Definitive answer on FP+/Rider Swap?

[CaryHaven]

I've looked at almost two dozen posts regarding Rider Swap and whether or not you all need FP+ or not. We did not used to, but our TA said we do, and I read where at least in one case someone posted that everyone needed a FP+ for 7DMT. Can anyone tell me for sure....especially if they've been there recently? Used to, I could take my little girl and DH stay with the baby, and then DH take our little girl again while I stayed with the baby, and only the initial rider needed the FP+.

 

[Missyrose]

I've looked at almost two dozen posts regarding Rider Swap and whether or not you all need FP+ or not. We did not used to, but our TA said we do, and I read where at least in one case someone posted that everyone needed a FP+ for 7DMT. Can anyone tell me for sure....especially if they've been there recently? Used to, I could take my little girl and DH stay with the baby, and then DH take our little girl again while I stayed with the baby, and only the initial rider needed the FP+.

When it comes to things that are left up to each individual CM to enforce, there's no such thing as a definitive answer.

 

[DopeyDame]

We're leaving in 14 days

I've taken solace in the fact that the reports of the whole party needing FP+s are from several months ago, and no one recently has had that experience (or at least not posted about it)

This is how I'm handling it:
For 7DMT, which is an absolute must do, I got FP+s for everyone who is tall enough. I won't volunteer my FP when we try to get the baby swap, and hopefully we'll get it without my using up that FP. I'm just not willing to risk not riding it.

For Star Tours and Soarin, I'm OK if I don't end up riding those, so I only got FPs for the big guys. Hopefully I get to ride with a baby swap pass, but if they won't give us the pass because I don't have a FP, then I'll be annoyed but it won't be the end of the world.

(All our other FP+s are for the whole family on rides without height requirements.)

In any case, I'll come back and report my experiences.

 

[CaryHaven]

When it comes to things that are left up to each individual CM to enforce, there's no such thing as a definitive answer.

Right. I just thought maybe they were doing something specifically for the 7DMT that required all to have FP+. Or maybe it was a fluke with that family, and other people got through it using Rider Swap and only half the riders using FP+.

 

[CaryHaven]

We're leaving in 14 days

I've taken solace in the fact that the reports of the whole party needing FP+s are from several months ago, and no one recently has had that experience (or at least not posted about it)

This is how I'm handling it:
For 7DMT, which is an absolute must do, I got FP+s for everyone who is tall enough. I won't volunteer my FP when we try to get the baby swap, and hopefully we'll get it without my using up that FP. I'm just not willing to risk not riding it.

For Star Tours and Soarin, I'm OK if I don't end up riding those, so I only got FPs for the big guys. Hopefully I get to ride with a baby swap pass, but if they won't give us the pass because I don't have a FP, then I'll be annoyed but it won't be the end of the world.

(All our other FP+s are for the whole family on rides without height requirements.)

In any case, I'll come back and report my experiences.

Thank you, that's kind of my take as well. I was thinking about getting all FP's for the mine train *just in case* and taking my chances with the others. I look forward to your report!! Have fun!

 

[Avery's mom]

We're leaving in 14 days

I've taken solace in the fact that the reports of the whole party needing FP+s are from several months ago, and no one recently has had that experience (or at least not posted about it)

This is how I'm handling it:
For 7DMT, which is an absolute must do, I got FP+s for everyone who is tall enough. I won't volunteer my FP when we try to get the baby swap, and hopefully we'll get it without my using up that FP. I'm just not willing to risk not riding it.

For Star Tours and Soarin, I'm OK if I don't end up riding those, so I only got FPs for the big guys. Hopefully I get to ride with a baby swap pass, but if they won't give us the pass because I don't have a FP, then I'll be annoyed but it won't be the end of the world.

(All our other FP+s are for the whole family on rides without height requirements.)

In any case, I'll come back and report my experiences.

Many people, myself included, will be eagerly awaiting your report! I think this is something that should be clearly defined by Disney. As not every riding guest needed a paper fastpass to utilize rider swap before the change to FP+, any change that required all riding guests to do so should be clearly specified. Preferably in writing!

We leave in 57 days, so I would love to hear your first-hand experience with this. Thanks!

 

[CitrusSwirl]

We were in Disney in May and we used the Rider Swap pass with our FP+ in every park. Example: My husband and son would have a FP for Space Mountain and my daughter and I would have one for Buzz Lightyear because she is too small for Space. First we would go to the FP line at Space, and the guys would get in the line while my daughter and I would approach the CM at the line from the outside of the line. We would wait until the guys got up to the CM, then we would let them know we were together and they would give me the Rider Swap pass. Then my daughter and I could go use our Buzz Lightyear FP. Afterwards, I could ride Space with my son using the Rider Swap pass in the FP line.

We are leaving in 3 days and we are planning to use this again!

 

[cakebaker]

I think this is something that should be clearly defined by Disney.

It is, on their website. It's clearly spelled out. The only confusion there is that they say a limit of 2 people on the second ride when the pass you actually get says up to 3.

Only the first riders need a fp+. Second rider(s) up to 3, use the swap. If any CM tells you otherwise, complain to guest services. Bet you get an anytime fp for your trouble!

 

[CaryHaven]

It is, on their website. It's clearly spelled out. The only confusion there is that they say a limit of 2 people on the second ride when the pass you actually get says up to 3.

Only the first riders need a fp+. Second rider(s) up to 3, use the swap. If any CM tells you otherwise, complain to guest services. Bet you get an anytime fp for your trouble!

I print out everything anyway. I'm going to print this. Thanks for the idea!

 

[matheke]

From the WDW site:

To Use Rider Switch:

1. Check that Rider Switch is offered at the attraction in question by asking a Cast Member.

2. Enter the normal queue with your entire party. At least one adult member of your party and the Guest who will not be riding will then be issued a Rider Switch Pass and asked to wait in a designated area. This group is “Party 2.”

3. The remaining party members, “Party 1,” ride the attraction.

4. After riding the attraction, Party 1 locates Party 2. The non-rider is then “switched” to Party 1.

5. Party 2 enters without having to wait in the regular queue a second time and boards the attraction. The Rider Switch Pass must be presented to a Cast Member at this time.

If the person in Party 2 waited alone with the child, he or she may bring one Guest back to ride the attraction with him or her. Please note: Only 2 Guests are allowed per Rider Switch Pass.

Now does that mean all CM's know the policy? NO. Does that mean that none of the CM's will let you combine the FP+ and Child Swap? NO. But if a CM tells you that you can not combine FP+ and Rider swap, they would be correct according to the WDW site. Child swap is for people using the REGULAR line.

 

[mummabear]

Carey Haven How did you go?