Universal Orlando Resort is known for its exhilarating thrill rides. From rip-roaring coasters to hair-raising simulators, there's no shortage of epic attractions at this toadally cool vacation destination. However, not every tadpole in your party will want to OR can ride every single one due to height requirements. That's where Universal Orlando's Child Swap Program comes into play. This service allows everyone to enjoy their favorite attractions, no matter what ages make up your frog squad! Hop along with us as we explore everything there is to know about this unique theme park perk.
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FAQs
- What is Child Swap at Universal Orlando Resort? Child Swap is a service that allows a party to stay together in ride queues while adults switch off staying with a non-riding child.
- What attractions offer Child Swap at Universal Orlando Resort? Almost all attractions across all four Universal Orlando theme parks offer Child Swap.
- Is Child Swap at Universal Orlando just for kids? Child Swap is a service designed specifically for families with non-riding kids who need adult supervision, though if you're traveling with any party member who cannot ride due to a disability and needs supervision, Universal may suggest Child Swap as an accommodation.
What Is Universal Orlando Child Swap?
Universal Orlando Resort's Child Swap program allows one or more members of your party to wait in a designated area to supervise any children who are unable or unwilling to participate. Once the rest of your group is off the ride, just swap places and take your seat on the ride while those who rode previously stay with the child(ren). It's that easy!
How Does Child Swap Work at Universal Orlando?
So, how exactly does Child Swap work at Universal Orlando Resort? Each attraction varies ever so slightly, but here's how it operates for the most part:
- The whole party will go up to the main entrance of the attraction and let the team member know you are interested in utilizing Child Swap. (The entire group must be present.)
- The entire party goes through the queue together.
- Before you board the attraction, the child not riding and any adults accompanying them will head into the Family Room located near the loading station, where they'll receive a Child Swap pass.
- The first group will experience the attraction and then swap places with the adults who were waiting in the Family Room.
- The adults who were waiting will hand the Child Swap pass to a team member, head straight to the loading platform and board the attraction.
- When they're finished riding, they'll head back into the Family Room to reconvene with the rest of the party, and all exit the attraction together.
Couldn't be simpler!
Family Rooms vary from attraction to attraction, but among them, you'll find A/C, seats, TVs (normally playing movies or shows related to the attraction), changing tables, water fountains/water refill stations and even private restrooms such as the one in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
Universal Orlando Attractions Offering Child Swap
Because Universal Orlando Resort caters to families, most of the attractions in the park are ADA-accessible and many are tadpole-friendly. However, there are some more intense rides that tadpoles may not feel comfortable riding or may not yet be able to ride. Here are the attractions offering the Child Swap option at the three theme parks:
Universal Islands of Adventure
- Caro-Seuss-el
- Doctor Doom's Fearfall
- Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Storm Force Accelatron
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- The Cat in the Hat
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- E.T. Adventure
- Fast & Furious - Supercharged (closing in 2027)
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack!
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Revenge of the Mummy
- The Simpsons Ride
- TRANSFORMERS The Ride-3D
- Trolls Trollercoaster
- Constellation Carousel
- Curse of the Werewolf
- Dragon Racer's Rally
- Fyre Drill
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
- Hiccup's Wing Gliders
- Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge
- Mine-Cart Madness
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
- Stardust Racers
- Yoshi's Adventure
Planning a day of Waturi play at Universal Volcano Bay? All attractions at Universal Orlando's water theme park also offer Child Swap! This version of the program takes place at the attraction entrance, as there are no Family Rooms.
Universal Orlando Child Swap FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Child Swap at Universal Orlando Resort.
Is Child Swap just for families with young kids?
The Child Swap program is designed for families with children who cannot ride an attraction and need adult supervision. (Note: If you have a party member with a disability who also needs supervision, Universal may suggest Child Swap as an accommodation.) If you have an adult or teenager who wants to experience the queue but not ride the attraction and can wait on their own, just let the team member at boarding know, and they'll direct them toward the exit/unloading station/Family Room, where they can wait for the rest of the party.
Can someone ride twice with Child Swap?
Upon redeeming your Child Swap pass, up to six frogs may ride after swapping, so technically, yes. Tad has been able to ride twice when Leap and I are swapping our turns and staying in the Family Room with Lily! Ultimately, it's up to the team members' discretion at each attraction.
Is Child Swap worth it?
In our family's opinion, yes, Child Swap is definitely worth it. It saves time, avoids disappointment and most importantly, is still considerate of the needs of the other guests in our party. Plus, the fact that it's included in the price of your ticket is just another bonus.
We have used Child Swap many times in the past and still do when necessary. If you are traveling with younger guests, Child Swap offers a wonderful alternative to skipping things you want to do. After all, this is a Universal Orlando vacation — do you really want to miss Stardust Racers when you don't have to?
Do you have any questions about Child Swap at Universal Orlando Resort? Let us know in the comments.
Related: Our Guide to Universal Epic Universe Height Requirements
