Kid's Night Out or Fairy Godmothers? Which do you prefer?

[flexsmom]

We used Kid's Night Out two years ago and had a good experience with them. I was wondering if anyone has had a bad experience with either of these in-room babysitting services? I've read some good things about Fairy Godmothers, too, on allearsnet.

 

[babybunrab]

I used Fairy Godmothers for DS, but that was about five years ago. That said, we got the same woman both times during our stay, and she was wonderful with him. I don't know if they still do things the same way, but they told us some about her background and were really thorough about asking about DS's likes, dislikes, etc. I was very comfortable leaving him with her and I would use them again if I needed a sitter.

 

[lazarru]

We just got back and we used KNO for 1 of the evenings. We have 2, 4 and 2 and they both loved her. She brought some toys and also gave them pictures to color on the way home, including giving my son a bunch of dinosaur pictures which he loves.

I would highly recommend them, had no issue with her at all.

 

[catnik]

We've used Fairy Godmothers twice and were very pleased each time with the woman they sent. Friends who went in the spring used KNO and were happy as well. I can't remember seeing anything negative posted on either of them on the boards........and with something as important as childcare, you can bet problems would have been posted STAT! Sounds like you are planning a trip soon; have fun

 

[lindeyspol]

Well, I hate to be the one with bad news but we two not so great experiences with KNO this trip (june 8-16). Booked one night at Poly concierge and girl was almost 45 minutes late. In her defense, she called about car troubles and only charged us from time she arrived and took off transportation fee. She just seemed ok--of course, we were in a hurry to make anniversary ps' at Cindy's for dinner but I didn't see any toys or anything special. The second time--2 nights later we had just checked into AKL concierge and were doing the Sunset Safari. We had her booked for 3:30 since we needed to check in by 4. Well, keep waiting and waiting and finally, panicked call to find out where she is. When she finally showed up, she said she had been sitting outside the wrong room for 1/2 hour--don't you think she would've called to find out what was going on?! Anyway, we were so worried about holding up the Safari, which we would have done, if not for the rain. We raced upstairs, profusely apologizing to the other guests and guides. Not a relaxing start to 2 much needed nights out. The girls were just ok--not the rave reports I hear of the grandmotherly type at Fairy Godmothers. By the time you put in tips, you're paying $20/hr and I was really expecting more. We spent $240 on babysitters for 2 nights--not a small chunk of change! The second sitter gave us no discounts, nothing. One time, ok, two times not acceptable. The kids also didn't really seem to care about either of them. We are going back in December and will be really looking for specific recommendations on Fairy Godmothers. Or, for $240, maybe I should just fly in my mother in law!

 

[been there done that]

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience. We have already booked 2 sitters to come to our room at CBR for our 2 kids and our friends 2 kids. They said they will bring age oriented toys. We are having them come from 4:30-9:30. It is costing us $94.00 per couple! I hope I have a better experience. We've never done this before but would like to have a nice dinner and see a movie. Felt safer knowing all sitters from KNO are CPR certified and have benn fingerprinted and have had background checks. We'll let you know how it goes!

 

[Naisy68]

Ok, I'm a little confused. I don't mean to sound cheap but is it common to tip the in-room sitters? I'm sorry but at $12/hour +transportation costs, aren't they already making quite a bit of money? Please tell me that the sitters actually make some of that money. We have it figured for our DD(3) for 5 hours + transportation cost, we will be paying $72. That's a lot for one night of babysitting.
Like I said, I don't mean to sound cheap, I don't want to not tip them if they are supposed to be tipped. Will someone please fill me in on this? I feel kind of goofy even asking.
Thanks, Renee

 

[Suzanne74]

I was thinking of using a babysitter when I go in Sept and I agree that I would not tip above the prices charged. I never pay transportation fees at home for babysitter and sure don't tip above my hourly pay so I believe $12/hr plus extra fees is enough, esp since my one DD would be sleeping 1/2 the time anyway.

Funny someone mentioned the mother in law. I am flying mine in the last 2 nights of our 8 night trip. Paid for her airfare ($113 RT from DC to Orlando via Southwest) and she is sleeping on our sofa bed in a 1 bdrm villa at OKW. This plan is a much cheaper alternative than a Disney babysitter - LOL!!! My MIL's only grandchild is our DD so she is SO excited and we will spend the first day all together at the parks. At DD's afternoon nap we will split up for the night - we will enjoy the adult rides, adult dinner and adult JELLYROLLS (yippee!!!)and MIL and DD will have some bonding time at one of the parks and then bed. Probably will do sorta the same thing the last day too! I hope it will work out to be fun for everyone!!!