Navigating the magical world of Disney can be a dream come true, but as a parent, you’ll often find yourself juggling between the excitement of the rides and the responsibilities of childcare.
You might be wondering about the availability of childcare at Disney World.
To your delight, Disney World does offer childcare and babysitting services!
Childcare at Disney World includes in-room babysitting services, dedicated Baby Care Centers in theme parks, and drop-off childcare centers like Camp Dolphin, ensuring a comfortable experience for families with young children.
(The Ultimate Guide to Disney World)
Introduction to Childcare at Disney World
Being a parent is an adventure in itself, and when you combine that with the bustling atmosphere of Disney, it can sometimes feel a tad overwhelming.
There may be times when you want to hop on a thrilling ride or enjoy a romantic dinner with your partner, but the thought of leaving your kids behind was daunting.
That’s where the fantastic childcare at Disney World can step in to save the day.
Yes, There are Childcare Services at Disney World
Yes, you read that right!
Disney World offers a range of childcare and babysitting services to ensure that parents like us can have some alone time, knowing our kids are in safe hands.
One of the services I came across was “Kid’s Night Out,” an in-room babysitting service right within the Disney World resort hotel.
The caregivers are trained to engage kids in fun activities like reading, crafts, and games.
Another great option is the “Camp Dolphin,” a drop-off childcare center where kids can indulge in games, crafts, and more.
Both these options made my Disney vacation so much more relaxed and enjoyable.
1. Kid’s Night Out Babysitting Services
Imagine having a trusted companion to look after your kids right in the comfort of your Disney World resort hotel room.
That’s precisely what Kid’s Night Out offers.
It’s a one-on-one babysitting service that ensures your little ones are safe and entertained while you enjoy some much-needed downtime.
Activities Offered
The caregivers from Kid’s Night Out are not just there to watch over the kids.
They actively engage them in a variety of activities.
Your child will be thrilled with the reading sessions, crafts, and games they played.
It will feel like they had their mini-adventure while we were out.
Age Range Catered To
One of the things that impressed me about the childcare at Disney World, especially Kid’s Night Out, is the wide age range they cater to.
Whether you have an infant as young as 6 months or a pre-teen up to 12 years, they’ve got you covered.
Pricing Details and Additional Charges
The rates, as of my last visit in August 2023, were quite reasonable.
For one child, it was $30 per hour, and with each additional child, there was a slight increase.
Do note there’s a four-hour minimum, and a one-time transportation fee of $15 per booking.
If you’re considering reservations during unconventional hours, there might be additional charges, so it’s good to be aware.
How to Make Reservations
Planning ahead is always a good idea, especially when it comes to childcare at Disney World.
You can make your reservations about a month in advance, but a minimum of two weeks is recommended.
You can contact your Disney Travel Agent or directly call the Kid’s Nite Out hotline.
Key Features and Benefits of Kid’s Nite Out
Apart from the engaging activities and trained caregivers, what stood out to me was that all childcare providers are insured, bonded, and have prior childcare experience.
Plus, they’re trained in basic first aid and child/infant CPR.
It’s evident that Disney endorses this service, even if they don’t directly run it.
Option to Hire a Helper for In-Park Assistance
Now, this was a game-changer for me.
You can hire a Kid’s Night Out provider not just for babysitting but also for in-park assistance.
They accompany your family during your theme park visits, helping with tasks like pushing a stroller or offering helpful tips.
It felt like having a personal assistant, making our day at the park even more seamless.
2. Camp Dolphin
Another fantastic childcare option is Camp Dolphin.
If you’re exploring childcare at Disney World, this is another excellent choice to consider.
Nestled on the first floor of the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Camp Dolphin is conveniently located near Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
It’s a dedicated children’s activity center, providing a safe and fun environment for kids while parents enjoy some leisure time.
Activities and Programs Offered
Camp Dolphin isn’t just a drop-off point for kids; it’s a hub of fun and learning.
Your kids will be thrilled with the ever-changing activities they offer.
From engaging games to crafting sessions, coloring, and more, there was never a dull moment.
The center even has a special dinner-and-dessert program, which was a hit with my little ones.
Pricing Details for Different Time Slots
The pricing structure at Camp Dolphin is quite flexible, catering to different needs.
As of June 2023, the rates were:
- All-Inclusive (4PM-11PM): $85 for the first child, with a discounted rate of $65 for each additional child.
- Early Evening (4PM-8PM): $65 per child.
- Late Evening (8PM-11PM): $50 per child.
Each slot comes with a specific set of activities, and dinner is served during the early evening slot, while a snack is provided in the late evening.
Age Range Catered To
Camp Dolphin is designed for kids aged 5 to 12 years. It’s a space where they can interact with peers, make new friends, and indulge in a variety of activities tailored for their age group.
Operational Hours and Reservation Details
The center operates daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
There are specific drop-off and pick-up times to ensure smooth operations.
Given its popularity, reservations are essential. I made our booking by calling (407) 934-4241.
However, if you’re working with a Disney Travel Agent, they can handle the reservations for you, making the process even more seamless.
3. Baby Care Centers
You’ll be happy to find out, if you have a toddler in tow, the Baby Care Centers will be nothing short of a blessing.
For those seeking childcare at Disney World, especially for the youngest members of the family, these centers are a godsend.
Baby Care Centers are specialized areas within Disney World designed to offer parents a comfortable and private space to attend to their infants and toddlers.
These centers are strategically located within all four of Disney’s theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.
Each time time you visit a different park, you’ll be relieved to know that a Baby Care Center is always nearby.
Facilities and Amenities Provided
The Baby Care Centers are more than just changing rooms.
They’re equipped with a range of facilities to ensure both parents and babies have a pleasant experience.
Inside, you’ll find changing rooms with tables and restrooms, private nursing rooms with rocking chairs, a feeding area with highchairs, and a main room with seating, a table, and a TV.
There’s even a kitchenette with a sink and microwave.
And for those unexpected needs, there’s an on-site shop offering essentials like baby food, formula, diapers, wipes, and more.
Importance of Baby Care Centers in Case of Lost Children
One of the features of the Baby Care Centers that truly stood out to me was their role in ensuring the safety of lost children.
If a child gets separated from their parents within the park, a Cast Member escorts them to the nearest Baby Care Center.
Here, the child is cared for in a safe and comforting environment until the parents arrive.
Knowing this added an extra layer of security and peace of mind during our visits.
Availability of Baby Changing Stations in Other Disney Locations
While the Baby Care Centers are exclusive to the theme parks, Disney World ensures that parents have access to baby changing stations in most restrooms across the resort hotels, water parks, and even at Disney Springs.
It’s these thoughtful touches that make the entire Disney experience so family-friendly and stress-free.
