Disney World’s Rider Switch: A Must-Know Tip for Families with Young Kids
If you're heading to Disney World with little ones who aren’t quite tall enough (or just don’t want to ride the more thrilling attractions), Rider Switch is a game-changer. It allows adults to take turns riding without waiting in line twice, meaning no one has to miss out on the fun.
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What is Rider Switch?
Rider Switch is a system that lets one adult wait with a child (or anyone who isn’t riding) while the rest of the group enjoys the attraction. Once the first group is done, the waiting adult can ride without having to go through the standby line.
This is great for families with younger kids who don’t meet the height requirements or just aren’t up for a particular ride. For example, if your little one is tall enough for Tower of Terror but decides they’d rather sit that one out (fair enough!), Rider Switch lets everyone else ride while an adult stays back, and then the adults can swap.
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How to Use Rider Switch
Disney’s policies change from time to time, so please know that something may look a little differently on your trip. But the cast member at the ride will walk you through how to use Rider Switch.
In our experience, this is usually how it will work:
Bring your whole group to the ride entrance and let a cast member know you’d like to use Rider Switch. Everyone needs to be there, including the child who isn’t riding.
The cast member will scan the MagicBands or tickets of those riding second (Party 2) and add a Rider Switch pass. While Party 1 rides, Party 2 waits.
Once Party 1 is done, Party 2 can ride using the Lightning Lane. If it’s a single adult, they can bring one guest—so your big kid gets to ride twice!
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.
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Rider Switch + Lightning Lane
If you’re using Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Single Pass, Rider Switch still works the same way! Just make sure that anyone planning to ride must have purchased the Lightning Lane access for that ride. Party 1 enters through the Lightning Lane, and when they’re done, Party 2 redeems the Rider Switch pass.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
You can only have one Rider Switch pass at a time, so you’ll need to use it before getting another.
Only one guest can ride again with Party 2, so if your older child wants a second turn, they can!
Not every ride has Rider Switch, but most attractions with height requirements do. If you're unsure, ask a cast member at the entrance.
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Final Thoughts
Rider Switch makes it so much easier to enjoy Disney World with little ones while still experiencing the attractions you love. Whether you're skipping a ride because of height restrictions or personal preference, no one has to miss out—and someone even gets a bonus ride!
