Drop-in Daycare?

[Angua]

We will have a few errands to run during our vacation and our American friend would like to use a drop-in daycare facility for her two children like those she uses in North Carolina i.e. drop off the wee ones for a few hours during the day or evening.

Can anyone recommend one in the Kissimee area?

Many thanks.

Sorry it's not something I could or would ever use - call me a paranoid mother but I can't let them out of my sight when on vacation!!![msneek]

[Angua]

It seemed a bit strange to me too initally but I think that's because I'd never heard of such a flexible childcare arrangement in the UK; although thinking about it, I've seen creche facilities in shopping centers.

The children absolutely adore it, it's registered etc., and you can book their favourite food if they're staying over a mealtime. The little ones run into the building and really don't want to leave; they have so much fun with the assistants and meeting new friends. ...and it's a marvel if you haven't got family nearby or can't find a babysitter during the day.

I don't think that it's just a North Carolinan thing but can't seem to find the right category to search the the web with.

[steph_goodrum]

Disney do some (9) for on site guests so I would imagine there is no regulation that would prevent one from existing in Florida.

[website link edited]

[Angua]

Thanks, Steph. I've also now found a Montessori Academy which has a few branches in Kissimme. The one that they have at the Gaylord Palms resort allows drop-in daycare for up to 4 hours or a full day and sounds like an absolute ball; I think I'll join them! I just have to see whether it's only open to Palm resort guests or whether their other branches have similar facilities.

Would be grateful for any referrals though.

[EDIT] I've now had a response back from Gaylord Palms (crikey, that was quick) to say that the daycare is available to anyone, not just resort guests. Just got to give them a call to find out the rates! With all the facilities they have, I doubt it will be cheap but if it's as good as it looks, they'll have a wonderful time and it will be a memorable part of their holiday; rather than getting fractious at having to trapse around after us[msnwink].

Still would be grateful for any other input.

[dbrook]

I haven't used The Gaylord Palms one personally (Mouseketeers Club) but believe it is $10.00 per hour per child and open until midnight.

[carynwillson]

That sounds fantastic, not that I need that now. We used to use the Disney Institute for our children when we were house hunting. They used to get up to all sorts of adventures, backstage tours, arts and crafts and quite frankly didn't want to come out. Shame it's no longer available, very educational

[Angua]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by dbrook
I haven't used The Gaylord Palms one personally (Mouseketeers Club) but believe it is $10.00 per hour per child and open until midnight.
[/quote]

Oh, I hope it's still that price but I think it might be run by a different external company now as it's called the La Petite Academy Kid's Station and is in a separate building in the grounds. 4000sq foot building for 3-14 yr olds with "professionals who are certified in early childhood development and fully trained in first aid and CPR. You’ll be confident knowing that your children are safe and secure in a nurturing environment."

There's all sorts of stuff to do in the building and if they stay for the day they can go on group activities to Nasa, Seaworld etc.

[dbrook]

Well I'm out of date with the name, but just checked on the rate and that is correct. It's $10 per hour for one child and $18 for 2 children. Children allowed from 3 - 14 years. If there is something special going on then these rates may be different so do check beforehand.

Sounds fun - wish I was a child again