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Disney World Resort updated its Rider Switch policy in a small but significant way that could change the program for future guests.
For many families visiting Walt Disney World, Rider Switch is an important tool for enjoying their vacation. The program allows for guests to wait with a child or other non-riding member of their group while other experience the attraction. For example, if a family wants to ride Space Mountain but their 4 year old is too short (or too scared) to ride, they don’t have to wait in the full line twice.
Instead, Rider Switch allows parties to split into two groups. The first group rides the attraction while the second group waits with the non-riding child. Afterward, the groups switch, and the second party gets to ride. Often this is done with the second party going through the FastPass+ lane.
Now here’s where things get tricky. Let’s say that you have a family of four and the groups split. Sometimes, this leaves one parent riding alone due to the Rider Switch groups. So that this doesn’t happen, Disney usually allows the second parent to bring another guest with them. More often than not, the second guests is another child who has already ridden the attraction with the first adult.
However, some larger parties take advantage of this method. The second parent may try to bring 2 or more kids with them who have already been on the ride. This is where the change comes in. Disney’s previous Rider Switch rules stated that the second party may bring “up to 2 other guests back to ride the attraction.” Now it says “the number of guests who may join him or her and ride again is limited.” In other words, an adult may only be allowed to bring one other kid with them but it’s all at Disney’s discretion.
Disney World Rider Switch Attractions
Magic Kingdom Park
- The Barnstormer
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
Epcot
- Frozen Ever After
- Mission: SPACE
- Soarin’
- Test Track
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Tours® – The Adventures Continue
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- DINOSAUR
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®
- Kali River Rapids
- Na’vi River Journey
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- Our 2021 Walt Disney World Guidebook Is Here!
To use Rider Switch, speak with a Cast Member near the attraction’s entrance for the rules. To get the latest Walt Disney World Resort updates, sign up for our free e-mail newsletter! You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
