Can we do rider switch with an older kid?

[ShellyKP]

We are a family of three. In prior years my son was small enough to fit between us on rides. But he's an adult sized person now at 14. We are all three plus-size people. However he is autistic and has anxiety about riding things alone. Mostly we're assuming one parent will just ride solo but for some things (like Toy Story Mania) it's definitely more fun to ride with someone else. Is rider switch ever allowed for older kids? We have never used the DAS before and I'm a little overwhelmed by the idea of the new application process. Should my husband and I just suck it up and take turns being the solo rider or do we have another option?

 

[lanejudy]

Will your son be riding? There isn't "rider switch" to just allow someone an extra ride unless there is a non-rider. I suggest you take turns with who rides solo on those rides where you can't fit 3 together. We're a party of 3 so I get it.

There is rider swap allowed for an older child or adult who won't ride. It is different than the swap involving a child too short to enter the queue. It often involves going through the queue and waiting near boarding or using the chicken exit.

 

[ShellyKP]

In most cases my son would be riding as well, so I'm just trying to avoid the solo adult. But I understand if that's not something they will accommodate. So we can use rider swap on those rides that my son won't do? I guess I always assumed that was only for parents with very young children.

 

[SueM in MN]

In most cases my son would be riding as well, so I'm just trying to avoid the solo adult. But I understand if that's not something they will accommodate. So we can use rider swap on those rides that my son won't do? I guess I always assumed that was only for parents with very young children.

It’s for anyone who can’t or won’t ride and needs someone to stay with them while other members are riding.
Many people call it Child Swap, but it’s actually called Rider Switch. Probably the majority of people using It are using it with a young child. We have used it for our adult disabled daughter who is not able to ride many rides. This is the WDW website page about WDW Rider Switch

 

[Lzegar]

If the person doesn’t ride. I don’t see why not

 

[HopperFan]

In most cases my son would be riding as well, so I'm just trying to avoid the solo adult. But I understand if that's not something they will accommodate. So we can use rider swap on those rides that my son won't do? I guess I always assumed that was only for parents with very young children.

We have been refused because my DS is tall enough to ride. Their only offer has been he goes through the line with us and they do the switch at the ride. Because that would be confusing to him I usually have just sat out.

To what you are trying to do (both ride with him), then no that is not possible since you want him to ride. We are often 3 and we just take turns riding with him. We do fine and we don't lose time that way.

 

[ShellyKP]

Thanks all! We will just take turns being the solo rider.

 

[tjmw2727]

If your son is riding then yes, one of you can sit with him and the other ride solo they will not allow a re-ride so maybe you can just alternate?

If your son doesn't want to ride and can't stay alone let the CM know and they will instruct you on how to proceed. IME that means everyone waiting the line together and then one person rides wile the other waits with your son, and then switching. The procedure on this is different with each attraction so be sure to ask the CM each time.

This also works if he changes his mind at boarding, the CM will help you take turns if you choose to ride.

 

[Lilsia]

What you are asking about is not possible. Can you imagine if every family that had an odd number rode twice in a row?