Rider swap (or rider switch) at Disney World is a very helpful tool to use if you are traveling to the Disney parks soon with little ones. You will hear the terms interchanged, but Disney World officially calls it “rider switch.” Using rider swap can be a game changer for families with younger kids who aren’t quite tall enough to ride the thrill rides in the parks. Keep reading to learn all about how to take advantage of this great resource at Walt Disney World Resort, from a travel professional and a mom of four!

What is Rider Switch?
Rider switch at Disney World is a great way for an adult guest with young children to experience some of favorite attractions without having to wait in line twice. A family can have one adult guest ride the ride while the waiting adult stays outside the line with the young kids who may not be able to ride the attraction. After the first adult completes her ride, the second adult can enter the queue, skipping the standby line while the first adult joins the rest of the party.

How to Use Rider Swap/Rider Switch
There are a few steps to follow in the Disney theme parks to use rider switch service. Here are a few of the highlights.
- Head to the entrance of the attraction and find the cast member. Let her know that you are interested in using the rider swap feature.
- Divide your group into two. The first guest will enter the regular queue. The second group, the waiting party with small children, will wait outside of the line area.
- The cast member will scan the Magic Band or ticket of the second guest and let you know your return time. Up to 2 people can take a turn at the designated return time. This is great if you have an older child that wishes to ride! Essentially the cast member will issue you a rider switch pass.
- After the first adult guest completes her ride, the second guest (and one other) can return to the cast member at the entrance. The cast member will scan the ticket/ Magic Band of the second guest. The second parent or second group can enter the ride queue, using the Rider Switch entrance (a designated area) with a minimal wait. The second party can skip waiting in the regular line.
- The first parent or adult can wait with the non-riding guests outside of the ride entrance.

What Disney rides use rider swap?
Many of the thrill rides and roller coasters utilize the rider switch service, a free service in the Disney parks. In fact. some of your favorite attractions in the Disney parks probably offer it! Check the height requirement for each ride in the Disney World app before your visit. As of the date of this answer, here is a list of rides featuring rider swap.

Magic Kingdom
- Space Mountain
- Barnstormer
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- TRON Lifecycle/Run
- Tomorrowland Speedway
Hollywood Studios
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rise of the Resistance (not listed on Disney’s site but available)
- Rock’n’Roller Coaster
- Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

EPCOT
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Frozen Ever After
- Test Track
- Soarin’
- Mission: SPACE
Animal Kingdom
- DINOSAUR
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Kali River Rapids
- Na’vi River Journey

Can I use Rider Switch with Lightning Lane passes?
Yes, you can definitely use the Lightning Lane system with Rider Switch. It will save your first rider so much time using the Lightning Lane line! The entire party wishing to ride must pay for the Lightning Lane feature to enter the LL line. These lines currently include: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom), Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT), TRON: Lifecycle Run (Magic Kingdom), Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios), and Pandora Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom).
Do I have to have a virtual cue for some rides that offer Rider Switch?
If a ride is requiring virtual cue for entry, you will need to have that virtual cue in order to use Rider Swap. Currently, Guardians of the Galaxy at EPCOT and TRON Lifecycle/Run require virtual cues, so be sure to request those at 7 AM or 1 PM on the day of your visit. For more info on using virtual cues at Disney World, read more here.

What can the adults do with younger kids while waiting?
One of my biggest Walt Disney World tips is to check out things to do while waiting on the alternate rider using Rider Swap. Here are some tips in different areas in the parks of fun things to do in the meantime!
- Magic Kingdom, Barnstormer: Ride Dumbo or check out the splash pad at Casey Junior, visit the characters nearby if shorter line
- Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: Take a ride around the park on the train, grab a churro or some popcorn
- Magic Kingdom, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: Ride the carousel, take a spin on the Teacups, Little Mermaid Journey Under the Sea
- Magic Kingdom, Space Mountain, TRON: People Mover
- Animal Kingdom, Navi River Journey, Flight of Passage: Check out Pandora, grab a popsicle or try a treat from Pongu Pongu
- Animal Kingdom, Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids: take a walk around the Jungle Trek or watch the Finding Nemo Show
- Animal Kingdom, DINOSAUR: The Boneyard playground (while still open)
- Hollywood Studios, Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster: see the Beauty and the Beast Live show, eat a Carrot Cake cookie and get a Starbucks drink while people watching
- Hollywood Studios, Star Tours, Rise of the Resistance, and Smugglers Run: explore Galaxy’s Edge (Star Wars Land), drink a blue milk, meet characters
- Hollywood Studios, Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers: visit Toy Story Mania, meet characters, eat a snack at Woody’s Lunchbox
- Epcot, Soarin’: Ride Living with the Land, grab a snack in the food court area
- Epcot, Mission SPACE, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: Check out the play area near the Mission SPACE exit
- Epcot, Frozen Ever After: Meet Anna and Elsa, eat a snack in the World Showcase

Insider Tips on Using Rider Swap at Disney World
Plan Your Day
Take some time before your Disney World vacation to make a plan for your day. Consult a park map and identify rides and activities your family will enjoy. Note which rides offer Disney’s rider switch program to take full advantage!
Communicate with Your Group
Be sure to make a communication plan with all of the members of your party. Let each other know where the waiting group will be and what time to meet back up to continue with your day.
Use the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Individual Lightning Lanes, and Virtual Cues
In order to cut down on wait times, take advantage of the paid services which will enable you to experience more rides throughout the day. Be sure to purchase for each member of your group that wishes to ride, even if using Rider Swap.

Take advantage of the Single Rider Line
Many Disney World rides also offer a single rider line. This can cut down on your wait time and works well if you don’t mind riding alone!
Plan Some Fun for the Waiting Group
Just because your little ones can’t ride the thrill rides, they can still have plenty of fun! While the first group rides, grab a snack, explore a play area, or ride a family friendly coaster.

Get Familiar with the My Disney Experience App
Play around with the My Disney Experience app before your trip. Make sure your tickets are linked to your account, check standby wait time numbers, use the park map, and use the mobile features. Save time by mobile ordering your meals and using mobile checkout in popular merchandise locations. Be sure to pack a backup charger as the app can drain your phone battery.

Have a magical vacation!
I hope this post helps you know all about using the awesome rider swap feature at Disney World! Be sure to use a travel advisor specializing in Disney to help you plan your next magical vacation. We can help you plan at no additional cost to you!
Sign up for my free newsletter below for all of my insider tips, and keep reading for more great info on traveling with your family!
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