Child Swap and ASD

[Wubar]

MY ASD son is younger, but tall enough for a lot of rides that he won't do. He likes roller coasters but is terrified of 7DMT. We've never had trouble using rider switch but I do travel with a print out of the policy since I have read some unfortunate stories. Never had to use it, but it's comforting to be prepared. The website says that rider switch (NOT "child", rider) is:
"If a child does not meet the height requirement or a Guest does not wish to board a particular attraction, no problem!"

I wouldn't make a scene, but if I was ever refused I would be ready to dispute it. The policy isn't only for children, it's for any group that doesn't want to leave behind one guest while everyone else rides.


Here's the link, in case you want to print it out, too.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-switch/

I have that printed out already as well, as well as a printout of an email I received from Guest Relations (I had posed a question specifically about how the rider switch worked and whether all CMs are implementing the policy as stated on the website). I'm sure the CM has the last say, but I wanted to have other information ready to present. My 4 year old will be tall enough as well for 99% of the rides, but he might not want to do all of them.

 

[shellyj]

Yes - rider switch will be offered but there is no guarantee that you will receive the paper "rider swap paper pass"! If the non rider is tall enough often the answer is to wait the line together and switch riders at loading. IME a family with a tall enough child who won't or can't ride is not automatically given the paper pass but instead offered alternatives - this does coincide with the wording on the website.

OP - I would definitely go to GR and explain your child's needs. I would also refer you to the DisAbilities board here for a complete description on the DAS and lots of helpful folks

I'm not promising or guaranteeing, just sharing my experience which is that we have never had to take my autistic son through a queue for a line he couldn't ride in order to use rider switch. It's been offered, but when we explain his situation to the CM, we've always been able to get the card and wait to side until the first half of our group goes through. I hope that OP can have a similar experience if he son has similar needs. If he doesn't, then it's probably preferable to her to have the group go through the queue together because then the sister and brother will only be alone for the length of the ride rather than waiting for Mom to get through FP line and preshows.

 

[KrazeeK120]

MY ASD son is younger, but tall enough for a lot of rides that he won't do. He likes roller coasters but is terrified of 7DMT. We've never had trouble using rider switch but I do travel with a print out of the policy since I have read some unfortunate stories. Never had to use it, but it's comforting to be prepared. The website says that rider switch (NOT "child", rider) is:
"If a child does not meet the height requirement or a Guest does not wish to board a particular attraction, no problem!"

I wouldn't make a scene, but if I was ever refused I would be ready to dispute it. The policy isn't only for children, it's for any group that doesn't want to leave behind one guest while everyone else rides.


Here's the link, in case you want to print it out, too.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-switch/

The website says that, but unfortunately, there are multiple areas of the Disney website that contain information different than what is done in practice.

If the CM says no, you’re not going to be able to convince him or her otherwise with a printout from the Internet. Many CMs fall back in whatever training they’ve had.

If you don’t like the CM’s answer, your only other option would be to go to guest services, but they may not do anything either.

 

[gap2368]

MY ASD son is younger, but tall enough for a lot of rides that he won't do. He likes roller coasters but is terrified of 7DMT. We've never had trouble using rider switch but I do travel with a print out of the policy since I have read some unfortunate stories. Never had to use it, but it's comforting to be prepared. The website says that rider switch (NOT "child", rider) is:
"If a child does not meet the height requirement or a Guest does not wish to board a particular attraction, no problem!"

I wouldn't make a scene, but if I was ever refused I would be ready to dispute it. The policy isn't only for children, it's for any group that doesn't want to leave behind one guest while everyone else rides.


Here's the link, in case you want to print it out, too.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-switch/

I have heard and been behind people that the CM said no to rider swap too and they pulled out this and showed it to the CM and were given a rider swap, but like I said it is up to the CM at the ride.

 

[smiths02]

I wouldn't make a scene, but if I was ever refused I would be ready to dispute it. The policy isn't only for children, it's for any group that doesn't WANT to leave behind one guest while everyone else rides.


Here's the link, in case you want to print it out, too.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-switch/

The policy really is for children or for someone who needs a caregiver to stay behind. Obviously, your case and OPs case would fall under a caregiver NEEDS to stay behind, not just doesn't want to leave one guest behind.

The problem with CMs implementing a policy where people just go up and say that one person doesn't want to ride is that it would be very easy for people to get extra FP+ that way. Height is an easy rule to go by but sometimes won't work, and I believe exceptions should be made for disability which requires a caregiver.

 

[tjmw2727]

I'm not promising or guaranteeing, just sharing my experience which is that we have never had to take my autistic son through a queue for a line he couldn't ride in order to use rider switch. It's been offered, but when we explain his situation to the CM, we've always been able to get the card and wait to side until the first half of our group goes through. I hope that OP can have a similar experience if he son has similar needs. If he doesn't, then it's probably preferable to her to have the group go through the queue together because then the sister and brother will only be alone for the length of the ride rather than waiting for Mom to get through FP line and preshows.

And fwiw I think you should be offered the switch pass, as well as hopper and the OP but in reality that isn't always the case. IMHO its best to plan for not getting the paper pass and if/when you do consider it a bonus.

All the website says is that you can swap, not that you will get that pass. We did go to GR, not to argue but to clarify how best to move forward with the rest of the trip. I have posted the details in prior threads so I won't repeat but the GR CM backed up the ride CM and we got a better understanding of the procedure and how it would work for us.

Unfortunately the paper RS pass has become a free FP+ for 3 people and some are taking advantage, so in order to stop abuse some that have legitimate "need" will be affected

 

[smiths02]

Personally, I would plan FP+ like this...prioritize one ride you really want to do that your son will not do. Let's say it is 7DMT

DD's FP 10-11 7DMT
11-12 Winnie the Pooh
12-1 DD's choice

Mom FP 10-11 Peter Pan
11-12 7DMT
12-1 Pirates

DS FP 10-11 Peter Pan
11-12 Winnie the Pooh
12-1 Pirates

Obviously, some of those aren't worth a FP+, just giving an idea on how I would plan. Then if I got there and rider swap and/or DAS were granted, I would change FP...but in my scenario mom gets one "thrill" ride and DD-15 gets two.

Also as an aside, DD 15 or you may not want to go and ride alone as much as you think you will.

 

[Momof3WDW]

Ride Swap is not just for those with children that aren't big enough to ride. It is also for those that have members of a party that don't want to ride or cannot due to other issues.
This is a great example of what a rider swap should be used for. Mother and sister want to ride, but brother is not able to due to Autistic sensitivities. All three go to fastpass line and request ride swap explaining situation. According to Disney's rider swap program found here https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-switch/ there should be no issue getting the swap. However here is where the problem will start. If you don't already have a fastpass to quickly go through and ride you will have to wait in the regular queue line.
Another option would be for you all can wait in the queue and explain at the load area that one person cannot ride, (It might even be worth while to talk with the cast member at the front of the queue, they may have an option for you instead of waiting through the whole line) There is usually a place for those not riding to wait. For example we got into line for Toy Story Mania and by the time we got to the ride my 1 year old had fallen asleep in her dad's arms. He waited at the load point for me and the older kids to ride. Then I took the baby and he rode with the older kids again. They didn't make them wait again in the line, they also didn't make him ride alone just because we already rode. I cannot say this will definitely happen, but most Cast Members are understanding and they will help when they can.
A DAS will be your best option for other rides. Any you should have no issue getting that, if you do I would ask for a manager for the DAS is designed for guests in your sons situation.
Hope this helps and I hope you have fun!