Rider Switch

Written by: James Williams

    Unfortunately, there are times that a guest may not be able to or want to ride a ride while others in the group do.  That's no problem because Disney has put in the "Rider Switch System" to make it easier for everyone to do the attractions they want.  

    Rider Switch is such a great tool if you have guests that may be too short, or maybe the ride is just a little too intimidating for them.  Please keep in mind that height requirements are put into place for the safety of the guest! If you are looking for a list of these requirements, check out our Height Requirement article.

If a child does not meet the height requirement or a Guest does not wish to board 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 Guests, and the waiting adult can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again!

Rider Switch is available at select attractions at all 4 Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.

To Use Rider Switch:

1. First check with a Cast member to see if Rider Switch is offered at the attraction in question.

2. Once at the attraction, approach the greeting Cast Member with your entire party. At least one adult member of your party and the Guests who are not riding will be issued a Ride Switch entitlement by the Cast Member and asked to wait in a designated area (usually outside of the attraction). This group is “Party 2.”

3. The other party members (“Party 1”) ride the attraction.

4. After riding the attraction, Party 1 locates Party 2. Then, Party 1 takes over supervision of the non-riding children or Guests.

5. Party 2 enters and boards the attraction without having to wait in the regular queue a second time. The Rider Switch entitlement must be validated by a Cast Member at this time.

If the person in Party 2 waited alone with the child, he or she may bring up to 2 other Guests back to ride the attraction with him or her. Please note that only 3 Guests are allowed per Rider Switch Pass.

Not all attractions offer Rider Switch, so here is Disney's official list of attractions that do offer it:

Magic Kingdom

The Barnstormer

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Space Mountain

Splash Mountain

Stitch’s Great Escape

Tomorrowland Indy Speedway

Epcot

Frozen Ever After

Mission: SPACE

Soarin'

Test Track

Disney’s 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

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

Avatar Flight of Passage

DINOSAUR 

Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain® 

Kali River Rapids

Na'vi River Journey

Primeval Whirl

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at mouseearsnewsblog@gmail.com

Don't forget, if you are ready to plan your next Disney Destination Vacation, visit our dear O'hana at Magic of Mickey Travel and fill out their free quote request form.