Rider Switch is a service Disney World provides that allows adult Guests to take turns waiting with younger guests unable to ride due to height requirements without waiting in the standby line twice. Learn more about how to utilize this service and which attractions offer it.

What is Rider Switch?

What can families with younger children who are too short (or too scared) to ride do? Disney offers Rider Switch, and families will take turns experiencing the attraction. One person waits outside the queue (with the child) while the remainder of their party waits in the queue. Once the group returns from riding, the waiting guest(s) may board the attraction without having to wait in the standard queue.

Who can use Rider Switch

Rider Switch is not just for those who are too short! Rider Switch can also be used in the following scenarios:

• A guest in the party either does not meet the boarding requirements or does not plan to ride but cannot wait outside the queue alone.
• A guest has a service animal that cannot board the attraction, or they do not wish to use a provided kennel.
• A guest is unable to experience the queue based on the nature or condition of the queue at a particular attraction in light of the circumstances and the guest’s specific needs.

How to use Rider Switch

In order to utilize Rider Switch, follow these steps:

Bring your whole party to the attraction entrance and let the Cast Member know you would like to use the service. The Cast Member will likely have an iPad, or there may be a sign signifying where to sign up.

They will divide your group into the two groups mentioned above (first group of riders and second group of riders) and scan the second group’s tickets (or MagicBand+) to give them a return time. The pass will show up in the My Disney Experience (MDE) app.

The first group rides the attraction, either through the standby queue or the Lightning Lane entrance (if being used). The second group (including the guest not riding) will wait outside the attraction. No waiting is done inside.

Once the first group has been on the attraction, the second group (minus the guest not riding) will go back to the entrance to have their tickets scanned. They will use the use the Rider Switch entrance and board without waiting in the standard queue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which attractions utilize Rider Switch?

Every attraction with a height requirement offers Rider Switch. A few rides, Na’vi River Journey and Frozen Ever After, do not have a height requirement but also offer the service because it may be a bit scary. Beyond that, Rider Switch can be used for any reason that poses a problem for a person who is not able to wait by themselves while the rest of their party rides. Attractions that are not designated Rider Switch attractions may leave it up to the discretion of the Cast Member. Just kindly explain the situation and accommodations needed.

When is my return time for Rider Switch?

The MDE app will have the second groups’ return time, which may match the current wait time or it may be immediate. They will have one hour after that time is called to check in. However, Disney may be lenient with this return time, allowing the second group to ride later, possibly hours after it expires. Communicate any needs with the Cast Member assisting you.

How many Rider Switch passes can I have at a time?

Guests can have only Rider Switch pass at a time, meaning these cannot be “stacked” and used later. You must use one before getting another.

How many guests can ride the attraction the second time?

Disney only allows up to two guests to ride the second time, and one of those people must not have been in the first group (ie: the second person cannot have been on the attraction already).

Can I use Lightning Lane and Rider Switch together?

Yes! If guests will be using Lightning Lane, everyone in the party who is riding must have a return time for the ride. The first group will use the Lightning Lane entrance

For guests not using Lightning Lane and Rider Switch together, the first group will wait in the traditional standby queue, and the second group will use the Lightning Lane entrance.

Can I use Disability Access Service (DAS) and Rider Switch together?

Yes, Rider Switch and Disability Access Service can be used together! Everyone riding the attraction must be included when the DAS return time is obtained. When the return time is called and the group goes to ride, the DAS holder must be in the first group. The DAS holder can also be in the second group as well. Both groups will enter through the Lightning Lane entrance.

What if the second group only has one guest?

If the second group consists of only one guest, one guest from the first group may re-ride the attraction with them.

What can we do while we wait?

We recommend finding a snack, meeting a character, or taking a small rest while each group is riding. Depending on the posted wait time, you may not want to travel too far!

What happens if my family has more than two kids? Then who gets to ride a second time?

With a family of two adults and two children, Rider Switch is very straightforward. Each parent gets to experience the attraction with the child who is tall enough to ride. Parent 1 and Child 1 ride first while Parent 2 and Child 2 wait elsewhere. Then, Parent 1 swaps with Parent 2, allowing Parent 2 the opportunity to ride with Child 1.

However, it can be a bit tricky if two (or more) children are tall enough to ride. Everyone wants to experience the attraction together, but Disney only allows two riders in the second group. To make it fair (aka avoid a WWE-style sibling fight in the middle of Magic Kingdom), we recommend Parent 1 taking Child 1 on the ride first, while Parent 2 waits with Child 2 and Child 3. Then, Parent 2 can take Child 2 separately while Parent 1 waits with Child 1 and Child 3. Of course, if your family is using Disney’s Lightning Lane service, Rider Switch would not be needed in this scenario.

Are there times when the above procedures and policies may not be followed?

Each attraction is different, and procedural policies may change daily. Most of the time, Rider Switch will work exactly as outlined above. Our best advice is to be flexible and always communicate with the Cast Member assisting you.

What other names does Rider Switch go by?

Rider Switch is the official Disney name for this service, but it is commonly also called Rider Swap, Child Switch, Child Swap, Parent Swap, etc.

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