Baby Swap- Specifics

[conandrob240]

We have a party of 9 people traveling in July. 6 adults, an 11 yr old and two kids who we may need to swap- a 1 yr old and a 5 mth old. Please tell me specifically how this will work. Example, we all want to go on Soarin'. Do we all get in the regular line together and wait and then all but an adult and the 2babies go on? They wait on the side and then they pass the babies off and get to ride without re-entering the long line. Or do we all go up to the line and tell them we want to do a swap and then they give us a fast pass?

If it is the latter , how many fast passes will they give you? It would be nice of most people could ride with each of the baby holders. Baby holder should not have to go back on alone, right?

 

[tzolkin]

Usually with a smaller family, you all approach the CM at the entrance and ask for a Rider Switch pass (they must see the baby/too short child).

Adult1 and the rest of the party ride (either using FPs or through the standby line) while Adult2 waits somewhere with the little one(s). If the first group is using FPs we usually just wait near the ride exit and have a snack. There are a few attractions that have a nearby playground (Splash, BTMRR, Mission Space). If the wait is going to be a bit longer you can ride a different attraction and then meet back up with your party.

After the first group exits (or anytime later that day) Adult2 and two other people can ride using the rider switch pass.


In your situation since you have a large party and two small children, you could probably have two adults wait and ask for two Rider Switch passes. Then a total of 6 people would be able to ride the second time using the two passes.

 

[Stephandy03]

In your situation since you have a large party and two small children, you could probably have two adults wait and ask for two Rider Switch passes. Then a total of 6 people would be able to ride the second time using the two passes.

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Just make sure if you try to get 2 Rider Switch passes, you go up with the 2 kids separately. We tried to do what PP recommended and they said that since each Rider Switch pass is good for 3 people, we only needed one pass for the 2 adults who were going to stay behind with the 2 kids.

 

[doconeill]

Just to avoid any confusion, there are TWO different things that some people refer to as "child swap", "baby swap", etc.

First, there is a formal system in place at most all Fastpass attractions that have a height requirement, called Rider Switch. Follow the link for complete details (and exceptions), but this is what most people will respond with for answers.

Second, at all other attractions, or at the Rider Switch attractions where a child simply chooses not to ride, there MAY be a way to accommodate the situation. However it is different at each attraction because of the different ways loading and unloading are handled which are often in different locations. Ask the greeting CM for what the possibilities are.

In your particular case, on the Rider Switch attractions, as mentioned approach it as two separate groups. You can do it at the same time, no problem...but two adults will need to stay behind. Later you can use the Rider Switch passes for three people each, so up to six of you can ride again.

 

[Disfan3]

Each attraction is different so I recommend you find the CM closest to the end of the line and ask about the procedures. For instance, the Space Mt rider switch is totally different than the Rock N Roller Coaster Rider Switch, BTMMRR switch and other attractions.

It can get confusing, some rides they want the baby in the line with you while others want you to wait in a particular place with the baby or outside the attraction, etc. You will get a ticket like fastpass for this.

Just ask.

FYI: We HAD to show the baby to the CM to get the ticket...especially since we were there during a BUSY time...so have the baby with you (or non-riding child) to show.

My question is: can you do rider switch if you have an older child like 9yo who does not want to ride but CAN ride legally...can you still get a rider switch??

Not that I needed that this last trip...we had a baby!!

 

[doconeill]

My question is: can you do rider switch if you have an older child like 9yo who does not want to ride but CAN ride legally...can you still get a rider switch??

Technically no, you can't get the Rider Switch pass (although pixie dust is real at WDW...), but you can ask the CM what the alternative possibilities are.

 

[Buckeye Princess]

We used the swap a lot on our last trip. We had 9 adults and my 1yr old dd. The CMs were all very helpful. The official limit on the swap pass is for 3, but they often let 4 or so ride. We did this often and split the group into 5 who would ride, then 4 would ride. When the first group got off and took my DD, they'd go to the next ride where we would all meet up. You do have to show proof though. AKA show your child in order to get the swap pass. haha This means that some of the group can't go ahead without the child and ask for a pass.

 

[gzh6464]

Each attraction is different so I recommend you find the CM closest to the end of the line and ask about the procedures. For instance, the Space Mt rider switch is totally different than the Rock N Roller Coaster Rider Switch, BTMMRR switch and other attractions.

It can get confusing, some rides they want the baby in the line with you while others want you to wait in a particular place with the baby or outside the attraction, etc. You will get a ticket like fastpass for this.

Just ask.

FYI: We HAD to show the baby to the CM to get the ticket...especially since we were there during a BUSY time...so have the baby with you (or non-riding child) to show.

My question is: can you do rider switch if you have an older child like 9yo who does not want to ride but CAN ride legally...can you still get a rider switch??

Not that I needed that this last trip...we had a baby!!

My recent experience this is what happened:

- We went to the CM at the FP line and showing the ineligible rider were give a child swap pass.
-The waiting adult and ineligible child did not have to wait any particular place. But sometimes the pass was given to them or times it was given to the first adult rider
-never once was the ineliglble child asked to wait in line (that would be ridiculous)
- after first adult finished secon would ide (with up to 2 others)
-only pain was soarin which doesn't let strollers into the building. there you literally have to carry the small child into the building to show the CM that they are ineliglble to get a rider switch
-pass is good for 3 riders and is good ALL day long. there does not seem to be limit on them (eg if you want to ride BTMRR all day long and follow the rules you can keep getting these passes)

PP answered your question. technically rider swap is meant to accomodate families with ineligible (based upon height) riders not riders who are "too scared" - in these cases ask a CM about options.