Ultimate Guide To Rider Switch At Disney World: Everything You Need To Know

Planning a Disney World trip with small kids can feel overwhelming at first. Parents know the challenge of managing rides when their little ones are too young or scared to hop aboard certain attractions.

That’s where Rider Switch comes to the rescue! This free service helps families take turns enjoying rides while watching over children who need to sit out. You’ll find Rider Switch at over 25 popular attractions across Walt Disney World, allowing guests who are not riding to enjoy the park.

Our proven tips about using Rider Switch will help your family get the most magic from your Disney World vacation. Are you ready to discover how this handy service works?

Looking for information about Rider Switch at Disneyland, click here.

Key Takeaways

• Rider Switch is a free service at Disney World that lets families take turns on 25+ rides while watching non-riding children, with passes staying active for one hour after issue.
• The service works at all four Disney World parks: Magic Kingdom (7 rides), Epcot (5 rides), Hollywood Studios (8 rides), and Animal Kingdom (6 rides), and can be combined with Lightning Lane passes.
• Up to two guests can join the second riding group with a Rider Switch pass, and families can only hold one active Rider Switch pass at a time.
• Finding the Magic Travel offers many years of Disney expertise to help plan family vacations with Rider Switch and other services at no extra cost.

Understanding the Basics of Rider Switch

We know how tricky it can be to enjoy Disney World rides when you have little ones who can’t ride yet! Rider Switch lets families take turns on thrilling attractions while making sure young children stay safe with a non-riding adult, and it’s free with your park admission.

How Rider Switch works

The Rider Switch service at Walt Disney World Resort lets families take turns on attractions while caring for little ones. Our party splits into two groups – one rides while the other stays with non-riding guests.

The first group enters through the regular queue or Lightning Lane. A cast member scans the tickets or MagicBands of the waiting group, who gets a special Rider Switch entitlement.

Rider Switch is like getting two turns on your favorite rides while keeping everyone happy!

The second group can use their Rider Switch pass to ride through the Lightning Lane once the first group returns. Up to two guests can join the second group with the Rider Switch pass.

This system works great for families with small children, guests with disabilities, or anyone who needs to take turns experiencing attractions. The pass stays active for the rest of the day, giving flexibility to ride when ready.

Eligible attractions for Rider Switch

Disney World offers Rider Switch at many popular attractions across all four theme parks. Let’s look at which rides allow this helpful service.

Magic Kingdom:

1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
2. Space Mountain – 44 inches (112 cm) or taller
3. Splash Mountain (until it reopens as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) – 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
4. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – 38 inches (97 cm) or taller
5. Tomorrowland Speedway – 32 inches (81 cm) or taller (54 inches or taller to ride alone)
6. Tron Lightcycle / Run – 48 inches (122 cm) or taller
7. The Barnstormer – 35 inches (89 cm) or taller

EPCOT:

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – 42 inches (107 cm) or taller
2. Mission: SPACE (Orange and Green Missions) –
   • Green: 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
   • Orange: 44 inches (112 cm) or taller
3. Soarin’ Around the World – 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
4. Test Track – 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
5. Frozen Ever After – No height requirement

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

1. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – 38 inches (97 cm) or taller
2. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
3. Slinky Dog Dash – 38 inches (97 cm) or taller
4. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – 48 inches (122 cm) or taller
5. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
6. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – No height requirement
7. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
8. Alien Swirling Saucers – 32 inches (81 cm) or taller

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

1. Avatar Flight of Passage – 44 inches (112 cm) or taller
2. DINOSAUR – 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
3. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – 44 inches (112 cm) or taller
4. Kali River Rapids – 38 inches (97 cm) or taller
5. Na’vi River Journey – No height requirement
6. Primeval Whirl (when operational) – 48 inches (122 cm) or taller

• Every ride listed works with Lightning Lane passes too. Cast members at each ride entrance help set up your Rider Switch pass.
• Most thrill rides in all parks use this service. Parents can swap places without waiting in line twice.
• Fast-paced rides and those with height limits always offer this choice. Small kids stay safe while grown-ups enjoy the thrills.

How to Arrange Rider Switch

Setting up Rider Switch at Disney World is quick and easy – just head to any eligible ride’s entrance and tell the Cast Member you need it! Our team loves how simple the process is, as you’ll get your Rider Switch pass right there at the attraction, letting your whole group enjoy the magic of Disney without missing out on the thrilling rides.

Steps to set up Rider Switch at the park

Disney World’s Rider Switch makes it easy for families with small children to enjoy attractions. Let’s walk through the simple steps to use this helpful service at the park.

• Meet at the attraction entrance with your entire party. A cast member will check if any guests don’t meet height rules.
• Show the cast member which adults will stay with non-riding guests. The cast member will scan the tickets or MagicBands of those who will ride the attraction later.
• Party 1 rides while Party 2 waits in a spot near the attraction with non-riding guests. This wait area keeps everyone safe and comfortable.
• After Party 1 returns, Party 2 can use their Rider Switch pass through the Lightning Lane. The pass stays active for one hour after it’s given.
• Only one person needs to stay with non-riding guests. Other members of Party 2 can enjoy nearby activities during the wait time.
• Your group can only hold one Rider Switch pass at a time. Make sure to use it before getting another one.
• Mix Rider Switch with Virtual Queues or Lightning Lanes to save more time. Ask the greeting cast member about these options.
• Tell the cast member if anyone in your group uses DAS (Disability Access Service). They’ll help combine these services for the best experience.

Tips and Benefits of Using Rider Switch

Rider Switch gives families a chance to enjoy thrilling rides together, and we can’t wait to share our favorite tips to make your Disney World visit magical – keep reading to learn how to make the most of this amazing perk!

Maximizing your visit with Rider Switch

Disney World’s Rider Switch offers amazing ways to make the most of our park visits. Let’s look at proven tips to maximize our time using this helpful service.

1. Stay updated through social media channels about daily Rider Switch changes and updates at Disney World’s attractions.
2. Choose rides with both height limits and Lightning Lanes first – these spots often have shorter wait times for Party 2.
3. Plan activities near the attraction while waiting for our turn. We can shop, grab snacks, or enjoy nearby shows instead of standing in one spot.
4. Take turns with one adult and one child in Party 2 to follow the latest policy rules. This helps us avoid any issues at the entrance.
5. Mix Rider Switch with Lightning Lane passes to cut down wait times on popular rides like The Haunted Mansion.
6. Split up our group during peak hours. One party can enjoy shorter lines while others take breaks or eat meals.
7. Check which attractions offer both single rider lines and Rider Switch options. This gives us more ways to reduce wait times.
8. Make sure at least one adult stays with non-riding kids in a designated area. Cast members will guide us to the right spot.
9. Ask cast members at ride entrances about current wait times for Party 2. This helps us plan our next moves better.
10. Use nearby parent rest areas or baby care centers while waiting for our turn on attractions.
11. Schedule Rider Switch uses during off-peak hours. Morning or late evening times work great for faster access.
12. Keep track of which family members have already used Rider Switch. This helps us make sure everyone gets fair turns.

Conclusion

Rider Switch makes family trips to Walt Disney World easier and more fun for everyone. Parents can take turns enjoying thrilling rides while keeping their little ones safe and happy.

The simple process lets families spend less time waiting and more time making magical memories together. We hope this guide helps you plan a perfect day at the parks with your loved ones.

Finding the Magic Travel can help you book your next amazing Disney vacation – let us handle all the details, including lightning lane multi and single pass options!

Use Finding the Magic Travel for your next vacation.

We bring many years of Disney travel expertise to help make your vacation dreams come true. Our husband and wife team at Finding the Magic Travel knows how to avoid common pitfalls and create the perfect Disney experience for your family.

We treat every client like a friend and work hard to match your needs with the best Disney options.

Let us help you plan your next magical trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland at no extra cost to you. Our team stays current on all Disney changes to make sure your vacation runs smoothly from start to finish.

Ready to start planning? Contact Us today to begin your journey to Disney magic – our services come at no additional charge to you!

FAQs

What is Rider Switch at Walt Disney World?

Okay, so let’s break it down! Rider Switch is a super handy service at Walt Disney World that lets families with little ones (or anyone who just doesn’t want to ride) take turns riding an attraction. Basically, one adult can ride while the other waits with the non-riding guests, and then they can switch without having to wait in the queue again. It’s like magic for parents!

How do I use Rider Switch?

Using Rider Switch is a piece of cake! When you get to the attraction, just let a cast member know you want to use the rider switch service. They’ll hook you up with a Rider Switch Pass for the adult who’s waiting. Then, the first adult rides while the other hangs out with the kids. Once they’re done, you can switch, and the waiting adult can ride without having to wait in line again. Easy-peasy!

Which attractions offer Rider Switch?

Many of the thrill rides at Disney World’s theme parks offer Rider Switch. You’ll find it at popular spots like the Dwarfs Mine Train, Guardians of the Galaxy, and other exciting attractions. Always check the latest info on the Disney Experience app or the Walt Disney World Resort website before you go, as offerings can change!

What if my child does not meet the height requirement?

No worries! If your little one is too short for an attraction, that’s where Rider Switch really shines. The adult who stays behind can chill with the kiddos, while the other adult enjoys the ride. Then they can switch, and the waiting adult won’t have to wait in line again. Just make sure to check the height requirement before heading to the ride!

Can I use Rider Switch with the Lightning Lane?

Yes! The rider switch program works with both regular standby lines and Lightning Lane. When you get the rider switch pass from a cast member, they’ll make sure your party gets the right type of entitlement to match your original ticket type.

How many people can be in each riding party?

Each party using rider switch can include up to three guests. At least one adult member must stay with any non-riding children. When Party 2 enters and boards the attraction, they can bring two other guests who want to ride twice!

Do I need to wait in a specific area while my party rides?

Yes! When using rider swap, the waiting party will be asked to wait in a designated area by the cast member. You cannot wait outside the queue – this ensures everyone’s safety and helps keep the process organized for all guests visiting Disney!