Kids Nite Out Babysitting Service

[Dragonfly_34]

Has anyone used the Kids Nite Out Babysitting service while at WDW? If so, did you have a good experience with them? If not, would you consider using a service like that for a couple of hours so you could get some alone time?

When we first started talking about this trip, my mom mentioned she wanted to come along for the first few days. She also said she'd watch our kids one night so DH and I could go out to dinner alone. So, I made a 7:50pm reservation at Narcoossee's for us and planned on having pizza delivered to the room for my kids. Their normal bedtime is 7:30/8pm, so we were going to have my mom give them dinner and put them to bed, thinking we'd be back around 10:30/11pm. After talking with her tonight, there's a very good chance she's not going to come with us - which is fine, since I've always felt it would be too much on her anyway. She's in her late 70's, has two heart conditions, high blood pressure, COPD and was recently diagnosed with kidney disease. She keeps saying how much she wants to go, wants me to include her in our ADRs (which I did) but I have a feeling she's going to change her mind at the last minute - especially since she hasn't booked a room or airfare yet.

DH and I are trying to decide if we should keep the reservation at Narcossee's but the only way we could do it is if we used Disney's in-room babysitting service, which is through a company called Kids Nite Out. I am very protective when it comes to my kids and other than their daycare provider and family, they've never had a babysitter. The closest we came to that was when I paid one of my son's friends to watch them in my house for a couple of hours while I painted. I was either on the same floor of the house or in the basement so it wasn't a typical babysitting situation. I don't feel comfortable leaving my kids with strangers, but at the same time I know DH and I could benefit from a couple of hours to ourselves.

 

[set1208]

We used them back when I had only three kids and I was so pleased with our sitter. My kids were around 8,2 and 1 so my 8 year old was able to report back. The sitter was attentive, got my little guys to bed, hung out with my dd and my room was picked up when we came back.

I'd say go for it. They're trained, they've had background checks, and the company is very reputable.

 

[OnePrinceOnePrincess]

I was just getting ready to post a similar thread. I am protective, like OP, but wanted to have a date night one night - just a few hours - and was thinking Victoria & Alberts (also no kids under 12 there).
Am trying not to feel guilty - at the same time dropping $8k+ I feel like a few hours is allowed but am SO nervous.

Are there other options besides in room? Like an activity center or anything?

 

[Dragonfly_34]

There are activity centers - I found this listing on the website:

Simba's Cubhouse at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Club Disney at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Cub's Den at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Sandcastle Club at Disney's Beach Club Resort
Camp Dolphin at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

It won't work for us because it's for kids who are 3-12 and my twins will be just shy of their 3rd birthday when we go. I've decided to go ahead and make the reservation for the sitter ~ I can always cancel with 24 hours notice. I'd feel better if there was a nanny cam or some way to monitor things. My other concern is how my daughter will do ~ she's very shy and attached to me. I'm going to build in some extra time with the sitter so she can get used to the sitter before we leave for dinner.

 

[OnePrinceOnePrincess]

There are activity centers - I found this listing on the website:

Simba's Cubhouse at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Club Disney at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Cub's Den at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Sandcastle Club at Disney's Beach Club Resort
Camp Dolphin at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

It won't work for us because it's for kids who are 3-12 and my twins will be just shy of their 3rd birthday when we go. I've decided to go ahead and make the reservation for the sitter ~ I can always cancel with 24 hours notice. I'd feel better if there was a nanny cam or some way to monitor things. My other concern is how my daughter will do ~ she's very shy and attached to me. I'm going to build in some extra time with the sitter so she can get used to the sitter before we leave for dinner.

That's an awesome list - thanks! We may try both next trip. I'm sure you DD will do well - have fun on your night out!!!

 

[set1208]

I am very protective of my kids too and I only use family or my best friends here at home but we decided that with KNO, my daughter was old enough to report back to us if the sitter did anything weird, which she didn't. We had the choice of age range for our sitter too and so we chose an "older grandma". I think that your 12 year old will not only be a help to your younger ones but she/he can report back to you too.

Edit...I thought I read that you had a 12 year old. Either way, they'll do great. I'd much rather get a sitter from a reliable and trusted service like KNO than hire a stranger.

 

[secretdisbride]

We used them for our wedding in 2009 - we hired them to keep a kids' room - and they were absolutely wonderful, professional, respectful and great with kids of all ages. We are planning on using them one night during our trip in October. I would certainly recommend them!

 

[Dragonfly_34]

I just wanted to update this thread - I did make the reservation but found out if I want/need to cancel, I have to do it 48 hours BEFORE, not 24 hours like I thought. It's a little confusing on the website but basically if you cancel at 24 hours out, you are still charged the 4 hour minimum fee. It won't matter in my case since I'll know well before 48 hours whether my mom is coming with us, but that might be a deal breaker for other people.

Also, I was a little surprised that they didn't give me a confirmation number for my reservation and when I asked if I would be contacted ahead of time to find out the name of the person who will be watching my kids, they said no. I have to call them when we check in to give them our room number, and I can ask at that point, but it's not standard practice for them to tell you that information ahead of time.

 

[akadada]

We've used KNO four different times with great success. Our son never sleeps, but the sitter was able to get him to bed . . . unbelievable.

We're hoping to use them again, but their website seems down.

Anyone know why?