What is Disney’s Rider Switch & how does it work?
If you’re traveling to Walt Disney World with little ones or anyone who doesn’t want to ride a particular attraction, you’re going to love Disney’s Rider Switch (also called Rider Swap).
This feature is one of Disney’s best-kept secrets for families. It allows both adults to enjoy the big rides without waiting in line twice. As a travel planner (and dad!), I can tell you it’s a total game-changer for families with kids of different ages or thrill levels.
What Is Rider Switch?
Rider Switch allows one adult to wait with the non-rider(s) — like a child who doesn’t meet the height requirement or doesn’t want to go on that particular attraction — while the rest of the group rides.
When the first group finishes, the waiting adult can then ride without standing in the regular line again! Instead, they enter through the Lightning Lane, which makes the process much faster.
Rider Switch is available at select attractions in all four Disney theme parks. The best part is that it’s completely free to use.
How To Use Rider Switch at Disney World
Step #1: Check with a Cast Member at the attraction entrance to confirm that Rider Switch is offered. (You can find the full list below.)
Step #2: Bring your entire party to the Cast Member. They’ll set up a Rider Switch entitlement in the My Disney Experience app for the adult staying behind. This group becomes “Party 2.”
Step #3: Party 1 rides while Party 2 waits outside the attraction, in a comfortable place of their choosing.
Step #4: After riding the attraction, Party 1 locates Party 2. Party 1 takes over supervision of the non-riding children.
Step #5: Party 2 then rides using their Rider Switch entitlement, entering through the Lightning Lane instead of the standby queue.
Tip: If the waiting adult (Party 2) is going on the attraction alone, one guest from the original group may join them when it’s their turn to ride. When my younger son was too short for certain rides, my older daughter got to ride many attractions TWICE.
Attractions Offering Rider Switch:
Most rides that have a height requirement offer Rider Switch.
Magic Kingdom
EPCOT
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
Who Is Rider Switch Best For?
Rider Switch is designed for families and groups who don’t all ride the same attractions. It’s perfect for:
- Families with small children who don’t meet the height requirement.
- Groups with different thrill preferences (like when half your party loves coasters and the other half prefers “It’s a Small World”).
- Someone with a service animal.
When my younger son was too short for certain rides, my older daughter got to go twice — once with me and once with my husband. Everyone wins!
Disney Rider Switch Tips From a Travel Planner
- Check height requirements early. Knowing which rides your kids can and can’t ride helps you plan your park day more efficiently.
- Use Rider Switch with Lightning Lanes for maximum time savings.
- Bring a snack or distraction for the non-riders. Waiting in the Florida heat can be tough for little ones.
- Make sure the non-riders find a comfortable, shaded place to wait. You don’t have to wait right outside the attraction.
Final Thoughts
Rider Swap is one of Disney’s best hidden gems for families. It lets parents trade off easily and still enjoy the big attractions together.
If you’re planning a Disney vacation and want help building a custom itinerary that makes the most of Rider Switch and Lightning Lanes, I’d love to help you plan it all!
Reach out to me at Be Prepared Vacations, and let’s make sure every member of your family has a magical experience.
Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
