How the Disney Rider Switch Program Works
You’re looking at four thrill seekers and a girl in a Pluto hat who used Rider Switch to sit out of Tower of Terror.
If you’re visiting Disney World with little ones, you may find that some rides have height requirements your child doesn’t meet yet. It can be tough when one child is ready to ride and another isn’t, but that doesn’t mean someone has to miss out or wait in line twice.
That’s exactly what the Rider Switch program is for.
Here’s everything you need to know about how it works, when to use it, and what to expect.
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What Is Rider Switch?
Rider Switch (sometimes called “child swap”) is a free service that lets one adult wait with a child or non-rider while the rest of the group rides. When the first group is done, the waiting adult can ride next without waiting in the full line again.
How to Use Rider Switch
Arrive together at the attraction entrance with your entire group and let the Cast Member know you’d like to use Rider Switch.
The Cast Member will scan the MagicBands or tickets of those who will ride second - this group is called “Party 2.”
The first group (“Party 1”) rides as normal, while Party 2 waits outside the attraction.
Your return time will show in the My Disney Experience app. Typically, Party 2 can ride within one hour of the first group’s start time.
Once the first ride is complete, Party 2 can enter through the Lightning Lane to take their turn. One guest from the first group can ride again with the second group (great for families with an older child who wants to ride twice).
When in doubt, always ask the cast member at the front of the ride. They will happily walk you through the process.
Note: The rules state that you can only bring one child to ride twice, so if you have multiple big kids this can be an issue. However, you can always ask and sometimes cast members make exceptions.
Always bring your entire group to the Cast Member at the same time. They want to see the non-rider.
Using Rider Switch with Lightning Lane
If you’ve purchased a Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Single Pass, you can still use Rider Switch.
Everyone in your riding group (both Party 1 and Party 2) needs a valid Lightning Lane selection for that attraction. When you arrive, just let the Cast Member know you plan to use Rider Switch as well.
Why Rider Switch Is Worth Using
This system is one of the best ways to keep everyone happy. Thrill-seekers get their ride time, little ones aren’t stuck waiting in long lines, and no one misses out. It’s especially useful for families with children under 7, or anyone who may prefer to sit out certain attractions.
While they are riding → do this.
Magic Kingdom
The Barnstormer (35") → Casey Jr Splash N Soak, Dumbo
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (40") → Ride the WDW Railroad
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (40") → Ride the WDW Railroad
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (38") → Carousel, Under the Sea, Mad Tea Party
Space Mountain (44") → Peoplemover
Tomorrowland Speedway (32" to ride, 54" to drive) → Peoplemover
Tron Lightycycle Run (48") → Peoplemover, WDW Railroad
Animal Kingdom
Avatar Flight of Passage (44") → Na'vi River Journey, Explore Pandora
Expedition Everest (44") → Maharajah Jungle Trek, Finding Nemo Show
Kali River Rapids (38") → Maharajah Jungle Trek, Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
Hollywood Studios
Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run (38") → Explore Galaxy's Edge, Batuu Bounty Hunting (Play Disney Parks app)
Star Tours (40") → Vacation Fun - An Original Animated Short, Meet Olaf, Frozen Show
Rise of the Resistance (40") → Explore Galaxy's Edge, Batuu Bounty Hunting (Play Disney Parks app)
Rock'n'Roller Coaster (48") → Villains Show
Tower of Terror(40") → Beauty and the Beast Show
Slinky Dog Dash (38") → Toy Story Mania
Alien Swirling Saucers (32") → Toy Story Mania
Epcot
Frozen Ever After → Meet Anna and Elsa, Gran Fiesta Tour
Guardians of the Galaxy (42") → Green Landing Playground
Mission Space (Orange - 44", Green 40") → Mission Space Playground, Green Landing Playground
Soarin' (40") → Living with the Land
Test Track (40") → Green Landing Playground
