“We’re going to Disneyland. Why would we need childcare?” The Disneyland Resort is an adult playground, too. And as parents ourselves, we know there are times when the grown-ups need alone time or it’s just not appropriate to drag along the kids. If you’re looking for childcare (and you’re not bringing along a nanny or grandparents), you can get private, in-room babysitting. And if you’re a guest of a Disney hotel (Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian, or Disney’s Paradise Pier), you can use the services of Pinocchio’s Workshop. Here are the details on both:

IN-ROOM CHILDCARE

Fullerton Child Care Agency has sitters who will come to your hotel room with age-appropriate toys and activities. The professional sitters will not take kids to the theme parks, but they will watch infants and children with some special needs. They are well-trained, bonded, and insured. Basic rates are $48 for the first four hours (up to two kids in the same household) and $10 for each hour thereafter (their rates have not gone up in at least 10 years!). Additional kids are $2/hour extra for those in the same household, and $4/hour extra for those outside the family. If the sitter is charged a parking fee, that fee is passed on to you (the Disney-owned resorts usually validate the sitter's parking, however). We used their services when our son Alexander was nine months old and it worked well for us. You can make reservations at 714-528-1640 at least 24 hours in advance. Once you arrive at Disneyland, the agency asks you call to relay your room number. We suggest you bring a cell phone—and give the number to the sitter—so you can be within easy reach in the event there is a question or problem. Note that this agency does not have a web site currently.

PINOCCHIO'S WORKSHOP

Disney’s Grand Californian offers the Pinocchio’s Workshop childcare program for guests of Disney’s hotels. Pinocchio’s Workshop is a good bit like daycare, but unlike daycare, their “day” usually starts at 2:00 pm and runs until midnight. The workshop—which is themed after a European carpenter’s workshop—offers a variety of structured activities and entertainment, such as storytelling, board games, computer games, and videos. Snacks of fresh fruit are provided and you can pre-purchase a meal if your child is staying more than four hours. The program accepts children from 5 to 12 years of age, and all children must be potty trained. Rates are $15/hour with a two-hour minimum stay. The program also has an overtime rate—the kids won’t be evicted if your coach turns into a pumpkin on the way back from Sleeping Beauty Castle. Parents are given pagers, too. We recommend you call well in advance and ask plenty of questions. Reservations can be made at Pinocchio’s Workshop itself or by phoning—guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian may reserve up to two months in advance; guests at Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier, or those with verified reservations at Napa Rose or Mandara Spa, may only make same-day reservations. Cancel at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a $45 fee.