Kids Clubs - Pros and Cons.....

[JW2]

Would love to hear opinions re: the kids clubs - first time we are going to use one. We have signed up our two DS (6 and 8) at Sandcastle. (staying at BWV) and then going out for a dinner, just the 2 of us. I know it's slightly expensive but hey, we are on vacation.

 

[Tozzie]

Would love to hear opinions re: the kids clubs - first time we are going to use one. We have signed up our two DS (6 and 8) at Sandcastle. (staying at BWV) and then going out for a dinner, just the 2 of us. I know it's slightly expensive but hey, we are on vacation.

Occasionally my sister will put my niece and nephew there to have an adult ngiht out and the kids absolutly love it and actually ask to go back, they are 6 and 8 but were 5 and 7 the first time she used it. They give them dinner and lots of things to play with and dvds.

 

[ChelleinNC]

The only "con" is that the kids love it so much they want to go back every night

We used them when our kids were younger and they really enjoyed it. There were games, toys, video games, crafts, movies and they got to order dinner. It was their special night out.

For DH & I, we got to have some "adult" time, nice dinner & drinks....

It's a win-win for everyone!

 

[CraftyMouse]

Our kids liked the kids' clubs at WDW, but much preferred the Fairy Godmother service. They have been in business since just after WDW first opened in '71 and they are great. They will send a sitter to your villa (all sitters are women in their 30's, 40's and 50's) and she will bring with her age-appropriate games, puzzles and toys to keep the kids busy. She will play with the kids, feed them dinner, tuck them in, read them a story...anything a regular sitter would do.

We loved it because the kids could get in their pajamas and relax at "home", going to bed at the time we indicated or when they were tired. We also found that it worked out to be less expensive than the clubs, especially for more than one child. I really can't recommend them highly enough.

 

[Desnik]

My kids (10 and 5) love the kids clubs at WDW. Especially the Sandcastle Club! They always beg to go back. I think the price is just right considering they eat dinner there and have snacks and juice. Also, the attention they get and friendly CM's are well worth it. The last time we were there(the Sandcastle Club) the kids went back for a second time and they remembered my kids names and likes, it was so nice. They did arts and crafts, colored and drew pictures. There were a ton of games and toys to play with along with a computer and video games. There is a tv section with a big screen playing Disney movies. It is all very organized, professional, and clean. The potties are lower to the ground for the little ones which I thought was such a great idea. I really can't think of any "cons". They say it's their night out and they enjoy the time away from us!LOL DH and I love having a nice dinner alone and strolling through all the shops in the WS at Epcot.

 

[ChelleinNC]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm almost positive that DVC members get a discount on the kids clubs.

 

[CraftyMouse]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm almost positive that DVC members get a discount on the kids clubs.

I don't believe they did when we used them.

 

[JW2]

Our kids liked the kids' clubs at WDW, but much preferred the Fairy Godmother service. They have been in business since just after WDW first opened in '71 and they are great. They will send a sitter to your villa (all sitters are women in their 30's, 40's and 50's) and she will bring with her age-appropriate games, puzzles and toys to keep the kids busy. She will play with the kids, feed them dinner, tuck them in, read them a story...anything a regular sitter would do.

We loved it because the kids could get in their pajamas and relax at "home", going to bed at the time we indicated or when they were tired. We also found that it worked out to be less expensive than the clubs, especially for more than one child. I really can't recommend them highly enough.

Thanks for the alternative suggestion. It does sound advantageous. Maybe we'll just have to use both - I've always wanted to do a park (especially EPCOT) with just hubbie!

I am so excited - 3 weeks to go!!! Thanks to all for adding to my excitement! Happy to hear any other opinions. I'll also have to look into discounts for DVC members - added bonus if it exists now?!?

 

[Meishanoel]

We took the tour a SSR this Septmeber and our two boys 5 and 8 enjoyed it so much they asked why did we come back so fast.


I found this on the dvcmember site:
Kids ages 4-12 can enjoy computer games, Disney movies, dinner, and snacks in an environment created just for them—while you have a night out for yourself! Receive a 10% discount at Children's Activity Centers at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Children's Activity centers are available at five locations: Cub's Den at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Mouseketeer Clubhouse at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Sandcastle Club at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Simba's Clubhouse at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, and NeverLand at Disney's Polynesian Resort.

Hours of operation are 4:30 pm to 12:00 am daily. Price before discount is $11 per hour, per child. Discount is limited to three children per Member. Children must stay for a minimum of two hours. For Activity Center reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).

 

[ChelleinNC]

I don't believe they did when we used them.

Ok, I went and looked it up. This is from the member site:

Kids ages 4-12 can enjoy computer games, Disney movies, dinner, and snacks in an environment created just for them—while you have a night out for yourself! Receive a 10% discount at Children's Activity Centers at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Children's Activity centers are available at five locations: Cub's Den at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Mouseketeer Clubhouse at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Sandcastle Club at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Simba's Clubhouse at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, and NeverLand at Disney's Polynesian Resort.

Hours of operation are 4:30 pm to 12:00 am daily. Price before discount is $11 per hour, per child. Discount is limited to three children per Member. Children must stay for a minimum of two hours. For Activity Center reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).

 

[np4gp]

What is the information for the Fairy Godmother service?

 

[Desnik]

FYI, we did get a 10% DVC discount in April.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

My kids are older now but LOVED the kids clubs. They really enjoyed interacting with other children. So much fun for them. They begged us to do this at least once every vacation.

 

[JW2]

FYI, we did get a 10% DVC discount in April.

I booked through MS - do I need to phone and ask about discount or do you think it's automatic?

 

[eva]

I thought this sounded great for my DGD and DGS for our up coming trip in May. Too bad they have to be 4. My DGD will only be 3.5 years old then. I suppose they are wanting to make darn sure the children are fully potty trained and can communicate well. Oh well, my DD and DSIL will just have to use this fairy godmother to play games and take the kids swimming for a night.

 

[Mississippian]

I thought this sounded great for my DGD and DGS for our up coming trip in May. Too bad they have to be 4. My DGD will only be 3.5 years old then. I suppose they are wanting to make darn sure the children are fully potty trained and can communicate well. Oh well, my DD and DSIL will just have to use this fairy godmother to play games and take the kids swimming for a night.

It's not just the potty training issue. It has something to do with state licensing. They would have to have more staff and they would be more expensive to run if they had children under 4.

 

[CraftyMouse]

What is the information for the Fairy Godmother service?

Fairy Godmothers are an independent company in Orlando. They are not affiliated with Disney but have been offering sitting services since the 1970's. They have an excellent reputation and our kids loved every sitter they sent. Their phone number is (407) 969-9847 and toll free 877-611-4314

 

[alldiz]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm almost positive that DVC members get a discount on the kids clubs.

Yes...we get 10% discount

My DD loves the kids clubs....she is an only child so she loves to play with the other kids. Her favorite is the SANDCASTLE CLUB. IMO it is the best. When ever she goes there...it seems the women working there actually sit with the kids and do crafts.

We are at WLV now and just left BWV. Our arrival day we were up since 4am.
We put DD in there to do the F&W and eat at Chefs De France.
We didn't get back there till 9:30 (dropped her at 6)....and she was complaining about leaving.....Seems they give snacks at 10 and she didn't want to miss it. CM gave her one to go.
Kerri

 

[pjupton]

My boys loved the Cub's Den at WL! They stayed there while DH and I ran the Expedition Everest Challenge. They ate dinner (including a mickey rice krispy bar), played video games, colored, watched TV, and decorated their own hats. We were told that at 10 PM the lights got turned down and children could watch TV or go to sleep on the little fold-out couches they had all around the room.

We did get a 10% DVC discount.

 

[Desnik]

I booked through MS - do I need to phone and ask about discount or do you think it's automatic?

When we went to pay we used our room card which says "DVC member" on it. They told me we get a 10% discount. I would just ask when you drop off the kids.

At 10pm they get the kids pillows and blankets and go over to the TV section and put on a Disney movie. They give the kids cookies and milk or a drink box.(apple juice) We picked up our kids before that time and they were so mad. The CM's gave them some cookies and juice boxes to take with us. They also let them take coloring pages and some crayons to keep them busy in our room.