WDW in room babysitters questions/opinions

[alliebug]

My DD will be 2 when we go to WDW in Nov. so she won't be old enough for the hotel's group child care. I thought it might be nice for DH and I to have a grown ups night out and I saw on a previous thread that there are in room babysitters. I am hesitant to leave her with a stranger. Has anyone out there ever used them? If so, what were your experiences with them?

A few more questions... Where can I get more info on them? I saw some info on allearsnet, but aside from a phone number for Fairy Godmothers (I read there were 3 companies that did this) it wasn't very helpful. What does it cost? Will they come to Shades of Green?

Thanks a bunch

 

[jodifla]

We've used Fairy Godmothers a half-dozen times for DS, now 4, and have been very pleased. It's a small, family run company. Most of the sitters are older women, and the company has been around 25 years. Kids Nite Out is the firm Disney uses. They have a web site, kidsniteout.com that gives a bunch of info. They are more corporate, which some people prefer. They come with paperwork to sign and in company T-shirts.

FG has a 4 hour minimum, $14 an hour, plus $12 travel fee. Worked out to $68 for four hours. Yes, they'll go to Shades of Green.

Let me know if you have other questions.

 

[Nanajo1]

Our family has used Fairy Godmothers on two trips. They were great. One 2yo DGD was a little a bit reluctant at first but the Fairy Godmother won her over with playdough! The next day she was asking when HER Fairy Godmother was coming again. We have had 6 different Godmothers and all were super.

 

[kayt]

We used Fairy Godmothers on our last trip, too. I was a bit nervous when I called to make the arrangments, because it sounded like the owner was distracted when she took down our name and reservation, and told me just to call back when we got into town. Then when I called on arrival, she sounded a bit surprised, and I got the impression that either she had us down for the wrong date, or not at all. But the sitter showed up on time, and she was great. Our kids (then ages 4 and 8, now 6 and 10) want to do it again!

 

[alliebug]

what made you feel comfortable leaving your children with them? I have seen that many people have used them and have had very good experiences with them. I would like to use them on our Nov 2006 trip to WDW, but am nervous about leaving DD with a stranger. Both for her comfort level and because of all the horrible things that can happen to kids. I would like to know what has made other people feel comfortable making this decision.

 

[minniemanor]

I used them a few years ago when my DS was 1 (my other DS went to Simba's cubhouse b/c he was 5.) What impressed me the most was that they called from Bell Services to ask if I was expecting someone before giving out our room number. The FG we used told us that they are supposed to check in at the resort and let them know they are there. Then have a CM verify with the guest that the FG is expected before they go to your room.

Elyse

 

[Nanajo1]

what made you feel comfortable leaving your children with them? I have seen that many people have used them and have had very good experiences with them. I would like to use them on our Nov 2006 trip to WDW, but am nervous about leaving DD with a stranger. Both for her comfort level and because of all the horrible things that can happen to kids. I would like to know what has made other people feel comfortable making this decision.

After doing research on this and other boards I found consistantly positive reviews. The fact that a broad and diverse group had a good experience with the FG gave me some reassurance. I was initially concerned when I made the first phone call but the sitters arrived on time and were wonderful with the children. They took the cues from the children and made the kids comfortable in a short time. They truly are professional.

 

[Rowlf]

We've used KNO (the concierge made the reservations for us, so I don't know how the reservations process is) and would use them again in a heartbeat. Very professional and engaging with my son.