HELP with In-Room Sitters

[diaman]

Hi everyone.
My wife and I are contemplating about using in room sitters. Usually we take my in-laws but this year we’ll be going by ourselves. I tried to do a search, but the function is disabled. My wife is worried about leaving the kids with them and I told her I’ll put a post up to get people’s opinions. The kids are all boys, ages 2, 5, & 7. We plan on putting them to bed, and than just having the sitter stay they to make sure they’ll be OK.

Could anyone share with us their experiences, thoughts, etc. Also, we have not decided on which company for the in-room sitters as this will be our first experience. We’ll also need information on pricing, minimum duration too. Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

[Selket]

I think the two most popular services are Kids Nite Out (which is the official Disney service) and Fairy Godmothers (run by a grandmotherly type woman as her business). I've never read anything truly terrible about either service so I think both have positive things going for them. I chose the FG when we were there in August for my 1 yr old and I had some mixed feelings about it - although in the end she did a fine job and my son was well cared for. I would be sure to have the sitter arrive maybe 30 mins before you want to leave and if you leave before that then so much the better! (in other words...give yourself some time in case she arrives late like our sitter did and didn't bring toys!) I would request that the sitter bring some official paperwork from the company and possibly find out her name in advance if possible. (Both times I called the FG person she was in the car driving a van full of kids and couldn't talk much). Perhaps have a prearranged time that you will call or for her to call you just to check on things - this can put your mind at ease. I think next time I'd use the KNO because of their training and official status - but many here swear by the FG. It won't be cheap with 3 kids! I think you could also mentally prepare for "what if she arrives and she seems ditzy." I ended up leaving my son because everyone was waiting on me - counting on me to go, etc. I was miserable the whole time! I was used to leaving my kid in daycare so the whole "leaving him behind" thing wasn't my problem.

I think it is a great idea to get a sitter - so go for it - and be more proactive than I was about getting what you want before you go out the door!

 

[disneymom3]

We used Fairy Godmothers for our three kids and wouldn't hesitate to do so again. It won't actually be nearly as expensive as Kids Night out seems to be. There is a 4 hour min and a travel fee which are comparable between the two companies. Last Dec we paid $12 an hour for three kids, she brought toys, was wonderful with our kids, took them to the onsite playground, made, served and cleaned up dinner--we were in a villa--and all were sound asleep when we got home. We plan to use them every time we go for some Mommy and Daddy time from now on.

 

[ZachnElli]

We used FG in 2001 and our kids, then, were 2 and 6. They absolutely loved her! She brought toys and Disney videos and they were calling her their "other grandma"!! I wouldn't hestitate to use them again!