🎢 How to Use Rider Switch Like a Pro at Disney & Universal

Planning a magical trip with kids and thrill-seekers in the mix? Good news — Disney and Universal have a solution that lets everyone ride without waiting twice. It's called Rider Switch, and when used right, it can save your group time, energy, and stress.

Here’s how to use Rider Switch like a pro — so no one misses out on the fun!

💡 What is Rider Switch?

Rider Switch (also called Rider Swap or Child Swap) is a free system available at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Orlando. It’s designed for families with small children or non-riders who can’t (or don’t want to) ride certain attractions. It allows one adult to wait with the non-rider while the rest of the group goes on the ride. Then, the waiting adult gets to ride without waiting in the full line again!

🧒 Who is Rider Switch for?

Rider Switch is perfect for:

• Families with young kids who don’t meet the height requirement

• Guests with sensory concerns or mobility limitations

• Groups where someone simply doesn't want to ride

  
  

✅ How Rider Switch Works (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how to use it efficiently:

1. Check In With a Cast Member

Head to the entrance of the attraction as a full group and let the Cast Member or Team Member know you’d like to use Rider Switch.

👉 At Disney, this is usually done at the Lightning Lane or ride entrance.

👉 At Universal, it's often inside the queue or near the ride exit — ask for instructions.

2. Group 1 Rides First

One adult stays behind with the non-rider while the rest of the group rides.

• At Disney: The waiting adult and up to two other guests will be issued a Rider Switch return pass.

• At Universal: You’ll typically be directed to a family waiting room or given a paper pass.

3. Group 2 Rides Without the Wait

Once Group 1 finishes, the waiting adult swaps places and rides with little to no wait, usually entering through the Lightning Lane, Express Lane, or exit.

🎉 Bonus: The second group may get to ride with a friend or two, so older kids can ride again!

📍 Attractions That Offer Rider Switch

Here are just a few popular attractions where you can use Rider Switch:

At Walt Disney World:

• Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

• EPCOT: Test Track, Mission: SPACE, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

• Hollywood Studios: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror

• Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest, Flight of Passage, Dinosaur

At Universal Orlando:

• Islands of Adventure: VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, The Hulk

• Universal Studios: Revenge of the Mummy, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Escape from Gringotts

Always ask at each attraction to confirm availability!

🔥 Pro Tips for Rider Switch Pros

• 🕓 Use Rider Switch + Genie+ or Express Pass for maximum time savings

• 🎒 Hand off the park bag to the waiting adult before you ride

• 🪑 Use the downtime for snacks, bathroom breaks, or taking little ones to a nearby show or character spot

• 📱 Take turns using Mobile Order while one group is riding

• 👶 Nursing rooms or quiet areas are available in each Disney park if your little one needs a break while you wait

🎟️ Let Me Help You Plan a Stress-Free Trip!

Understanding how to use Rider Switch is just one of the ways I help families make the most of their Disney and Universal vacations. From creating personalized itineraries to booking the best resorts and keeping track of ride strategies like this — my planning services are 100% complimentary!

📩 Ready to get started?Email me at savannah@wowtravelagency.com and let’s build your perfect vacation!