Don’t let traveling with a toddler or infant keep you from enjoying some of the best attractions Disney World has to offer. You can use the rider switch program to explore some of Disney’s most thrilling rides—those that often have a long line and a height restriction. The rider switch program isn’t just for roller coasters, either. For example, a ride like Mission: Space at Epcot may be too much to handle for small children, so ask for a pass if there is a long line.
How It Works
A child-switch or rider-switch pass allows you to just wait in line once. This way, Dad can wait in line and then enjoy a ride like Expedition Everest while Mom watches the little ones. Once Dad has enjoyed the ride, Mom can use the rider switch pass just like a FastPass+ and go to the front of the line.
The rider switch program is available at select Disney World theme park attractions. Ask the cast member at the FastPass+ or main entrance of the attraction you want to ride. Some rides will do a rider switch even though they do not have a FastPass+ option. Let the cast member know you want to do a rider switch, and you will be issued a special paper ticket. The first rider will need to wait in the line, but the second rider will not.
Visit the Disney World website to get the most up-to-date information on the program and to find out which rides you are eligible for the rider switch program.
Who Can Use It
Anyone with a child or dependent adult who is unable or chooses not to ride certain attractions can use this program. This means that at least two adults or responsible parties are needed to utilize the rider switch program—one person to experience the attraction and the other who waits with the children.
How to Use It
You must have all parties present to qualify for a rider switch ticket—at least one child and two responsible adults. If all parties are not present, you won’t be issued a pass.
You can still use a FastPass+ with the child switch program; just show up at the time on the FastPass+ and let the ride attendant know you need to make a switch.
While you wait, look for play or shopping areas, grab some food, or explore nearby while you wait for your turn to ride. At this time, it might be a good opportunity to encourage your child to take a nap.
Once the first riders have completed the ride, the person who waited behind can go to the front of the line and may bring up to two other people to ride the attraction with him or her. Only three guests are allowed per rider switch pass.
Rides It’s Valid For
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom each offer the rider switch program on select rides. Not all rides qualify, although many with height restrictions offer the program.
A few examples of the rides included in the rider switch are Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train from Magic Kingdom; Frozen Ever After, Soarin’, and Test Track from Epcot; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Star Tours, and Tower of Terror from Hollywood Studios; and DINOSAUR, Avatar, and Expedition Everest from Animal Kingdom, and many more.
