Rider swap with fastpass tip

[PharmerJan]

A few notes on FP and rider swap.

When you do rider swap at most rides, rider #1 waits thru the line while rider #2 and child wait outside the attraction. When ride #1 is done, rider #2 must again wait thru the whole (fastpass) line again. Thats right, they did not let us wait all at once as a family and swap inside the attraction.

When rider #1 enters line let CM know you are doing rider swap. They will give you a fastpass for rider #2 (up to 3 people, same day return). Then rider #2 must wait in the fastpass line again when rider #1 is done.

If rider #2 already has a fastpass, you now have two. If you are only going to ride once, you've wasted your fastpass window opportunity for rider swap.

So my tip is this:

Rider #1 get fastpass for first attraction.
Rider #2 get fastpass for second attraction.

Rider swap will provide the rider #2 a FP for their ride after the swap.

Now you can effectively carry 2 fastpasses (for 2 different rides) at the same time.

Took DH and I 3 days to put this together. Maybe you all are way faster on the uptake than we are, but I thought I would spell it out for anyone who may be interested.

Riderswap was much different than we anticipated. We expected to wait once as a family, then take turns riding. Instead its a wait twice situation and that stinks for the little ones. By collecting FP for big kid rides we were able to save time and keep DS busy with kid stuff while we rode the big rides.

 

[Ash&Wes07]

Rider #1 get fastpass for first attraction.
Rider #2 get fastpass for second attraction.

Rider swap will provide the rider #2 a FP for their ride after the swap.

Now you can effectively carry 2 fastpasses (for 2 different rides) at the same time.


That is what we did for both of our trips with our babies. It works out really well for Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster!

I will say, though, that there have been reports of Cast Members requiring BOTH parties to have FastPasses if they are using the FastPass for the first entry of Rider Swap. I haven't experienced that, but there seems to be a lot of "your mileage may vary" when using this plan.

 

[puffkin]

I will say, though, that there have been reports of Cast Members requiring BOTH parties to have FastPasses if they are using the FastPass for the first entry of Rider Swap. I haven't experienced that, but there seems to be a lot of "your mileage may vary" when using this plan.

We did that a lot as well on our trips when DS was too small to ride. I will agree though that some rides it does take forever to do the rider swap. IT is HORRIBLY long at Soarin.

We have never had a FP Nazi so the plan worked fine for us, but I have seen reports of it happening, so just beware.

 

[waynesgirl]

We had issues with FP and Rider Swap at EE (seems like everytime it is at EE)

1. FP return about 1 hour after time on FP and was denied entrance. Oh well.

2. Rider Swap (different trip) as our DS was only 2. My DH was waiting by the fence (about 20 feet away) and I told the CM that we please needed a rider swap as we had a baby. She proceeded to get VERY angry and asked me where the other part of my party was.

I pointed at my DH and explained that we didn't want to block the line (as it was a very busy day and the line was a mass of disorganization) with the stroller. She then proceeded to LOUDLY berate me by telling me that I could be lying and that all parties need to stay together and on and on. Okay, fine. But then, so many other people were just looking at her like she was bananas that she thrust one in my hand and told me to have more respect for rules next time. Um, ok. ETA: we both had FPs but at the time, they were letting people go through the single rider line.

I thought I was being awesome by not blocking the line. I do understand they have a hard time as people are always trying to get one over but hey, I still got my rider swap pass. Just thought she was a little over the top-

 

[GiJohnsGirl]

We never had issues with fast pass (not even once). I always thought that is how it is done. DD would get a fast pass (if available). Then, we would go up to the rider swap "area" which is not always where you'd think it would be. Then, I went through FP line to ride. I was ALWAYS told that no matter what the ride (and even when I knew this already) and always politely.

 

[PharmerJan]

We never had issues with fast pass (not even once). I always thought that is how it is done. DD would get a fast pass (if available). Then, we would go up to the rider swap "area" which is not always where you'd think it would be. Then, I went through FP line to ride. I was ALWAYS told that no matter what the ride (and even when I knew this already) and always politely.

I guess maybe I misunderstood rider swap to be we all would wait together, then swap the kid between each other at the ride platform. Instead, the child was not even allowed into the queue. This meant that each of the riders had to wait the queue separately (albeit the fastpass queue, but for soaring that was still 45 minutes each!)

 

[kstgelais4]

I guess maybe I misunderstood rider swap to be we all would wait together, then swap the kid between each other at the ride platform. Instead, the child was not even allowed into the queue. This meant that each of the riders had to wait the queue separately (albeit the fastpass queue, but for soaring that was still 45 minutes each!)

The first time we went to WDW after we had kids this is how it was done. We were surprised on our next trip when the FP system was up and running, and we recieved rider swap passes. But I have to say, I liked it much better. I'd rather wait in a FP line even if it is 45 minutes WITHout my baby, than in any line at all WITH my babe. At least the other one of us could do something else with the little ones. I especially love all the splash fountains in Epcot for this purpose.

 

[Wadecool]

I thought I had the whole baby swap procedure figured out in preparation for our upcoming trip in May...... that was until reading this thread. Now I have no idea, so I guess we will just wing it.

 

[GiJohnsGirl]

I thought I had the whole baby swap procedure figured out in preparation for our upcoming trip in May...... that was until reading this thread. Now I have no idea, so I guess we will just wing it.

Ok so here's an example. You and the family want to do Soarin'. Adult one will get a FP and tell the CM that you guys are doing rider swap. The CM will hand you a specific type of FP. Adult 1 goes in the FP line. Adult 2 takes the kid(s) to where Soarin lets out (always ask the CM - bc it is not always where you think it is). Adult 1 comes out and handles the kid(s). Adult 2 then take the specific type of FP and go immediately through FP (you do not have a designated time - that I remember- on the FP). Then you meet Adult 1 and kid(s) when ride is done. It sounds harder than it is.

 

[Princess Sleepy]

I'd rather wait in a FP line even if it is 45 minutes WITHout my baby, than in any line at all WITH my babe. At least the other one of us could do something else with the little ones.

This! The one with the kid(s) takes them to do other fun things (get ice cream, play in the fountains, ride Dumbo again) so no one is wasting time or being bored and everyone gets to ride the appropriate rides.

I have read that IOA is the opposite, so my kids will have to wait in line with us to do Dragons and Forbidden Journey even though they are not tall enough to ride. What a waste of their time!

 

[Wadecool]

Ok so here's an example. You and the family want to do Soarin'. Adult one will get a FP and tell the CM that you guys are doing rider swap. The CM will hand you a specific type of FP. Adult 1 goes in the FP line. Adult 2 takes the kid(s) to where Soarin lets out (always ask the CM - bc it is not always where you think it is). Adult 1 comes out and handles the kid(s). Adult 2 then take the specific type of FP and go immediately through FP (you do not have a designated time - that I remember- on the FP). Then you meet Adult 1 and kid(s) when ride is done. It sounds harder than it is.

My understanding was that adult #1 would wait in the regular line for the attraction, and then when finished, adult #2 would use the rider swap pass in the FP line for the attraction. Is that not the case?

 

[imthatgirl]

In May this did not work for us(though we have done it in the past). Every time we went to get a riderswap we were told that in order to get one someone had to be entering the stand by line.

I suppose the idea is if you already have FPs then there is no need for the RS.

 

[Zeebs]

My understanding was that adult #1 would wait in the regular line for the attraction, and then when finished, adult #2 would use the rider swap pass in the FP line for the attraction. Is that not the case?

If the first person hasn't got a fastpass then they will wait in the standby line, ride and then swap the second person then enters the fastpass line with the "riders swap".

If the first person picked up a fastpass and is riding during their time then they go in the fast pass line. The second person then enters the fastpass line with the riders swap.

SO you can (and this comes under debate of the right and wrong brigade) just get one fast pass for each ride you plan to do a rider swap on, thus allowing you to get two fast passes for different rides at the same time.

Kirsten

 

[thebwit]

Ok legit question and please inform me if this is not proper etiquette (like parking at a resort to avoid paying for parking)

Since FP don't actually have a true cap on when you can return (if it says between 12-1 and you show up at 5pm you still get FP line) would we be out of line if we did the following? I ask this because I can see this issue coming up due to the ages of our kids and dinner plans.

Full family (4 of us, me, DW, and two kids) goes to ride. DW waits in the line and rides ride while I get a rider swap pass. DW gets off the ride and the kids start acting up. We opt to go back to the room and have a sitter scheduled (we do because we want to have nice dinners by ourselves). After dinner we head to park and decide to ride the ride using the rider swap FP.

Would that be allowed or is it frowned upon?

We don't plan on doing this, but you never know what will happen with kids and I would prefer to not do something because I shouldn't versus pleading ignorance.

 

[erinsmom]

My understanding was that adult #1 would wait in the regular line for the attraction, and then when finished, adult #2 would use the rider swap pass in the FP line for the attraction. Is that not the case?

Ok so here's an example. You and the family want to do Soarin'. Adult one will get a FP and tell the CM that you guys are doing rider swap. The CM will hand you a specific type of FP. Adult 1 goes in the FP line. Adult 2 takes the kid(s) to where Soarin lets out (always ask the CM - bc it is not always where you think it is). Adult 1 comes out and handles the kid(s). Adult 2 then take the specific type of FP and go immediately through FP (you do not have a designated time - that I remember- on the FP). Then you meet Adult 1 and kid(s) when ride is done. It sounds harder than it is.

We were planning on using the single rider line and the rider swap together on rides that have that ability, like RNRC, that way we can save/use regular FP for rides that don't have single rider.

Example: We have 3 adults and 1 child. We all go together and get the rider swap. Adults #1 and #2 get in the single rider line. Adult #3 waits with child. After #1 and #2 ride number #3 and either #1 or #2 can ride again and we don't waste a Fasspass. You also don't have to ride right after the first two ride. I think you can use the rider swap later in the day if you want.

 

[imthatgirl]

Ok legit question and please inform me if this is not proper etiquette (like parking at a resort to avoid paying for parking)

Since FP don't actually have a true cap on when you can return (if it says between 12-1 and you show up at 5pm you still get FP line) would we be out of line if we did the following? I ask this because I can see this issue coming up due to the ages of our kids and dinner plans.

Full family (4 of us, me, DW, and two kids) goes to ride. DW waits in the line and rides ride while I get a rider swap pass. DW gets off the ride and the kids start acting up. We opt to go back to the room and have a sitter scheduled (we do because we want to have nice dinners by ourselves). After dinner we head to park and decide to ride the ride using the rider swap FP.

Would that be allowed or is it frowned upon?

We don't plan on doing this, but you never know what will happen with kids and I would prefer to not do something because I shouldn't versus pleading ignorance.

The rider swap has no return time on it, just a date to be used. You can use it at any time during the day. It's a pass that the CM gives you, not something that is tied to the FP system.

So yes feel free to do this.

 

[gibsontrio]

I will say, though, that there have been reports of Cast Members requiring BOTH parties to have FastPasses if they are using the FastPass for the first entry of Rider Swap. I haven't experienced that, but there seems to be a lot of "your mileage may vary" when using this plan.

Can you ellaborate on this? I guess I'm having a mental block and I dont understand what they arent letting you do?

 

[doconeill]

There seems to be no end of confusion in this thread. Note that the OP is asking about combining FP and Rider Switch to bypass the Standby line completely.

First, the PROPER procedure to get a Rider Switch pass is that at least two eligible riders (usually adults) and at least one ineligible rider (child under height limit) approach the greeter CM (the one at the entrance), and ask for a Rider Switch pass. They CM may request to measure the child to be sure. The only GUARANTEED way to get a Rider Switch pass is to have the child be under the height limit.

Officially, as I understand it, the CM is supposed to give the guest who is entering the standby line the Rider Switch pass. That way it can't be used before the first guest returns. It doesn't always happen that way.

BEFORE Fastpass, things were handled much differently, but it varied from attraction to attraction.

Since Fastpass, all FP attractions with a couple of exceptions handle it as above.

The exceptions have generally been at Star Tours, where they often did it the old fashioned way, with a swap at the simulators; and Mission: SPACE, where occasionally for unknown reasons they would give you the pass at the exit into the activity area, which was foolish as it required the other guest and child to wait there.

I've been hearing lately that Space Mountain now offers a new alternative, where the child is allowed to go through the line, and then the guest and child can wait in a lounge area.

Can you ellaborate on this? I guess I'm having a mental block and I dont understand what they arent letting you do?

OK, this gets back to trying to combine FPs and Rider Switch. And I have still been unable to get a clear policy on how this should be handled.

I'd say most of the time, it works as stated - you only need one FP (well, enough for everyone who is riding first through the Fastpass line. But there seems to be cases (more so than rejected late FPs I think, but I haven't heard this come up too much lately either), that CMs would require that the guest staying behind with the child have a FP to, which would be traded for the Rider Switch pass.

Note that the Rider Switch pass is actually good for up to three guests - it is like three Fastpasses. So if you've got multiple eligible riders, its a good deal, even if you have to trade the Fastpass. Obviously it's a no-op if its just two riders in the group.

But why? There is a logical reason.

Rider Switch serves two general purposes:

1) A family with a small child would not have to wait twice through a long standby line just for everyone to experience an attraction. It provides a convenient and easy way to speed up the experience for these groups.

2) It allowed multiple people to use the FP line on the second pass so the person who stayed behind does not need to ride alone.

Of course, #2 doesn't apply to the two riders-one child scenario. #1 can be served by only Fastpass (or a single rider line) for them.

But more directly, by allowing Fastpasses for only the first riders, it can actually become quite an advantage to those groups - they can get through attractions a lot faster than the average guest.

I've got actual example times as to how this works out and can dig them out if someone really wants to see them, but taking the simple example of two riders-one child, it would allow the riders to get Fastpasses to two attractions essentially simultaneously, and get through two attractions faster than anyone else can.

This is only just a possible reason why they might require the "Fastpass trade". Like I said, I haven't been able to get anything official, and it is possible that there IS no official policy on it.

 

[PharmerJan]

Ok legit question and please inform me if this is not proper etiquette (like parking at a resort to avoid paying for parking)

Since FP don't actually have a true cap on when you can return (if it says between 12-1 and you show up at 5pm you still get FP line) would we be out of line if we did the following? I ask this because I can see this issue coming up due to the ages of our kids and dinner plans.

Full family (4 of us, me, DW, and two kids) goes to ride. DW waits in the line and rides ride while I get a rider swap pass. DW gets off the ride and the kids start acting up. We opt to go back to the room and have a sitter scheduled (we do because we want to have nice dinners by ourselves). After dinner we head to park and decide to ride the ride using the rider swap FP.

Would that be allowed or is it frowned upon?

We don't plan on doing this, but you never know what will happen with kids and I would prefer to not do something because I shouldn't versus pleading ignorance.

This is perfectly acceptable! Rider Swap Fastpass good for anytime on date of issue (per the face of the pass)

it would allow the riders to get Fastpasses to two attractions essentially simultaneously, and get through two attractions faster than anyone else can.

This is the point I was attempting to make. If you use fastpass and riderswap to your advantage you can really zip thru the lines quickly. Took us a few days to figure the system out, was hoping to save someone else the trouble (and time!)

Happy travels!

 

[imthatgirl]

This is the point I was attempting to make. If you use fastpass and riderswap to your advantage you can really zip thru the lines quickly. Took us a few days to figure the system out, was hoping to save someone else the trouble (and time!)

Happy travels!

Just as long as everyone is aware this may not work. We have done this years ago, but for our last 2 maybe 3 trips we have not been allowed to do this. We have always had to have at least 2 people entering the stand by line in order to receive the rider swap.