Close Banner
Buy a 2025 SeaWorld® Fun Card and get the rest of 2024 and all of 2025 FREE!
SAVE UP TO $117
GET MY TICKETS
Home / Blog / Theme Park Rides, Shows & More / Your Complete Guide to Disney World Height Requirements and Disney's Rider Switch Service

Your Complete Guide to Disney World Height Requirements and Disney's Rider Switch Service

by Mommy Frog on July 5, 2024
102 Orlando

Disney World Height Requirements and Rider Switch – PinterestWe've seen it all too often — a wide-eyed child with a fresh MagicBand and Mickey ears eagerly walks up to the entrance of an attraction ...

"Whoa, partner, let me measure you before you head in there," says the cast member.

The eager toddler bravely stands against the measuring pole, wondering if THIS is the year they finally get to experience ... well, I'm sure you know how this story ends.

The joy of a Disney World vacation is seeing the tadpoles have the time of their lives — braving thunderous mountains or soaring over famous landmarks. No parent or family member wants to step into the queue of a toadally awesome attraction, only to find out that their little one is not tall enough to ride. Having an idea of which rides your little one will and will not be able to experience goes a long way. Preparation can avoid devastation. At the same time, there may be others in your party who meet the height requirements. Should they miss out on the thrills because one person can't ride? (Skip Space Mountain?! Are you kidding me?) Not to worry — Disney has a solution.

In this post, we'll walk you through all of the Disney World height requirements and outline the details of the Rider Switch service, sometimes called child swap. We'll also go over how Rider Switch operates with the Disney Lightning Lane system. Let's hop in!

Complete Guide to Disney World Height Requirements

Disney World Height Requirements and Rider Switch - Pandora Avatar Height Requirement

While the majority of attractions at Disney World are suitable for all heights, some do have minimum height requirements. At the front of each of those attractions, a cast member will check any tadpoles who are close to that height to see how they measure up.

We've also created hopful infographics for you to reference, which you can even download and save for use in the park!

Disney World Height Requirements - Tiana

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom Park has more than 30 attractions with only six requiring certain heights, making it ideal for families with small tadpoles.

Disney World Height Requirements and Rider Switch - The Barnstormer

EPCOT

Guide to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — Ride vehicle

About a quarter of EPCOT's attractions have height requirements, including the popular new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (a virtual queue may be in place; if so, all rider swap participants are required to be in a boarding group).

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney World Height Requirements and Rider Switch - Slinky Dog Dash

At Hollywood Studios, the majority of attractions do have height requirements (we find this park ideal for teens and tweens!).

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Guide to Animal Kingdom - Entrance to Dinosaur ride

About a third of the attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park have height requirements.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Typhoon Lagoon - Crush 'n' Gusher

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

Disney World Height Requirements and Rider Switch - Downhill Double Dipper at Blizzard Beach

Disney World Attractions Without Height Requirements

The majority of attractions at Disney World have no height requirements, providing a lot of options for families. Magic Kingdom has the most attractions without a required height, ideal for those with young tadpoles.

Magic Kingdom

EPCOT

Theme Parks Non-Coaster Lovers - Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios Hidden Gems - Lightning McQueen Racing Academy

Disney's Animal Kingdom

What Not-to-Miss at Animal Kingdom - Tricera Top Spin

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Guide to Typhoon Lagoon - Castaway Creek

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

Disney World Rider Switch Service

So now that you know about height requirements, let's learn more about the Rider Switch service offered at Disney World.

When I visited Disney World as a young froglet, I was nowhere near tall enough to experience some rides. My siblings were plenty tall, and they were not going to miss out on all of the fun. The solution? My mom and I sat out while my dad and siblings went on the big rides. When they were done, mom would get back in line and wait by herself. Hey, mom loved watching Country Bear Jamboree with me (and now, there's a new musical version we get to enjoy together!), but she'd rather be on Space Mountain with her entire family.

Disney World Rider Switch allows grown-ups to take turns enjoying the thrill rides without having to wait in line twice. So everyone gets to ride who wants to! It works just as well for tadpoles who don't meet the height requirements or don't want to ride. Say your child is tall enough to ride Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, but — NO WAY DROPS, FORGET IT — they may wait with an adult using the same Rider Switch procedure.

All attractions that have height requirements typically also offer Rider Switch, plus a select few that offer it even with no height requirements.

Using Rider Switch

Even if you've visited the parks before, please note that Disney World's Rider Switch policy changes from time to time, so read up before your visit. You can use Disney World Rider Switch at all four theme parks. Not every attraction offers this option, but cast members have the discretion to help you out.

When you're ready to use the Disney World Rider Switch service, just hop to the attraction's entrance with your entire group present and let the cast member know you'd like to switch off. The cast member will scan the MagicBands or park tickets of those who will ride second. You'll be known as "Party 2" and will see the Rider Switch passes added to the plans section of the My Disney Experience app. The rest of your group will be known as "Party 1" and will ride the attraction while Party 2 waits.

The return time for Party 2 will reflect the attraction's current wait time minus 10 minutes, and there will be a one-hour window of use. So, if you arrive at 10 a.m. and the current wait is 40 minutes, then your Rider Switch pass will show that Party 2 may return to experience the attraction between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and enter the Lightning Lane. You can only have a Rider Switch pass for one attraction at a time, so you must use it before you get one for another ride.

Here's how we use it. I usually wait with Lily while Leap and Tad experience the attraction first, then Leap will take my spot with Lily and I'll ride! Tad can even enjoy the attraction twice if he wants (and he usually always does). We just scan his ticket as Party 2 before he rides with Party 1 and then he hops along in Party 2!

Keep in mind that with a recent change, the rider is allowed only one guest on the second ride through. So when the non-riding guest switches parties, there can only be a total of two guests per Rider Switch pass. This way, everyone can still enjoy the ride and no one has to ride alone (plus, someone gets to ride twice, lucky them!)

Using Disney Child Swap with Disney Lightning Lane

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom

With the new Disney Lightning Lane Passes, guests can purchase either Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Single Pass to bypass the standby wait and utilize the Lightning Lane. So you may be wondering how this affects Rider Switch? Never fear, Rider Switch is still toadally in use. If you do not want to purchase anything additional, you will use Rider Switch as normal with Party 1 entering through the standby line.

If you purchase Lightning Lane Passes, you can use both Lightning Lane and Rider Switch together. Note that if you want your entire party to use the Lightning Lane, everyone who is riding must have purchased and selected the arrival window. For attractions using a virtual queue, everyone must have a boarding group. Once at the attraction, let the cast members know you are also using Rider Switch.

Have a question about Disney World height requirements? Are you a Rider Switch pro with stories to share? Let us know in the comments below. 

Related: Our Magical Overview of Disney Lightning Lane

Related: The Best Theme Parks in Orlando for Every Age Group

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
View Comments

Comments

Aug 27, 2024 at 9:56 p.m.
Robert Hill Says...

How do the Bay Slides at Typhoon Lagoon work? It says that the maximum height is 60" and that an adult 18 or older must accompany kids under 10 years old. What do you do if both parents are over 5' tall?

Reply
Aug 28, 2024 at 9:37 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Robert!

The Bay Slides are located to the left of the wave pool and are designed to be for tadpoles only, but parents and supervising companions just need to be there as the kids use the slides and they can meet them at the bottom.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 12, 2024 at 9:38 a.m.
Karen Rutland Says...

What if you are 6’7” and going to the Disney parks? I can’t locate Maximum height restrictions on Disney’s website. Does anyone know?

Reply
Jan 12, 2024 at 10:13 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Karen!

Officially, there aren't any maximum height restrictions, but guests must be able to fit the ride and be secured with the restrain systems in place. A few rides do offer test ride vehicles outside of the queue or modified seating (such as TRON Lightcycle / Run). It's also possible to ask cast members for rows that have more room or to ride alone for extra space.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 6, 2022 at 3:26 a.m.
Mike Says...

Hi! I don’t fully understand the comment “Note that if you want your entire party to use the Lightning Lane, everyone who is riding must have purchased and selected the arrival window.”

Here’s how I understand the process. Let’s say you have a family of four (Mom Dad Kid Baby) and Dad and Kid have a genie+ Pass for Space Mtn. You approach the ride and say that Mom will stay with baby while dad and kid ride. The CM scans Mom and Kid’s magic band giving them a rider switch pass. Dad and kid then go to the ride and use their genie+ pass in the lightning lane. Then they switch and Mom and Kid use the rider switch pass, also using the lightning lane. So Mom Dad and Kid all get to ride without waiting in a standard queue and Mom didn’t have to buy a genie+ pass for the ride.

Am I missing something here that would force Mom to buy a genie+ pass as well as use the rider swap?

Thanks!

Reply
Jul 26, 2024 at 10:16 p.m.
John Says...

It appears as though this question has been skipped over. I too, want to know the answer.

Reply
Jul 27, 2022 at 5:47 p.m.
Expedition Everest Says...

My family and I will be going this fall. There will be Four adults and one 4 year old. She is 41 inches tall. We will have standard tickets. Would we be able to utilize rider swap with her? Sorry I have read the thread but my mind is spinning with all of these tricks.

Reply
Jul 28, 2022 at 2:10 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Absolutely!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 24, 2022 at 7:34 p.m.
One parent scared Says...

I'll go on any ride. My wife, not so much. Have two boys, 10 and 6 years old. They will both go on any ride they are allowed to. Can the three of us all go on all rides together? Or am I able to ride with the 10 year old and then again with the 6 year old while my wife skips the ride?

Reply
Aug 30, 2024 at 7:34 p.m.
I am the scared parent Says...

Did you ever give this a try? My oldest won't want to sit alone or with a stranger on 2-seater rides, so I'm very curious if we can rider swap the kids instead of the parents!

Reply
Jul 25, 2022 at 2:53 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Frog Friend!

On many rides, you'll be able to ride all together, either in the same row or the same car. Guests 7 and older can ride alone, so for example, you could ride Seven Dwarfs with your 10-year-old in front of you and your 6-year-old. Otherwise, we'd check with the cast members about utilizing Rider Switch!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 15, 2021 at 5:23 p.m.
Cathy Says...

I’m bringing my two nieces who will both meet the height requirements, but I get motion sick and can’t handle many of the rides. Can I go through the lines with them and exit as they get on the ride and then meet them as they get off?

Reply
Nov 15, 2021 at 12:38 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Cathy!

It depends on their ages — kids must be at least 7 years old to ride alone, even if they meet the height requirements.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 30, 2021 at 3:09 p.m.
Lisa Says...

Hi, I noticed ROTR is an attraction that offers Rider Swutch in your list but was not named as one of the attractions on Disney World's official website under Attractions that Offer Rider Switch. However, there is a line that also says: Get a complete list of attractions at Walt Disney World Resort where you can use Rider Switch. Could it be the list on their official website is not actually complete or did WDW actually just remove ROTR from the program?! We're heading down in less than 2 weeks with our 22 month old and sad she wouldn't be able to ride it, but now it looks like neither will we, unless we spend our entire day switching between waiting on lines for ONE ride.

Reply
Sep 30, 2021 at 10:21 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lisa!

Rider Switch is available for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance! (The list may not be toadally up-to-date since it also lists Primeval Whirl, which has permanently closed.)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 3, 2021 at 12:26 p.m.
Lisa Says...

woohoo! good to know...btw, would it be possible to use Single Rider lines combined with Rider Switch?

Reply
Apr 4, 2021 at 12:28 a.m.
Danielle heckens Says...

Hello us 7 girls are taking a trip to Disney world in may. I’m bringing my 7 year old daughter however she is 46 inches. Can she ride them if she is accompanied by a grown up?

Reply
Apr 5, 2021 at 9:31 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Danielle,

Since she is 46 inches tall, she meets most of the height requirements, except for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Hollywood Studios. If you were planning to go on that ride, you'd need to utilize Rider Switch. If you're also planning a trip to the water parks, there are a few water slides that require a minimum height of 48 inches.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 3, 2021 at 5:57 p.m.
Kristen Says...

I noticed on the app that the rides have ages listed as well. Does that mean if your kid meets the height requirement, but not the age he will not be allowed on the ride? Or are the ages just a recommendation?

Reply
Mar 3, 2021 at 12:52 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kristen!

Great question - the ages are just a suggestion! As long as kiddos meet the height requirements, they will be permitted to ride.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 18, 2019 at 11:11 p.m.
Ross Says...

More recently people are saying that all members of the party now need FP+ when using rider switch and that this is being monitored more closely particularly with it all being digital now. Does anyone have confirmation of this. I've gone now from thinking we could be savvy and get 6 FP+ to thinking it is no longer possible. Any clarification on this would be hugely appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

Reply
Jun 7, 2019 at 2:47 a.m.
Chris Says...

Would like to know this too! Have you gone yet?

Reply
Jun 14, 2019 at 2:23 p.m.
Lori Says...

I just emailed our Disney planner today:

"With the new digital rider swap, does everyone in the party need to have a FP or just the first riders?

Are they cracking down on this?"

Her reply:

"Yes… everyone needs to have a FP for the ride… they are cracking down on this a lot! It is good you asked because a lot of people are running into this and it is good to be prepared and have the FPs for when you get there."

Maybe this is the "Disney" answer but I will play it safe when booking my FP for Oct now. Bummer.

Reply
Nov 6, 2019 at 7 p.m.
Ashlee Riden Says...

Does anyone have an update on this? If you look at the official Disney parks blog it still states that only the first group needs the fastpass + "Therefore, the members of the second group to ride do not need a FastPass+ to bypass the Standby line; the Rider Switch entitlement will gain them entrance to the FastPass+ line. "

Reply
May 7, 2019 at 4:12 a.m.
Family of 5- ages 5,6,7 Says...

Hello my daughter is a little short to ride some rides. Can my husband go with my older son 1st and then I can pass him my daughter? So that I can then ride w my other son,? Don’t want to split up..

Reply
May 7, 2019 at 9:20 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

Yes, you sure can! This is called Rider Switch. Check with the Cast Member at the attraction you'd like to ride to see if the service is offered; they'll then split you into two groups (your son and your husband, for example) and have you wait in a designated area. You'll then switch once they've ridden (two rides for your son - extra fun!) :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 21, 2018 at 4:39 p.m.
Debra Ward Says...

As a single mom, I'm trying to figure out the best way to plan. My 11 year old doesn't like some of the thrill rides. It will be my 6 year olds first time at Disney and she is definitely going to be a thrill rider. What can my 11 do if she doesn't want to ride? Can she wait in line all the way until we get on the ride and wait for us somewhere? How would she get to the exit if she did that? I don't want her left alone, but I don't want a trip where we dont get to enjoy all of the attractions. Thank you.

Reply
May 3, 2019 at 10:45 a.m.
Meagan Says...

I realize this post is older but while I was pregnant, I would wait in line with my family and then ask a cast member where the best place for me to exit would be. It was usually just a door that took me straight to the gift shop.

Reply
Dec 30, 2018 at 8:03 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Debra,

I'm going to see if others here in similar boats will share their experiences. While there are age limits in place to ride alone (age 7) and to enter the parks alone (age 14), I don't believe there are specified age limits on leaving a child alone for short periods of time while you're in the park. I think you could designate a meeting place for your 11-year-old outside exits or other locations.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 17, 2018 at 3:44 a.m.
Kathy Says...

Hi! About the rider switch and fast pass, we are a family of 4 (2 adults, 9yr old and 5yr old).

If my husband rides Seven dwarf Mine with the 9yr old using fastpass, then I can Rider Switch with my 5yr old for the same ride?

Reply
Aug 28, 2018 at 5:03 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kathy!

We're not toadally sure how Disney is handling FastPass+/Rider Switch pass combos nowadays, so we're inviting the Frog Pond to chime in on this one. :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 18, 2018 at 6:45 a.m.
Says...

I want to know can the height requirements be cheated out

Reply
Jul 18, 2018 at 11:07 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

The height requirements are in place for the safety of your children and all guests, and Disney World does a great job of enforcing them to make sure you have a safe, pleasant experience. We do not recommend trying to "cheat" your way around height requirements!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 14, 2018 at 4:46 p.m.
Jenn Says...

I am just trying to wrap my brain around FP+ for our family. We have 2 adults and 5 kids. (16,13,9,6,5). What would be the best way to use our fast passes?

Reply
Jul 17, 2018 at 5:17 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jenn!

Lucky for you, we have a whole article of FastPass+ tips to help you out! Since you have such a wide age range with your kiddos, we would consider splitting up some FastPass+ reservations for more thrilling, big rides for the older kids, and cuter, little rides for the smaller ones.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 7, 2018 at 11:37 a.m.
Amanda Says...

Hi we are going to Disney world and my kids are big enough to ride rocking roller coaster but they’re a bit scared so want to sit with me and as it’s on two seats together they wouldn’t want to sit alone or with a stranger! My husband doesn’t like those rides so he’ll be waiting outside. Can we do fast pass rider switch so I can take my three kids on seperately so we are together? How would I go about it?

Thanks!

Reply
Jul 10, 2018 at 9:38 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Amanda!

Your husband would need to go with you into the ride swap area, because you would not be able to leave your children unattended there ... but you should be able to be the one who rides with them each time!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 28, 2018 at 8:50 p.m.
Traci Says...

My family is planning a trip this fall to Disney. There will be four adults and 4 kids. The kids are 11, 8, 3, and 1. The 3 year old is tall enough to ride some rides like Soarin. My questions is, can two adults and the older two kids use Fast Passes and ride Soarin wile the other two adults use a Rider Switch and watch the two little kids while the older kids are riding with the two original adults. Once they get done, can the two adults use Rider Switch to ride Soarin with the three year told who stayed behind while the two older kids rode? The rides with larger height requirements such as Expedition Everest, could the two adults who stayed behind to watch the two little kids both get a Rider Switch and take the older kids back on the ride?

Reply
Jun 29, 2018 at 8:26 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Traci,

Yes, you can do that. Just keep in mind that Rider Switch only covers up to three people, so there can only be three people in the second party that switch out with the first riders.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 26, 2018 at 7:46 p.m.
Lauren Says...

When using the new electronic rider switch system with FP, do all people in your party need a FP when using rider switch? For example, if A & B have a FP for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, can A, B & C ask for a rider switch for C when C doesn't have a FP for it? So C and B can ride when A & B are done?

Reply
Jun 27, 2018 at 9:03 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lauren,

That is correct! Only those who ride first (so A&B in your example) need FastPass+ reservations.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 9, 2018 at 12:46 a.m.
Shelly Says...

Me and my family are planning on going to the animal kingdom soon. I have a 7 year old that really wants to go on the flights of passage be she wants to hold me or my husbands hand during the ride. Is that even possible?

Reply
Apr 8, 2018 at 11:40 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Shelly!

On Flights of Passage, you are meant to sit on the ride like a bicycle and hold on. So we recommend holding her hand before the ride takes off, but not during.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Feb 26, 2018 at 4:27 a.m.
Sujey McCaslin Says...

We are a family of 4 . We have 2 boys ages 2.5 And 4 years old. I suffer from severe Vertigo and anxiety and I cannot ride any of the rides. So my husband will ride with the kids . Can he use my fast pass since I can't ride? This is our 1st time and we are going to the Magic Kingdom. If we use rider switch so he can take turns riding with both kids can we do that?

Thank you.

Reply
Feb 27, 2018 at 4:10 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi there,

He can definitely utilize Rider Switch so that both kids can ride!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Feb 9, 2018 at 4:34 a.m.
Kelly Says...

Hi! If I buy a 6 day park ticket and only stay on property for 2 nights/3 days can I get 60 day FP for the 4th -6th day tix.

Reply
Feb 13, 2018 at 9:45 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kelly!

We haven't tried this ourselves, but we believe you should be able to book your FP+ experiences 60 days in advance for the entirety of your trip.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 29, 2018 at 4:02 a.m.
Steph Says...

What is the time span with using your rider switch? In the past it was until the end of the month(that was paper copies). Is it still the same now?

Reply
Jan 20, 2018 at 7:41 p.m.
Amanda Says...

Will my 10 year old and 8 year old be allowed to ride attractions independetly without me, as long as they meet height requirement?

Reply
Jan 23, 2018 at 10:40 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Amanda,

Yes, they can! But we do recommend waiting in line with them and parting ways closer towards the ride.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 22, 2017 at 12:57 p.m.
carolina mello Says...

I have been told that Disney is not allowing people to combine rider switch with fastpass anymore (that they are requesting that all have fastpass, not just one adult) as it wouldn´t be fair that families with young kids are doubling their fastpasses. Does anyone know anything about it?

Reply
Dec 27, 2017 at 12:10 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Carolina,

Sorry for the delay, but your comment ended up in our spam filter. On the topic of FastPass+, Disney World’s website states that you can “also” take advantage of the Rider Switch option. We don’t believe anything has changed here — but we’ll keep you posted if we hear otherwise! If anyone has experienced otherwise, please let us know!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 28, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.
Nlyte Says...

We were told the same in November that the adult in “part 2” also needed a FP but he subsequently still allowed us to get a rider swap. Recently I have heard more reports of CMs requiring everyone, even the guest in “party 2” to have a FP to get a rider swap, especially for Mine train and FOP.

Reply
Sep 30, 2017 at 6:27 p.m.
Carolyn Says...

I will be traveling with my 3 children. Ages 12, 10 and 5. Will we be allowed to use rider swItch? Only one adult so my 12 year old will be watching the 5 year old.

Reply
Nov 17, 2017 at 9:26 p.m.
BAMKarsten Says...

Any answer on this? I will have similar aged kids when we go.... Thanks?

Reply
Oct 1, 2017 at 9:05 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Carolyn,

This is a good question, and we're not sure. There is no age restriction on Rider Switch. However, Disney's policy is that a child under 7 must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or younger in order to board an attraction. Perhaps one of our readers has experienced this and can let us know how it works?

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 3, 2017 at 2:47 a.m.
Maren Shaw Says...

Do you know why you can get a ride swap for frozen and na'vi river (both no height requirement) , but not for pirates of the Caribbean?

Reply
Jul 3, 2017 at 7:38 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Maren,

That's a good question, and one we don't know. Maybe one of our readers does.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 10, 2017 at 1:31 a.m.
Theresa Says...

Just a guess but I think you can do child swap for frozen due to the super long lines. I wouldn't want to take a baby in a line that is over two hours long personally.

Reply
Jun 22, 2017 at 4:27 p.m.
Felicia Says...

Hello, I'll be going to Animal Kingdom on Dec 23, and we all want to get on Expedition Everest and by the time I don't know if my 5 year old will 44" to ride. So do I still have to get the FastPass+ for her an order to get the rider switch? It will be 2 adults , 2 kids. (Ages 5, 10). So my husband will get to ride with his son, and when its over I'll get to ride with my son correct ? We will have to get FastPass+ for us ? Sorry if this doesn't make sense lol

Reply
Jun 22, 2017 at 3:32 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Felicia,

If your 5-year-old will not be tall enough, then they will not need a FastPass+ if you are going to do Rider Switch. Everyone else will need their own individual FP+.

Hoppy planning,

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 10, 2017 at 9:38 p.m.
Kim Says...

I thought that only the first riders would need FP+'s. If a party of 4 (2 riding adults, 1 riding child, 1 non rider). You will need to use FP+ for 1 adult and riding child. Then other adult and riding child go using RS. Riding child goes twice, only 2 FP+s used. Is that wrong? Do all 3 riders need FPs?

Reply
Sep 10, 2017 at 8:10 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kim,

Your method is correct. You'll only need two FP+ per attraction for your party of four.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 20, 2017 at 1:09 p.m.
Todd Says...

Am I understanding this correctly... We are traveling with 6 adults and a 20 month old.

Adults 1-3 use their fast pass and ride while adults 4-6 stay back with the little one. After adults 1-3 get off the ride adults 4-6 can then ride w/o needing fast pass?

This essentially means adults our group would be able to fast pass up to 6 rides w/o any issues. Or in the case of Epcot we could have 3 people fast pass test track as tier 1 and the other 3 past pass Soarin.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Reply
Mar 17, 2018 at 12:56 a.m.
Meagan Says...

Did this end up working for you? We have the same situation, but we really don't want our fastpasses to get screwed up

Reply
May 31, 2017 at 2:29 a.m.
Jeremy Says...

Did it work? When did you go?

Reply
May 20, 2017 at 11:44 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Todd,

Yes, that's a good strategy. Know that child swap only works with attractions that have a height requirement so things like Frozen Ever After or Haunted Mansion would not apply to that strategy.

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 7, 2017 at 2:22 p.m.
Laura Says...

Hello,

We are heading to WDW in a few days and this will be the first time traveling to WDW with our kids. We are a party of 4 adults, 2 kids and 1 toddler. The toddler does not get fast pass, b/c he is 22 months and no ticket was purchased, correct? The kids meet height requirements, so they will be able to ride all the rides. I am trying to maximum fast pass and rider swap. So for many of the fast passes, I selected 3 adults and 1 of the kids using a fast pass. Can the other kid use a fast pass from one of the adults? Meaning we will have 2 adults and 2 kids riding. Would we need to switch wrist bands, so that both kids can ride the ride. I was hoping to maximum the number of fast passes for the kids by using some of the adult fast passes for the kids. I was also going to use rider swap. Do I need a fast pass for the person waiting with the toddler, if the other people in the party have a fast pass? Can I use the rider swap without fast pass for a ride that the others in my party are using fast pass?

Here is a little chart that I hope helps you answer some of my questions....

Fast Pass Selection Ride Selection 1 Like to Ride

Using Fast Pass

Adult 1 X X

Adult 2 X X

Adult 3 X Fast Pass

Used by Kid 2

Adult 4 Wait (rider swap)

Kid 1 X X

Kid 2 X use FP from A3

Both kids would be able to ride again using rider swap and A4 would ride. A3 would not ride the ride at all.

Reply
May 8, 2017 at 8:25 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Laura,

Here's answers to your questions.

A) Your toddler does not need an admission ticket/FastPass+

B) After entering the park, you may swap Magic Bands between adults and kids

C) As we understand it, the non-riding adult with the toddler does not need a Fastpass+

D) If you are going to use Rider Swap, then you would need a FastPass+

Hoppy Planning,

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 28, 2017 at 5:45 a.m.
Jennifer Says...

Is a ride swap system available at Disneyland?

Reply
Apr 28, 2017 at 7:47 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jennifer,

Yes, Disneyland has Ride Swap. You may read about it here!

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 26, 2017 at 3:45 p.m.
KR Says...

I don't know that this has been answered yet--if it's Just me and my two kids, will a cast member wait with my not-tall-enough hold while I ride with the older? Or do we effectively have to miss all the big ones because there isn't another adult to wait?

Reply
Apr 26, 2017 at 12:48 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

KR,

While Cast Members are not permitted to wait with children, Disney has a preferred childcare provider. Kids Night Out, is a sitter in the park service that can wait with your child.

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 5, 2017 at 11:14 a.m.
Drock Says...

I just read on a message board that rider swap passes are good until the end of the month they are issued, could any one verify this please?

Reply
Jan 5, 2017 at 3:05 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Drock,

Disney has been known to print bulk Child Switch passes for easy distribution. While it's possible that practice could still be in use during your visit, your best bet would still be to get the passes on the day of your visit and use them that day.

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 29, 2016 at 2:40 p.m.
Stacie Says...

I'm trying to better understand the whole fast pass/parent swap situation.

We have a little one who can't ride Space Mountain, so if I book fastpass for Space Mountain, myself and older child, and book a fastpass for my husband and little one on some ride nearby, can we get parent swaps and swap out on both rides? Essentially, the kids would ride each ride twice and my husband and myself would each ride once with each child.

Does that make sense? Is that possible?

And does the parent swap pass get you back in the fastpass lane or regular lane?

Reply
Jan 9, 2017 at 3:40 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Stacie,

While policies may change, as of now you and the kids would ride each ride twice and your husband and you would each ride once with each child.

And yes, if you have Fastpass+, then you'd go into the Fastpass+ lane.

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 1, 2016 at 5:23 p.m.
Holly Says...

I just called Disney World and they said those entering a ride with a fastpass would NOT be given rider swap unless the second group also had fastpasses. Obviously if you had fastpasses for everyone you wouldn't need child swap! Is this just a policy they say but don't actually practice? My kids are split into bigs and littles and I'm really bummed that the adult fastpasses have to be split between their rides. :-/ Isn't that the whole point of child swap?

Reply
Dec 20, 2016 at 10:03 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Holly,

Disney's official policy may vary from what is in practice, and cast members at the rides have the discretion to make a decision. Perhaps others can share their experience as well.

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 8, 2016 at 11:07 p.m.
Amanda Says...

In using the system, I was wondering if this scenario would work thus enabling more fast pass rides. One parent and one child books a certain ride and time. Using the system, you then book the other parent and other child another fast pass ride an hour later or so to a different ride. They ride the first one and fast pass with the other parent and child who did not have the original ride on their fast pass. Then the party goes to the second ride and does the same thing. Creating 6 fast pass rides/doubling the amount assuming those rides do the child swap. Does that sound correct? Thanks in advance :)

Reply
Oct 11, 2016 at 1:06 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Amanda,

You could effectively double the number of FastPass+ reservations, since only one adult and one child needs the FastPass+ reservation if using child swap. This is subject to change at any time, but sounds like a solid strategy.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 25, 2016 at 11:33 a.m.
KP Says...

Hi, we're a party of 6 - 4 adults and 2 kids. I understand the logic of one of the children not riding and being offered the rider switch by staying with an adult in the party. In our case, the kids will want to ride - but their grandparents won't. I'm assuming 'scared grandparents' wouldn't cut it for the rider switch. And that one of the kids would need to stay behind, but then both kids could ride a second time with the grandparent? Or is that frowned upon because the child sat out the first time because they were 'scared'....They should be tall enough for the rides we want to go on. Thx so much, K

Reply
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:19 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi KP,

Maybe others have been in your situation and can share their thoughts, but generally, no, child swap doesn't apply to grandparents ;)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 5, 2016 at 1:46 a.m.
Brett Says...

Hello, can more than one adult stay with the child that doesn't meet the height requirement and then can both of the adults use the rider switch pass? I'm going to Disney in October with 5 adults and 2 young children and trying to figure out how we can use FastPass+ and rider switch to get on more rides with shorter lines. Thanks!

Reply
Aug 8, 2016 at 8:49 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brett,

Yes, the two adults can stay together and then ride with the child.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jun 29, 2016 at 12:06 a.m.
Jen Pence Says...

I haven't found this answer yet... Are there any restrictions to a party of 3 or 4 using rider swap or just riding rides in general when there is one adult and 3 kids? One is 48 inches and the other 2 are 40 inches. We have always gone with 2 adults and 2 children so on the coasters a grown up rode with a child in each seat. Will there be any issues with a smaller child riding alone or with a 48 inch child in a row? I can't find the answer to this one. One of the grown ups going will be pregnant and unable to ride the coasters. If we use rider swap and I take myself and 2 kids to swap I just don't know how that works? Do they ask a single rider adult to fill in a spot by a smaller child that meets the height requirement?

Reply
Apr 18, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
Amanda Says...

Hi there!

Has anyone used rider swap for Haunted Mansion recently? I realize there is not a height requirement, but there is the scare factor for small children. Thanks for your help!

Reply
Apr 10, 2016 at 9:44 p.m.
Lizzie Says...

Hi, just to double check...the second adult doesn't need a fast pass+ for the ride? Just the first adult and the child that is riding, or just the first adult if both kids too small? Seems too good to be true, unless I have totally misunderstood!

Reply
Apr 25, 2016 at 12:29 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lizzie,

You are correct. Just your first set of riders need the FastPass+ reservation.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 22, 2016 at 6:05 a.m.
Alexa Says...

Hello! Are you able to do rider switch when it's two adults and a child. Our son will be three when we go and I'm wondering if we would be allowed to take advantage of this program.

Thanks!

Reply
Mar 28, 2016 at 9:53 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Alexa,

Yes, this is no problem!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 17, 2016 at 10 p.m.
matthew Says...

It seems like using this in conjunction with Fastpass+ is sort of gaming the system. Is there any indication from Disney that they wont give rider switch if you are going into the fastpass line?

Reply
Mar 21, 2016 at 12:51 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Matthew,

Nope, it shouldn't be a problem.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 17, 2016 at 8:34 p.m.
Shana Says...

Okay, another question about swap/FP. We have 4 kids, 11,9,4 and 2 y.o. Both parents and the older 2 kids would want to do these rides. So would we do Parent A with child A riding, then Swap so parent B and child B can ride? Would we bring the whole family and get in the line, then Swap? If using FP must one rider be used for each time? Do use use FP for both the A rider names or 1 A and 1 B rider total of 2 FPs? Thanks, 1st trimmer and I have so many questions.

Reply
Mar 22, 2016 at 1:54 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Shana,

Perhaps others here will share how it's worked for them. For sure, one parent would be able to ride with one kid and then the other parent could ride with the other. You would need two FastPass+ reservations for this. But it's also possible that the cast member might let one parent and both older children ride and then let the other parent take the older two children again. I would definitely make the FP+ reservations for two, and maybe three and then you exchange it for something else if you don't need it.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 16, 2016 at 4:07 a.m.
Mandy Spall Says...

I keep double (triple, quadruple...) checking this. We have 5 kids, trying to make the most out of FP and rider swap without screwing it up. We have 6 of us 48" and taller and one 35" 1yr old.

My current plan has my hubby using their FP, riding w 2 kids and then me swapping and riding w the other 2 and vice versa...

My question is - can I bring 2 of the kids w me w rider swap or just one? I am confused. If just one, I need to re-do our FP!

Reply
Mar 16, 2016 at 2:26 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mandy,

If you go by Disney's policy on this, you would only be able to have one more person with you, but since it's your children, I seriously doubt that Disney will turn you down. Disney would in the past have allowed more riders. The cast member at the queue would have the authority to let more of you in.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 15, 2016 at 4:06 p.m.
Linda Says...

We're a party of 5. Dad, Mom, 12 year old, 8 year old, 7 month old. Obviously, the baby is our non rider. Am I understanding you correctly in that when we rider swap, only 1 of my old enough to ride kids will be able to ride a 2nd time?

Scenario:

Dad, 12, & 8 are "party 1"

Mom waits with baby

Mom & just her favorite kid (lol) are "party 2"

Seems like in the past, the rider swap pass was good for up to 4 people. Was there a change?

Reply
Mar 16, 2016 at 2:28 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Linda,

There were more allowed in the past on one pass. I think you will be fine, but if you go by Disney's stated policy on this, you would only be able to have one more person with you, but since it's your children, I seriously doubt that Disney will turn you down. The cast member at the queue would have the authority to let more of you in.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 15, 2016 at 2:57 p.m.
Tamarah Says...

Actually, up to 3 people can do rider switch. Great article.

Reply
Mar 15, 2016 at 2:50 p.m.
salty Says...

if my son just meets the height requirement but is too scared to ride will they still offer a rider switch pass? I don't to change my fastpasses yet if they don't do this.

Reply
Mar 16, 2016 at 2:29 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Salty,

Yes, this will be fine.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply

Leave a comment

Search blog articles

About Undercover Tourist

Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get the inside scoop on theme park news, planning tips, concert and sports announcements, special offers and much more!

Park Plans

Our step-by-step guides will save you up to 4 hours a day.