Disney Babysitting: A Night out for Mom and Dad ALONE..
Written: Sep 21 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great activities, games, and lots of fun for the kids!
Cons: Centers only open until midnight.
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| ImAmes's Full Review: Walt Disney World |
My husband and I had a long talk before our trip last year, on whether or not we should try out one of the Disney Daycare Centers for our then 5 year old. We were hesitant because we didn't know much about it, and weren't sure if it was "morally" right to leave our only child with a babysitter while we went and spent some quiet time alone to ourselves on a "family" vacation. Then we realized that if we DID NOT have some time alone, we were going to go insane spending 2 weeks non-stop with our 5 year old, and vice-versa for her.We called the 1-407-WDISNEY and asked about the numerous Daycare Centers, and were sent a sheet with phone numbers to call for details, but not alot of information. I didn't have the time to call each one, or spend the money on the long-distance, so we talked to our neighbors who had recently been there and they recommended we try the Neverland Club. We gave it a go and here is what happened:)
The Neverland Club is located on the grounds of the Polynesioan Resort which is one of the "monorail" resorts. It is located between the Grand Floridian and the Magic Kingdom Parking Lot. To get to it without a car, can get tricky. We were staying at Dixie Landings, so we took the bus to the Magic Kingdom, then hopped on the monorail which took us right to the Polynesian! Total time: 35 minutes.
We got there and were pointed in the direction to the Neverland Club which is OUTSIDE the hotel, and located at the south end of the grounds. Kyra was excited but unsure of leaving mom and dad in such a strange place, but they made her feel right at home. We made reservations, yeah, I know, you have to make reservations for EVERYTHING at DIsney World, for 7p.m. They do not take any children until 4 p.m. just so you know:) She was to be there 7-10 pm, the minimum three hours required. The cost was $8.00 an hour, which we didn't think was steep at all after what we heard she had all done! We paid up front for the three hours, but I hear they do things differently now, so call ahead for specific details on when to pay. They handed us a beeper to make us feel secure in the fact that we knew that Kyra was only a "beep" away! We kissed her goodbye and watched as she hopped through Wendy's bedroom window and vanished into the room full of music and children playing.
10 p.m. came fast, and it was time to pick her up. There were a lot more children there now, which we figured since they were open until midnight and all the parents were probably partying it up at Pleasure Island:) Kyra came to the exit area, where she leapt into my husbands arms, but still pouted to leave her friends she had made behind. We handed in our beeper and went back to Dixie Landings the same way we came, listening to Kyra tell us about her exciting adventure!
Kyra told us they got to watch a "Goofy Movie" and color Disney pictures. They went on to play games in groups like duck, duck, goose and other familiar games that the kids would know. Snack time was announced, and Kyra said she was delighted when they passed out chocolate chip cookies and ice, cold milk. After snack time, a man from Discovery Island, a Disney Zoological Site, came and brought all types of birds for the kids to see up close and personal. When he left, she said Goofy walked in and she jumped up and gave him a hug! She said she played all the free video games until we got there. All the kids got to take home their colored pictures and polaroids of Goofy and them. She loved it and I will definitely let her go back there again!
If you are interested in what the other clubs offer, here is the info we were given:
The Neverland Club-Polynesian Resort...(407) 824-2170
Mousketeer Clubhouse-Contemporary Resort...(407) 824-1000 ext. 3038
Sandcastle Club-Yacht and Beach Club Resorts..(407) 934-7000
Cub's Den-Wilderness Lodge...(407) 824-1083
Little Toots-Boardwalk Inn & Villas...(407) 939-5100
Vacation Station-The Hilton...(407) 827-4000
All About Kids-Buena Vista Palace...(407) 827-2727
I should add that the Cub's Den and the Neverland Club also offer buffet meals for the kids at dinner time. For specific foods provided, call the designated phone number above.
Disney Hotel Guests are only allowed to use the above daycares and will be asked to show proof of hotel identification.
We were also given information for in-room babysitting where a female baby-sitter will watch your children at any time of the day for however long needed. They will also take your kids to the Parks if you would like too, altho I would rather take them myself:) They are called, what else, but Fairy Godmothers and can be reached at (407) 277-3724 or (407) 275-7326. They charge $8.00 an hour for up to three children, with a four hour minimum and a $5 travel fee. KinderCare will also provide daycare in rooms and they can be reached at (407) 827-5444.
I hope this can help you and your family decide if you would like to use a daycare while on vacation in Walt Disney World. Educate yourself so that you can make your decision the best one for you and your wallet!
And as always, have a wonderful vacation at Walt Disney World!
Recommended:
Yes
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ImAmes
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Member: Amy Joy
Location: Midwest
Reviews written: 174
Trusted by: 217 members
About Me:
Love cures people- both the ones who give it and those who recieve it.
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