I need the best strategy to get from Epcot to a childcare center.

[Cloudless Nights]

Thanks for the info.. I would feel bad if I left my son in the hotel room bored at Disney that's why I was looking more towards a childcare center so he has other fun things to do but watch a TV... I'm going to try to look into possibly hiring somebody from a company to go to Epcot with us and take him around, I've seen it at MK before there was a girl in a Scottish looking outfit with a barret (I'm assuming her companys uniform) helping a older father with his 5 kids... I know the companies exist its just a matter of finding a reputable one.

The woman at MK is a cast member--their costume is what you described. WDW offers private VIP tours by cast members for $$$. I'm not sure if they count as a babysitting service.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Thanks for the info.. I would feel bad if I left my son in the hotel room bored at Disney that's why I was looking more towards a childcare center so he has other fun things to do but watch a TV... I'm going to try to look into possibly hiring somebody from a company to go to Epcot with us and take him around, I've seen it at MK before there was a girl in a Scottish looking outfit with a barret (I'm assuming her companys uniform) helping a older father with his 5 kids... I know the companies exist its just a matter of finding a reputable one.

The woman at MK is a cast member--their costume is what you described. WDW offers private VIP tours by cast members for $$$. I'm not sure if they count as a babysitting service.

Yes, the costume described is what is worn by the CMs giving VIP tours. The cost is $300/hr with a 6 hour minimum.

As I mentioned earlier, KNO does offer sitters that will accompany you to the parks. I'm just not sure if they will be okay having the child in the park while you are snorkeling.

 

[cel_disney]

Why risk leaving your child with a caregiver who has been screened, background checked, reference checked, and interviewed through an agency like Kids Nite Out whose success depends on parents' satisfaction with their safety and attentiveness? At some point in most parents' lives they're going to have to leave their child with somebody, and with all of those safeguards in place I think an established provider with screening procedures and positive reviews is one of the less worrisome situations I can think of. There are risks in every choice we make every day. It's not like we're saying "Go to Craigslist and call the first babysitter you find there."

I can't relate to the childcare paranoia in this thread either...And my kids LOVE their time with our various childcare providers (daycare, date night, vacation etc) - they consider it part of the fun and adventure to get to know someone knew! .we have used both kids night out and fairy godmothers at our hotels and won't hesitate to use them again. I don't think there are many options for day childcare at WDW although I think that one if the companies is willing to go to the park with you for an added fee if you are comfortable with that. I believe there is a minimum number of hours of care as well.

Good luck!

 

[Carrie in AZ]

When we used KNO THEY WERE EXCELLENT!!! She took my girls to the POR food court for dinner. I have read others say they took their kids to the resort playground, so it isn't only staying in the room to watch TV. We were told no water activities. Plus, our grandmotherly nanny brought two suitcases of toys to play with and even let them keep a doll and a book.

I was deeply impressed with KNO. Good luck!

 

[Bluegrrl]

Not like this really means anything, but I just googled "disney babysitting" and the first thing that popped up was an official Disney site that had KNO as their in-room babysitting service. If it's good enough for Disney to list on their official website, then it must be vetted enough to their satisfaction. I would call the hotels to ask them if you are confused or worried, since they must work with those sites a lot and know which ones are the best.

 

[puffkin]

I have never used the in room services but we have used the kids clubs plenty of times and they are honestly the one thing my son requests every trip. I think parents sometimes underestimate how exhausting and overwhelming a Disney trip can be, even for the little ones. Sometimes I think a little bit of downtime is good for them too. I wouldnt' worry about him being bored at all. I have read plenty of first hand accounts and the sitters always come well prepared with toys and activities for the kids, not to mention the constant one on one attention. I think it would be a great option in this situation and one I wouldn't hesitate to use.

 

[mjkacmom]

Why risk leaving your child with a caregiver who has been screened, background checked, reference checked, and interviewed through an agency like Kids Nite Out whose success depends on parents' satisfaction with their safety and attentiveness? At some point in most parents' lives they're going to have to leave their child with somebody, and with all of those safeguards in place I think an established provider with screening procedures and positive reviews is one of the less worrisome situations I can think of. There are risks in every choice we make every day. It's not like we're saying "Go to Craigslist and call the first babysitter you find there."

Can't agree more. My kids have had dozens of teen sitters, adult sitters, family sitters, and many kids club situations, and survived. It's really important for children to know that they can be happy and safe without their parents present. OP, I have never heard anything negative about these sitting services, which is pretty amazing, considering the amount of negative posts on these boards.

 

[ctnurse]

We used Kids nite out on our trip last year, and again last week. They are great, and come to your room. They can and will do almost anything with the kids except water activities and bathing.