One of the best services for families at Walt Disney World is Rider Switch. This handy service allows adult guests to take turns waiting with children who are unable to ride. The adults in the party can then switch out and enjoy all the great attractions without having to wait in line twice. Families with young children will definitely want to take advantage of Rider Switch on your next trip to Walt Disney World. Keep reading to learn more about this free service.
What is Rider Switch?
In a nutshell, Rider Switch ensures the grown-ups in the group won’t miss out on riding all the thrilling attractions. If you are visiting Walt Disney World with little ones, chances are there will be rides that the children are too short to ride or maybe too scared to ride. This is where Rider Switch comes in.
If a child does not meet the height requirement or a child does not wish to ride a particular attraction, no problem! With Rider Switch, one adult can wait with the non-rider (or riders) while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. When the other adult returns, they can supervise the non-riding child(ren), and the waiting adult can ride the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again! Not only can the waiting adult ride, but two more guests can join in on the fun. This means big brother or big sister can ride a second time.
How does Rider Switch Work?
Rider Switch is available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Not every attraction offers Rider Switch however, it is available at many of the popular attractions.
- When you are ready to use the service, the entire group should head to the entrance of the ride. Let the Cast Member know you would like to switch off. You will be labeled as “Party 1” – those riding first and “Party 2” – those riding second. The Cast Member will scan the Magic Bands or tickets of Party 2. The Rider Switch passes will appear on Party 2’s My Disney Experience account.
- The return time for the Rider Switch will be the current wait time less 10 minutes. You will have one hour to use the Pass. For example, if you arrive at 11:00am and the current wait time is 30 minutes then your Rider Switch time will appear on you’re my Disney Experience account from 11:20am – 12:20pm.
- Once Party 1 finishes the ride and it is within the Rider Switch timeframe you received, Party 2 can head off to enjoy the attraction without having to wait in the standby line.
- You can have one Rider Switch for one attraction at a time. Be sure to use your Pass before trying to secure another one.
Attractions Offering Rider Switch
Magic Kingdom Park
The Barnstormer
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
Epcot
Frozen Ever After
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 Adventures Continue
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Animal Kingdom Park
Avatar Flight of Passage
DINOSAUR
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®
Kali River Rapids
Na’vi River Journey
Primeval Whirl
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Has your family taken advantage of Rider Switch? Let us know how you liked it in the comments below.