The "How To" of the Rider Swap

Disney does a great job of accommodating all families no matter what age your children are!  One of the many extra things Disney does to go above and beyond is offer families with smaller children a “rider swap” pass.  This policy is not too well known, but is a great option for families with young children.

A rider swap pass is a form of a fastpass, and is available for rides that have a height requirement.  All you have to do if take your smaller children up to the cast member at the entrance of the attraction.  The cast member MUST see your smaller child, but then they will gladly give you a rider swap pass or instruct you on how to get one. 

Then, your party gets in line, with one rider (you) and the small child waiting outside the attraction.   Your party will then wait their turn for the ride.  When the ride is over for them they may swap places with you!  You then are allowed to enter through the fastpass lane and you can take 2 other people with you so you don’t have to ride alone!  This is just one more way Disney lets you create memories without anyone missing out! Also, if you are in a hurry you do not have to use the rider swap right away.  The rider swap is usually good all day, so you could return later.  

The other great thing about rider swap is that older kids often get to experience rides twice; once with mom and once with dad as the parents take turns outside with the younger sibling.  

Remember, each ride has a different procedure for handling “rider swap” because all the ride layouts are different. Be sure to ask the attendant at the entrance for a “rider swap”.  Don’t forget you’ll need to have the child that is not eligible to ride with you, as this is one way Disney ensures people do not abuse the system, and can continue to create family friendly ways to create magical memories! 

Here are the current have height or age requirements: feel free to print it out for quick reference.

Animal Kingdom –Dinosaur -40 inches (102 cm) Also intense special effects.

Animal Kingdom --Expedition Everest -44 inches (112 cm)

Animal Kingdom --Kali River Rapids -38 inches (97 cm)

Animal Kingdom --Primeval Whirl -48 inches (122cm)

Epcot -Maelstrom (Norway) Minimum age 3 to ride

Epcot Mission: SPACE 44 inches (112 cm)

Epcot Soarin' 40 inches (102 cm)

Epcot Sum of All Thrills (in Innoventions East) Must be at least 48 inches (122 cm)

             to ride, and at least 54 inches to go upside down.  Wheelchair users must

             transfer out of chair to ride. Seating and restraints may prohibit certain

             body shapes or sizes from riding.

Epcot Test Track  40 inches (102 cm)

Magic Kingdom -Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 40 inches (102 cm)

Magic Kingdom -Space Mountain  44 inches (112 cm)

Magic Kingdom -Splash Mountain  40 inches (102 cm)

Magic Kingdom -Stitch's Great Escape  40 inches (102 cm)

Magic Kingdom -Tomorrowland Speedway Children under the age of 12 months  

           32 inches (81cm) to ride. Must be at least 54 inches (137 cm) to drive. 

Disney's Hollywood Studios -Rock N Roller Coaster Must be 48" tall (122 cm)

Disney's Hollywood Studios -Star Tours  40 inches (102 cm)

Disney's Hollywood Studios -Twilight Zone Tower of Terror  40 inches (102 cm)