Disneyland Rider Switch: How It Works and How To Use It On Your Trip
If you are visiting Disneyland with little ones who are not quite tall enough to ride everything or simply do not want to ride, Rider Switch will make your park days so much easier. It keeps your family together, saves you unnecessary waits, and makes sure no one misses the attractions they are excited about.
Below is everything you need to know to use Rider Switch at Disneyland Resort.
What Is Rider Switch?
Rider Switch allows groups to take turns riding attractions when someone in the party cannot or does not want to ride. One party waits outside the queue with the non-rider while the other party rides. Once the first group finishes, the waiting group gets to enter through a special return line without waiting in the regular standby queue.
Rider Switch is designed for:
Guests who do not meet the height requirement
Guests who are unable to wait alone outside the queue
Guests with service animals that cannot board the attraction
Guests who cannot access certain queues due to specific needs
How Rider Switch Works
Step 1: Approach the Attraction Entrance Together
Your entire group should walk up to the Cast Member at the entrance of the ride. Tell them you want to use Rider Switch. It is important that everyone is present so the Cast Member can scan the correct tickets or MagicBand+.
Step 2: Split Into Two Groups
Party A rides first
Party B waits outside the line
Only two people may return with Party B, which means one adult can re-ride if Party B only has one rider.
Step 3: The Cast Member Scans Party B
The Cast Member will scan the tickets, digital passes, or MagicBand+ for Party B and give instructions on where to return.
Step 4: Party A Rides
Party A enters through the regular queue and rides while Party B relaxes nearby. Use this time to grab a drink, find shade, or entertain the little ones.
Step 5: Party B Returns to Ride
When Party A is finished, Party B returns to the designated entrance and has their tickets rescanned. They will enter through the Lightning Lane queue and ride with a much shorter wait.
Rider Switch Attractions and What To Do With Young Kids Nearby
Matterhorn
Height requirement: 42 inches
Nearby activities:
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Peter Pan’s Flight
King Arthur’s Carrousel
Walk through Sleeping Beauty Castle
Space Mountain and Star Tours
Height requirement: 40 inches
Nearby activities:
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Astro Orbitor
Rise of the Resistance
Height Requirement: 40 inches
Nearby activities:
Explore Galaxy's Edge
Batuu Bounty Hunting (Play Disney Parks app)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Height requirement: 40 inches
Nearby activities:
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Treats at Pooh’s Corner
Indiana Jones Adventure
Height requirement: 46 inches
Nearby activities:
Adventureland Treehouse
Jungle Cruise
Enchanted Tiki Room
Dole Whip via mobile order
Rider Switch at Disney California Adventure
Soarin’ Around the World and Grizzly River Run
Height requirements: 40 inches and 42 inches
Nearby activities:
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Buena Vista Street characters and entertainment
Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout
Height requirement: 40 inches
Nearby activities:
Animation Building
Turtle Talk with Crush
WEB Slingers
Radiator Springs Racers
Height requirement: 40 inches
Nearby activities:
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
Luigi’s Rollickin Roadsters
Meeting Lightning McQueen and Mater
Cozy Cone snacks
Relaxing in Flo’s V8 Cafe
Incredicoaster
Height requirement: 48 inches
Nearby activities:
Jessie’s Critter Carousel
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
Toy Story Midway Mania
Goofy’s Sky School
Height requirement: 42 inches
Nearby activities:
Jumpin Jellyfish
Golden Zephyr
The Little Mermaid Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Extra Tips for Parents With Littles
Use the Baby Care Centers during Rider Switch downtime if needed. These are calm, air conditioned spaces for diaper changes, bottle warming, breastfeeding, or picking up baby essentials you may have forgotten.
Locations:
Disneyland Park: next to Plaza Inn
Disney California Adventure: near Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop
They are clean, quiet, and very helpful when managing babies or toddlers during Rider Switch.
Simple FAQs
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Yes. Everyone must be present so the Cast Member can verify your group and scan the correct tickets.
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Two guests from Party B can return to ride. If Party B is only one person, one person from Party A may re-ride with them.
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Yes. The second group uses the Lightning Lane queue when they return.
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Yes. It works great with it. Party A uses Lightning Lane, and Party B uses the Rider Switch return.
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No. It is included with your park ticket.
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Not every ride, but most attractions with height requirements offer it.
