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Ultimate Disney World Rider Swap Guide

Are you heading to Disney World? Do you have a little one in your group who may be a wee bit short for some attractions? Then you’ve come to the right spot! I’m here to give you the lowdown on all things around Disney World Rider swap!

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Hey Disney Vacationers! Heading to Disney World with little ones in tow? Navigating the parks with a mixed-age group can be a challenge, especially when it comes to rides that not everyone in the party can enjoy. Luckily, Disney’s World Rider Swap program is a game-changer for families, making sure no one misses out on the fun!

Enjoy all the attractions

What’s Disney World Rider Swap?

Disney World is an oasis of family fun, but not all rides are designed for every age. For those moments when you’re eyeing that mega roller coaster but your toddler can’t join, there’s Disney World Rider Swap. It lets groups with small children to enjoy rides without the long waits twice. Here’s how it works: while one adult enjoys the ride, another adult waits with the child who isn’t riding. Then, they can swap without having to queue again. It’s a perfect solution for parents who both want a turn on the more thrilling rides.

Please Note: The Rider Swap program is different than Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS).

Disney World Rider Swap Scenarios

Rider Swap is perfect if your group falls into one of these categories:

Disney World Rider Swap

Scenario One

One of your kiddos (or all) does not meet the height requirements of the specific attraction

Scenario Two

One of your kiddos (or all) do meet the height requirements of the specific attraction but would rather skip the ride and can’t stay alone.

PRO TIP : Have a mini-plan for the waiting group. Maybe it’s a snack break or a nearby smaller ride. It turns waiting into part of the fun!

Disney World Rider Swap: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s walk through how to use Rider Swap

IMG 7622 preview of The Little Mermaid

Step-by-Step Guide

At each Disney World attraction here are the steps you’ll follow to use the Disney World rider swap option:

  • At participating rides, find Cast Members (often with iPads) at the entrance.
  • Split your group into two. Group 1 will ride while Group 2 chills with the non-rider.
  • Both groups should approach the entrance Cast Member. Group 2 will get a special Rider Switch pass in the “My Disney Experience” app.
  • Group 1 takes the plunge! Meanwhile, Group 2 can indulge in some Disney snacks or catch a nearby mini-show.
  • Once Group 1 finishes, it’s swap time! Group 2 hops on the ride using the Lightning Lane queue. Remember to validate your Rider Switch via your MagicBand or app.

Disney World Rider Swap: Attraction List

Here’s a list of attractions by park that offer the Disney Rider Swap option

Disney World Rider Swap

Magic Kingdom

  • The Barnstormer
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Space Mountain
  • Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Tron Lightcycle Power Run
Disney World Rider Swap

EPCOT

  • Frozen Ever After
  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
  • Mission: SPACE
  • Soarin’
  • Test Track
Disney World Rider Swap

Hollywood Studios

  • Alien Swirling Saucers
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • Star Tours
  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
  • Tower of Terror
Disney World Rider Swap

Animal Kingdom

  • Avatar Flight of Passage
  • DINOSAUR
  • Expedition Everest
  • Kali River Rapids
  • Na’vi River Journey

Ready, Set, Ride!

Adventure awaits, Disney vacationers! Enjoy every moment, whether you’re on the ride or sharing giggles with your tiny tots in the waiting line. Remember, it’s the magic that counts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are the most frequency asked questions about the Disney rider swap program:

Good news! You don’t need Lightning Lane for Rider Swap. However, if you’ve got it, Group 1 can zip through using the Lightning Lane, saving precious Disney time.

Absolutely, you can use Rider Swap! But if you want the full speedy Lightning Lane experience for everyone, you’ll need to purchase individual reservations. Remember, Disney keeps an eagle eye, so no cheeky shortcuts!

Using Rider Swap might add a bit to your wait time, with some rides taking up to 45 minutes or more for both groups. Remember, it’s all about the experience, not the clock!

With Rider Swap, one lucky member might ride twice. If Group 2’s adult is solo, they can bring a guest from Group 1. So, maybe your older child can enjoy the thrill twice while sharing the moment with both parents.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!

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