Disney with a nanny

[Tonka's Skipper]

I would suggest you make sure you sit down and layout what is expected of the nanny/ Sister i.e. what her duties will be to help out during the trip. There have been a few threads on forums talking about problems during the trip as the nanny/ Aunts, etc had 1 idea and the parents had another idea for what was expected.

AKK

 

[Amazynglydisney]

she asked, so i will give my opinion.

if you can't handle 2 kids, even one with special needs, you either have too much money, or .... I would want to spend as much time with my kids as possible on vacation, not pawn them off on a sitter.

Its not the fact that I can't handle my kids LOL that's a funny statement though We go to Disney quite often as we are Florida residents. Just parents looking for a little moment of alone time while on vacation. We are not pawning them off. And if I'm not mistaken don't they have childcare at most of the resorts at Disney? Yeah they do. A lot of people do it. Of course I would never leave my child with someone I don't know. So I don't think it's unreasonable to want to spend a nice dinner alone with my boyfriend while their aunt hangs with them in the hotel room. Or go ride Space Mountain while she takes them for ice cream.

 

[Amazynglydisney]

I'm fairly certain that all the OP asked was what people would do if they had some alone time at the world, because they'd brought a nanny. People's unsolicited and rather snarky comments on her personal life, who her nanny is, or how much she's paid are irrelevant and superfluous. Jealous much?

Regarding what I'd do if I had a nanny along, I'd probably spend a lot of time doing some deeper exploration of the World Showcase in Epcot, and also Disney Springs (to a lesser degree). I think I'd spend time in areas that we usually skip or rush through like Hall of Presidents, Main Street exhibits and unique shops, etc. One PP said they start out the morning with the kids, split off during the day, then get back together in the evenings to finish off the touring. I like that agenda. And my unsolicited opinion is: Good for you, OP, for taking some initiative to book a trip that is incredibly special for the children, but being wise enough to make it a special time for you and your significant other as well.

Thank you so much for your kind words! I had no idea people could be so mean on here! But yes we are planning on doing a little shopping For the kids on main street And check out the exhibits and definitely Epcot world showcase!

 

[Amazynglydisney]

And I'm a little new to disboards Could you please inform me on what OP stands for lol

 

[starjazz]

And I'm a little new to disboards Could you please inform me on what OP stands for lol

Original Post or Original Poster (ie. the post or person who started the thread, in this case...you!) And no problem, welcome aboard! You won't find a better resource for Disney info from seasoned vets!

 

[ajwolfe]

And I'm a little new to disboards Could you please inform me on what OP stands for lol

original poster

 

[MickeyWaffles]

Its not the fact that I can't handle my kids LOL that's a funny statement though We go to Disney quite often as we are Florida residents. Just parents looking for a little moment of alone time while on vacation. We are not pawning them off. And if I'm not mistaken don't they have childcare at most of the resorts at Disney? Yeah they do. A lot of people do it. Of course I would never leave my child with someone I don't know. So I don't think it's unreasonable to want to spend a nice dinner alone with my boyfriend while their aunt hangs with them in the hotel room. Or go ride Space Mountain while she takes them for ice cream.

Don't feel like you have to defend yourself! Who cares if you bring a nanny or not? People are strange. Apparently the nanny police are on patrol this week People assume you can't handle your children or don't want to be with them? This is ridiculous!

 

[Amazynglydisney]

Original Post or Original Poster (ie. the post or person who started the thread, in this case...you!) And no problem, welcome aboard! You won't find a better resource for Disney info from seasoned vets!

Okay that totally makes sense now! Thank you so much I'm excited to be here and meet new people and discover all there is to know about Disney World so when I go I can make the most of my trips!

 

[Woth2982]

Its not the fact that I can't handle my kids LOL that's a funny statement though We go to Disney quite often as we are Florida residents. Just parents looking for a little moment of alone time while on vacation. We are not pawning them off. And if I'm not mistaken don't they have childcare at most of the resorts at Disney? Yeah they do. A lot of people do it. Of course I would never leave my child with someone I don't know. So I don't think it's unreasonable to want to spend a nice dinner alone with my boyfriend while their aunt hangs with them in the hotel room. Or go ride Space Mountain while she takes them for ice cream.

My Friend and I did just that on our trip in February. We brought her son along, who has Asperger's syndrome, we called the babysitting place and got a babysitter who specializes with kids with ASD, and she and I went to Epcot for a few hours. Her son (9 years old), had a blast with the babysitter. My Friend gave him arcade money and food money and he had his own little adventure. So enjoy your time and don't let the nay sayers get you down

 

[Amazynglydisney]

Don't feel like you have to defend yourself! Who cares if you bring a nanny or not? People are strange. Apparently the nanny police are on patrol this week People assume you can't handle your children or don't want to be with them? This is ridiculous!

Hhahaha I know right? We always go all out for our children so we thought this year wouldn't be any different other than taking a little time out for ourselves as well. I don't think that's selfish at all!

 

[Amazynglydisney]

My Friend and I did just that on our trip in February. We brought her son along, who has Asperger's syndrome, we called the babysitting place and got a babysitter who specializes with kids with ASD, and she and I went to Epcot for a few hours. Her son (9 years old), had a blast with the babysitter. My Friend gave him arcade money and food money and he had his own little adventure. So enjoy your time and don't let the nay sayers get you down

That is awesome!!! I'm glad you guys were able to have some adult time! And that's wonderful they have that kind of service! Glad little man had fun as well! Sounds like a successful vacation!

 

[kollerbear]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I had no idea people could be so mean on here! But yes we are planning on doing a little shopping For the kids on main street And check out the exhibits and definitely Epcot world showcase!

I think most people on here genuinely try to be helpful, but often threads get derailed by a few (or even just one!) person who wants to prove a point or has something to prove even if their perspective is obviously not helpful to the OP and others. In real life if someone said things so meanly, we'd avoid them. But on here it's kind of hard to! Try to take it with a grain of salt and remember that the vast majority of people are going to be supportive!

It sounds like you have a great trip planned and it's great that your family is so close! One thing you might want to check out-- my DH and I enjoy doing Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (which many kids might not have the patience for!) and the Adventureland Pirates-themed interactive map-activity. You also might want to check out Trader Sam's at the Poly-- that seems like a really unique and fun experience for adults! (Haven't been yet, but will be checking it out in Jan. ) Test Track is also a great ride with exhibits afterwards that might be more fun to take at an adult pace. I think the animal trails in Africa and Asia in Animal Kingdom are also complete gems-- we see most families rush through as their kids get bored, but going at a slower pace can really be amazing as you never know what an animal will do if you give it more than 10 seconds of viewing time!!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Don't worry about the martyr mom. Go, take your nanny and have FUN!!! Guilt free!

XH and I contemplated bringing my cousin when the kids were younger. Just to watch the kids a few nights during the week so we could hit up Epcot or not have to do rider swap. We never ended up doing that because the added expense wasn't worth it to US and my XH was against the babysitting service that comes to your room (DD was too young for the onsite childcare).

I'm in a new relationship now and my kids are 15 and 9. We left them in the room twice while we hit up Trader Sam's one night and Epcot another evening. We loved it and they enjoyed the relaxation and alone time.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I don't think people are really trying to be mean. However, I think most people are confused with your usage of the term nanny. This is because it actually can impact responses. A nanny is a occupation where a person,usually with special training, is employed to care for children in a household whereas a babysitter is someone who takes charge of a child while the parents are temporarily away.

If I were to bring along a nanny then I would expect them to take care of my children in the same manner as they do at home meaning allowing me to go off and do other things while the nanny entertains/takes care of my children. They would be considered on the clock and would be expected to act accordingly. If I were to pay them for food expenses at home then I would expect to do the same while at WDW as well as I would pay for their own room and transportation to Orlando. I also would not allow an employee to bring their boyfriend with them as that would interfere with their job.

If I were to bring a family member to WDW my expectations would be vastly different. If their sole job is to help watch out for my children so my husband and I can enjoy some alone time or to take them back to the resort when they need to allowing my husband and I more grown up time in the resort then I would say I would need to pay for their expenses. However, if they offered to assist in taking care of the children but are there just as much as I am to have fun and be on vacation then I would not pay for their expenses (except for food cost for my children).

Regardless expectations would need to be discussed with the person before anything is paid for.

That being said if I had a family member along to help I would spend only a little time away from the children and maybe only do a dinner or two and a handful of more grown up rides without the children.

If I had a nanny I would def.make plenty of time for my children but I also would ensure I had a bit more time (than if going with a family member) for my husband and I to be alone and enjoy some time to ourselves. I would do the same stuff as if I were to bring a family member but I might add going to Disney Springs (also keeping in mind I would want the kids to go at some point too) just with my husband, maybe see a movie, do some shopping, and sit and just relax (you could do this part too in the park maybe at night at a time when the crowd has died down).

 

[sndral]

When my nieces were younger I loved having alone time w/ them for the chance to spoil them a bit, especially at Disney as I have a son, so my nieces enabled me to see the Princess side of Disney - what better place to 'borrow' nieces or nephews than Disney for the chance to see the magic through a child's eyes?
OP, if your hunch/wish is correct then I wouldn't be surprised if your DBF's sister knows, so if DBF suddenly says hey - let's go see Wishes w/out the kids or something like that, go w/ the flow

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

My sister is our nanny, which allows my husband and I to work, my sister to stay home and take care of my son and her autistic son. It is a win-win because I know my son is in good hands, and I can help my sister. I understand why your SIL is being referred to as "nanny" because that is for the most part her role while she is with you on vacation. I think you are being generous in how the compensation and expectations are being handled.

Enjoy your trip. Hope you come back Mrs. AmazynglyDisney!

 

[wilkeliza]

Nannies come with us on most family vacations. My fiance's parents took all 15 of us to Puerto Rico last year. Even though there were more than enough aunties and uncles there were 2 nannies as well. We had them for roughly 4 hours during the middle of the day so that the parents of the littler ones could have lunch and relax on the beach a little.

I think you could have "family" time during the day and the time when ASD son should be good (so no near bed time etc) for you guys. If he is pretty good then set nights for you and your boyfriend. Perhaps a nice dinner at Yachtsman, California Grill, etc or a fireworks dessert party if it is still available. You could aslo just go through the parks on your own with that time or take a stroll through one of the resorts like the beach at the Poly.

 

[Amazynglydisney]

My sister is our nanny, which allows my husband and I to work, my sister to stay home and take care of my son and her autistic son. It is a win-win because I know my son is in good hands, and I can help my sister. I understand why your SIL is being referred to as "nanny" because that is for the most part her role while she is with you on vacation. I think you are being generous in how the compensation and expectations are being handled.

Enjoy your trip. Hope you come back Mrs. AmazynglyDisney!

Literally made me smile from ear to ear! Thank you so much!

 

[Amazynglydisney]

Nannies come with us on most family vacations. My fiance's parents took all 15 of us to Puerto Rico last year. Even though there were more than enough aunties and uncles there were 2 nannies as well. We had them for roughly 4 hours during the middle of the day so that the parents of the littler ones could have lunch and relax on the beach a little.

I think you could have "family" time during the day and the time when ASD son should be good (so no near bed time etc) for you guys. If he is pretty good then set nights for you and your boyfriend. Perhaps a nice dinner at Yachtsman, California Grill, etc or a fireworks dessert party if it is still available. You could aslo just go through the parks on your own with that time or take a stroll through one of the resorts like the beach at the Poly.

Good ideas! I've always wanted to check out the Polynesian! We just decided last night that we will be staying at AKL again! Our ASD son loves giraffes and our DD lives zebras! I'm excited to see their faces when they find out where we are again! We got a savanna view room last year so we decided we would do the same this year only a longer stay this year! Beyond excited!

Thanks so much to everyone for their input and kind words of support it's not easy being a Young mom especially to an autistic child and I'm just trying to give my children the best childhood they can possibly have. I am not extremely wealthy but when I have the money I spend it on them! They will only be little for so long.

 

[cijay]

I nannied once and my job was pretty much sticking with the one who wouldn't/couldn't go on the ride, taking one swimming when the other didn't want to go, holding place in line when one went to the loo or taking the other to the loo and just being and extra hand/set of eyes. The parents didn't want any time of their own but they said it was nice that the opportunity was available, esp that they give tickets away to tapings at Universal studios.