Rider Switch, rider swap, rider switch pass, baby swap, child swap, whatever you call it you have probably heard the name(s), but do you understand the system? If not, don’t worry you are not alone.
You are on a family trip to Walt Disney World and everything is going great. You are all riding the Teacups, Jungle Cruise, and Dumbo with no problems. Then, you get to Space Mountain and everyone’s eyes light up. This is the one you have all been waiting for except there is one problem.
Sally is a little on the short side of life and doesn’t meet the height requirements. That’s where you rock/paper/scissors or just death stare each other until one parent finally caves to see which parent has to sit out with Sally. The other assumes all the glory and gets to go on the ride with Johnny and you are sent to the bench. So what do you do? Do you just wait twice? (doubtful) Do you alternate rides? Does the same parent sit out each time?
Disney knows this can be a dilemma for parents, so they have a program called the Rider Switch. One parent gets in the standby line (or FastPass line if you have a FastPass for the ride) with Johnny. You go to the cast member at the line entrance and tell them you need a rider switch.
Usually, they will need to see the other parent/child so tell them to stay close. (In some cases such as Sorin this is not possible if the smaller child is still in a stroller but cast members know this and the honor system kicks in). You and Johnny continue through the line, while Sally and the other parent wait, get a snack, buy matching mouse ear hats, etc. When you get off the ride you are now free to switch. Now it’s your significant other’s turn to ride the pine and you and Johnny (again) get to go into the FastPass line and basically get straight up to the front of the line and Sally gets another snack.
You can even decide to move on to something else, grab lunch, another fast pass, Sally ain’t feeling it, or just something else you want to do and come back within an hour to use it.
Three people can use the Rider Switch at one time. Even if you have two children you can all benefit from it. I hope this answers your questions about the ‘Switch Pass’, and now you feel comfortable bringing your younger child with you to Disney. Do you have additional questions? We would love to hear from you! You can contact us here or over on facebook. When you are ready to plan your Walt Disney World Vacation contact your Wish Upon Afar Travel Professional and we would love to help you get started!
For a full list of rides eligible for Rider Switch contact your Wish Upon Afar Travel professional or you can contact us here!
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