Tall 2yo, Entrance and Rider Swap Questions

[doconeill]

The wording on the official web site has been wrong for YEARS...as anyone who has used Rider Switch can attest. It doesn't even describe the right procedure.

As for calling, that is also a problem - what they say on the phone (people who don't even work at the parks) and reality can be quite different. Unfortunate but true.

There is a difference between performing a rider swap, and getting a Rider Switch PASS.

The only GUARANTEED way to get a Rider Switch Pass is to have a child who is under the height requirement at an attraction with a Fastpass queue.

You MAY get it for other reasons. You MAY also be accommodated in different ways, such as swapping near the loading area, etc. You need to ask.

 

[Mikie]

They must have changed procedure in the last 3-4 years? On our last trip, I assumed we'd all join the line together, then when we reach the front, one parent stands with the child while the other rides, then switch. I found that it didn't really work this way, and every ride seemed to be a little different. Rides with a FP- line and a CM, they'd basically give you a FP for the current window or (another ticket that functioned he same way ?) and after the first riders went, the 2nd adult (and in our case an older DD) used the ticket to go through the FP line immediately. We did not stand in the queue together - the non-rider waited outside the ride entirely. I don't recall ever having to justify the child's age/height, just tell the CM we needed a rider swap. I guess the younger DD was often in a stroller so they assumed -even though some rides she was tall enough for and just scared.

 

[doconeill]

They must have changed procedure in the last 3-4 years? On our last trip, I assumed we'd all join the line together, then when we reach the front, one parent stands with the child while the other rides, then switch. I found that it didn't really work this way, and every ride seemed to be a little different. Rides with a FP- line and a CM, they'd basically give you a FP for the current window or (another ticket that functioned he same way ?) and after the first riders went, the 2nd adult (and in our case an older DD) used the ticket to go through the FP line immediately. We did not stand in the queue together - the non-rider waited outside the ride entirely. I don't recall ever having to justify the child's age/height, just tell the CM we needed a rider swap. I guess the younger DD was often in a stroller so they assumed -even though some rides she was tall enough for and just scared.

No, that is still the procedure. The "fastpass" you got was a Rider Switch pass, and was actually good for up the three guests. However, if there was any question about the child's height, they are supposed to measure.

 

[Woodmnky]

I have seen reports (as shown here) that some kids are measured and denied a rider switch if they are tall enough, however, those reports do tend to be in the minority.

DS was 41.5 inches just before he turned 3. We were never once asked for proof of age and he was never measured for a rider swap. A couple of times I was asked nicely about his ticket and I just let them know that he was only 2. No further issue or inquiry was made. I was a bit worried about them asking to measure him for a rider swap and often I had DH wait back a bit with DS in a stroller and just pointed them out and asked. This worked every time. Some kids are almost 5 when they hit the height requirement for these rides and they have an entirely differentl understanding than a 2 year old. We did not take DS on any ride that had a height requirement, with the exception of Barnstormer, because he would have been very frightened (he can't even handle Nemo or Peter Pan).

I will also add that we had the same experience with the rider switch when we took DS back at 3.5 (which was a couple weeks ago). He is over 42 inches tall at this time.

My suggestion is just to ask and if you are questioned about height feel free to explain and hopefully you encounter a sympathetic and well trained CM.

 

[doconeill]

I have seen reports (as shown here) that some kids are measured and denied a rider switch if they are tall enough, however, those reports do tend to be in the minority.

Back when we last were eligible and DD#2 was a couple inches short of most attractions, she got measured almost every time. The CM has to at least see the child. This is actually a problem with Soarin' - strollers aren't allowed inside, but if you have a sleeping child, you have to get them out of the stroller, take them downstairs, present them (possibly for measuring if borderline), and then take them back upstairs and out back in to the stroller.

Of course, some CMs are more lax with the rules. Did you know they are supposed to give the Rider Switch pass to one of the guests who are going through the line _first_, such that they carry it through the line, on to the attraction, the out the exit for them to present to the other guest? It's to insure that the stay behind guest can't just turn around and enter the attraction right away. But when was the last time you saw a CM do that?

 

[sparkylauren]

Back when we last were eligible and DD#2 was a couple inches short of most attractions, she got measured almost every time. The CM has to at least see the child. This is actually a problem with Soarin' - strollers aren't allowed inside, but if you have a sleeping child, you have to get them out of the stroller, take them downstairs, present them (possibly for measuring if borderline), and then take them back upstairs and out back in to the stroller. Of course, some CMs are more lax with the rules. Did you know they are supposed to give the Rider Switch pass to one of the guests who are going through the line _first_, such that they carry it through the line, on to the attraction, the out the exit for them to present to the other guest? It's to insure that the stay behind guest can't just turn around and enter the attraction right away. But when was the last time you saw a CM do that?

Last summer at star tours I was handed the pass when I went through the line and then gave it to my DH who was eating Winn my son in the gift shop. Actually, every time I've used rider swap that was the procedure used. :/

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I have seen reports (as shown here) that some kids are measured and denied a rider switch if they are tall enough, however, those reports do tend to be in the minority.

DS was 41.5 inches just before he turned 3. We were never once asked for proof of age and he was never measured for a rider swap. A couple of times I was asked nicely about his ticket and I just let them know that he was only 2. No further issue or inquiry was made. I was a bit worried about them asking to measure him for a rider swap and often I had DH wait back a bit with DS in a stroller and just pointed them out and asked. This worked every time. Some kids are almost 5 when they hit the height requirement for these rides and they have an entirely differentl understanding than a 2 year old. We did not take DS on any ride that had a height requirement, with the exception of Barnstormer, because he would have been very frightened (he can't even handle Nemo or Peter Pan).

I will also add that we had the same experience with the rider switch when we took DS back at 3.5 (which was a couple weeks ago). He is over 42 inches tall at this time.

My suggestion is just to ask and if you are questioned about height feel free to explain and hopefully you encounter a sympathetic and well trained CM.

I'm going to hope for the best, if they refuse to give the rider swap pass due to his height I simply won't ride. He'd be petrified of all of the rides with a height restriction and there's no way I will force him because he happens to be a tall 2yo. He screamed bloody murder in the bathroom at the zoo this morning because he was scared of the noise from the hand dryer (from another lady using it, not him), there's no way he's going on those rides. There's always the next time.

 

[robinb]

I'm going to hope for the best, if they refuse to give the rider swap pass due to his height I simply won't ride. He'd be petrified of all of the rides with a height restriction and there's no way I will force him because he happens to be a tall 2yo. He screamed bloody murder in the bathroom at the zoo this morning because he was scared of the noise from the hand dryer (from another lady using it, not him), there's no way he's going on those rides. There's always the next time.

No one will force him to ride . Did you read my other posts? You can still swap, you just might not get a rider swap pass (which includes 2 other riders and allows you to stay outside) because he is taller than 40".

 

[chloelovesdisney]

No one will force him to ride . Did you read my other posts? You can still swap, you just might not get a rider swap pass (which includes 2 other riders and allows you to stay outside) because he is taller than 40".

He would lose his mind approaching Space Mountain or BTMRR, it doesn't matter if he is just standing on the side. He'll be scared and scream bloody murder from the loud noise.

I also think it's a lot to expect a 2yo to have the patience to wait through an entire line and stand on the sidelines twice while we get to go on a ride. That won't be enjoyable for anyone, I'd rather skip it and do something else with him while everyone else rides BTMRR, etc..

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

Last summer at star tours I was handed the pass when I went through the line and then gave it to my DH who was eating Winn my son in the gift shop. Actually, every time I've used rider swap that was the procedure used. :/

Same here

 

[MacClemsons]

My DS2 is predicted to be 40 inches by our trip as well. If he is, I am not taking him on Splash or Tot for sure. I asked a very nice CM (who called me back when I had FP+ questions,) if I would have issues with him being tall enough, she reassured me we would have no trouble getting rider swap. FWIW. I plan on printing the "rules" off the website just incase. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-switch/

Thank you for posting. We had to start using rider swap when we took a 6mo old foster child. Well, he's almost 3 now (and has been to WDW 9x) so we have used it A LOT!

We tried to do it at Tomorrowland Speedway at least 2x but were told it was not available. He can ride it now so it's no longer an issue for us, but nice to have official list of rides.

 

[robinb]

He would lose his mind approaching Space Mountain or BTMRR, it doesn't matter if he is just standing on the side. He'll be scared and scream bloody murder from the loud noise.

Of course you wouldn't want him to stand in line if he's too scared of even the queue. I'm sure that you won't have a problem if he stays in his stroller. The CM will see that he doesn't have a MB so his age will be apparent.

I also think it's a lot to expect a 2yo to have the patience to wait through an entire line and stand on the sidelines twice while we get to go on a ride. That won't be enjoyable for anyone, I'd rather skip it and do something else with him while everyone else rides BTMRR, etc..

Lines are hard for everyone, but especially toddlers. Back in the day we had a Nintendo DS to keep my DD occupied. Now I see lots of iPhones and iPads (with super study cases!) in the hands of toddlers.

 

[tjmw2727]

He would lose his mind approaching Space Mountain or BTMRR, it doesn't matter if he is just standing on the side. He'll be scared and scream bloody murder from the loud noise.

I also think it's a lot to expect a 2yo to have the patience to wait through an entire line and stand on the sidelines twice while we get to go on a ride. That won't be enjoyable for anyone, I'd rather skip it and do something else with him while everyone else rides BTMRR, etc..

Why not just get a FP for you and the other people in your party who do want to ride and then have one adult take the 2yo for an ice cream while some others ride and then just switch? This would be the same as the rider swap you just do it yourself.

In every trip we have taken the RS pass has only been issued when a child can't ride (an imposed restriction) vs when they can ride but choose not to. The website has had confusing information for a while but general rule of thumb is that if the child can ride you won't get the Rider Swap. I would plan for that and then if you get an exception now and then realize it is just that and enjoy the pixie dust.

We have had this issue a few times even when the younger child was just barely tall enough -they were measured and not given a RS pass. For us with rides like TOT sometimes the switch at the exit doesn't work as they don't even want to walk the queue. This was before FP+ so we just used traditional FP and switch up so the younger child didn't have to ride.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I'm not all that concerned about it, if the CM says no we'll just move onto the next attraction.

 

[twinboysmom]

I'm not all that concerned about it, if the CM says no we'll just move onto the next attraction.

We took our boys 5 times as tall 2 year old. We were only questioned once and it was a non issue. As for the rider swap, we never had to measure our children who were tall enough at age 3 (we took them twice at 3) for quite a few rides we used the rider swap. If for some reason they said something, I would explain that your child is two and if the problem persists, see guest services.