Walt Disney World has a great policy for families with children that are too small to ride an attraction at Disney World. It is officially called rider switch, but is often referred to as rider swap or child swap by guests. This allows the family to wait once and take turns riding the ride without having to get back in the line and wait a second time. This can also be used if an attraction is not suitable for everyone. If there is a child that is tall enough but just doesn’t want to ride the ride you can use this as well. You will divide your group into two groups. Here is how it works.
Rider Swap Step 1
Approach the attraction with your full travel party and ask the greeting cast member if the ride offers rider switch. If it does they will walk you through the steps. It can vary by attraction due to different ride queues. Be ready to show who is in group 1, who is in group 2, and who is staying off the ride.
Rider Swap Group 1
First Group one will ride the attraction through the regular queue. If you have a lightning lane then the first group can go through the lightning lane line. While they are going through the line, group 2 will wait with the non rider. This is usually outside the attraction. Just decide on a meet up point so group one can text and meet up when they get off.
Rider Swap Group 2
After group 1 rides the attraction they will go back and meet up with group 2. They will take over staying with the non rider and then group 2 will go on the attraction. The cast member who set up the rider swap will let you know where to go, but most likely group 2 will go through the lightning lane entrance.
If only one person stayed off with the non rider then 1 person can go back through with “group 2” so they don’t have to ride alone and 1 person gets to ride twice.
Examples
Family of 4 in Epcot who wants to ride on Soarin’ and there is a height restriction of 40 inches. Mom and older child ride in group one and dad is in group 2 with the non rider. Afer mom and older child ride they meet up with dad and non rider. Mom takes over watching non rider and Dad rides with older child on the rider switch.
Family of 5 in Magic Kingdom wants to ride Big Thunder Mountain and the youngest is too short. Mom and oldest child ride in group 1 and dad and middle child wait with youngest for group 2. When mom and oldest get off they stay with youngest while dad and middle child ride the ride together. Everyone rides one time.
Tips
Like I said, each ride has a different procedure since the layout of every ride is different. Be sure to ask the attendant at the entrance for a “rider switch”. Make sure you have a plan on how you will break up your group. Make sure you know the meet up spot for the switch. While you are doing the switch it can be a good time for snack, nap, treat, or bathroom break.
Also, be sure to check out the height restrictions for rides before you go. You don’t want to get your kids all excited to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and then find out one of them is too small to ride it. They will be so disappointed. We always know ahead of time our children’s heights and what rides they can or cannot go on. Then we will separate and do something special with the younger kids while an older one rides a big ride. That way the younger ones don’t feel like they are missing out. You can find out all the height restrictions on the Disney website or app.
We also have some great tips for traveling with toddlers that you might find helpful.
