Everything You Need to Know About Rider Switch at Disneyland Resort

August 10, 2018

Travelling to Disneyland with small with small children doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on some of the more grown-up attractions. This is where Rider Switch comes in. The system is a fantastic way for parents or older children to enjoy the big thrill rides even if travelling with little ones that don’t meet the height requirements.

Here’s a quick rundown of how the system works:

Before entering the queue for an attraction, you should first check with a Cast Member to find out if Rider Switch is available for that attraction (we’ll also supply you with a list below.)
Go to the attraction with your entire group present. The Cast Members working the attraction will then divide your group into two groups. Group A will include those riding the attraction first. Group B will be those sitting out the attraction with the little ones who aren’t able to ride.
Group B (of up to three visitors) will be assigned digital FASTPASSES and must wait in a designated area while the first party rides the attraction.
After Group A has ridden the attraction, you’ll swap out with the members of Group B and supervise the guests too small to ride while the second group enjoys the attraction.
Group B is able to return to the attraction entrance using the FASTPASSES (without waiting in line) to have your tickets scanned by a Cast Member for their Rider Switch entitlement.
Group B rides the attraction and then meets up with Group A.

What attractions are included in Rider Switch? Essentially, any ride with height restrictions should offer the Rider Switch option. For other attractions, parents will be expected to hold their small children on their laps and aren’t given the option of getting a Rider Switch ticket. Here’s a list by park of attractions currently offering Rider Switch:

Disneyland Resort:

Autopia -Tomorrowland
Big Thunder Mountain -Frontierland
Gadget’s Go Coaster -Toontown
Indiana Jones Adventure -Adventureland
Matterhorn Bobsleds -Fantasyland
Space Mountain -Tomorrowland
Splash Mountain -Critter Country
Star Tours -Tomorrowland

California Adventure:

Incredicoaster – Pixar Pier
Goofy’s Sky Skool -Pixar Pier
Grizzly River Run -Grizzly Peak
Guardians of the Galaxy – MISSION: Breakout!
Jumpin Jellyfish- Pixar Pier
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters – Cars Land
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree- Cars Land
Radiator Springs Racers -Cars Land
Silly Symphony Swings – Pixar Pier
Soarin’ Around the World -Grizzly Peak
Tuck’s and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies -a bug’s land

Does this system work with the FASTPASS and MAXPASS system? Absolutely, guests can report to the FASTPASS line with your party before you are split up into groups. GROUP B is given an electronic FASTPASS linked to their ticket to board the attraction in the FASTPASS line when the first rider is finished. This electronic FASTPASS is valid up to one hour after the Cast Member scanned their ticket.

I’ve even heard of Disneyland regulars maximizing the Rider Switch and FASTPASS systems by having the lead adult in Group A and in Group B grab two separate FASTPASSES for different attractions around the same time and then using Rider Switch on both attractions to maximize both perks!

So if you find yourself heading to the parks with little ones but you still want those big thrills be sure to take advantage of Disney’s Rider Switch program. It’s a slightly under-the-radar perk that can really help you maximize your Disney days!

Keep following along with Disney Addicts for the latest tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at Disneyland Resort.

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