Ultimate Guide To Rider Switch Service At Disneyland: How To Utilize Rider Switch For A Seamless Experience

Planning a Disneyland trip with kids who can’t ride certain attractions can be stressful for parents. Rider Switch at Disneyland makes it easy for families to enjoy all attractions – even if some kids don’t meet height requirements.

This guide will show you exactly how to use Rider Switch at Disneyland to skip waiting in long lines twice. Get ready to create magical memories with your whole family at the Happiest Place on Earth!

Looking for information about Rider Switch at Disney World, click here.

Key Takeaways

• Rider Switch lets parents take turns on height-restricted rides while others watch non-riding children, requiring the whole group to visit a Cast Member at the ride entrance to scan tickets or MagicBands.
• Major attractions offering Rider Switch include Space Mountain (40″ height), Big Thunder Mountain (40″ height), Incredicoaster (38″ height), and Soarin’ Around the World (40″ height) across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
• The second riding group uses the Lightning Lane entrance during their return time, saving families from waiting in the regular line twice and making the experience more efficient for groups with small children.
• Parents must be 14 years or older to supervise non-riding children, and Baby Care Centers near Plaza Inn provide convenient spots for diaper changes and feeding breaks between attractions.
• Finding the Magic Travel’s team brings many years of Disney planning experience to help families maximize their Rider Switch experience and overall park visit.

How Does Rider Switch Work at Disneyland?

Now that you know what Rider Switch is, let’s explore the simple steps to use this helpful service at Disneyland.

The Rider Switch process starts at the attraction entrance. Your entire group must go to a Cast Member at the queue. The Cast Member will scan tickets or MagicBand+ for guests who plan to ride later.

The first group enters the regular line while a supervising guest (14 years or older) stays with non-riding children. After the first group finishes, the second group uses the Lightning Lane entrance during their return time.

This system works great for families with small kids or guests who can’t ride certain attractions.

Rider Switch turned our family trip into a stress-free experience. Both parents got to enjoy the thrills while taking turns with our toddler. – Sarah M., Disney Guest

Key Attractions with Rider Switch

Many rides at Disneyland offer Rider Switch, from thrilling coasters to family-friendly adventures. You’ll find this service at popular spots like Space Mountain, Incredicoaster, and Soarin’ in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park offers thrilling rides for guests of all ages. Several attractions have height requirements that families need to know about.

• Space Mountain stands as a top attraction with a 40-inch height rule. Kids can enjoy Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters nearby while waiting their turn.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad needs riders to be 40 inches tall. Small kids love The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh right next door.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds asks for 42 inches in height. Peter Pan’s Flight and King Arthur’s Carrousel serve as great options for shorter guests.
• Indiana Jones Adventure sets its bar at 46 inches tall. Jungle Cruise stays open for all heights, making it perfect for the whole family.
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure requires 40 inches minimum height. Kids can grab sweet treats at Pooh’s Corner while others ride.
• Star Tours needs guests to reach 40 inches. The Astro Orbiter gives smaller kids a fun space adventure instead.
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – 40 inches. Located in Galaxy’s edge. 
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – 38 inches. Located in Galaxy’s edge.
• Each ride offers rider switch service. Parents take turns waiting with small children who can’t ride.
• Cast members scan tickets at ride entrances. This helps track which family members use the rider switch option.
• Rider switch allows two adults to ride without standing in line twice. The second party gets fast entry after the first group finishes.
• The standby line accepts all rider switch passes. Guests must show their passes to cast members before entering.

Disney California Adventure Park

Moving from Disneyland Park’s classic attractions, Disney California Adventure Park offers unique thrills for families. This park features several height-restricted rides that make Rider Switch a valuable service for guests.

• Soarin’ Around the World needs guests to be 40 inches tall to ride. Parents can take turns watching smaller kids at nearby Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! has a 40-inch height rule. Families with small kids can enjoy Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue while waiting their turn to ride.
• Radiator Springs Racers asks for 40 inches minimum height. Kids under this limit can have fun at Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree or Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters.
• Incredicoaster needs riders to be 38 inches tall. Nearby options include Jessie’s Critter Carousel and Toy Story Midway Mania for the waiting party.
• Grizzly River Run requires 42 inches height. The first party can ride while others enjoy character meets at Buena Vista Street.
• Goofy’s Sky School sets a 42-inch minimum height limit. Small kids can try Jumpin’ Jellyfish or The Little Mermaid ride during the wait time.
• WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure lets guests use rider switch if needed. Animation Building activities keep young ones busy while adults take turns.

Tips for Maximizing Rider Switch Benefits

Make your Rider Switch experience smoother by learning our proven tips and tricks for families with kids! Our expert guide walks you through smart strategies that will save you time and make your Disneyland vacation more fun for everyone in your group.

Planning with Young Kids

Planning ahead with kids creates a smooth Rider Switch experience at Disneyland. Families need to gather their entire group at the ride entrance to get a Rider Switch pass from a cast member.

Parents can take turns watching small children while others enjoy thrilling attractions. Baby Centers near Plaza Inn offer perfect spots for diaper changes and feeding breaks during the park visit.

Rider Switch lets families enjoy attractions without missing out on the magic – even with little ones!

Smart families coordinate their group members to maximize ride time. One parent stays with children who can’t ride while others experience the attraction. The waiting parent joins the Fast Pass line after the first group finishes, creating less waiting time for everyone.

This system works great for popular rides like Space Mountain where height rules apply. Baby Care Centers provide extra comfort for families with infants who need quick breaks between attractions.

Coordinating with Group Members

Good teamwork makes Rider Switch work better for families with young kids. Your group needs clear plans about who rides first and who stays with non-riders. Each adult should know their role before getting in line.

The party who waits with small children must stay in a safe spot near the ride exit.

Team communication plays a big role in making Rider Switch run smoothly. Cast members scan tickets for the whole party at the start. Adults must decide who takes the first turn on the attraction while others supervise non-riders.

The second group can ride right after without waiting in the standby line again. This setup works great for parents who want to enjoy thrilling rides while keeping their little ones happy and safe.

Smart coordination helps everyone get their chance to experience popular attractions like Space Mountain or Soarin’ without stress.

Conclusion

Rider Switch makes Disneyland trips fun and easy for families with small kids. Parents can take turns riding thrills while others watch the little ones. Smart planning with Rider Switch saves time and lets everyone enjoy their favorite rides.

Your next Disney trip will run smoother when you know how to use this helpful service. Finding the Magic Travel can help you plan the perfect Disney vacation that keeps everyone happy.

Use Finding the Magic Travel for your next vacation.

Finding the Magic Travel brings many years of Disney vacation planning expertise to help you create perfect family memories. Our husband and wife team knows lots of tricks to make your disney vacation smooth and fun.

We help families save money and avoid common mistakes at Disney parks. Our deep knowledge ensures you get the most value from your travel dollars.

Ready to plan your magical Disney trip? Let Finding the Magic Travel guide you through every step. Our team will handle all the details so you can focus on making memories with your loved ones.

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FAQs

1. What is Rider Switch at Disneyland Resort?

Rider Switch (also called child swap) is a helpful service that allows adult guests to take turns riding attractions without waiting in line twice. When you have a child too small to ride or who cannot board the attraction, this service makes your family vacation easier!

2. How does Rider Switch work at attractions like Space Mountain?

First, your entire group goes to the ride entrance. Tell the cast member you need Rider Switch. Party A rides while one parent waits with the child who can’t ride. When Party A finishes, Party B can ride without waiting in the standby line!

3. Can my older child ride twice using Rider Switch?

Yes! If your child meets the height requirements, they can ride once with Party A and again with Party B. This means your child gets to enjoy attractions like Soarin’ or Cars Land rides twice – what a treat!

4. How many people can use Rider Switch per group?

A maximum of two guests can join the waiting parent for the second ride. For example, if husband and son ride first, mom and son can ride second. This helps keep the service fair for all guests at Disneyland Resort.

5. Do I need Multipass to use Rider Switch?

No! Rider Switch is a free service available for all guests with valid tickets scanned. You can use it in Fantasyland, Adventureland, or any area where your child cannot board due to height or specific needs.

6. What if my child cannot wait in queue areas?

Don’t worry! If your child’s nature or condition makes waiting difficult, cast members at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort will help you plan the best way to use Rider Switch for a better experience.