How exactly does checking in to the Kids' Clubs work?

[MomofKatie]

We will be at WDW this coming week, and one evening we will be meeting an old friend for dinner and a visit to Jellyrolls. DD, who just turned 7, will be staying at the SandCastle Kids' Club at BC. We made an ADR for her, so she is all set.

How exactly does the check-in process work? We plan on getting there to check her in around 7 PM- our ADR for Big River Brewing Co. is at 8. If she doesn't check in until then, will she still get dinner? We have never used any of the Kids' Clubs before, and don't know the procedure.

Also, we will probably not be picking her back up until very close to midnight- will there be a quiet spot she can curl up and nap in?

TIA!

 

[Ibelieveinfairies]

Bump! I am curious about this, too!

 

[LisaInNc]

I have used the kids clubs a few times. They are supposed to get dinner and I am sure that they would offer your child a meal you could probably call and remind them she is coming later in the evening and order it for her.

They have a large screen tv type area and large carpeted stairs perfect for napping.

She is older but if the child was younger I would send them in their pajamas in case they fall asleep it will be easier to get them to bed.

When you check in you fill out a little sheet of questions. You get a pager and that is it. It was so simple turning over my lifes most valued treasure to the Disney staff.

I was not prepared for this first time I used the Kids Clubs, they have a place to leave tips (saw lots of 5's and 10's in that pike) and when I picked up my DD all I had was my KTTW and no cash I was pretty embarassed.

The kids clubs are one mf DD's favorite things about going to Disney.

 

[MomofKatie]

Thanks, LisainNc! Very helpful info- I will have to make sure to call and let them know she's coming a little late. I think DD willl have a good time- I know we will!!

 

[mlwear]

We used Neverland in August. We had a reservation there for a specific time but learned that we could drop off as early as they opened, if we wanted. Our paperwork was VERY specific about when dinner was OVER.
I don't know how I feel about this club to be honest. I'm sure my kids were safe there, but I know I wouldn't use it again. I'm just giving you my take on it so you can be informed. My 10 year old DS was very unhappy. He said he only got to have one slice of pizza and was hungry when we picked him up. He assured me that there was no buffet of kids foods as I had assured him. He also said he was bored after a couple of hours and couldn't wait for us to get back. Seems that they counted on the video games entertaining the older ones the entire time. My 7 year old DS is autistic, so I don't get much info. from him. (Upon sign in, on the paperwork they wanted to know about any medical conditions. I already told them that he is autistic and they wrote it at the top. Then, they had a space (like two lines) for medical conditions. I asked, what should I write here, he has autism, do you want just that or do you want me to tell you everything about it. She said just put what you want us to know. I questioned her again. What information do you need? It was clear that her instruction was to leave it to the parent to decide what they should know and I'm sure this is due to liablity issues). I know he didn't like it when they used a wand to sprinkle pretend pixie dust on his head as he was entering and leaving us --he thought they were going to hit him on the head They insisted on doing it though, poor kid. Of course, my 10 year old thought that was weird. I think a little kid would like this. It is supposed to give them good thoughts while they are there. I really did not like that the drop off point for parents (this is referring to Neverland) was so separated from the activity area. We couldn't see in there at all and had no idea what is going on. Fine, if they want to ease separation anxiety, but have a video camera or something. I felt like it was a big secret, which is not cool with me at all. I had a gut feeling that we should pick out kids up early. I don't know why. They were glad to leave. They did get a little plastic treasure chest with a few trinkets and candy, which I think was the best part for them, which says a lot about the place. BTW, my oldest son told me that a boy had been there for five nights in a row. The kid hated it. Just an FYI for parents who may think they are giving there kid the time of their life by putting them in the kid club. Maybe they are for some, but not all kids like it.
In that position again, I will try in room care.
This is just my opinion and experience. I am sure others will disagree. As I wrote earlier just want you to know another side.
BTW, I did not see a place for tips at Neverland.