Rider swap clarification

[DavidNYC]

What is the official policy if the kid is tall enough to ride but just does not want to?

One of my twins does not like roller coasters. For 7DMT, twice on our last trip we went up to the CM at the entrance, said we would like to do rider swap, they took a quick look at DH standing with her and gave us the pass.

Another time, the CM said she had to go through the line with us and we would have to do the swap there. I must have stared daggers at him because another CM came up and said "just give it to them, but that isn't the policy." I wasn't sure what she meant but took it and went on my way.

"Official" policy? Hmmmm . . . .that's a good question. And one that people on this board will have lots of different and aggressive answers to! The problem is the policy on what happens is someone is tall enough to ride but doesn't want to isn't clear. In one place it says swap is for people who don't want to ride. In others it's for those too short. In practice - it's often a judgment call made by the CM manning the line and seems a bit inconsistent. I think the younger the tall enough child is, and the closer to the cutoff, the more likely they'll do a swap anyway. But if you have a 12 year old, 4' 6" child who doesn't want to do 7DMT, I think you might have a harder time. The big issue with swap is that a child too short is not allowed in the line at all even if not riding. For SOME rides (as your CM noted) if a child is tall enough but doesn't want to ride, it's possible for the child to go through the queue, "chicken out" at the front of the line, and have the CMs arrange a rider swap there. That isn't always possible, depends on the how the ride loads/unloads, but I've seen it at many. Again - up to CM discretion but even on rides without a "waiting area", they can find a way to accommodate.

Wish I could give you a more definitive answer, but can only report based on personal experience (I have twins as well - one a daredevil and one not!) and all the other reports from here.

 

[KrazeeK120]

But how is that rider swap? My tall enough three year old can't stand there by herself while we all ride. An adult -- who wants to swap and ride with his other kids -- has to stand with her. So they stand at the unloading, wait for us to ride and then that adult rides again with the kid who just rode?

Not complaining. We would do this if this is how it is supposed to work, but seems confusing.

That isn't a true rider swap and may or may not be allowed.

A true rider swap goes like this.

We have parents A and B, and children 1 and 2. Child 2 is too short. The whole family presents themselves at the ride entrance, showing that they have a child who is too short to ride. Parent A takes child 1 on the ride, while Parent B holds onto the swap pass. After Parent A and child 1 ride, Parent B takes the swap pass and, along with child 1, may enter the ride through the FP queue and ride.

Any allowance of internal swapping, swap passes issued when there is no too-short child in the party, etc. are "pixie dust" and should not be expected.

 

[BeautyMom]

But how is that rider swap? My tall enough three year old can't stand there by herself while we all ride. An adult -- who wants to swap and ride with his other kids -- has to stand with her. So they stand at the unloading, wait for us to ride and then that adult rides again with the kid who just rode?

Not complaining. We would do this if this is how it is supposed to work, but seems confusing.

I'm not sure I understand the scenario you are suggesting. Is it a family of 5 - 2 adults, 2 older kids tall enough to ride and a 3 year old? If that is the case, all 5 people go to the fast pass entrance, parent A and both older kids scan their FP for the ride while parent B gets a paper rider swap FP. Parent A and 2 older kids proceed in the FP line, parent B waits with the 3 year old someplace else. When Parent A and kids 1 and 2 finish the ride, they meet up with Parent B and the 3 year old. Parent B and kids 1 and 2 take the paper rider swap pass to the FP line while Parent A takes his turn waiting with the 3 year old. So, each parent rides once, the older kids ride twice (even though they only had to use 1 FP each) and the 3 year old is always with one of his parents. Parent B and 3 year old could get a FP for a completely different ride and do that while parent A is on the thrill ride with older kids. Parent B still gets to use the rider swap pass for the thrill ride. Also, you don't have to use the paper pass immediately (unless things have changec). I think ours were good all day.

 

[Coral Reef Diver]

... And remember, you can bring 2 others with you on Soarin so if you have older kids they can ride it again with you.

Disney says:" Please note that only 2 Guests are allowed per Rider Switch Pass." What if we have 3 guests and 1 non-rider?




Acknowledgments: The link to the Disney "Rider Swap" page was graciously provided by Lalalyn above.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Our 5 yr old is tall enough for ToT but we would need to chain him up and drag him in the front door to get him to ride.

We plan on riding ToT after our PPO H&V.

From experience, are we likely to get a rider swap for him? If not, best options? All kidding aside, he wouldn't do well with the twilight zone preshow movie

 

[KrazeeK120]

I'm not sure I understand the scenario you are suggesting. Is it a family of 5 - 2 adults, 2 older kids tall enough to ride and a 3 year old? If that is the case, all 5 people go to the fast pass entrance, parent A and both older kids scan their FP for the ride while parent B gets a paper rider swap FP. Parent A and 2 older kids proceed in the FP line, parent B waits with the 3 year old someplace else. When Parent A and kids 1 and 2 finish the ride, they meet up with Parent B and the 3 year old. Parent B and kids 1 and 2 take the paper rider swap pass to the FP line while Parent A takes his turn waiting with the 3 year old. So, each parent rides once, the older kids ride twice (even though they only had to use 1 FP each) and the 3 year old is always with one of his parents. Parent B and 3 year old could get a FP for a completely different ride and do that while parent A is on the thrill ride with older kids. Parent B still gets to use the rider swap pass for the thrill ride. Also, you don't have to use the paper pass immediately (unless things have changec). I think ours were good all day.

The issue that the poster you quoted has is that the 3 year old is tall enough to ride, so they can't use rider swap.

 

[BeautyMom]

The issue that the poster you quoted has is that the 3 year old is tall enough to ride, so they can't use rider swap.

According to the WDW website, rider swap can be used if someone does not want to ride. It's offered for FEA and there is no minimum height for that. I was technically wrong up thread when I said both older kids could ride a second time, but in my experience the CM wrote more people could use it than 2 (admittedly I could be remembering wrong or things might have changed).

Here is the full text from WDW

• 

Rider Switch
This handy feature allows adult Guests to take turns waiting with youngsters or Guests unable to ride.

What Is Rider Switch and How Does It Work?


If Guests in your party can’t or don’t want to board an attraction, you don’t have to miss out!

If a child does not meet the height requirement or a Guest does not wish to board a particular attraction, no problem! With Rider Switch, one adult can wait with the non-rider (or riders) while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. When the other adult returns, they can supervise the non-riding Guests, and the waiting adult can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again!

Rider Switch is available at select attractions at all 4 Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.

To Use Rider Switch:

1. First check with a Cast member to see if Rider Switch is offered at the attraction in question.

2. Once at the attraction, approach the greeting Cast Member with your entire party. At least one adult member of your party and the Guests who are not riding will be given a Ride Switch pass and asked to wait in a designated area (usually outside of the attraction). This group is “Party 2.”

3. The other party members (“Party 1”) ride the attraction.

4. After riding the attraction, Party 1 locates Party 2 and gives the Rider Switch pass to the adult member who will be riding. Party 1 takes over supervision of the non-riding children or Guests.

5. Party 2 enters and boards the attraction without having to wait in the regular queue a second time. 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 other Guest back to ride the attraction with him or her. Please note that only 2 Guests are allowed per Rider Switch Pass.



Show Less

Attractions Offering Rider Switch
Get a complete list of attractions at Walt Disney World Resort where you can use Rider Switch. Read More

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[KrazeeK120]

According to the WDW website, rider swap can be used if someone does not want to ride. It's offered for FEA and there is no minimum height for that. I was technically wrong up thread when I said both older kids could ride a second time, but in my experience the CM wrote more people could use it than 2 (admittedly I could be remembering wrong or things might have changed).

The information on the website isn't always what's done in practice, however. Many people have reported that they were not allowed to use rider swap when all people in the party were tall enough. The swap pass is good for the "other" adult rider plus 2 more, for a total of 3.

Bottom line is that the website shouldn't be used as gospel truth.

 

[BeautyMom]

The information on the website isn't always what's done in practice, however. Many people have reported that they were not allowed to use rider swap when all people in the party were tall enough. The swap pass is good for the "other" adult rider plus 2 more, for a total of 3.

Bottom line is that the website shouldn't be used as gospel truth.

That's a shame if Disney doesn't follow the guidelines that are posted on its own website. What's the point of having guidelines then? I would be ready to show a CM the rules on their site if I was turned down for a rider swap ticket, and then ask for a supervisor before I'd force my 40 inch toddler on a ride that terrified him. I've dealt with customers for many years (In a completely unrelated industry) and people demand to speak to a manager for much less.

 

[tjmw2727]

That's a shame if Disney doesn't follow the guidelines that are posted on its own website. What's the point of having guidelines then? I would be ready to show a CM the rules on their site if I was turned down for a rider swap ticket, and then ask for a supervisor before I'd force my 40 inch toddler on a ride that terrified him. I've dealt with customers for many years (In a completely unrelated industry) and people demand to speak to a manager for much less.

Nobody is saying a toddler has to ride !! just that your not entitled to a rider swap pass if the child qualifies to ride but chooses not to. We were not able to get a rider swap pass for TOT when my 4yo nephew was tall enough but afraid to ride. You could show the CM rules all day and they will still do as they are trained or risk loosing their job. We choose to accept the CM's decision rather than waste park time complaining to supervisors or guests services and just split up.

I do wish they would update the website as the in park execution of the rider swap is different from what is on the website for a few reasons including the number of people who can return with the swap. It does however state that all the website rules/guidelines are subject to change so that is their disclaimer.

 

[kreckl]

I get the rider swap- but how is it that you don't need fast passes for all riders? That doesn't seem right.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

According to the WDW website, rider swap can be used if someone does not want to ride. It's offered for FEA and there is no minimum height for that.

I remember when DS was a baby, he was unable to ride Maelstrom because he was not able to sit up yet. So, while Maelstrom had no height requirement, there was an able to sit up independently requirement. Thus, we were eligible for, and got, a rider swap for it.

I don't know if FEA still has the able to sit up requirement.

Haunted Mansion is one I think should have a rider swap for those too scared to ride! Lots of little ones won't go on, and families need a rider swap here just as much as space mountain.

I think HM, and ToT, should be the two rides where they allow the tall enough but too scared to ride rider swap, as so many are to afraid of these to rides, in particular. While a child may be too scared for other rides, they could arrange a swap at the point of boarding, or other accommodation with the tall enough but scared child waiting in line with the group. But, for HM and TOT, the child will be too afraid to enter the queue at all!

 

[KrazeeK120]

That's a shame if Disney doesn't follow the guidelines that are posted on its own website. What's the point of having guidelines then? I would be ready to show a CM the rules on their site if I was turned down for a rider swap ticket, and then ask for a supervisor before I'd force my 40 inch toddler on a ride that terrified him. I've dealt with customers for many years (In a completely unrelated industry) and people demand to speak to a manager for much less.

No one says your child has to ride any particular ride. There are no height requirements for Haunted Mansion or Pirates, but I thought my toddler may be afraid of them, so we didn't ride. (Well, I used one of my FP entitlements on Pirates, but we didn't ride as a family.)

You can show them anything you want, but there is no guarantee you'll get anywhere. Rider swap has been discussed ad nauseum on these boards, and the best advice when you have a "scared, but tall enough" person in your party is that you can ask, but be prepared to be turned down.

 

[Coral Reef Diver]

Disney's website says: If a child does not meet the height requirement or a Guest does not wish to board a particular attraction, no problem!

All this talk about height requirements, but Disney's website allows anyone (defined as "a guest") to use Rider Swap if they don't want to ride. We have a senior who doesn't want to ride some attractions, he would seem to meet this second qualifying rule for Rider Swap. This second requirement has no limitations on height, so anyone not wanting to ride doesn't have to ride.

Accordingly, any guest can use Rider Swap. Seems crystal clear. Still, I plan to print out this web page and take it to the park.

 

[porschegrl]

That's a shame if Disney doesn't follow the guidelines that are posted on its own website. What's the point of having guidelines then?

Or you could look at it the other way: It's a shame that the information posted on the Disney website does not reflect the actual guidelines in place in the parks. I wholeheartedly agree that the two should match. But I also wholeheartedly support the CMs' decision to follow their training if it varies from what is posted online.

 

[Gracie09]

All this talk about height requirements, but Disney's website allows anyone (defined as "a guest") to use Rider Swap if they don't want to ride. We have a senior who doesn't want to ride some attractions, he would seem to meet this second qualifying rule for Rider Swap. This second requirement has no limitations on height, so anyone not wanting to ride doesn't have to ride.

Accordingly, any guest can use Rider Swap. Seems crystal clear. Still, I plan to print out this web page and take it to the park.

Good luck with that.

 

[Dismama2boys]

All this talk about height requirements, but Disney's website allows anyone (defined as "a guest") to use Rider Swap if they don't want to ride. We have a senior who doesn't want to ride some attractions, he would seem to meet this second qualifying rule for Rider Swap. This second requirement has no limitations on height, so anyone not wanting to ride doesn't have to ride.

Accordingly, any guest can use Rider Swap. Seems crystal clear. Still, I plan to print out this web page and take it to the park.

Yeah.....perhaps you're fairly new around here, but this is a much-discussed topic. Showing them a copy will get you nowhere - they will not go against their training. I completely agree that the website and the actual rule should match, but trust those that keep saying they do not. Typically. You may have better luck on occasion, but that's rare. If you care to take the time to go to guest services and complain, you can perhaps get an extra fastpass or two, but to me it's not worth the effort.

 

[fan1080]

I believe the issue here is the policy may have changed from what used to be the norm.

Years ago rider swap was only for guests that did not meet the height requirement. It now sounds as though that may have been updated to allow guests that do not what to ride as well.

Admittedly, I don't ever recall reading how the old policy was worded. However, with the way it is written now, I would certainly use it as written, and if not permitted, would follow up with guest relations.

Happy travels.

 

[KrazeeK120]

All this talk about height requirements, but Disney's website allows anyone (defined as "a guest") to use Rider Swap if they don't want to ride. We have a senior who doesn't want to ride some attractions, he would seem to meet this second qualifying rule for Rider Swap. This second requirement has no limitations on height, so anyone not wanting to ride doesn't have to ride.

Accordingly, any guest can use Rider Swap. Seems crystal clear. Still, I plan to print out this web page and take it to the park.

I highly doubt you'll get a swap pass if you have an adult in the party who doesn't want to ride.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I believe the issue here is the policy may have changed from what used to be the norm.

Years ago rider swap was only for guests that did not meet the height requirement. It now sounds as though that may have been updated to allow guests that do not what to ride as well.

Admittedly, I don't ever recall reading how the old policy was worded. However, with the way it is written now, I would certainly use it as written, and if not permitted, would follow up with guest relations.

Happy travels.

It's still only for guests who don't meet the height requirement. There have been people who have received "pixie dust" and been accommodated, but there have been plenty of recent reports that the swap pass is still only for those who aren't allowed to ride due to the height requirement.

In some (many?) situations, it would take longer to get the issue resolved through guest relations than it would to just stand in the line twice.