Rider swap for disabled? seniors?

[JoWiJo]

As you know, the rider swap program was created for the situation where two parents want to ride a certain ride, but one or more kids can't go on that ride. The basic philosophy, as I understand, is to give all who are able to ride an attraction the opportunity to do so without taxing their time.

But I am going to be on the opposite end of the spectrum. I will be attending WDW with my parents this summer. My dad is a disabled senior and even some of the rides that are accessible for him would be tortuous for him to ride. Is it possible for my mother and I use the rider swap program while the other watches my dad (who will need watching, for sure)?

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Hmm, I never worked a ride that did Rider Swap (I was in Fantasyland), but it certainly can't hurt to ask. I was thinking that he could go through the lines with you and then exit right before boarding, but if he cannot be left on his own then that certainly would be a problem. Do you mind sharing why he can't be left on his own? Is it possible for him to wait the few minutes while you are actually on an attraction if he goes through the line with you? This is definitely something ot ask guest service. It might be up to the individual attractions. Sometimes as a CM we would bend the rules for a family if we felt we could help with their situation. It really depended on the attraction, the CM, and the day. But if you don't ask, you won't know!

I will say that in this case, Fastpass is going to be your friend. Make sure all members of your party fastpass an attraction, and on those attractions that will be similar to doing a rider swap. Some of you ride while some wait with dad, and then you switch. The Fastpass Line will work in a similar way to the rider swap line. In fact, IIRC, on many attractions they are the same line. Best of luck to you!

 

[JoWiJo]

Sure.

Due to a stroke in 2003, my father is an invalid and has a great deal of trouble communicating. Any ride that requires wheelchair transfer is out for him.

While I have thought about FastPasses, I understand they can be used up quickly at each attraction, plus not every attraction has them.

I'm wondering if the GAC might help us in this situation.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

There is no age limitation for rider swap. It is not unusual to have a person who cannot transfer to a ride and cannot be left alone.

 

[SueM in MN]

A GAC would probably not work here; it is for attractions he would be going on, so it really would not work the way you are needing to ride.
As Cheshire Figment mentioned, there is no age restriction on Rider Swap, even though some people call it Baby Swap.
I am going to move this from the disABILITIES Community Board, which is more about general subjects, to the disABILITIES Board, which is about trips to WDW.

 

[JoWiJo]

Thanks for the info, everyone.

Sorry about posting on the wrong board, I interpreted the descriptions the exact opposite.