While Disney World houses some of the most family-friendly theme parks in the world. But, there are still some attractions that babies or small children can’t ride. That doesn’t mean the big kids (or the big kids at heart) should miss out on any fun! If you are traveling with young children, Rider Switch at Disney World can be a major game changer.

There’s a lot to know if you’re hoping to still ride the biggest roller coasters and rides in the parks — What is the program? How do you use rider switch during your vacation? Which rides offer it? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here is your complete guide to the Rider Switch at Disney World!

What is Rider Switch at Disney World?

Rider Switch is a program at Walt Disney World that allows guests with small children to take turns experiencing attractions that their kids may not be tall enough (or brave enough) to ride. You’ll sometimes hear other people refer to the concept as “child swap” or “rider swap,” but all terms mean the same thing.

When you use Rider Switch at Disney World, you can have one adult wait with the non-rider outside the queue while the remainder of your party waits in the queue. After the rest of the party has experienced the ride, the adult who stayed with the non-rider will have the chance to skip the line through the Lightning Lane entrance with one other person from your party and enjoy the experience for themselves.

How Do Guests Use Rider Switch at Disney World?

To take advantage of the rider switch program, you’ll have to follow a few steps. Don’t worry – it’s easy!

First, your entire party (including non-riders) will head to the attraction entrance. Once you’ve arrived, let the Cast Member know your party would like to use rider switch.

Next, decide who is going on the ride (we’ll call this group “Party A”) and who is staying back with the non-rider (we’ll call this group “Party B”). The Cast Member will then scan the ticket(s), My Disney Experience app, or MagicBand(s) of the guests in “Party B”, while “Party A” continues through the ride queue as usual! When the Cast Member scans “Party B’s” tickets, it activates and links a return pass to their account.

While Party A waits in the ride queue, Party B waits outside the attraction, occupying the non-riders however they choose! Once Party A has completed the ride, Party B will head to the Lightning Lane entrance, scan their pass, and head straight through the Lightning Lane to have their turn experiencing the attraction!

Overall, it’s a pretty wordy but straightforward concept. There are a few caveats, however. If you are using the rider switch program at rides offering a virtual queue, everyone in your party except the non-rider will need a virtual queue group or Lightning Lane for the attraction. Additionally, they are very strict with only two guests being included in Party B, so be sure you choose wisely.

Which Attractions Qualify for Rider Switch?

Though the rider switch program is not available for every ride, all four theme parks have attractions that qualify. Here is a full list of attractions at offer Rider Switch at Disney World.

Magic Kingdom

• The Barnstormer
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• TRON Lightcycle / Run

EPCOT

• Frozen Ever After
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Mission: SPACE
• Soarin’
• Test Track

Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Animal Kingdom

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• DINOSAUR
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
• Kali River Rapids
• Na’vi River Journey

What Can Non-Riders Do While Waiting?

While the non-riders are waiting for Party A to go through the queue, the opportunities for fun are endless! If you are participating in the rider switch program, this means you have little ones in tow. Depending on their age and what park you are at can create different answers, so let’s break them down!

In general, if the attraction wait time is short, stay in the general vicinity of the ride so you can quickly make your way to the Lightning Lane when Party A finishes. In this case, I suggest grabbing a snack or a drink, checking out a nearby shop, or finding something quick nearby such as a stage show or a character meet and greet!

If the attraction wait time is long, most children aren’t going to peruse a shop for an hour – I know mine won’t! In this case, I would find a nearby ride with a short wait time (this is easiest at Magic Kingdom) or a Baby Care Center for a quiet spot for the little one to eat lunch, nap, or just wind down with a mid-day quiet break.

Here are a few things in each park that may be good options while non-riders wait:

Magic Kingdom:

• Casey Jr Splash n Soak Station
• Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Country Bear Jamboree
• “it’s a small world”
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Character Meet and Greets
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Dapper Dans

EPCOT:

• The Seas with Nemo and Friend
• SeaBase Aquarium
• Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana
• Club Cool
• JAMMinators
• KIDCOT Stations throughout the World Showcase

Hollywood Studios:

• A Frozen Sing-a-Long Celebration
• Green Army Men Band
• Pixar Plaza Meet and Greets
• Olaf Meet and Greet
• Beauty and the Beast Stage Show

Animal Kingdom:

• Rafiki’s Planet Watch
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trails
• Wilderness Explorers
• Mahajara Jungle Trail
• Feathered Friends in Flight Bird Show

Comments

Have you used the Rider Switch at Disney World? Let us know your best tricks for keeping little ones entertained while you wait in the comments!