Has anyone tried FairyGodmother - In room babysitting?

[mommylo]

Hi Everyone,
I am trying to WDW for the first time in a week (from Toronto). Booked a reservation at Le Cellier. Don't think my DS5 (Autism) will make it through the meal . So considering one of the services suggested by Allearsnet, FairyGodmother. Has anyone used them?

 

[freckles and boo]

I haven't but am subscribing to the thread because I would love to hear about it, too.

 

[MandM-Mom]

Anyone? I would like to try it in August but my dd 1 has a couple of conditions(seizure disorder, restrictive airway disease) and I don't know how comfortable I am with someone I dont know. Her seizures are well controlled at this time, so they have not been an issue, but you never know. Would love to hear some thoughts on leaving children with medical issues with them, was it a good experience or not.......

 

[mommylo]

Anyone? I would like to try it in August but my dd 1 has a couple of conditions(seizure disorder, restrictive airway disease) and I don't know how comfortable I am with someone I dont know. Her seizures are well controlled at this time, so they have not been an issue, but you never know. Would love to hear some thoughts on leaving children with medical issues with them, was it a good experience or not.......

The lady on the phone was quite confident when I asked about Autistic kids. I am tempted to try her that one evening. For those who are interested, there is a 4-hour minimum, at $16/hour (which is quite reasonable) plus transportation of $12, totalling $76. The price is good for up to 3 kids. The feedback on Allearsnet were good. I just can't bring my DS to a fancy restaurant, he has a tendency to sing really loudly, LOL.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have never used them but I have only heard good things about them. They do not hire teens; most of their sitters have had kids of their own, are First Aid/CPR trained, bonded, etc. If there are medical/mental situations they will provide a person who has extended experience/training.

Normally they will bring appropriate toys and books. I beleive that if you want them to take your child for a meal you have to also pay for (or give an allowance) for their meal as well. If you are willing to have them take the child to a park they will send a person who has an AP so you don't have to pay for their park entry.

If you do use them could you please report back on how everything worked out so others can find the results useful.

 

[mommylo]

I have never used them but I have only heard good things about them. They do not hire teens; most of their sitters have had kids of their own, are First Aid/CPR trained, bonded, etc. If there are medical/mental situations they will provide a person who has extended experience/training.

Normally they will bring appropriate toys and books. I beleive that if you want them to take your child for a meal you have to also pay for (or give an allowance) for their meal as well. If you are willing to have them take the child to a park they will send a person who has an AP so you don't have to pay for their park entry.

If you do use them could you please report back on how everything worked out so others can find the results useful.

For sure. If they are good, we will probably be utilizing them for years to come (we also have an 8-year old neuro-typical son). Will report when we get back. Thanks for the info.

 

[irish dancer]

We have not used the Fairy Godmothers but have used the on-site Disney kids clubs. Our DS6 is ASD and LOVES the clubs. The staff didn't bat an eye when we told them, they did note it on the check-in form and gave him a wristband at the Neverland Club. Our first experience was last Nov at the Neverland Club at the Polynesian. We tried the Sandcastle Club at the Beach Club this year and he loved that too. We also have a DD6 and DD10 that love them. It is $11/hr/child and I think a 2hr minimum it also includes dinner. They have movies, games, arts & crafts, toys and Playstation. DS is a Playstation junkie so he gets his "fix" while on vacation and makes him very happy. It has become an expected part of each trip now and they look forward to it and never want to leave when we pick them up.

 

[mamaminnie]

We've used both Fairy Godmothers and the babysitting clubs, and I can reccommend both. It has been a while since we used the in-room sitters (DS is 9 and DD is 5) but I was always very happy with them.

I also agree with IrishDancer about the babysitting clubs, both my kids (one PDD-NOS and one typical) love them. We've done Simba's Clubhouse, the Neverland CLub and in a few weeks we're going to try the Sandcastle Club (while the gownups eat at the Yachtsman Steakhouse.)

Whatever you decide, have a great trip!

 

[mommylo]

We've used both Fairy Godmothers and the babysitting clubs, and I can reccommend both. It has been a while since we used the in-room sitters (DS is 9 and DD is 5) but I was always very happy with them.

I also agree with IrishDancer about the babysitting clubs, both my kids (one PDD-NOS and one typical) love them. We've done Simba's Clubhouse, the Neverland CLub and in a few weeks we're going to try the Sandcastle Club (while the gownups eat at the Yachtsman Steakhouse.)

Whatever you decide, have a great trip!

Thank you both IrishDancer and Mamaminnie for input! DS is non-verbal, flaps and skips. He is also not toilet-trained. I hear the babysitting clubs will only take kids who are toilet-trained. Is that true?

 

[irish dancer]

Thank you both IrishDancer and Mamaminnie for input! DS is non-verbal, flaps and skips. He is also not toilet-trained. I hear the babysitting clubs will only take kids who are toilet-trained. Is that true?

Unfortunately I do believe that they have to be toilet-trained, I don't know if they make acceptions for special needs. It wouldn't hurt to ask.

 

[Kay1]

Yes, but it was years ago. Her name was Joyce and her day job was receptionist in a dentist's office. My boys used to stay at the Sandcastle Club, too. Once, the staff sent us a Christmas card asking my son who has autism if he'd eaten any good Crayons lately.

 

[mommylo]

Hi Everyone. We are Back!!! We used Fairygodmother twice last week. A lady Vivian came both times and she was great. She brought toys with her and because she was an older lady, I didn't feel comfortable asking her to take DS for a walk but he was quite happy at the end of the night and we managed to go for dinner without having to chase DS around the restaurants I will definitely use them again next time.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

I'm glad yo hear that you liked them! I'm getting to this thread a little late but I used Fairy Godmothers this past Jan with my then 10 month old. I felt very comfortable leaving my LO with Brenda. I will be using them again!

D4D