WDW's babysitting options About This Page:

[dtshelties]

This is my first time posting. Don't know how this will turn out. We will be going to WDW on 18 Nov through 25th Nov. My husband (42) and myself (41) have two kids ages 4 years and 18 months. I have heard very little about the babysitting options WDW provides and was wondering if anyone has used these services for their younger kids. It's a little bit scary to leave your precious ones to someone's care that you've never met before, but it would be nice to be able to go out by ourselves as well. We aren't sure if we can do this or not without worrying ourselves sick. Anyone have any experience in this area? Thanks!

[This message has been edited by dtshelties (edited 10-28-2000).]

[LauraBelle V. Hime]

WELCOME, dtshelties!

I know folks have posted here on that topic before, so if you keep checking back, I'm sure you will have some answers. Eveything I've heard and read has been positive.

We plan on using the services this coming April as we are traveling with a 5 year old and and infant (yet to be born).

Good luck, I hope the folks here can ease your fears.

------------------
Take care-
Laura
"When you wish..........


laura

[Dave Marx]

While I've never used the in-room childcare services (provided by KinderCare) for an 18 month-old, we've used them several times for older children (4 and up) with great success. The caregivers are all bonded and insured, are very security and safety-conscious, and come equipped for every possibility. The kids also had a great time.

You may want to speak to them beforehand - 407-827-5444.

------------------


Co-Author, PassPorter Walt Disney World 2000
http://www.passporter.com/wdw/

[BevS97]

do you mean you;ve used the Kindercare service, or the Disney one?

We've got a 3 1/2 yr old, so she won't be able to go to the Disney babysitting, I was wondering about Kindercare (not the in-room, but the group one) do you know where it is located?
I don't think my daughter would be happy to be left with a stranger in the room, but is usually quite keen to be left in a 'play room'

any info appreciated -

Bev

[Dave Marx]

KinderCare's group childcare service operates primarily for the benefit of Disney employees. Its regular business hours are 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM weeknights, and 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends, so it's not very well suited to parents who want a night out on the town.

It's a bit off the beaten track, near the intersection of Vista Blvd. and Buena Vista Drive, in the general vicinity of Downtown Disney. Its position is noted on the Walt Disney World Property Map on the inside back cover of PassPorter Walt Disney World 2000.

I don't know of anyone who has used that service, but my understanding is that it's a traditional daycare center, not quite as elaborate as the centers run by Disney.

Due to those operating hours you may have no choice but to use an in-room sitter. I certainly understand your hesitation. My daughter was 4 the first time we used an in-room sitter at WDW. Her experience with sitters prior to that was at home, with people she knew. The sitter (from Fairy Godmothers, another independent service that caters to vacationing families in the Orlando area) arrived with a bag full of games and activities, and engaged my child's attention immediately. We didn't leave until we were sure they'd hit it off, but it didn't take long to know that they had. The very same was true several years later, when a KinderCare in-room sitter arrived to look after my daughter and her three older cousins. The sitter arrived with a supply of games and activities and immediately had the attention (and control) of all four girls.



------------------


Co-Author, PassPorter Walt Disney World 2000
http://www.passporter.com/wdw/

[lab3]

We used a Kindercare sitter this week for our 3 kids--6,4, and 5 months. My kids really liked her--the girls made a craft project, played games, and were actually asleep when we got back. The baby seemed quite happy and she was very loving with him. She was a grandma and talked a lot about her grandchild. My kids took right to her and didn't want us to stay. We had a great night out! It was a nice break mid-week.

------------------
Leigh Ann