FP+ and baby swap

[DopeyDame]

On the theme parks board, there were several people who mentioned that everyone in a party has to have a FP+ reservation to use the baby swap, even the people who will be coming back later. Which doesn't make an iota of sense to me (otherwise, what's the point of using the baby swap anyway?)

Since the theme parks board scares me, and you guys are generally friendlier and more knowledgeable about kid stuff....

Has anyone used baby swap since FP+ has been around? What's the procedure? We've used baby swap in the past, but that was pre-FP+.

Thanks!

 

[Nwall81]

Here is a site that explains it fairly well (And it works the same way as fastpass+ from what i have gleaned..)

http://wdwprepschool.com/how-to-child-swap-at-disney-world/

 

[Nwall81]

Here is what someone said who actually used FastPass+ with rider swap...

We were at WDW in late August and tested the MagicBands. The FastPass+ worked the same for rider swap as it does with the paper FastPass system. The entire party goes to the FastPass entrance with their FastPasses (or MagicBands). You only need FastPasses (or FastPass+) for the people riding in the initial ride. You tell the ride attendant that you have a small child and this is the other adult waiting with the child (or multiple other adults). The attendant at the line will give you a paper "rider swap" ticket (Looks like a paper FastPass. This can be used for up to 4 guests at any time the rest of the day. The parent or multiple other adults who waited then go on the ride with the child who already rode (again up to 4 people) with the "rider swap" ticket being good for all of them and acting like a FastPass.

 

[wilkeliza]

Here is what someone said who actually used FastPass+ with rider swap...

We were at WDW in late August and tested the MagicBands. The FastPass+ worked the same for rider swap as it does with the paper FastPass system. The entire party goes to the FastPass entrance with their FastPasses (or MagicBands). You only need FastPasses (or FastPass+) for the people riding in the initial ride. You tell the ride attendant that you have a small child and this is the other adult waiting with the child (or multiple other adults). The attendant at the line will give you a paper "rider swap" ticket (Looks like a paper FastPass. This can be used for up to 4 guests at any time the rest of the day. The parent or multiple other adults who waited then go on the ride with the child who already rode (again up to 4 people) with the "rider swap" ticket being good for all of them and acting like a FastPass.

There have been many reports that since then the rules have changed. I know at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train I saw them scan everyone's band including the person staying behind to check to see if everyone had a FP and then issued the family the return ticket.

 

[Nwall81]

Since the rules may have changed and i can't find anything saying they have on the official WDW websites, then it might be best just to call WDW customer service ...
'

 

[DopeyDame]

There have been many reports that since then the rules have changed. I know at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train I saw them scan everyone's band including the person staying behind to check to see if everyone had a FP and then issued the family the return ticket.

Yup - that's what has me concerned/confused. We've used babyswap in the past so I know how it used to work. It just doesn't make any sense to me to require everyone to have a fast pass. If that's the case, why even bother getting a baby swap pass - it does you literally no good at all, right? Everyone goes in the fastpass lane, which is exactly what would happen if you didn't get a babyswap.

Hoping someone who's used it recently can share their experiences. (I don't trust WDW customer service on the phone to have accurate info.)

ETA: We're coming up on our FP+ reservation window, which is why I'm trying to figure this out. Knowing how it really works will dictate which reservations we make.

 

[wilkeliza]

Yup - that's what has me concerned/confused. We've used babyswap in the past so I know how it used to work. It just doesn't make any sense to me to require everyone to have a fast pass. If that's the case, why even bother getting a baby swap pass - it does you literally no good at all, right? Everyone goes in the fastpass lane, which is exactly what would happen if you didn't get a babyswap.

Hoping someone who's used it recently can share their experiences. (I don't trust WDW customer service on the phone to have accurate info.)

ETA: We're coming up on our FP+ reservation window, which is why I'm trying to figure this out. Knowing how it really works will dictate which reservations we make.

The logic behind the swap card even if you are entering through FP is that if your FP window expires while Group 1 is on in the line waiting for their turn when it is Person 2's turn there may have been a CM swap so they wouldn't know you were a child swap rider and may deny you boarding.

Interestingly enough I read the official rules on WDW website and it didn't say yes or no either way but it did say only 2 people are allowed to enter on a rider swap card. That would be news to me since the tickets say up to 3 now.

 

[lizard1]

On the theme parks board, there were several people who mentioned that everyone in a party has to have a FP+ reservation to use the baby swap, even the people who will be coming back later. Which doesn't make an iota of sense to me (otherwise, what's the point of using the baby swap anyway?)

Since the theme parks board scares me, and you guys are generally friendlier and more knowledgeable about kid stuff....

Has anyone used baby swap since FP+ has been around? What's the procedure? We've used baby swap in the past, but that was pre-FP+.

Thanks!

I think it is that way because they want to make sure that one group waits the correct amount of time whether it is standby or through the FP line. I think it is also becasue of the abuse of the system where people are getting FP for 2 separate rides and then dividing up the family with the intent to use the rider swap, which gives those people an unfair advantage for ride waits versus a regular guest.

We were there 2 weeks ago and the policy varied depending on the ride. If the child was tall enough to ride it but just didn't want to (like with TOT), they did an internal rider swap. In this case, everyone in the party had to wait in the line and then when loading, we had to specify who was riding and who wasn't. When I was done riding with my son, by husband went back through the exit (where they told him to go) and took my son and took his turn on the ride.

In other instances (when we had FP for rides that kids were too short for), they had all of us scan our bands and then wanted to see who specifically was entering the line and who was waiting along with the child they were waiting with.

I know they were much more relaxed with this in the past. I used to be able to walk up and ask for a rider swap and they would give me one as long as I had a small child with me. This time, they wanted to make sure that there were actually people in my party riding, and that I was really missing the ride and waiting with a child that was really too small for the ride. Plus, like I said, they actually wanted to make sure that if my party was using the FP line and I was asking for a rider swap that I too was entitled to use that FP line.

 

[DopeyDame]

I think it is that way because they want to make sure that one group waits the correct amount of time whether it is standby or through the FP line. I think it is also becasue of the abuse of the system where people are getting FP for 2 separate rides and then dividing up the family with the intent to use the rider swap, which gives those people an unfair advantage for ride waits versus a regular guest.

We were there 2 weeks ago and the policy varied depending on the ride. If the child was tall enough to ride it but just didn't want to (like with TOT), they did an internal rider swap. In this case, everyone in the party had to wait in the line and then when loading, we had to specify who was riding and who wasn't. When I was done riding with my son, by husband went back through the exit (where they told him to go) and took my son and took his turn on the ride.

In other instances (when we had FP for rides that kids were too short for), they had all of us scan our bands and then wanted to see who specifically was entering the line and who was waiting along with the child they were waiting with.

I know they were much more relaxed with this in the past. I used to be able to walk up and ask for a rider swap and they would give me one as long as I had a small child with me. This time, they wanted to make sure that there were actually people in my party riding, and that I was really missing the ride and waiting with a child that was really too small for the ride. Plus, like I said, they actually wanted to make sure that if my party was using the FP line and I was asking for a rider swap that I too was entitled to use that FP line.

This is good info - thanks.
So (realizing that it may change and be inconsistent!): If the first group to ride goes through the standby line, nobody needs a fast pass and the second group either goes through the fastpass line or waits at the exit. If everyone wants to use the fastpass line, than EVERYONE in the party (except for the too-small-kid) needs a fastpass. Is that correct?

I sorta-kinda-get the abuse logic, but now my DS, who is 5 but tiny, won't be able to take advantage of all of his FP+s if the rest of us use the other FPs for headliners. I can't very well make him a Buzz Lightyear FP+ reservation and send him there on his own while DH, DSis, and I ride space mountain. Sigh.

I hate that they aren't consistent!

 

[wilkeliza]

This is good info - thanks.
So (realizing that it may change and be inconsistent!): If the first group to ride goes through the standby line, nobody needs a fast pass and the second group either goes through the fastpass line or waits at the exit. If everyone wants to use the fastpass line, than EVERYONE in the party (except for the too-small-kid) needs a fastpass. Is that correct?

I sorta-kinda-get the abuse logic, but now my DS, who is 5 but tiny, won't be able to take advantage of all of his FP+s if the rest of us use the other FPs for headliners. I can't very well make him a Buzz Lightyear FP+ reservation and send him there on his own while DH, DD, and I ride space mountain. Sigh.

I hate that they aren't consistent!

I think if DS has a FP+ for Buzz you would be allowed to take him over to Buzz while the older ones are riding a different ride. He has to have an adult ride with him and you wouldn't be taking up any extra space so I believe they would allow him on with you. Just not you and the rest of the family if that makes sense.

In the end just tell them at x ride (I would use seven dwarfs) we were told I had to also have a fp+ to rider switch but since the little one has a Buzz FP+ I could take him over here and ride with him. He can't surely ride by himself and he does have a pass can't I just get on with him and see if that works.

 

[DopeyDame]

I think if DS has a FP+ for Buzz you would be allowed to take him over to Buzz while the older ones are riding a different ride. He has to have an adult ride with him and you wouldn't be taking up any extra space so I believe they would allow him on with you. Just not you and the rest of the family if that makes sense.

In the end just tell them at x ride (I would use seven dwarfs) we were told I had to also have a fp+ to rider switch but since the little one has a Buzz FP+ I could take him over here and ride with him. He can't surely ride by himself and he does have a pass can't I just get on with him and see if that works.

Hmmm... it never crossed my mind that they would let me on with him if I didn't have one, but you're right - it's worth a try! Worst that happens is they say no and we waste that FP, which is right where we were if I didn't try.

 

[DopeyDame]

I just actually went to the disney website (which clearly I should have done at the beginning!) and the description is definitely different than what we've experienced in the past:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-switch/

In particular, it says the entire party enters the line - which would explain why everyone needs a fastpass.

I really hope this isn't a real or permanent change. The ability to wait anywhere, go do a meet and greet, buy the littles ice cream, etc. was invaluable. It sure beats the heck out of making the littles stand in line then just hang out waiting for everyone else to do something cool. Even with a FP line, that's easily an hour of time waiting in line and waiting for two rounds of people to ride.

One of the reasons we love Disney more than six flags, etc., is their willingness to accommodate both the littles and the bigs in a family.
Sigh.

 

[RachaelA]

I just actually went to the disney website (which clearly I should have done at the beginning!) and the description is definitely different than what we've experienced in the past:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-switch/

In particular, it says the entire party enters the line - which would explain why everyone needs a fastpass.

I really hope this isn't a real or permanent change. The ability to wait anywhere, go do a meet and greet, buy the littles ice cream, etc. was invaluable. It sure beats the heck out of making the littles stand in line then just hang out waiting for everyone else to do something cool. Even with a FP line, that's easily an hour of time waiting in line and waiting for two rounds of people to ride.

One of the reasons we love Disney more than six flags, etc., is their willingness to accommodate both the littles and the bigs in a family.
Sigh.

Riders who are not tall enough definitely are not allowed to enter the line so disney's website is wrong if it says that. I know that has not changed. They measure kids before they enter and before they get on.

I'm curious about this policy as well though because I originally read that you didn't need FPs for everyone that was doing the swap only for the people initially going on not for those using the return ticket.

 

[DopeyDame]

Riders who are not tall enough definitely are not allowed to enter the line so disney's website is wrong if it says that. I know that has not changed. They measure kids before they enter and before they get on.

I'm curious about this policy as well though because I originally read that you didn't need FPs for everyone that was doing the swap only for the people initially going on not for those using the return ticket.

Yup - that's what we've experienced in the past.

Here's what the website says, though:

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.” This is totally different from what we've experienced in the past.

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.

 

[lizard1]

That information from Rider Switch is ONLY used when the child is tall enough for a ride. They will NOT allow a guest into a queue that is not tall enough to ride the ride (think of those who try to get their too short children to be tall enough to ride, even when they're not).

Also, if one group rides standby, you are still eligible for the Rider Swap. I think they want to make sure that everyone in the party is waiting their fair turn, since you are still waiting the full lenghth of the standby queue doing something else with the child who can't ride. It seems it is their way of saying that if you don't have a FP for the ride, why should you only have to wait the 10 minutes it is going to take your party to go through the queue to ride when others without the FP are waiting 60...if you don't have the FP, you should still have to wait the 60 minutes that everyone else does before being able to ride.

 

[lizard1]

I'm curious about this policy as well though because I originally read that you didn't need FPs for everyone that was doing the swap only for the people initially going on not for those using the return ticket.

It was my experience 2 weeks ago (at more than one ride, and I overheard others being told this at rides where we didn't need a swap) that EVERYONE needed to scan their band prior to receiving the rider swap. I heard people question why they needed to scan if they weren't riding at that time and they were told that everyone had to scan before they would give them the RS.

 

[abinormal]

So the too-short child effectively loses a FP?

 

[lizard1]

So the too-short child effectively loses a FP?

It depends on your situation. The too-short child doesn't have to lose a FP. You can still split FP among member of your party and someone can opt to not have a FP for another ride so they can use the FP with the too-short child. The too-short child could also have a FP for another ride, but unless they are older than 7 they can't ride it alone. However, if everyone else wants to ride a ride that one person is too short for (and do it through the use of a FP), then yes that too-short person would lose a FP.

 

[PennockFive]

Just called customer service. The policy has changed. Everyone needs a fast pass. This changes a lot for me. I feel like I'm going to lose out on riding some rides, or my little ones will do a lot more sitting around. I understand some people were trying to end up essentially booking 6 passes in a day, but now I have to try to decide how to change things, especially now that a lot of FP times are already taken. Very disappointed

 

[DopeyDame]

So the too-short child effectively loses a FP?

Yup. That's exactly, 100% what it means.

It also means that there is zero benefit to a baby swap pass. With or without baby swap, DH and I both need a fast pass to ride space mountain. So either way, we both use a fastpass to both wait in the fast pass line. And, in fact, the second parent's fast pass is a "less than" fast pass, since to use it I have to wait with DS while DH rides (effectively waiting in the fast pass line once) and then wait in the fast pass line again using my own fastpass (waiting in the fast pass line a second time).

In our case, what it actually means is that DH and I won't ride space mountain at all - all 3 of us will get FP+s for Buzz.

We've been to Disney with our DS three times already, and in all those times we haven't ridden any of the roller coasters - we wanted them to be child-focused trips and had a great time doing things that all of us could do. I thought this time it would be fun to actually ride space mountain again. Now it sounds like the only way to do it is to either wait in the standby line alone or make DS lose out on the benefit of one of his FP+s. Neither option is acceptable to us.

Will it ruin our trip? No. But it has eliminated one of the big things that, for our family with small kids, makes going to Walt Disney World so much better and easier than going to Six Flags.