Rider Swap Rules

You are not understanding what I’m saying. It doesn’t matter if a party has 3 FP or 6 FP when the FP’s can’t Be completed in the same amount of time as people who do not use RS. People who have to use RS wait in line twice for every ride. By doing so, it doubles (or more) the time spent in line as any other person. You are so focused on being worried that some family is going to have a loophole that nets them a thread of some imaginary benefit that you can’t see the fact that they are spending more time in line. If you’d look at the overall picture and time spent instead of the number of FP’s then you could understand that FP’s aren’t gaining RS families anything other than the mechanical ability to swap out places on a ride due to a small child.
Waiting twice on the FP+ line is way faster than waiting in the normal queue once for most rides.

Disney knows this and that’s why they don’t enforce their “rule” (which isn’t even a clear rule).
Huh? Disney is the rule maker. If Disney "knew" this, they simply wouldn't make it a rule. The only reason this isn't 100% enforced is because the way you are describing was in the past explicitly permitted by Disney and many CMs still operate the attractions that way.
 
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But you don't have to wait in the regular lines. Just get more fast passes all day long. My family will use 8-10 per day. Book popular ones at 60 days.

Some fast pass lines really do take a while, such as FOP. Then you have to spent time riding it. To get through 2 sets of rides on this it takes about 40 minutes. Another example is Test Track. It took my daughter and I an hour to get through the ride with a fast pass! My husband didnt have time to ride after and never got to try it.
 
I've been all over the boards today trying to get an answer on who needs a FP when using rider swap.

I just did a chat with DW and called them and here's what they said:


Person on chat:

Okay, so I spoke with Guest Relations at Magic Kingdom® Park. She said you are absolutely right in your initial post.

My original post was:

My understanding of rider swap is for a ride like space mountain or flight of passage, I would book a fast pass for one adult and the taller child only and then approach the queue and tell the CM we would like to do rider swap. This way the other adult and smaller child can go enjoy another attraction they have fast passes for and later on my wife can return with our taller son to ride the original rider swap ride.


Chat person:

She said that someone has to wait in line regardless if it was with a Disney's FastPass®+ or in the Standby Queue. She said make sure that if you do split up different experiences, to make sure that the younger children go to the Cast Member where they will give you the Rider Switch because they have to see the kids.

I have copied this chat and will have it with me.


I also just got off the phone with someone at DW and they were SUPER HELPFUL and completely understood what I was saying.

She confirmed multiple times my understanding is correct. However, she did point out if the non riding child is tall enough to ride the ride, you all have to have FP or you all have to wait standby and then can do rider swap at loading if one of the kids didn't want to ride.

I'm feeling better about this, but still feel like not all CMs are on the same page.
 
This is an older thread but one with some of the best info I have read. Last May, I had a similar problem where it was a split between the CM (for example, BTM - No; Splash Mountain - Yes). MK Guest Services said FP+ was necessary but I escalated to the MK Guest Services manager who agreed that FP+ is not necessary as group #2 is already waiting in line waiting. I spoke with WDW Guest Services as they agreed as well saying the policy isn't clear nor applied evenly. I e-mailed Guest Services yesterday so I can use this when/if a CM gives me an issue.

For me, if Disney wants families with small children to spend thousands of dollar ($$$), then they must allow Rider Switch for group #2 regardless if group #1 has FP+. In the end, regardless if that gives 2X the FP+, families with small children essentially spend the same amount of time in line as families without small children.
 
This is an older thread but one with some of the best info I have read. Last May, I had a similar problem where it was a split between the CM (for example, BTM - No; Splash Mountain - Yes). MK Guest Services said FP+ was necessary but I escalated to the MK Guest Services manager who agreed that FP+ is not necessary as group #2 is already waiting in line waiting. I spoke with WDW Guest Services as they agreed as well saying the policy isn't clear nor applied evenly. I e-mailed Guest Services yesterday so I can use this when/if a CM gives me an issue.

For me, if Disney wants families with small children to spend thousands of dollar ($$$), then they must allow Rider Switch for group #2 regardless if group #1 has FP+. In the end, regardless if that gives 2X the FP+, families with small children essentially spend the same amount of time in line as families without small children.
I agree with you and good for you for making them see the light. But not everyone is going to be that assertive. The policy needs to be clarified and communicated to all CMs.
Requiring all members to have a FP for the child swap ride defeats the purpose. What do you get the smaller kid during that time? A FP for the same big ride he / she can’t go on? Or a FP to go on a smaller ride by themself? That last point was sarcastic and only meant to prove how dumb this whole situation has become. It’s frustrating to know all the planning can be blown up by a confusing policy.
 
I agree with you and good for you for making them see the light. But not everyone is going to be that assertive. The policy needs to be clarified and communicated to all CMs.
Requiring all members to have a FP for the child swap ride defeats the purpose. What do you get the smaller kid during that time? A FP for the same big ride he / she can’t go on? Or a FP to go on a smaller ride by themself? That last point was sarcastic and only meant to prove how dumb this whole situation has become. It’s frustrating to know all the planning can be blown up by a confusing policy.

100% agreed. We are die hard fans that go EVERY year and this ruined our last vacation. I am still uneasy about going back as I am not really sure how to plan given the policy confusion. My hope is I get a clear email response to use for the CM that has an issue.
 


I really don't think a printed out email or chat session is going to do anything for anyone. The ride CM will still have to call for a manager if it goes against their training - and I just honestly wouldn't want to waste my vacation time that way.

I personally am in the camp of rider swap making no sense if everyone has to have a FP for the ride. It defeats the purpose of needing a swap pass, and renders the small child's FP useless because no one will have any left to go on rides with them.

People get SO bent out of shape thinking someone is getting more than them. Okay, the family will get more FP usage from their designated 3. They also end up splitting more, and I don't know why anyone would think hauling a toddler around on Pooh and Dumbo is peak park enjoyment. It's really of such minimal consequence.
 
This is an older thread but one with some of the best info I have read. Last May, I had a similar problem where it was a split between the CM (for example, BTM - No; Splash Mountain - Yes). MK Guest Services said FP+ was necessary but I escalated to the MK Guest Services manager who agreed that FP+ is not necessary as group #2 is already waiting in line waiting. I spoke with WDW Guest Services as they agreed as well saying the policy isn't clear nor applied evenly. I e-mailed Guest Services yesterday so I can use this when/if a CM gives me an issue.

For me, if Disney wants families with small children to spend thousands of dollar ($$$), then they must allow Rider Switch for group #2 regardless if group #1 has FP+. In the end, regardless if that gives 2X the FP+, families with small children essentially spend the same amount of time in line as families without small children.
@sagosto, Could you please explain the issue you had? When trying to have a rider switch with only one person having a fast pass, the CM didn´t want to issue the pass?
 
I personally am in the camp of rider swap making no sense if everyone has to have a FP for the ride. It defeats the purpose of needing a swap pass, and renders the small child's FP useless because no one will have any left to go on rides with them.

People get SO bent out of shape thinking someone is getting more than them. Okay, the family will get more FP usage from their designated 3. They also end up splitting more, and I don't know why anyone would think hauling a toddler around on Pooh and Dumbo is peak park enjoyment. It's really of such minimal consequence.
Great explanation of the nonsense when it comes to "they are getting extra FPs"

I'd much rather go on the ride as a whole family and then move on to the next, again as a whole family. Yes, the older kid will get to ride twice, but at the expense of everyone having to wait around until the second trip through the FP line is done.
 
I really don't think a printed out email or chat session is going to do anything for anyone. The ride CM will still have to call for a manager if it goes against their training - and I just honestly wouldn't want to waste my vacation time that way.

The fact that I cannot show the convo as proof is another failure for Disney. They somehow figure out how to do everything else right -- they can figure this out.

Per Disney Guest Services a few minutes ago:

Lastly, in regards to our Rider Switch system, it is true that if the first part of your party has a Disney FastPass+ selection for the Attraction, the second part of your party does not need a Disney FastPass+ selection for that Attraction.

@sagosto, Could you please explain the issue you had? When trying to have a rider switch with only one person having a fast pass, the CM didn´t want to issue the pass?

Group #1 had a FP and Group #2 did not.

To be blunt, the ONLY time I've heard that FP+ was needed for all parties was the CM teenager running the ride and *1* person at MK Guest Services until her manager got involved. When discussing with Disney Guest Services, I made it clear that I believe it is a POOR business decision for Disney to allow such person to impact a vacation when I drop $8-$10K each year. I truly love Disney because they are nearly perfect and will make it perfect. It may be expensive but I know they will take care of my family.
 
The fact that I cannot show the convo as proof is another failure for Disney. They somehow figure out how to do everything else right -- they can figure this out.

Per Disney Guest Services a few minutes ago:

Lastly, in regards to our Rider Switch system, it is true that if the first part of your party has a Disney FastPass+ selection for the Attraction, the second part of your party does not need a Disney FastPass+ selection for that Attraction.



Group #1 had a FP and Group #2 did not.

To be blunt, the ONLY time I've heard that FP+ was needed for all parties was the CM teenager running the ride and *1* person at MK Guest Services until her manager got involved. When discussing with Disney Guest Services, I made it clear that I believe it is a POOR business decision for Disney to allow such person to impact a vacation when I drop $8-$10K each year. I truly love Disney because they are nearly perfect and will make it perfect. It may be expensive but I know they will take care of my family.
It's super frustrating. We make our FP choices in 3 days and I'm still going back and forth about if I want to chance just getting FP for the first group.
 
The fact that I cannot show the convo as proof is another failure for Disney. They somehow figure out how to do everything else right -- they can figure this out.

Per Disney Guest Services a few minutes ago:

Lastly, in regards to our Rider Switch system, it is true that if the first part of your party has a Disney FastPass+ selection for the Attraction, the second part of your party does not need a Disney FastPass+ selection for that Attraction.



Group #1 had a FP and Group #2 did not.

To be blunt, the ONLY time I've heard that FP+ was needed for all parties was the CM teenager running the ride and *1* person at MK Guest Services until her manager got involved. When discussing with Disney Guest Services, I made it clear that I believe it is a POOR business decision for Disney to allow such person to impact a vacation when I drop $8-$10K each year. I truly love Disney because they are nearly perfect and will make it perfect. It may be expensive but I know they will take care of my family.

I totally get the frustration. I worked for Disney as a reservation specialist and certain things our training would go against what I knew was actually correct. Just knowing that, I try to cut the CMs some slack.
 
I'm confused after reading through this post. Our family includes 2 adults, and 3 kids. One of the kids does not like thrill rides and will be a non-rider on many of the attractions.

I was under the impression with Rider swap my husband could take the 2 kids on the ride while I stay back with the non-rider. Then, when he gets off, I can take them on the ride again while he stays back with the non-rider. Is that not the case? Would we need to split up and him go with one kid and then I go with one kid?
 
I'm confused after reading through this post. Our family includes 2 adults, and 3 kids. One of the kids does not like thrill rides and will be a non-rider on many of the attractions.

I was under the impression with Rider swap my husband could take the 2 kids on the ride while I stay back with the non-rider. Then, when he gets off, I can take them on the ride again while he stays back with the non-rider. Is that not the case? Would we need to split up and him go with one kid and then I go with one kid?
Is the non-rider under the height or age requirements of the ride? I could be wrong, but I thought rider switch was only available if one of the children couldn’t - as opposed to doesn’t want to - ride. But the rules have changed so much lately.

Edit: MDE says rider switch is available if a guest doesn’t meet the requirements to ride “or doesn’t wish to board.” So it sounds like you’re okay.
 
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I'm confused after reading through this post. Our family includes 2 adults, and 3 kids. One of the kids does not like thrill rides and will be a non-rider on many of the attractions.

I was under the impression with Rider swap my husband could take the 2 kids on the ride while I stay back with the non-rider. Then, when he gets off, I can take them on the ride again while he stays back with the non-rider. Is that not the case? Would we need to split up and him go with one kid and then I go with one kid?
Is the non-rider under the height or age requirements of the ride? I could be wrong, but I thought rider switch was only available if one of the children couldn’t - as opposed to doesn’t want to - ride. But the rules have changed so much lately.

Edit: MDE says rider switch is available if a guest doesn’t meet the requirements to ride “or doesn’t wish to board.” So it sounds like you’re okay.

Rider swap works differently depending on whether or not the non-rider is tall enough to ride. If they are NOT tall enough, then approach a CM before entering the line and ask for rider swap. They may measure the child to ensure they are not tall enough to ride. Let them know who will be riding in the second group and those people (up to 3 total) will get a rider swap added to their magic band. So for instance if your husband and 2 kids ride first, then you and both of those kids can get the rider swap added. Husband and 2 kids ride while you do whatever you want outside the line with the too short kid. When they are done riding, you and 2 kids enter the FP line using the rider swap on your magic bands.

If the non-rider IS tall enough to ride but doesn't wish to, then everyone will enter the line together (and this means if using FP for the ride, everyone including the non-rider needs a FP to enter the queue). When you get to the boarding/loading area, tell the CM that you'd like to do an internal swap there. 1 adult rides with kids that want to ride while other adult waits to the side with the non-rider. When they're done riding, the adult who stayed back can ride (and they will typically allow 1 or 2 people to accompany them).
 
This is an older thread but one with some of the best info I have read. Last May, I had a similar problem where it was a split between the CM (for example, BTM - No; Splash Mountain - Yes). MK Guest Services said FP+ was necessary but I escalated to the MK Guest Services manager who agreed that FP+ is not necessary as group #2 is already waiting in line waiting. I spoke with WDW Guest Services as they agreed as well saying the policy isn't clear nor applied evenly. I e-mailed Guest Services yesterday so I can use this when/if a CM gives me an issue.

For me, if Disney wants families with small children to spend thousands of dollar ($$$), then they must allow Rider Switch for group #2 regardless if group #1 has FP+. In the end, regardless if that gives 2X the FP+, families with small children essentially spend the same amount of time in line as families without small children.

Any Chance if I PM you my email you can forward me the email so I can use it as well? :confused3:confused3:thumbsup2
 
Rider swap works differently depending on whether or not the non-rider is tall enough to ride. If they are NOT tall enough, then approach a CM before entering the line and ask for rider swap. They may measure the child to ensure they are not tall enough to ride. Let them know who will be riding in the second group and those people (up to 3 total) will get a rider swap added to their magic band. So for instance if your husband and 2 kids ride first, then you and both of those kids can get the rider swap added. Husband and 2 kids ride while you do whatever you want outside the line with the too short kid. When they are done riding, you and 2 kids enter the FP line using the rider swap on your magic bands.

If the non-rider IS tall enough to ride but doesn't wish to, then everyone will enter the line together (and this means if using FP for the ride, everyone including the non-rider needs a FP to enter the queue). When you get to the boarding/loading area, tell the CM that you'd like to do an internal swap there. 1 adult rides with kids that want to ride while other adult waits to the side with the non-rider. When they're done riding, the adult who stayed back can ride (and they will typically allow 1 or 2 people to accompany them).

That doesn’t seem fair to have to use to her fast passes for a ride she won’t ride. She meets the height requirements, but she gets motion sickness and overwhelmed on anything that might be too loud/dark/scary.
 
That doesn’t seem fair to have to use to her fast passes for a ride she won’t ride. She meets the height requirements, but she gets motion sickness and overwhelmed on anything that might be too loud/dark/scary.

You only have to do this if she wants to accompany you through the line or is to young to wait alone since they won't allow a guest in the FP line without a FP.

If you want her to be able to use her fp have her choose a ride she enjoys and then have one person accompany her on that ride instead. My nephew was terrified of TOT and even thought he was just slightly over 40 they would not let us RS. Since he was also afraid of the queue one of us just took him on a ride of his choice instead.

Generally speaking you will only get a digital RW if a guest can not ride vs if they choose not to ride.
 
That doesn’t seem fair to have to use to her fast passes for a ride she won’t ride. She meets the height requirements, but she gets motion sickness and overwhelmed on anything that might be too loud/dark/scary.

Your other options are 1) Have 1 adult and 2 kids FP those rides and the other adult and kid FP a ride she is willing to do. That second adult will miss out on the thrill ride, but then your daughter will get to ride something she wants. Maybe they can pick up a same-day FP for that ride later. 2) If she's at least 7 and you feel comfortable with it, she can enter a queue and ride alone. Have her FP something and ride alone before or after everyone else uses their FP for the thrill ride. For the thrill ride, if she's at least 7 and you're comfortable with it, she can wait alone outside the queue for all of you to return, or the adults can split and 1 adult and 1 kid use their FP and ride while the rest wait outside the queue and then the second adult and kid uses their FP to ride, that way your non-riding daughter isn't waiting alone outside the queue.

The RS on the magic band is given when a child CANNOT enter the queue due to height. If they gave it to everyone who claimed to have someone who didn't wish to ride, it would be far too easy for people to take advantage of. Someone claims their tall enough child is too scared to ride, gets the rider swap, then that child swaps bands with someone else in the party who has the rider swap and is able to ride without using a FP. Not saying you would do this, but others would. There's even been threads on here about people saying they are going to try to get rider swap for tall enough kids who want to ride and let them use the rider swap later because they couldn't get enough FPs for a certain ride.

There is a benefit to the swap at boarding for tall enough kids though, and that's time. It is significantly quicker to bring your whole party through the queue and swap at boarding than it is to have part of the party wait outside the queue using the rider swap on the magic bands. You then have to wait for 2 groups to make it through the line, and even with the first group using FP, on some rides it might take more than an hour to get both groups through. We have found that FOP and Soarin in particular took us 1.5 hrs to get both groups through using rider swap, whereas if our child was tall enough and we could have done a swap at boarding, it likely would have only taken about 50 mins, since Group 2 can board immediately after Group 1 is done without having to wait in line again. In your case, that time saved can get you on another ride much quicker.
 

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