Has Anyone Used the In-room babysitting reccomended by GCH?

[Liat]

And know the cost?

We are planning a trip the first week of June and would like one evening to do some of the grown up rides and go eat a meal without the kids.

I have three kiddos (DS3, DD2 and DS6months at the time of our trip) and I'm a little nervous about leaving them with someone we don't know. They mostly get babysat by family but they do go to daycare a couple times a week so they are used to being with other people.

I'd love to know if anyone has used the service and what they thought of it.

 

[jenpace]

I have no experience with having my kids babysat at the DLR, inroom or otherwise so I can't answer your question....

I have three kiddos (DS3, DD2 and DS6months at the time of our trip) and I'm a little nervous about leaving them with someone we don't know.

...but IMHO your kids' ages are really young to be left with a complete stranger. Also wanted to make sure you knew that the babysitting service isn't a Disney operation, it's a business that they will refer guests to. Just my 2¢

 

[taaren]

When I priced it for my singleton it was $14/hr according to the GCH website. I think for multiples it was slightly higher, and I don't remember whether or not they would take <2 years (some hotels here on Maui will, some won't). Haven't gotten a chance to use them yet since DH has cousins in the area and we have friends in OC too. Will say that its not uncommon for tourists here to hire babysitters for kids that young in order for mom and dad to have a night or two of relaxing adult dinner converstion.

 

[Minuet888]

most places will take under two years, the Pinochio's workhop that Disney runs won't

 

[tinksdreamwishes]

Sounds scary to do this! Especially with young kids! In a hotel room with a stranger! And I own my own Daycare! It is so hard to trust people nowadays! Please do your research if you choose this option- and I mean research as in making sure they are licensed providers- they can present you with Background Clarence- a current CPR and First Aid card, and they have been checked for TB. Also see if they have registered with Trustline.
I would love to have a few hours alone with DH on my trip- even for a quick bite to eat- or too ride a ride together- but if something where to happen to my kids- I would never forgive myself. Maybe even think about bringing a older teenager friend of the family or neighborhood girl to be your personal assistant?

 

[SylviaL]

We have used the same sitter from Sitters Unlimited for our past 2 trips. Background checks are run on their sitters. Our sitter was fantastic! She brought age-appropriate toys and games. Both times, we had dinner at Napa Rose and then went to the parks. I guess I felt pretty comfortable knowing that if I was needed, I was really only a short walk away.

 

[jacs1234]

I think you guys deserve a nice night out I hope you find someone you feel comfortable with.

 

[tinkermell]

Hello, I just wanted to let you know that my DD did this while going to college. She was in a baby sitting referral service in San Diego for some of the big resorts there.

She loved it. And she was loved. So much that, many of the clients requested her every time they came back to the hotel.

She had a huge background check done, and was referred to the job. I believe that is how they find their sitters. Only by word of mouth from trusted people.

She also became a nanny for a couple of years.

I know it sounds weird to leave your children with strangers, but know that the Grand has done extensive research on their sitters.

I hope you have a nice night out and have fun!

 

[Liat]

Thanks for your reply's. I would for sure be double checking that they have had background checks and know cpr etc and I would also be talking to the front desk, letting them know that I had left the kids with a sitter.

It would be astronomically expensive for me to bring someone to watch my kids so this is the only option if I wanted to have a kid free couple of hours.

We had only planned on going for dinner (at Napa Rose!) and going to do a couple of rides and we'd have a cell phone on at all times.

My assumption is that if a company runs a service like this, it is in their best interest to make sure their employees are on the up and up so I'd like to believe that the babysitter would be safe and suitable for a couple hours.

 

[jacs1234]

Yay! I'm glad you're going to do it. I would.