Is it worth getting a babysitter for the park?

[shaynar]

Good morning!

I'm going to be taking my 3 boys to WDW by myself on our upcoming trip for the first 4 days of the trip (dh will join us for the last 4 days). DH is concerned that I'll be all by myself, that I won't be able to watch all 3 of them, so he's suggesting that I look into hiring a babysitter to come into the park with me on some days.

It's quite an expense, so I'm on the fence. I do like the idea of having someone with me if someone needs to go to the bathroom, or if the older boys want to go on a ride that my 2 yo can't. (Though we'll have a chance to go when DH comes if I plan FP+ properly!) So I'm thinking maybe ration it? Maybe just hire her for the MK days... but I'm really not sure... get the picture? I'm finding it extra difficult to plan because if we were going to go swimming - which would be nice! - it would definitely be great to have an extra set of hands, but it'll be January so I can't plan that either!

So can any of you weigh in about going to the parks alone with kids?

 

[tzolkin]

My only concern would be the ages of the kids and rides.

The four of you can't fit in one row on most things and I believe the oldest needs to be 7 to ride alone.

I would have no problem caring for three kids myself in the parks, but it would be very frustrating if the CMs won't let you board most rides because of their ages. I would assume on certain attractions (like Pooh or Magic Carpets) where there are two rows they would allow you to sit behind the kids. But they would not allow them to ride in their own ship on Peter Pan or their own Dumbo, for example. Maybe someone with three "underage" kids will post their experiences.

Edit: Anyone you could take with you for the four days? One plane ticket and park ticket would probably be cheaper than paying a babysitter for that many hours at Disney.

 

[dancemonkey]

You could do that tour thing. It's seems like fun to me. But I know it's super expensive. But I think you get ride priority.

 

[kohlby]

I wouldn't hire a babysitter - but it would take some planning. (It also depends if any of your kids are more challenging than the norm). The reason why I wouldn't hire someone to help is that you will have help the second half of your trip. So, if you plan accordingly, you can stick to the rides that the youngest can do at the start. I also notice that the oldest is only 6, so there's a chance that there are some rides that child isn't tall enough for or isn't ready to do as well.

 

[Minnesota!]

I would not hire a babysitter....I would just do what can be done for the 4 days....lots of shows, people watching, rides where you can all ride together, and then make the 4 days that your husband is there, the days for the older boys to be able to ride the bigger things..

 

[Accident]

I'm with PP, I would concentrate on some great mom and kids time for the first 4 days and just do everything that everyone can. When dad joins then you can hit the bigger rides, use parent swap to both get a ride (and the older boys can get 2 rides in a row for them)..

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

It's hard to say, as you only told us the age of your youngest.

 

[kohlby]

It's hard to say, as you only told us the age of your youngest.

It's in her siggy - 2, 4, and 6. And since she mentioned a 2 year old, I'm thinking this trip is planned for soon.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Can you bring a friend or family member for the first half? A plane ticket might be cheaper than hiring a sitter

 

[happymommy]

I've taken my two kids on trips alone since the oldest was 2 and his sister was 3 months old.
I think Disney is the EASIEST place to take kids!
First time I took my kids without my DH they were 4 and 6. It was so easy. We kept to our normal routine, and stayed at AKL.
I don't think I'd use a sitter at all. I'd just take it slow and enjoy!

 

[Bluegrrl]

Of course, if you want to spurge, there is always a VIP tour....
You can find some child workers on some websites - I forgot the name of the big one - and I bet you could find a nanny who also is a passholder. Down here, a lot of people have them. Maybe that would help you?