?

 

[DisneyLeah]

The ADH has an upstairs, maybe you could hold the children's party there?

Hi thanks! I thought about that but we will be using the upstairs for the cocktail hour so Im not sure how that would work. I'll have to talk to our WP about it (once we have one assigned to us).

I also thought that makes it a little too easy for the kids to come running down to their parents. And, I didnt know how well that would work with little children (ages 3-5) if the parents tried to leave them up there and go take their seats just downstairs. I don't have children, so I'm not sure how the little ones would "deal" with something like that.

All feedback, ideas, costs, etc are welcome and appreciated! thanks, all!

 

[thatdisneygirl]

We only had 8 kids invited to our wedding, but 5 of them were three or under, so I was going to arrange a babysitter to be in our hotel room at the GF (where our reception was) so the little kids would have somewhere to be. Unfortunately, when I let the parents know, every single one of them was offended.

One family decided not to come, one bridesmaid chose not to attend the reception so she could take her baby back to her own room, and the other family used the sitter for the ceremony, but brought both of their little kids to the reception. It all worked out fine, but I wish I had handled it with a little more finesse. I didn't realize how touchy some people could be about it.

 

[connorlevismom]

We only had 8 kids invited to our wedding, but 5 of them were three or under, so I was going to arrange a babysitter to be in our hotel room at the GF (where our reception was) so the little kids would have somewhere to be. Unfortunately, when I let the parents know, every single one of them was offended.

One family decided not to come, one bridesmaid chose not to attend the reception so she could take her baby back to her own room, and the other family used the sitter for the ceremony, but brought both of their little kids to the reception. It all worked out fine, but I wish I had handled it with a little more finesse. I didn't realize how touchy some people could be about it.

Just an alternative view - as a mommy, maybe they were not offended or touchy but kind of worried? It is really hard to leave your kids with someone you don't know, in a place that is not your home. Especially little ones. I thought about doing this too for our DP so that the adults can have some adult only time. But I don't even know if I could leave my own kids, so I don't think I could ask them to leave their kids.

I don't think you did anything wrong though, you were just trying to be helpful!

Kristine

 

[Skylersmommy5]

I had toyed with the idea of a separate kids party since we have a little one of our own and let him be the host of it (other smaller children would include our nephews, and all of my cousins' little ones, so they would all know eachother), but since I really want Characters at our Reception, I'm deciding against a separate kids party so they can enjoy he Characters too, and instead have a separate kids activity table with some Fun bags to keep them busy with and games, toys, etc. I kind of also thought it would be hard having our son only there for part of the Reception, especially since I want my own Mother/Son Dance with him.

If you look into Kids Nite Out, theyhave certified babysitters, and you can see if there's a room close by to host a kids party in there.

I have been to Weddings that were Adults Only, and my sister hated that idea for her own wedding a few years ago. She had our son and her other nephew(the Ring Bearer) only there for the ceremony, and had a very reliable neighbor tske her other nephew back to our dad's home since there was no room for a sitter on-site, and we had a friend pick our son up and watched him at her mom's place. It is hard seeking out sitters for other people's children when you've never met the sitter. Some parents may be weary leaving their little ones with a sitter at Disney though if the kid and parents are unfamilliar with a sitter.

 

[DisneyLeah]

. Unfortunately, when I let the parents know, every single one of them was offended.

Just an alternative view - as a mommy, maybe they were not offended or touchy but kind of worried? It is really hard to leave your kids with someone you don't know, in a place that is not your home. Especially little ones. I thought about doing this too for our DP so that the adults can have some adult only time. But I don't even know if I could leave my own kids, so I don't think I could ask them to leave their kids.

If you look into Kids Nite Out, theyhave certified babysitters, and you can see if there's a room close by to host a kids party in there.

It is hard seeking out sitters for other people's children when you've never met the sitter. Some parents may be weary leaving their little ones with a sitter at Disney though if the kid and parents are unfamilliar with a sitter.

AHH!!! These are all the very concerns that I have!! I don't want to put guests or their children in an uncomfortable position, but I also don't know if I can afford an extra 15 guests to the reception/DP (Not sure if I have enough room to seat them in the manner I planned to set up ADH either and they are too young and don't know each other, so a sep kids table/area is not really an option)!

I'm don't think that we could afford a separate party or sitter for them all, so I'm really torn about what to do. I could provide the Disney sitter information and "suggest" that the guests use them....but when and how do I do that? I need to address the Save the Dates and invitations such that its clear who's invited and who's not invited, but I don't really know the answers to those questions until I know if we are talking about 5 kids or 15!

I can't be the first person in a situation with tons of friends and immediate family who have small children....am I?

Thanks for your advice!

 

[connorlevismom]

AHH!!! These are all the very concerns that I have!! I don't want to put guests or their children in an uncomfortable position, but I also don't know if I can afford an extra 15 guests to the reception/DP (Not sure if I have enough room to seat them in the manner I planned to set up ADH either and they are too young and don't know each other, so a sep kids table/area is not really an option)!

I'm don't think that we could afford a separate party or sitter for them all, so I'm really torn about what to do. I could provide the Disney sitter information and "suggest" that the guests use them....but when and how do I do that? I need to address the Save the Dates and invitations such that its clear who's invited and who's not invited, but I don't really know the answers to those questions until I know if we are talking about 5 kids or 15!

I can't be the first person in a situation with tons of friends and immediate family who have small children....am I?

Thanks for your advice!

No, your not the first person at all to deal with this.

I will warn you that the Disney babysitter are VERY expensive. I don't think it would be appropriate to ask your guests to pay for a sitter because you can't afford the kids at your reception. If you do not want kids, then it is your responsibility to pay for their care for the guests.

Honestly, it is probably much for afordable to pay for 15 kids meals than it is going to be to have Disney sitters for them. I believe that each sitter only takes up to 3 or 4 kids at a time, and they are like $13.00 per hour, per child. I am not absolutely positive on those numbers, I will check and get back to you. But, a childs meal is much cheaper than that.

But if you do not want the kids at the reception, I would inform your guests ahead of time and not have them get there and then tell them. Let them make up their minds before they come if they are OK with leaving their kids either at home, or with someone you provide for them. But be aware that some may not come if their kids are not invited. You have to make the decision of that is alright with you.

Good luck, it is a tough position to be in.

Kristine

 

[DisneyLeah]

No, your not the first person at all to deal with this.

I will warn you that the Disney babysitter are VERY expensive. I don't think it would be appropriate to ask your guests to pay for a sitter because you can't afford the kids at your reception. If you do not want kids, then it is your responsibility to pay for their care for the guests.

Honestly, it is probably much for afordable to pay for 15 kids meals than it is going to be to have Disney sitters for them. I believe that each sitter only takes up to 3 or 4 kids at a time, and they are like $13.00 per hour, per child. I am not absolutely positive on those numbers, I will check and get back to you. But, a childs meal is much cheaper than that.

But if you do not want the kids at the reception, I would inform your guests ahead of time and not have them get there and then tell them. Let them make up their minds before they come if they are OK with leaving their kids either at home, or with someone you provide for them. But be aware that some may not come if their kids are not invited. You have to make the decision of that is alright with you.

Good luck, it is a tough position to be in.

Kristine

Hi Kristine - Thank you for your thoughts and your point of view! I do appreciate the insight from another's perspective.

I disagree only slightly about who would be responsible for the costs of child care in that if my wedding was at home, and children were not invited, the parents would still have to arrange for a sitter with their own money. I think this is similar in that they could chose not to come or to pay for their own child care. Still, I'm not sure if that's the "right" thing to do to the guests. Of course, I'd love to provide everything for everyone but I just dont have the budget to do so.

Also, I was told that the children's price is the same as adults for the reception and the dessert party since they are both buffets. So between seats, meals, etc, its quite pricey to have an additional 15 guests. This added number of guests also "ruins" my plans to keep my party seated on the ADH dance floor as well. I'm told I can only have 6 rounds of 10 people seated on the dance floor. With the estimated guest count + children, I'm at 72 guests and growing. ughh..

If others have similar experiences, points or view (or even totally contrary points of view), I'd love to hear from you.
thanks so much!
Leah

 

[connorlevismom]

Hi Kristine - Thank you for your thoughts and your point of view! I do appreciate the insight from another's perspective.

I disagree only slightly about who would be responsible for the costs of child care in that if my wedding was at home, and children were not invited, the parents would still have to arrange for a sitter with their own money. I think this is similar in that they could chose not to come or to pay for their own child care. Still, I'm not sure if that's the "right" thing to do to the guests. Of course, I'd love to provide everything for everyone but I just dont have the budget to do so.

Also, I was told that the children's price is the same as adults for the reception and the dessert party since they are both buffets. So between seats, meals, etc, its quite pricey to have an additional 15 guests. This added number of guests also "ruins" my plans to keep my party seated on the ADH dance floor as well. I'm told I can only have 6 rounds of 10 people seated on the dance floor. With the estimated guest count + children, I'm at 72 guests and growing. ughh..

If others have similar experiences, points or view (or even totally contrary points of view), I'd love to hear from you.
thanks so much!
Leah

Wow - that is crazy that the buffet cost is the same as an adult! Like a 5 year old kid can eat as much as a 45 year old man. That seems really silly to me. I was thinking you were having a plated meal, that is why I brought up the kids meals. Obviously, that is not going to work for you.

I think as long as you let people know before they agree to come, that you do not want kids at the reception and they are going to have to provide their own child care, you will be fine. Then it is up to them what they want to do. But I would make sure they know before they agree to come.

In my circle of people, it is customary to provide child care to people who's children are invited to the wedding, but not the reception. If they are not invited to any of it, then it is different. Parents decide to come and get a sitter for the whole day, or come to the wedding but not the reception, or not come at all. But that is just here, maybe it is different where you guys are and it won't be an issue at all.

Kristine

 

[DisneyLeah]

Wow - that is crazy that the buffet cost is the same as an adult! Like a 5 year old kid can eat as much as a 45 year old man. That seems really silly to me.

LOL! I know! I'm hoping that's either a mistake or that there's room for negotiation on this! I'll keep asking!

Thanks again for your comments!

I really appreciate the help and points of view of others - that's why I love these boards!

 

[connorlevismom]

Just an FYI - here is the cost for in-room sitting. I am not sure what the cost for a kids party would be.



For in-room childcare and mother’s helpers, advance reservations are recommended. It is advisable to book your childcare reservation at least 2 weeks to 30 days in advance.
We are able to book in-room childcare reservations up to 3 months in advance. Our reservation staff is available from 8:00am to 9:00pm 7 days a week. They may be reached at 1-800-696-8105.

Kid’s Nite Out cares for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. We also care for children with special needs. (please call for details)

Our professional caregivers will arrive at your hotel or resort room wearing our signature purple polo shirt with the Kid’s Nite Out logo embroidered on the left side. They will also be wearing a Kid’s Nite Out nametag and identification badge. Our professional caregivers arrive prepared with a toy bag, age-appropriate activities, and arts & crafts.

In-Room Childcare Rates*

1 child $16.00 per hour
2 children $18.50 per hour
3 children $21.00 per hour
4 children $23.50 per hour
5 or more children, please call 1-800-696-8105

The Fine Print
*All rates are hourly based. Four (4) hour minimum charge. Caregiver transportation fee is $10.00. Reservations that begin after 8:59pm require an additional $2.00 per hour premium. Cancellations require a twenty-four (24) hour advance notice. Advance reservations are required. Holidays and special events require an additional premium. Rates are subject to change. Payment is by credit card only. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted.




Hope that helps!

Kristine

 

[mickeyshellbelle]

Hi,
Thought I'd comment on what I plan to do as I too am concerned about this! I thought about a kids party, but don't really know where I would have it at ADH and feel if I rented a ballroom and such it would get very high. I also do not have nearly as many kids as you do. I'm lucky in that some of my friends are leaving their newborns home with grandparents and two others are making family vacations and bringing grandparents so they will watch the kids. But for those are who are not I put a link on my wedding website labeled "childcare" and posted that they are welcomed to attend ceremony at WP and use private motorcoach to reception area. We asked that kids spend some time with Mickey instead! Then listed the two childcare clubs in the Boardwalk area with info and prices. I did also list the price for Kids Nite Out. I feel that this way a great way to state that children should be somewhere else and provide the necessary info. Maybe you could do a website or add it to yours if you have one. Good luck with everything!

 

[Skylersmommy5]

That's why I said some kids and parents may be wary with a babysitter at Disney. We have about 10 kids invited to ours, and besides te activity table(which would cost far less than a sitter), we're having the kids seated with their parents (and the kids for ours will range from 3-11). I looked into Kids Nite Out for ours, and the cost of a sitter vs. Having the kids there is the same. It is hard to say who will feel offended or not if kids require a sitter, but I can certainly understand the parents having time away from the little ones too.

Wow that is crazy though that the Buffet price for a kid is the same as an adult and most kids eat like birds. I can see where that would be costly for you. Another option as a previous poster mentioned is maybe leave an option of seeing what guests may be bringing other friends or family to vacation at Disney while they're attending you wedding and maybe suggest they leave the kids in trusted hands of your friends and their extended families for fun of their own. It is a hard situation but I'm trying to think as a Bride who's also a parent. Some parents just won't leave
their children with anyone(believe me I've never had a sitter who my son hasn't met, and usually
he's left with Dinlaws when we go out at home as I know he's in good hands).

 

[Pooh's Corner]

My sales girl told me earlier this week that kids under 3 are free and from 4-10 are basically half price.

 

[KMS'sGlassSlipper]

From what the wedding coordinator told me, children 3 and under are free, and they can eat off the buffet. Then I was asking about the kids menu, which is about $25 for kids ages 3-9. Then the kids that are 10-18 eat at the buffet price, but are not included in the minimums. So I guess even if you are having a buffet you can choose a plated meal for kids. At least this is what I understand.

I was planning to have some children at my reception (mostly my nieces and nephews, and a few close family friends' children), but I'm not sure where to draw the line I guess. A lot of the kids are under 3 anyways, so I wouldn't have to pay for them.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments!

 

[DisneyLeah]

From what the wedding coordinator told me, children 3 and under are free, and they can eat off the buffet. Then I was asking about the kids menu, which is about $25 for kids ages 3-9. Then the kids that are 10-18 eat at the buffet price, but are not included in the minimums. So I guess even if you are having a buffet you can choose a plated meal for kids. At least this is what I understand.

I was planning to have some children at my reception (mostly my nieces and nephews, and a few close family friends' children), but I'm not sure where to draw the line I guess. A lot of the kids are under 3 anyways, so I wouldn't have to pay for them.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments!

Thanks for your post. I'll have to ask again about the prices for children and the availability of plated meals for ages 3-9 while the adults have a buffet. I only have 1-2 children under 3. Most are in the 3-9 range. :-(

How will you seat the children? With their parents?

thanks!
Leah

 

[girli565]

I am seating the children with their parents. We will have 7 children and 1 teenager. We have 3 children under 3yo and 4 children under 10yo.

So am I to understand that children under 3 do not count at a Wishes wedding? I was under the impression that was only for Escape weddings.

 

[KMS'sGlassSlipper]

I am having a wishes wedding, and my coordinator told me that 3 and under are free. Again, I would double check this. But I had a lengthy conversation with him. Some of my nephews are going to be just under 3 at my wedding and I didn't know whether or not they would want to eat chicken fingers like their older siblings. So from what I asked, the kids under 3 eat free off the buffet. If I wanted to feed a child under 3 off the kids' menu like their older siblings, then I would have to pay $25 for them to get a plate.

So this is what Joe had told me, so from this I understand that you could do a plated meal for the kids. I hope this helps!

I'm planning on seating the children with their parents, because the majority of them are going to be under 6.