In Room Sitter Recommendations?

[DissyLove]

Going to the World end of January with my husband and 2 children-last year, we were so kid-focused (as it is with Disney) we didn't have time to come up for air! Since this is the one vacation my husband and I will take all year, I am thinkging of having one "adult" Disney dinner out with just the two of us.

We are staying at the CBR-any suggestions or feedback on getting an in-room sitter for a few hours one night so that we can have a night out?

 

[webray]

We just had a wonderful experience with the disney recommended sitting service.

The company is called Kids Night Out, our sitter was spectacular.
Phone number 407-828-0920..you do need a reservation and have to place a credit card on the reservation.

They take kids from 6 weeks to 12 years old. They come to your room, of course. The do not give baths or go to the pool with the kids, but they will take them on walks, to the restaurants, etc..depending on how you want the kids fed if the sitter will be their over meal time. They ask that you provide a meal for the sitter as well.

We hired the sitter for our grandaughter..19 months old. Our son just moved here and they didn't know anyone who could sit yet. We had planned a day at epcot and then party of the senses that evening..so it was a long day for the sitter...8:15am to approx 10pm. The sitter arrived promptly, introduced herself, took care of all paperwork, phone number and rule exchanges. The sitter brought a stroller, toys, etc..man, was she prepared.

Our grandaughter took to the sitter like you wouldn't believe, and the sitter took her on walks, ate with her in the restaurants at the Beach Club. We provided two meals for the sitter since it was a long day. We were totally impressed, our grandaughter was asleep when we got in, didn't even wake up.

I would definately use this service again.

It is worth every penny.

Good luck!

 

[DissyLove]

Thanks for the sitter recommendations! I will look in to it. Any other stories of sitters, good and bad?

 

[dirkus]

I have read some real good recommendations on this forum for Fairy Godmothers. We have arranged for a night out for my wife and I with one of their sitters watching our 5yo son. Hopefully when we are back, I can add our personal recommendation to the list.

 

[jonemick]

DELETED

 

[dirkus]

Here we go again...

 

[DissyLove]

Originally posted by jonemick
I can't believe people leave there kids with total strangers. I only say this for the welfare of your kids. You have no idea who these sitters are, no matter how good the recommendations I would never even think about leaving one of my kids with a total stranger.

Wait to you get back home for you night out !

Gee, thanks so much for the judgement! I was kinda hoping to find some useful suggestions, and really am sooooooo glad you have shown me the error of my ways-

Hope you get sarcasm!

 

[jonemick]

I don't mean to judge. Maybe I'm way off base on this issue !

It's probably just me, I barley trust the sitters I know very well.

 

[mollyandsteve]

Get recommendations, meet the sitter, and ENJOY YOUR EVENING OUT. I am sure you have already clearly thought out your decision to have an in-room sitter, hence your diligence to ask about sitters people here have used. You can also call and get referrals. That is just the same as asking a neighbor what local babysitter they use. Every babysitter we have ever used was initially a "stranger" who a friend recommended.

June Cleaver obviously is very fortunate that she has so many people in her life to give her an occasional break - either that or she is the energizer rabbit in disguise and does not need a break.

Take it in stride, there is always someone who wants to stand on their soap box and try and make others feel bad.

We have had THE BEST experiences with in room sitters. They are often by far more experienced and better trained than your local babysitter.

Have a great time!

 

[metivier]

How much notice do you need to hire a sitter? 48 hours?

 

[Patpat15]

vivian with fairy godmothers, the best sitter of all time! Amazing!!!!!

 

[DissyLove]

Thanks everyone for you advice and encouragement on finding a sitter. We don't get a break much and since this is our one vacation this year, it may be our only chance to get away. (seems I neglected to get a nanny when I had kids)

I will look into the fairy godmothers. So they will show up at our hotel?(CBR) Is there a time limit on these (I heard some require that they stay four hours, etc.) Just wondering before I start making calls. Thanks!

 

[DissyLove]

Originally posted by dirkus
I have read some real good recommendations on this forum for Fairy Godmothers. We have arranged for a night out for my wife and I with one of their sitters watching our 5yo son. Hopefully when we are back, I can add our personal recommendation to the list.

Thanks Dirkus I look forward to hearing about your experience when you return if you have a moment. Enjoy!

 

[dirkus]

No problem but you might want to PM me after 12/11 -- I tend to be pretty forgetful!

I think there is a minimum time limit but don't know what it is -- 4 hours sounds about right. They not only will show up at your hotel room but they bring age appropriate toys and games to keep the kids occupied. I have heard nothing but good things about any of the sitting services (from people that have actually used them that is) but especially Fairy Godmothers.

 

[DisFam95]

We used Kids Nite out..the Disney 'preferred' service. They are not Disney employees but they do go throught the Disney service standards training courses. Both them and Fairy Godmothers will give you good results. Eva came and sat with us before hand and discussed our 17mo schedule and then brought out bag of toys. She played with him for a little then distracted him so we could leave (which is the best strategy at his age).

They don't ask when you will be back but I'm not sure I think there may be a minimum time requirement. Our ds was curled up asleep on the little pallet she made on the floor and she was reading abook on the couch at 11:30. We had not been able to get him asleep before 10:30 with us but she said he went down around 8:30 (normal bedtime). She was great and we plan on using her gain in Feb.

 

[DissyLove]

Good to know about the service. My kids are a bit older and like to meet new people, so I don't think distraction will be a problem. I just wouldn't want them to be bored but it sounds like the sitters bring activities and keep them entertained. We'll wear them out with a day of Disney first also. Thanks!

 

[devotedchristian]

I come in peace

Dissylove, do you have any family members that could come with you that could help with babysitting to allow "alone time" with DH?

Maybe a trade off of some sort?

 

[Disney Pal]

Does anyone know the rateo of babysitters to children? I am wondering if one sitter will take care of two kids etc.
We have triplet girls and was wondering how many would it take. Does it depend on age maybe? Thanks All!

 

[DissyLove]

I am not sure of the ratio but I will let you know. I think the per child to sitter ratio is lower depending on your kids age. Triplets-sounds like you deserve a little break, that is for sure! If I find out I will post back here. Maybe someone else with three kids can give us some insight as well....

 

[TerriBelle]

When my sister was married at Disney no children were invited so a few families got together and we had 4 kids with 2 sitters. I don't remember if you needed 2 sitters for 3 or 4 kids. I believe it depends on how old the kids are. Our experience was wonderful! They brought activities for the kids.