Experiences with kids clubs/babysitting?

[sdomino11]

I've heard very little about people's experiences with babysitting or the kid's clubs at WDW. Can you share your experiences? I've heard of the Neverland one and it sounds great! My husband and I would like to have a night out alone to celebrate our 10 yr anniversary. Thanks for the help!

 

[Marthasor]

We used Kids Nite Out twice and my DS went to the Neverland Club once (it's now called Club Disney). Kids Nite Out was fantastic. My DS was asleep when the sitter arrived, so they never interacted, but I was very impressed in how safety conscious they are and the sitter brought tons of stuff for my DS to play with if he hadn't been asleep.

Neverland Club was ok. They had crafts and lots of video games, neither of which my DS really likes. He doesn't really like kids clubs, so, while I got 2 hours to myself, he didn't really enjoy it. If your DS likes kids clubs, I'm sure he would be fine here. They also have a kids club at BC and the Dolphin. I believe if you use the Dolphin's kids club and you eat at a restaurant at the Dolphin, you get a discount on the club.

 

[kevdad]

Our three kids went to the Cubs Den at WL two times when we were there two years ago and loved it. Games, art projects, video games, TVs, etc. We already have them booked there twice when we'll be there in early December and they can't wait! It's a wonderful way for the adults to fully enjoy Artist Point.

 

[DCbride]

We always use the kids clubs, DD is 7 and has been going since 3. Last trip (12 days) we booked 2x and she asked to go another. The Neverland is now called Club Disney and has been totally refurbished. Simba's at AKL usually has least Amin t of kids so DD doesn't enjoy it. All include dinner and usually a snack. DD loves the clubs and we really enjoy the adult time for a few hours.

 

[ChgoMusicGirl]

My DS6 went to Simba's Cubhouse at AKL last year when he was 5 and loved it! He still talks about it and can't wait to go back. For a while, when you asked him his fav thing at WDW, he said Simba's Cubhouse!
There were lots of toys to play with, crafts, and video games (probably his favorite part, since they had a huge selection of games!).
Dinner is included in the price. If you're a DVC member you get a discount or if you booked a package, there was a coupon for 10% off in the booklet (at least last year there was).
I think DS enjoyed a little time off and DH and I really enjoyed our dinner at Sanaa!

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

Our kids went to the Sandcastle Club at the Beach Club Resort several years ago. (They were 5 and 8 at the time.) They both had a good time. They did crafts, play board games, video games, had supper and a snack, watched a movie. There were a few other kids to play with.

While they were there, we ate dinner at one of the restaurants on the Boardwalk, then went into Epcot via the International Gateway and strolled around, browsing through stores that we don't usually get to look in, and watched Illuminations before picking them up. It was a nice break!

 

[afinnteach]

My kids loved Neverland Club last year (now totally redone). They both listed it as a favorite part of their trip. They came out with a bag of crafts and trinkets (think oriental trading) from their evening. They don't know it, but they will be checking out the Sandcastle Club this November! (The whole trip is a surprise! ) DH and I always go to Epcot and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the countries. The kids were 5 and 7 when they went and used to kid clubs at our local grocery store and gym.

 

[c2disney]

Has anyone had good experiences with KNO with children 2 and under? I know I'm being a mother hen, but having a stranger watch my child is just nerve wrecking...

 

[Gracie09]

We did kno a couple of years ago with our just turned three year olds. One was also pretty severely delayed.
The sitter was very good. She colored with them. Helped them finish dinner. Put them to bed (I already put them in their pjs). Helped with toilet. When we got back she was sitting in the room studying in the dark with a book light even though I told her it was ok to go into the bedroom (one bedroom villa) and watch tv. She said she wanted to be close in case one woke up.
No problems at all and would use them again

 

[PrincessSammie]

Mind you, I'm 24 years old... and I remember going to the Cubs Den at the Wilderness Lodge when I was 7...so I guess you can say it was a memorable experience!

My parents prefaced it with an "adults night out" which would be boring, and I probably wouldn't like it...

I remember having an absolute blast there, plenty of games and crafts- also video games and movies. I wasn't a kid who had access to video games so it was a real treat for me. The place was packed with kiddos too and I remember being sad when my parents came to pick me up. I don't think a couple hours would totally ruin a trip for a kid... may make it more memorable!

 

[Wendie]

For the kid's clubs, are they limited to those who are guests in the specific resorts that seem to host them?

 

[afinnteach]

No, you don't have to be staying at that resort although I THINK you have to be staying on property. We were at AOA last time and used Poly club. This time at CBR and using club at BC.

 

[JC Butterfly]

I have never used the clubs or KNO as we usually stay offsite but I have found a sitter that I trust in the Disney area. I used the website care.com to find her last year and we had a series of emails and phone calls in advance of the trip. Victoria spent twelve days with us as a live in and live out nanny with our 3 year old and almost 2 year old. She would help us in the parks so we could have some chance at riding adult rides, she would take one child to nap while another rode a ride, etc. After spending half a day with her, I knew I would have no problems trusting her alone with my kids because I had seen her redirection techniques and she felt like family. We kept in touch loosely over the last year and we just returned from a trip to Universal. My husband doesn't like to travel as much as I do so I started the trip solo with my boys now 4 and almost 3. Was fantastic to have her help in the park! Then when my husband joined us we used her to have some date night outs. Anyway, I really appreciated getting to know her and that is something that I found difficult conceptually with KNO is that you don't get to meet your sitter in advance or even be guaranteed the same one if you happen to want more than one event.

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post her website as she has recently started her own business . . . . . www.vacationsitterfl.com

 

[5stljayhawks]

Wife and I dropped of kids at poly kids club ... dude it rocked. We wish we would of done this another night and for a longer period. We did like 2-3 hours. Should of dropped off at 5 and picked up at 10 or 11 and planned for later start of off day the next day.

 

[c2disney]

I have never used the clubs or KNO as we usually stay offsite but I have found a sitter that I trust in the Disney area. I used the website care.com to find her last year and we had a series of emails and phone calls in advance of the trip. Victoria spent twelve days with us as a live in and live out nanny with our 3 year old and almost 2 year old. She would help us in the parks so we could have some chance at riding adult rides, she would take one child to nap while another rode a ride, etc. After spending half a day with her, I knew I would have no problems trusting her alone with my kids because I had seen her redirection techniques and she felt like family. We kept in touch loosely over the last year and we just returned from a trip to Universal. My husband doesn't like to travel as much as I do so I started the trip solo with my boys now 4 and almost 3. Was fantastic to have her help in the park! Then when my husband joined us we used her to have some date night outs. Anyway, I really appreciated getting to know her and that is something that I found difficult conceptually with KNO is that you don't get to meet your sitter in advance or even be guaranteed the same one if you happen to want more than one event. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post her website as she has recently started her own business . . . . . www.vacationsitterfl.com

Thank you for the recommendation to a different sitter I really hope I find what I need for us! It's great they have their own AP so we don't have to pay park admission again for extra hands! Big plus!

 

[CampbellScot]

my kiddos enjoyed Simba's for the most part. It's not very big in comparison to other Kids' clubs. I will say though that we specifically wrote down and verbally told the CM at drop off that my step son was lactose intolerant and was not to have dairy (milk and cookies was on board for snack). Yet when we arrived a little bit later to pick them up, there was my step son munching on cookies and drinking a glass of milk! When I pointed out to the CM the lactose intolerant instructions he said "Oh...well he said he could have milk". Um he's four. He doesn't get to decide. His adults told you he could NOT have milk. So an instruction wasn't followed and an upset tummy dominated the rest of the evening. That was a bit frustrating. Probably the exception to the rule. But something to be aware of.

 

[nelsonkg]

my kiddos enjoyed Simba's for the most part. It's not very big in comparison to other Kids' clubs. I will say though that we specifically wrote down and verbally told the CM at drop off that my step son was lactose intolerant and was not to have dairy (milk and cookies was on board for snack). Yet when we arrived a little bit later to pick them up, there was my step son munching on cookies and drinking a glass of milk! When I pointed out to the CM the lactose intolerant instructions he said "Oh...well he said he could have milk". Um he's four. He doesn't get to decide. His adults told you he could NOT have milk. So an instruction wasn't followed and an upset tummy dominated the rest of the evening. That was a bit frustrating. Probably the exception to the rule. But something to be aware of.

This really scares me. My son 7 has been asking for years to go to the kids clubs and I have not let him because he has a severe peanut/treenut allergy and many of the menus seem to have pb&j on them. And although he would never eat it I worry about other kids touching him after they have eaten peanut butter. I worry the CMs will not take the necessary precautions to keep him safe.

 

[Tiffylv]

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[ibrokeitmommy]

We stayed at French quarter but used the beach club kids club (sandcastle?) and my kids loved it! Wanted to go back the next night in fact...ummm at $100 a night nope . We will likely use the service again.

We did the same as most everyone, strolled around the countries and shopped without anyone complaining. Heaven!

 

[Saimaeve]

we stayed at POR last September and used the Poly club (I think it's called Club Disney now? At least that was the sign we followed)

It was great. They were prepared for her, we ordered her dinner. Gave them a brief rundown of medical issues, filled out forms. They put her name tag on, had her wash her hands and off she went! We got a pager and came back a few hours. she had a blast. it was very secure. And worth the money.