How to Use Rider Switch and Best Rides for Babies
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World with young children can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to navigating the park’s attractions. One of the most valuable tools for families is Rider Switch, which allows parents and guardians to enjoy rides without having to wait in line twice when traveling with infants or toddlers. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to use Rider Switch effectively, ensuring that both adults get to experience the park’s thrilling rides. Additionally, we’ll provide a comprehensive list of attractions that have no height requirement, making them perfect for families with little ones. With these tips and insights, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your magical visit to Walt Disney World.
What is Rider Switch?
Rider Switch is a service provided for a guest when they do not meet height requirements or if a member of your party does not want to ride a particular attraction. With Rider Switch, ONE adult or Guest older than 14 supervises the non-riders. Then when the party returns, the supervising Guest can take ONE PRE-REGISTERED rider back to ride the ride.
When I went with my best friend, we had two infants, so we both stayed back while the others road. Then we each were allowed to take one child back on the ride with us using the Lightning Lane entrance.
How to Check in for Rider Switch?
STEP 1: Each ride will have a cast member with a tablet at or near the entrance. Let them know you need to set up Rider Switch.
STEP 2: Upon arrival, the entire party will need to check in if you do not have an ILL. If you have an ILL only the rider who is going twice will need to check in.
STEP 3: Once everyone is checked in, the first group will wait in line, while the ONE adult will remain with the non-riders.
Why should you have everyone check-in if you do not have an ILL?
Well, we had a scared rider for Slinky dog. She then built her courage up while we were waiting for the group to return. Because she had scanned in, I was able to take her back for my rider switch because she had checked in.
How long does Rider Switch take?
If Group 1 is waiting in line, you can calculate the wait time plus the attraction time. Keep your phone handy for when the group returns.
Slinky Dog was - about 1:45 minutes when we rode standby each time.
Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind -
TRON Lightcycle/Run
What to do while you wait?
If you are doing Rider Switch via stand-by or Rider Switch for a long attraction like Rise of the Resistance, here are some things to do!
Explore the area around you!
Get a snack.
Go Shopping.
If you have PhotoPass, get pictures done!
Pray your kids take a nap (We had that happen with TWO babies, and it was awesome!)
Look for Hidden Mickeys
Ride a ride that has less than a 15-minute wait!
How does Rider Switch affect your day?
It slows it down. That is the reality. It takes up park time when you cannot all get on the same attraction but want to ride high-demand attractions with height requirements. But that is okay! It's about being with your family, so PLAN knowing that Rider Switch is a part of your day!
Magic Kingdom Park rides with Rider Switch
The Barnstormer
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
EPCOT rides with Rider Switch
Frozen Ever After
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Mission: SPACE
Soarin’
Test Track
Disney’s Hollywood Studios rides with Rider Switch
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 rides with Rider Swtich
Avatar Flight of Passage
DINOSAUR
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Kali River Rapids
Na’vi River Journey
Family Friendly Rides at Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom is one of the best theme parks for toddlers at Walt Disney World. With over 30 rides, attractions, character meet and greets, and parades, you will have a full day of activities!
Magic Kingdom Rides without a Height Requirement:
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin - Adventureland
Jungle Cruise - Adventureland
Pirates of the Caribbean - Adventureland
Liberty Square Riverboat - Liberty Square
Haunted Mansion - Liberty Square
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel - Fantasyland
Peter Pan's Flight - Fantasyland
It's a Small World - Fantasyland
Dumbo the Flying Elephant - Fantasyland
Mad Tea Party - Fantasyland
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - Fantasyland
Astor Orbitor - Tomorrowland
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress - Tomorrowland
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - Tomorrowland
Magic Kingdom Character Meet and Greets:
Meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Town Square Theater
Pete's Silly Sideshow - Donald Duck, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto
Meet Merida at the Liberty Square Garden
Mirabel at Casita next to the Castle in Fairytale Garden
Princess Fairytale Hall - Rotating Princesses (Princess Tiana, Rapuzel, Cinderella & Elena, Typically)
Meet Belle - Maurcie’s Cottage
Meet Peter Pan - Near Peter Pan’s Flight
Meet Anastasia and Drizella at Cinderella’s Fountain
Aladdin, Jasmine & Jack Sparrow - Adventureland
But these can change, we ran into Snow White outside of Mickey’s Town Square Theatre in August!
Magic Kingdom Parades, Shows and Cavalcade’s:
Disney Festival of the Fantasy Parade
Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade
Mickey’s Friendship Faire
Magic Kingdom Shows and Attractions:
Swiss Family Treehouse - Adventureland (SKIP THIS ONE! There are 30,000 steps)
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room - Adventureland
Tom Sawyer Island - Adventureland
Country Bear Jamboree - Adventureland
The Hall of Presidents - Liberty Square
Mickey's PhilharMagic - Fantasyland
Monster's Inc Laugh Floor - Tomorrowland
Rides at EPCOT without Height Requirements
Frozen Ever After ( *Spoiler* - There is a drop at the end of this ride, so hold on to the baby. Its not a bad drop but you can see from my daughters face she does not love it.)
Gran Fiesta Tour
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Living with the Land
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
The Seas With Nemo and Friends
Spaceship Earth
Turtle Talk With Crush
EPCOT Shows and Attractions:
Impressions de France
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Canada Far and Wide
The American Adventure
Awesome Planet
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Beauty & the Beast–Live on Stage
Disney Junior Play and Dance!
Frozen Sing-Along
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Muppet*Vision 3D
Toy Story Mania
Vacation Fun
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Affection Section
Animation Experience
The Boneyard
Conservation Station
Discovery Island Trails
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Na’vi River Journey
TriceraTop Spin
Wildlife Express Train
Navigating Walt Disney World with young children and using Rider Switch can transform your visit into a seamless and enjoyable experience. By understanding how to utilize Rider Switch effectively, you can ensure that both adults and older children get to enjoy the park’s most exciting attractions without additional wait times. Coupled with our list of family-friendly rides that have no height requirements, you’ll be able to create magical moments for everyone in the family. From thrilling rides to gentle adventures, these strategies and insights will help you maximize your park experience and keep the entire family entertained. With a bit of planning and preparation, your visit to Walt Disney World can be as smooth and memorable as possible.
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Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic Blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but you don't need to worry because we have got your back! Here are a few blogs to help you get organized!
How to Use My Disney Experience
Disney Infants: Everything You Need to Know!
Tips for Traveling with Family, Friends & Large Groups
What is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass?
Strolling through Disney: Disney Stroller Tips
What to do if you Get Sick at Disney
Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World
The Differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
Who is the Mom behind Well Hello Magic? Click Here!
I am so happy to be on this journey with you.
